1
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Onji H, Tate S, Sakaue T, Fujiwara K, Nakano S, Kawaida M, Onishi N, Matsumoto T, Yamagami W, Sugiyama T, Higashiyama S, Pommier Y, Kobayashi Y, Murai J. Schlafen 11 further sensitizes BRCA-deficient cells to PARP inhibitors through single-strand DNA gap accumulation behind replication forks. Oncogene 2024:10.1038/s41388-024-03094-1. [PMID: 38961202 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-024-03094-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
The preferential response to PARP inhibitors (PARPis) in BRCA-deficient and Schlafen 11 (SLFN11)-expressing ovarian cancers has been documented, yet the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. As the accumulation of single-strand DNA (ssDNA) gaps behind replication forks is key for the lethality effect of PARPis, we investigated the combined effects of SLFN11 expression and BRCA deficiency on PARPi sensitivity and ssDNA gap formation in human cancer cells. PARPis increased chromatin-bound RPA2 and ssDNA gaps in SLFN11-expressing cells and even more in cells with BRCA1 or BRCA2 deficiency. SLFN11 was co-localized with chromatin-bound RPA2 under PARPis treatment, with enhanced recruitment in BRCA2-deficient cells. Notably, the chromatin-bound SLFN11 under PARPis did not block replication, contrary to its function under replication stress. SLFN11 recruitment was attenuated by the inactivation of MRE11. Hence, under PARPi treatment, MRE11 expression and BRCA deficiency lead to ssDNA gaps behind replication forks, where SLFN11 binds and increases their accumulation. As ovarian cancer patients who responded (progression-free survival >2 years) to olaparib maintenance therapy had a significantly higher SLFN11-positivity than short-responders (<6 months), our findings provide a mechanistic understanding of the favorable responses to PARPis in SLFN11-expressing and BRCA-deficient tumors. It highlight the clinical implications of SLFN11.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Onji
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Ehime, Japan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Ehime, Japan
| | - Sota Tate
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Ehime, Japan
- Division of Cell Growth and Tumor Regulation, Proteo-Science Center (PROS), Toon, Ehime, Japan
| | - Tomohisa Sakaue
- Division of Cell Growth and Tumor Regulation, Proteo-Science Center (PROS), Toon, Ehime, Japan
- Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Ehime, Japan
| | - Kohei Fujiwara
- Division of Physiological Chemistry and Metabolism, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Keio University, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Laboratory for Metabolomics, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Shiho Nakano
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Ehime, Japan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Ehime, Japan
| | - Miho Kawaida
- Division of Diagnostic Pathology, Keio University Hospital, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Onishi
- Department of Clinical Diagnostic Oncology, Clinical Research Institute for Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Showa University, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Matsumoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Ehime, Japan
| | - Wataru Yamagami
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Sugiyama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Ehime, Japan
| | - Shigeki Higashiyama
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Ehime, Japan
- Division of Cell Growth and Tumor Regulation, Proteo-Science Center (PROS), Toon, Ehime, Japan
- Department of Oncogenesis and Tumor Regulation, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yves Pommier
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch and Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Yusuke Kobayashi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.
| | - Junko Murai
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Ehime, Japan.
- Division of Cell Growth and Tumor Regulation, Proteo-Science Center (PROS), Toon, Ehime, Japan.
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Tsuruoka, Yamagata, Japan.
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2
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Jo U, Arakawa Y, Zimmermann A, Taniyama D, Mizunuma M, Jenkins LM, Maity T, Kumar S, Zenke FT, Takebe N, Pommier Y. The Novel ATR Inhibitor M1774 Induces Replication Protein Overexpression and Broad Synergy with DNA-targeted Anticancer Drugs. Mol Cancer Ther 2024; 23:911-923. [PMID: 38466804 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-23-0402] [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: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related (ATR) checkpoint kinase inhibitors are in clinical trials. Here we explored the molecular pharmacology and therapeutic combination strategies of the oral ATR inhibitor M1774 (Tuvusertib) with DNA-damaging agents (DDA). As single agent, M1774 suppressed cancer cell viability at nanomolar concentrations, showing greater activity than ceralasertib and berzosertib, but less potency than gartisertib and elimusertib in the small cell lung cancer H146, H82, and DMS114 cell lines. M1774 also efficiently blocked the activation of the ATR-CHK1 checkpoint pathway caused by replication stress induced by TOP1 inhibitors. Combination with non-toxic dose of M1774 enhanced TOP1 inhibitor-induced cancer cell death by enabling unscheduled replication upon replicative damage, thereby increasing genome instability. Tandem mass tag-based quantitative proteomics uncovered that M1774, in the presence of DDA, forces the expression of proteins activating replication (CDC45) and G2-M progression (PLK1 and CCNB1). In particular, the fork protection complex proteins (TIMELESS and TIPIN) were enriched. Low dose of M1774 was found highly synergistic with a broad spectrum of clinical DDAs including TOP1 inhibitors (SN-38/irinotecan, topotecan, exatecan, and exatecan), the TOP2 inhibitor etoposide, cisplatin, the RNA polymerase II inhibitor lurbinectedin, and the PARP inhibitor talazoparib in various models including cancer cell lines, patient-derived organoids, and mouse xenograft models. Furthermore, we demonstrate that M1774 reverses chemoresistance to anticancer DDAs in cancer cells lacking SLFN11 expression, suggesting that SLFN11 can be utilized for patient selection in upcoming clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ukhyun Jo
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch and Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Yasuhiro Arakawa
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch and Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | | | - Daiki Taniyama
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch and Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Makito Mizunuma
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch and Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Lisa M Jenkins
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Tapan Maity
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Suresh Kumar
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch and Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | | | - Naoko Takebe
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch and Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Yves Pommier
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch and Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
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3
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Scattolin D, Maso AD, Ferro A, Frega S, Bonanno L, Guarneri V, Pasello G. The emerging role of Schlafen-11 (SLFN11) in predicting response to anticancer treatments: Focus on small cell lung cancer. Cancer Treat Rev 2024; 128:102768. [PMID: 38797062 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2024.102768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is characterized by a dismal prognosis. Many efforts have been made so far for identifying novel biomarkers for a personalized treatment for SCLC patients. Schlafen 11 (SLFN11) is a protein differently expressed in many cancers and recently emerged as a new potential biomarker. Lower expression of SLFN11 correlates with a worse prognosis in SCLC and other tumors. SLFN11 has a role in tumorigenesis, inducing replication arrest in the presence of DNA damage through the block of the replication fork. SLFN11 interacts also with chromatin accessibility, proteotoxic stress and mammalian target of rapamycin signalling pathway. The expression of SLFN11 is regulated by epigenetic mechanisms, including promoter methylation, histone deacetylation, and the histone methylation. The downregulation of SLFN11 correlates with a worse response to topoisomerase I and II inhibitors, alkylating agents, and poly ADP-ribose polymerase inhibitors in different cancer types. Some studies exploring strategies for overcoming drug resistance in tumors with low levels of SLFN11 showed promising results. One of these strategies includes the interaction with the Ataxia Telangiectasia and Rad3-related pathway, constitutively activated and leading to cell survival and tumor growth in the presence of low levels of SLFN11. Furthermore, the expression of SLFN11 is dynamic through time and different anticancer therapy and liquid biopsy seems to be an attractive tool for catching SLFN11 different expressions. Despite this, further investigations exploring SLFN11 as a predictive biomarker, its longitudinal changes, and new strategies to overcome drug resistances are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Scattolin
- Medical Oncology 2, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padova, Italy; Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Alessandra Ferro
- Medical Oncology 2, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padova, Italy
| | - Stefano Frega
- Medical Oncology 2, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padova, Italy
| | - Laura Bonanno
- Medical Oncology 2, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padova, Italy; Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Valentina Guarneri
- Medical Oncology 2, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padova, Italy; Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Giulia Pasello
- Medical Oncology 2, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padova, Italy; Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
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4
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Zhang P, Hu X, Li Z, Liu Q, Liu L, Jin Y, Liu S, Zhao X, Wang J, Hao D, Chen H, Liu D. Schlafen 11 triggers innate immune responses through its ribonuclease activity upon detection of single-stranded DNA. Sci Immunol 2024; 9:eadj5465. [PMID: 38875319 DOI: 10.1126/sciimmunol.adj5465] [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: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
Nucleic acids are major structures detected by the innate immune system. Although intracellular single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) accumulates during pathogen infection or disease, it remains unclear whether and how intracellular ssDNA stimulates the innate immune system. Here, we report that intracellular ssDNA triggers cytokine expression and cell death in a CGT motif-dependent manner. We identified Schlafen 11 (SLFN11) as an ssDNA-activated RNase, which is essential for the innate immune responses induced by intracellular ssDNA and adeno-associated virus infection. We found that SLFN11 directly binds ssDNA containing CGT motifs through its carboxyl-terminal domain, translocates to the cytoplasm upon ssDNA recognition, and triggers innate immune responses through its amino-terminal ribonuclease activity that cleaves transfer RNA (tRNA). Mice deficient in Slfn9, a mouse homolog of SLFN11, exhibited resistance to CGT ssDNA-induced inflammation, acute hepatitis, and septic shock. This study identifies CGT ssDNA and SLFN11/9 as a class of immunostimulatory nucleic acids and pattern recognition receptors, respectively, and conceptually couples DNA immune sensing to controlled RNase activation and tRNA cleavage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Xiaoqing Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Zekun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Qian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Lele Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Yingying Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Sizhe Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Xiang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Jianqiao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Delong Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Houzao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Depei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
- Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Tianjin 300301, China
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5
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Ginley-Hidinger M, Abewe H, Osborne K, Richey A, Kitchen N, Mortenson KL, Wissink EM, Lis J, Zhang X, Gertz J. Cis-regulatory control of transcriptional timing and noise in response to estrogen. CELL GENOMICS 2024; 4:100542. [PMID: 38663407 PMCID: PMC11099348 DOI: 10.1016/j.xgen.2024.100542] [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: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Cis-regulatory elements control transcription levels, temporal dynamics, and cell-cell variation or transcriptional noise. However, the combination of regulatory features that control these different attributes is not fully understood. Here, we used single-cell RNA-seq during an estrogen treatment time course and machine learning to identify predictors of expression timing and noise. We found that genes with multiple active enhancers exhibit faster temporal responses. We verified this finding by showing that manipulation of enhancer activity changes the temporal response of estrogen target genes. Analysis of transcriptional noise uncovered a relationship between promoter and enhancer activity, with active promoters associated with low noise and active enhancers linked to high noise. Finally, we observed that co-expression across single cells is an emergent property associated with chromatin looping, timing, and noise. Overall, our results indicate a fundamental tradeoff between a gene's ability to quickly respond to incoming signals and maintain low variation across cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Ginley-Hidinger
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Hosiana Abewe
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Kyle Osborne
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Alexandra Richey
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Noel Kitchen
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Katelyn L Mortenson
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Erin M Wissink
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - John Lis
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Xiaoyang Zhang
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Jason Gertz
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.
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6
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Yao H, Wu Y, Zhong Y, Huang C, Guo Z, Jin Y, Wang X. Role of c-Fos in DNA damage repair. J Cell Physiol 2024; 239:e31216. [PMID: 38327128 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.31216] [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: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
c-Fos, a member of the immediate early gene, serves as a widely used marker of neuronal activation induced by various types of brain damage. In addition, c-Fos is believed to play a regulatory role in DNA damage repair. This paper reviews the literature on c-Fos' involvement in the regulation of DNA damage repair and indicates that genes of the Fos family can be induced by various forms of DNA damage. In addition, cells lacking c-Fos have difficulties in DNA repair. c-Fos is involved in tumorigenesis and progression as a proto-oncogene that maintains cancer cell survival, which may also be related to DNA repair. c-Fos may impact the repair of DNA damage by regulating the expression of downstream proteins, including ATR, ERCC1, XPF, and others. Nonetheless, the underlying mechanisms necessitate further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyang Yao
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yilun Wu
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiming Zhong
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenxuan Huang
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zimo Guo
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yinpeng Jin
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xianli Wang
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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7
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Ginley-Hidinger M, Abewe H, Osborne K, Richey A, Kitchen N, Mortenson KL, Wissink EM, Lis J, Zhang X, Gertz J. Cis-regulatory control of transcriptional timing and noise in response to estrogen. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.03.14.532457. [PMID: 36993565 PMCID: PMC10054948 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.14.532457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Cis-regulatory elements control transcription levels, temporal dynamics, and cell-cell variation or transcriptional noise. However, the combination of regulatory features that control these different attributes is not fully understood. Here, we used single cell RNA-seq during an estrogen treatment time course and machine learning to identify predictors of expression timing and noise. We find that genes with multiple active enhancers exhibit faster temporal responses. We verified this finding by showing that manipulation of enhancer activity changes the temporal response of estrogen target genes. Analysis of transcriptional noise uncovered a relationship between promoter and enhancer activity, with active promoters associated with low noise and active enhancers linked to high noise. Finally, we observed that co-expression across single cells is an emergent property associated with chromatin looping, timing, and noise. Overall, our results indicate a fundamental tradeoff between a gene's ability to quickly respond to incoming signals and maintain low variation across cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Ginley-Hidinger
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Hosiana Abewe
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Kyle Osborne
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Alexandra Richey
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Noel Kitchen
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Katelyn L. Mortenson
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Erin M. Wissink
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - John Lis
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Xiaoyang Zhang
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Jason Gertz
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
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8
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Hergenreder E, Minotti AP, Zorina Y, Oberst P, Zhao Z, Munguba H, Calder EL, Baggiolini A, Walsh RM, Liston C, Levitz J, Garippa R, Chen S, Ciceri G, Studer L. Combined small-molecule treatment accelerates maturation of human pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons. Nat Biotechnol 2024:10.1038/s41587-023-02031-z. [PMID: 38168993 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-023-02031-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
The maturation of human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived neurons mimics the protracted timing of human brain development, extending over months to years for reaching adult-like function. Prolonged in vitro maturation presents a major challenge to stem cell-based applications in modeling and treating neurological disease. Therefore, we designed a high-content imaging assay based on morphological and functional readouts in hPSC-derived cortical neurons which identified multiple compounds that drive neuronal maturation including inhibitors of lysine-specific demethylase 1 and disruptor of telomerase-like 1 and activators of calcium-dependent transcription. A cocktail of four factors, GSK2879552, EPZ-5676, N-methyl-D-aspartate and Bay K 8644, collectively termed GENtoniK, triggered maturation across all parameters tested, including synaptic density, electrophysiology and transcriptomics. Maturation effects were further validated in cortical organoids, spinal motoneurons and non-neural lineages including melanocytes and pancreatic β-cells. The effects on maturation observed across a broad range of hPSC-derived cell types indicate that some of the mechanisms controlling the timing of human maturation might be shared across lineages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emiliano Hergenreder
- The Center for Stem Cell Biology, Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY, USA
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY, USA
- Weill Graduate School of Medical Sciences of Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Andrew P Minotti
- The Center for Stem Cell Biology, Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY, USA
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY, USA
- Weill Graduate School of Medical Sciences of Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yana Zorina
- Gene Editing and Screening Core Facility, Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Polina Oberst
- The Center for Stem Cell Biology, Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY, USA
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY, USA
| | - Zeping Zhao
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hermany Munguba
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, USA
| | - Elizabeth L Calder
- The Center for Stem Cell Biology, Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY, USA
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY, USA
| | - Arianna Baggiolini
- The Center for Stem Cell Biology, Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY, USA
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ryan M Walsh
- The Center for Stem Cell Biology, Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY, USA
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY, USA
| | - Conor Liston
- Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, USA
| | - Joshua Levitz
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ralph Garippa
- Gene Editing and Screening Core Facility, Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY, USA
| | - Shuibing Chen
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gabriele Ciceri
- The Center for Stem Cell Biology, Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY, USA
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lorenz Studer
- The Center for Stem Cell Biology, Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY, USA.
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY, USA.
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9
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Podszywalow-Bartnicka P, Neugebauer KM. Splicing under stress: A matter of time and place. J Cell Biol 2023; 222:e202311014. [PMID: 37988026 PMCID: PMC10660129 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202311014] [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] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Excision of introns during splicing regulates gene expression. In this issue, work by Sung et al. (https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.202111151) demonstrates that the timing of intron removal in response to stress is coordinated in nuclear speckles, adding a component of spatial regulation to co-/post-transcriptional splicing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Karla M. Neugebauer
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven CT, USA
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10
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Raynaud CM, Ahmed EI, Jabeen A, Sanchez A, Sherif S, Carneiro-Lobo TC, Awad A, Awartani D, Naik A, Thomas R, Decock J, Zoppoli G, Bedongnetti D, Hendrickx WRL. Modulation of SLFN11 induces changes in DNA Damage response in breast cancer. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:291. [PMID: 38001424 PMCID: PMC10668346 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-03144-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lack of Schlafen family member 11 (SLFN11) expression has been recently identified as a dominant genomic determinant of response to DNA damaging agents in numerous cancer types. Thus, several strategies aimed at increasing SLFN11 are explored to restore chemosensitivity of refractory cancers. In this study, we examined various approaches to elevate SLFN11 expression in breast cancer cellular models and confirmed a corresponding increase in chemosensitivity with using the most successful efficient one. As oncogenic transcriptomic downregulation is often driven by methylation of the promotor region, we explore the demethylation effect of 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (decitabine), on the SLFN11 gene. Since SLFN11 has been reported as an interferon inducible gene, and interferon is secreted during an active anti-tumor immune response, we investigated the in vitro effect of IFN-γ on SLFN11 expression in breast cancer cell lines. As a secondary approach to pick up cross talk between immune cells and SLFN11 expression we used indirect co-culture of breast cancer cells with activated PBMCs and evaluated if this can drive SLFN11 upregulation. Finally, as a definitive and specific way to modulate SLFN11 expression we implemented SLFN11 dCas9 (dead CRISPR associated protein 9) systems to specifically increase or decrease SLFN11 expression. RESULTS After confirming the previously reported correlation between methylation of SLFN11 promoter and its expression across multiple cell lines, we showed in-vitro that decitabine and IFN-γ could increase moderately the expression of SLFN11 in both BT-549 and T47D cell lines. The use of a CRISPR-dCas9 UNISAM and KRAB system could increase or decrease SLFN11 expression significantly (up to fivefold), stably and specifically in BT-549 and T47D cancer cell lines. We then used the modified cell lines to quantify the alteration in chemo sensitivity of those cells to treatment with DNA Damaging Agents (DDAs) such as Cisplatin and Epirubicin or DNA Damage Response (DDRs) drugs like Olaparib. RNAseq was used to elucidate the mechanisms of action affected by the alteration in SLFN11 expression. In cell lines with robust SLFN11 promoter methylation such as MDA-MB-231, no SLFN11 expression could be induced by any approach. CONCLUSION To our knowledge this is the first report of the stable non-lethal increase of SLFN11 expression in a cancer cell line. Our results show that induction of SLFN11 expression can enhance DDA and DDR sensitivity in breast cancer cells and dCas9 systems may represent a novel approach to increase SLFN11 and achieve higher sensitivity to chemotherapeutic agents, improving outcome or decreasing required drug concentrations. SLFN11-targeting therapies might be explored pre-clinically to develop personalized approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eiman I Ahmed
- Tumor Biology and Immunology Lab, Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ayesha Jabeen
- Tumor Biology and Immunology Lab, Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Apryl Sanchez
- Tumor Biology and Immunology Lab, Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Shimaa Sherif
- Tumor Biology and Immunology Lab, Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Amany Awad
- Tumor Biology and Immunology Lab, Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Dina Awartani
- Tumor Biology and Immunology Lab, Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Adviti Naik
- Translational Cancer and Immunity Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Center, Doha, Qatar
| | - Remy Thomas
- Translational Cancer and Immunity Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Center, Doha, Qatar
| | - Julie Decock
- Translational Cancer and Immunity Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Center, Doha, Qatar
- College of Health and Life Sciences (CHLS), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Doha, Qatar
| | - Gabriele Zoppoli
- Department of Internal Medicine (DiMI), University of Genoa and Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
- Ospedale Policlinico San Martino IRCCS per l'Oncologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Davide Bedongnetti
- Tumor Biology and Immunology Lab, Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Internal Medicine (DiMI), University of Genoa and Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
- Clinical and Experimental Oncology and Hematology, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Wouter R L Hendrickx
- Tumor Biology and Immunology Lab, Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar.
- College of Health and Life Sciences (CHLS), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Doha, Qatar.
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11
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Alvi E, Mochizuki AL, Katsuki Y, Ogawa M, Qi F, Okamoto Y, Takata M, Mu A. Mouse Slfn8 and Slfn9 genes complement human cells lacking SLFN11 during the replication stress response. Commun Biol 2023; 6:1038. [PMID: 37833372 PMCID: PMC10575959 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05406-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The Schlafen (SLFN)11 gene has been implicated in various biological processes such as suppression of HIV replication, replication stress response, and sensitization of cancer cells to chemotherapy. Due to the rapid diversification of the SLFN family members, it remains uncertain whether a direct ortholog of human SLFN11 exists in mice. Here we show that mSLFN8/9 and hSLFN11 were rapidly recruited to microlaser-irradiated DNA damage tracks. Furthermore, Slfn8/9 expression could complement SLFN11 loss in human SLFN11-/- cells, and as a result, reduced the growth rate to wild-type levels and partially restored sensitivity to DNA-damaging agents. In addition, both Slfn8/9 and SLFN11 expression accelerated stalled fork degradation and decreased RPA and RAD51 foci numbers after DNA damage. Based on these results, we propose that mouse Slfn8 and Slfn9 genes may share an orthologous function with human SLFN11. This notion may facilitate understanding of SLFN11's biological role through in vivo studies via mouse modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Alvi
- Laboratory of DNA Damage Signaling, Department of Late Effects Studies, Radiation Biology Center, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Laboratory of Biochemical Cell Dynamics, Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (WPI-iCeMS), Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Ayako L Mochizuki
- Laboratory of DNA Damage Signaling, Department of Late Effects Studies, Radiation Biology Center, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- CiRA Foundation, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yoko Katsuki
- Laboratory of DNA Damage Signaling, Department of Late Effects Studies, Radiation Biology Center, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Department of Cellular Biochemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Minori Ogawa
- Laboratory of DNA Damage Signaling, Department of Late Effects Studies, Radiation Biology Center, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Fei Qi
- Laboratory of DNA Damage Signaling, Department of Late Effects Studies, Radiation Biology Center, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yusuke Okamoto
- Laboratory of DNA Damage Signaling, Department of Late Effects Studies, Radiation Biology Center, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Minoru Takata
- Laboratory of DNA Damage Signaling, Department of Late Effects Studies, Radiation Biology Center, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Multilayer Network Research Unit, Research Coordination Alliance, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Anfeng Mu
- Laboratory of DNA Damage Signaling, Department of Late Effects Studies, Radiation Biology Center, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.
- Multilayer Network Research Unit, Research Coordination Alliance, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.
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12
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Miladinov M, Rosic J, Eric K, Guzonjic A, Jelenkovic J, Bogavac-Stanojevic N, Dimitrijevic I, Kotur-Stevuljevic J, Barisic G. Analysis of the Prognostic Potential of Schlafen 11, Programmed Death Ligand 1, and Redox Status in Colorectal Cancer Patients. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15083. [PMID: 37894765 PMCID: PMC10606719 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015083] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The Schlafen 11 (SLFN11) protein has recently emerged as pivotal in DNA damage conditions, with predictive potential for tumor response to cytotoxic chemotherapies. Recent discoveries also showed that the programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) protein can be found on malignant cells, providing an immune evasion mechanism exploited by different tumors. Additionally, excessive generation of free radicals, redox imbalance, and consequential DNA damage can affect intestinal cell homeostasis and lead to neoplastic transformation. Therefore, our study aimed to investigate the significance of SLFN11 and PD-L1 proteins and redox status parameters as prognostic biomarkers in CRC patients. This study included a total of 155 CRC patients. SLFN11 and PD-L1 serum levels were measured with ELISA and evaluated based on redox status parameters, sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, and survival. The following redox status parameters were investigated: spectrophotometrically measured superoxide dismutase (SOD), sulfhydryl (SH) groups, advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), malondialdehyde (MDA), pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB), and superoxide anion (O2•-). The prooxidative score, antioxidative score, and OXY-SCORE were also calculated. The results showed significantly shorter survival in patients with higher OXY-SCOREs and higher levels of serum SLFN11, while only histopathology-analysis-related factors showed significant prognostic value. OXY-SCORE and SLFN11 levels may harbor prognostic potential in CRC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marko Miladinov
- Clinic for Digestive Surgery-First Surgical Clinic, University Clinical Center of Serbia, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jovana Rosic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Katarina Eric
- Department of Pathology, University Clinical Center of Serbia, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Azra Guzonjic
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jelenko Jelenkovic
- Clinic for Digestive Surgery-First Surgical Clinic, University Clinical Center of Serbia, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Ivan Dimitrijevic
- Clinic for Digestive Surgery-First Surgical Clinic, University Clinical Center of Serbia, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Goran Barisic
- Clinic for Digestive Surgery-First Surgical Clinic, University Clinical Center of Serbia, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
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13
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Croushore EE, Koppenhafer SL, Goss KL, Geary EL, Gordon DJ. Activator Protein-1 (AP-1) Signaling Inhibits the Growth of Ewing Sarcoma Cells in Response to DNA Replication Stress. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2023; 3:1580-1593. [PMID: 37599787 PMCID: PMC10434289 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-23-0268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) catalyzes the rate-limiting step in the synthesis of deoxyribonucleosides and is required for DNA replication. Multiple types of cancer, including Ewing sarcoma tumors, are sensitive to RNR inhibitors or a reduction in the levels of either the RRM1 or RRM2 subunits of RNR. However, the polypharmacology and off-target effects of RNR inhibitors have complicated the identification of the mechanisms that regulate sensitivity and resistance to this class of drugs. Consequently, we used a conditional knockout (CRISPR/Cas9) and rescue approach to target RRM1 in Ewing sarcoma cells and identified that loss of the RRM1 protein results in the upregulation of the expression of multiple members of the activator protein-1 (AP-1) transcription factor complex, including c-Jun and c-Fos, and downregulation of c-Myc. Notably, overexpression of c-Jun and c-Fos in Ewing sarcoma cells is sufficient to inhibit cell growth and downregulate the expression of the c-Myc oncogene. We also identified that the upregulation of AP-1 is mediated, in part, by SLFN11, which is a replication stress response protein that is expressed at high levels in Ewing sarcoma. In addition, small-molecule inhibitors of RNR, including gemcitabine, and histone deacetylase inhibitors, which reduce the level of the RRM1 protein, also activate AP-1 signaling and downregulate the level of c-Myc in Ewing sarcoma. Overall, these results provide novel insight into the critical pathways activated by loss of RNR activity and the mechanisms of action of inhibitors of RNR. Significance RNR is the rate-limiting enzyme in the synthesis of deoxyribonucleotides. Although RNR is the target of multiple chemotherapy drugs, polypharmacology and off-target effects have complicated the identification of the precise mechanism of action of these drugs. In this work, using a knockout-rescue approach, we identified that inhibition of RNR upregulates AP-1 signaling and downregulates the level of c-Myc in Ewing sarcoma tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma E. Croushore
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Stacia L. Koppenhafer
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Kelli L. Goss
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Elizabeth L. Geary
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - David J. Gordon
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
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14
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Murai J, Ceribelli M, Fu H, Redon CE, Jo U, Murai Y, Aladjem MI, Thomas CJ, Pommier Y. Schlafen 11 (SLFN11) Kills Cancer Cells Undergoing Unscheduled Re-replication. Mol Cancer Ther 2023; 22:985-995. [PMID: 37216280 PMCID: PMC10524552 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-22-0552] [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: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Schlafen 11 (SLFN11) is an increasingly prominent predictive biomarker and a molecular sensor for a wide range of clinical drugs: topoisomerases, PARP and replication inhibitors, and platinum derivatives. To expand the spectrum of drugs and pathways targeting SLFN11, we ran a high-throughput screen with 1,978 mechanistically annotated, oncology-focused compounds in two isogenic pairs of SLFN11-proficient and -deficient cells (CCRF-CEM and K562). We identified 29 hit compounds that selectively kill SLFN11-proficient cells, including not only previously known DNA-targeting agents, but also the neddylation inhibitor pevonedistat (MLN-4924) and the DNA polymerase α inhibitor AHPN/CD437, which both induced SLFN11 chromatin recruitment. By inactivating cullin-ring E3 ligases, pevonedistat acts as an anticancer agent partly by inducing unscheduled re-replication through supraphysiologic accumulation of CDT1, an essential factor for replication initiation. Unlike the known DNA-targeting agents and AHPN/CD437 that recruit SLFN11 onto chromatin in 4 hours, pevonedistat recruited SLFN11 at late time points (24 hours). While pevonedistat induced unscheduled re-replication in SLFN11-deficient cells after 24 hours, the re-replication was largely blocked in SLFN11-proficient cells. The positive correlation between sensitivity to pevonedistat and SLFN11 expression was also observed in non-isogenic cancer cells in three independent cancer cell databases (NCI-60, CTRP: Cancer Therapeutics Response Portal and GDSC: Genomic of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer). The present study reveals that SLFN11 not only detects stressed replication but also inhibits unscheduled re-replication induced by pevonedistat, thereby enhancing its anticancer efficacy. It also suggests SLFN11 as a potential predictive biomarker for pevonedistat in ongoing and future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junko Murai
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch and Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Tsuruoka, Yamagata 997-0052, Japan
- Department of Cell Growth and Tumor Regulation, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Toon 791-0295, Japan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon 791-0295, Japan
| | - Michele Ceribelli
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Haiqing Fu
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch and Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Christophe E. Redon
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch and Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Ukhyun Jo
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch and Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Yasuhisa Murai
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch and Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Mirit I. Aladjem
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch and Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Craig J. Thomas
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Yves Pommier
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch and Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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15
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Hou P, Hao W, Qin B, Li M, Zhao R, Cui S. Structural and biochemical characterization of Schlafen11 N-terminal domain. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:7053-7070. [PMID: 37293979 PMCID: PMC10359600 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad509] [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: 03/12/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Schlafen11 (SLFN11) is one of the most studied Schlafen proteins that plays vital roles in cancer therapy and virus-host interactions. Herein, we determined the crystal structure of the Sus scrofa SLFN11 N-terminal domain (NTD) to 2.69 Å resolution. sSLFN11-NTD is a pincer-shaped molecule that shares an overall fold with other SLFN-NTDs but exhibits distinct biochemical characteristics. sSLFN11-NTD is a potent RNase cleaving type I and II tRNAs and rRNAs, and with preference to type II tRNAs. Consistent with the codon usage-based translation suppression activity of SLFN11, sSLFN11-NTD cleaves synonymous serine and leucine tRNAs with different efficiencies in vitro. Mutational analysis revealed key determinates of sSLFN11-NTD nucleolytic activity, including the Connection-loop, active site, and key residues essential for substrate recognition, among which E42 constrains sSLFN11-NTD RNase activity, and all nonconservative mutations of E42 stimulated RNase activities. sSLFN11 inhibited the translation of proteins with a low codon adaptation index in cells, which mainly dependent on the RNase activity of the NTD because E42A enhanced the inhibitory effect, but E209A abolished inhibition. Our findings provide structural characterization of an important SLFN11 protein and expand our understanding of the Schlafen family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengjiao Hou
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Pathogen Infection Prevention and Control (Peking Union Medical College), Ministry of Education, Beijing 100730, PR China
| | - Wei Hao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Pathogen Infection Prevention and Control (Peking Union Medical College), Ministry of Education, Beijing 100730, PR China
| | - Bo Qin
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Pathogen Infection Prevention and Control (Peking Union Medical College), Ministry of Education, Beijing 100730, PR China
| | - Mengyun Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Pathogen Infection Prevention and Control (Peking Union Medical College), Ministry of Education, Beijing 100730, PR China
| | - Rong Zhao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Pathogen Infection Prevention and Control (Peking Union Medical College), Ministry of Education, Beijing 100730, PR China
| | - Sheng Cui
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Pathogen Infection Prevention and Control (Peking Union Medical College), Ministry of Education, Beijing 100730, PR China
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16
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Nakata S, Murai J, Okada M, Takahashi H, Findlay TH, Malebranche K, Parthasarathy A, Miyashita S, Gabdulkhaev R, Benkimoun I, Druillennec S, Chabi S, Hawkins E, Miyahara H, Tateishi K, Yamashita S, Yamada S, Saito T, On J, Watanabe J, Tsukamoto Y, Yoshimura J, Oishi M, Nakano T, Imamura M, Imai C, Yamamoto T, Takeshima H, Sasaki AT, Rodriguez FJ, Nobusawa S, Varlet P, Pouponnot C, Osuka S, Pommier Y, Kakita A, Fujii Y, Raabe EH, Eberhart CG, Natsumeda M. Epigenetic upregulation of Schlafen11 renders
WNT- and SHH-activated medulloblastomas sensitive to cisplatin. Neuro Oncol 2023; 25:899-912. [PMID: 36273330 PMCID: PMC10158119 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noac243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intensive chemotherapeutic regimens with craniospinal irradiation have greatly improved survival in medulloblastoma patients. However, survival markedly differs among molecular subgroups and their biomarkers are unknown. Through unbiased screening, we found Schlafen family member 11 (SLFN11), which is known to improve response to DNA damaging agents in various cancers, to be one of the top prognostic markers in medulloblastomas. Hence, we explored the expression and functions of SLFN11 in medulloblastoma. METHODS SLFN11 expression for each subgroup was assessed by immunohistochemistry in 98 medulloblastoma patient samples and by analyzing transcriptomic databases. We genetically or epigenetically modulated SLFN11 expression in medulloblastoma cell lines and determined cytotoxic response to the DNA damaging agents cisplatin and topoisomerase I inhibitor SN-38 in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS High SLFN11 expressing cases exhibited significantly longer survival than low expressing cases. SLFN11 was highly expressed in the WNT-activated subgroup and in a proportion of the SHH-activated subgroup. While WNT activation was not a direct cause of the high expression of SLFN11, a specific hypomethylation locus on the SLFN11 promoter was significantly correlated with high SLFN11 expression. Overexpression or deletion of SLFN11 made medulloblastoma cells sensitive and resistant to cisplatin and SN-38, respectively. Pharmacological upregulation of SLFN11 by the brain-penetrant histone deacetylase-inhibitor RG2833 markedly increased sensitivity to cisplatin and SN-38 in SLFN11-negative medulloblastoma cells. Intracranial xenograft studies also showed marked sensitivity to cisplatin by SLFN11-overexpression in medulloblastoma cells. CONCLUSIONS High SLFN11 expression is one factor which renders favorable outcomes in WNT-activated and a subset of SHH-activated medulloblastoma possibly through enhancing response to cisplatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Nakata
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Gunma University, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Junko Murai
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Tsuruoka, Japan
| | - Masayasu Okada
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Haruhiko Takahashi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Tyler H Findlay
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Kristen Malebranche
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Akhila Parthasarathy
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Satoshi Miyashita
- Department of System Pathology for Neurological Disorders, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Ramil Gabdulkhaev
- Department of Pathology, Brain Research Institute Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Ilan Benkimoun
- Department of Neuropathology, GHU Paris-Psychiatrie Et Neurosciences, Sainte-Anne Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Sabine Druillennec
- Institut Curie, Centre de Recherche, F-91405, Orsay, France
- INSERM U1021, Centre Universitaire, F-91405, Orsay, France
- CNRS UMR 3347, Centre Universitaire, F-91405, Orsay, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, F-91405, Orsay, France
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, F-91405, Orsay, France
| | - Sara Chabi
- Institut Curie, Centre de Recherche, F-91405, Orsay, France
- INSERM U1021, Centre Universitaire, F-91405, Orsay, France
- CNRS UMR 3347, Centre Universitaire, F-91405, Orsay, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, F-91405, Orsay, France
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, F-91405, Orsay, France
| | - Eleanor Hawkins
- Institut Curie, Centre de Recherche, F-91405, Orsay, France
- INSERM U1021, Centre Universitaire, F-91405, Orsay, France
- CNRS UMR 3347, Centre Universitaire, F-91405, Orsay, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, F-91405, Orsay, France
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, F-91405, Orsay, France
| | - Hiroaki Miyahara
- Department of Neuropathology, Institute for Medical Science of Aging, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Japan
| | - Kensuke Tateishi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Shinji Yamashita
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Shiori Yamada
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Taiki Saito
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Jotaro On
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Jun Watanabe
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Tsukamoto
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Junichi Yoshimura
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Makoto Oishi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Toshimichi Nakano
- Department of Radiology and Radiation Oncology Niigata University Medical and Dental Hospital, Niigata, Japan
| | - Masaru Imamura
- Department of Pediatrics, Niigata University Medical and Dental Hospital, Niigata, Japan
| | - Chihaya Imai
- Department of Pediatrics, Niigata University Medical and Dental Hospital, Niigata, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Yamamoto
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Hideo Takeshima
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Atsuo T Sasaki
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Tsuruoka, Japan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Fausto J Rodriguez
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Tumor Center at UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | | | - Pascale Varlet
- Department of Neuropathology, GHU Paris-Psychiatrie Et Neurosciences, Sainte-Anne Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Celio Pouponnot
- Institut Curie, Centre de Recherche, F-91405, Orsay, France
- INSERM U1021, Centre Universitaire, F-91405, Orsay, France
- CNRS UMR 3347, Centre Universitaire, F-91405, Orsay, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, F-91405, Orsay, France
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, F-91405, Orsay, France
| | - Satoru Osuka
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine and O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Yves Pommier
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, USA
| | - Akiyoshi Kakita
- Department of Pathology, Brain Research Institute Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Yukihiko Fujii
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Eric H Raabe
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Charles G Eberhart
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Manabu Natsumeda
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
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17
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Hamada S, Kano S, Murai J, Suzuki T, Tsushima N, Mizumachi T, Suzuki M, Takashima T, Taniyama D, Sakamoto N, Fujioka Y, Ohba Y, Homma A. Schlafen family member 11 indicates favorable prognosis of patients with head and neck cancer following platinum-based chemoradiotherapy. Front Oncol 2023; 12:978875. [PMID: 36741698 PMCID: PMC9892834 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.978875] [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: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, Schlafen family member 11 (SLFN11) has been reported to increase the sensitivity of cancer cells to DNA-damaging agents, including platinum derivatives; thus, SLFN11 may be a predictive biomarker for platinum-based chemoradiotherapy (CRT). In this study, we examined whether SLFN11 expression was associated with the therapeutic outcome of platinum-based CRT in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). We performed immunohistochemical analyses for SLFN11 expression in 161 HNSCC tissues from patients who had been administered cisplatin-based CRT and examined the correlation between SLFN11 expression and progression-free survival (PFS). Additionally, SLFN11 expression was examined in 10 paired samples obtained before and after CRT in patients with local failure. Furthermore, in vitro experiments were performed using several HNSCC cell lines and isogenic SLFN11-knockout cells to assess the association between SLFN11 expression and drug sensitivity. PFS was found to be significantly better in the SLFN11-positive group than in the SLFN11-negative group among the 161 patients (5-year PFS: 78.8% vs. 52.8%, respectively, p < 0.001). Similar results were observed for the PFS at each primary site. The percentage of SLFN11 positivity was lower in tumor samples from patients with local failure after CRT than that in the corresponding primary tumors before CRT in 8 of 10 cases. Results of the in vitro assay demonstrated that SLFN11-knockout cells exhibited reduced sensitivity to DNA-damaging agents but not to the non-DNA-damaging agent docetaxel. Our findings suggest that SLFN11 may serve as a potential biomarker for predicting the response of HNSCC patients to platinum-based CRT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seijiro Hamada
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Satoshi Kano
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan,*Correspondence: Satoshi Kano,
| | - Junko Murai
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Tsuruoka, Japan
| | - Takayoshi Suzuki
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Nayuta Tsushima
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Takatsugu Mizumachi
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Masanobu Suzuki
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Takashima
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Daiki Taniyama
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Naoya Sakamoto
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Yoichiro Fujioka
- Department of Cell Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Yusuke Ohba
- Department of Cell Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Akihiro Homma
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
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18
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Vit G, Hirth A, Neugebauer N, Kraft BN, Sigismondo G, Cazzola A, Tessmer C, Duro J, Krijgsveld J, Hofmann I, Berger M, Klüter H, Niehrs C, Nilsson J, Krämer A. Human SLFN5 and its Xenopus Laevis ortholog regulate entry into mitosis and oocyte meiotic resumption. Cell Death Dis 2022; 8:484. [PMID: 36477080 PMCID: PMC9729291 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-022-01274-0] [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: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The Schlafen gene family was first described in mice as a regulator of thymocyte development. Further studies showed involvement of human orthologs in different processes related with viral replication, cellular proliferation, and differentiation. In recent years, a new role for human Slfn11 in DNA replication and chromatin remodeling was described. As commonly observed in many gene families, Slfn paralogs show a tissue-specific expression. This made it difficult to reach conclusions which can be valid in different biological models regarding the function of the different Schlafen proteins. In the present study, we investigate the involvement of SLFN5 in cell-cycle regulation and cell proliferation. A careful analysis of SLFN5 expression revealed that SLFN5 is highly expressed in proliferating tissues and that the protein is ubiquitously present in all the tissues and cell line models we analyzed. Very interestingly, SLFN5 expression oscillates during cell cycle, peaking during S phase. The fact that SLFN5 interacts with protein phosphatase 2A and that SLFN5 depletion causes cell cycle arrest and cellular apoptosis, suggests a direct involvement of this human paralog in cell cycle progression and cellular proliferation. We substantiated our in vitro and in cellulo results using Xenopus laevis oocytes to show that mRNA depletion of the unique Slfn gene present in Xenopus, whose protein sequence shares 80% of homology with SLFN5, recapitulates the phenotype observed in human cells preventing the resumption of meiosis during oocyte development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianmatteo Vit
- grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Clinical Cooperation Unit Molecular Hematology/Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Department of Internal Medicine V, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany ,grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Medical Faculty Mannheim, Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Immunology, Ruprecht-Karls University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany ,grid.5254.60000 0001 0674 042XThe Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Alexander Hirth
- grid.424631.60000 0004 1794 1771Division of Molecular Embryology, DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany, and Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), Mainz, Germany
| | - Nicolas Neugebauer
- grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Clinical Cooperation Unit Molecular Hematology/Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Department of Internal Medicine V, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Bianca N. Kraft
- grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Clinical Cooperation Unit Molecular Hematology/Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Department of Internal Medicine V, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Gianluca Sigismondo
- grid.7497.d0000 0004 0492 0584Division of Proteomics of Stem Cells and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anna Cazzola
- grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Clinical Cooperation Unit Molecular Hematology/Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Department of Internal Medicine V, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Claudia Tessmer
- grid.7497.d0000 0004 0492 0584Genomics and Proteomics Core Facility, Unit Antibodies, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Joana Duro
- grid.5254.60000 0001 0674 042XThe Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jeroen Krijgsveld
- grid.7497.d0000 0004 0492 0584Division of Proteomics of Stem Cells and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ilse Hofmann
- grid.7497.d0000 0004 0492 0584Genomics and Proteomics Core Facility, Unit Antibodies, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Berger
- grid.9619.70000 0004 1937 0538The Lautenberg Center for General and Tumor Immunology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Harald Klüter
- grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Medical Faculty Mannheim, Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Immunology, Ruprecht-Karls University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Christof Niehrs
- grid.424631.60000 0004 1794 1771Division of Molecular Embryology, DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany, and Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), Mainz, Germany
| | - Jakob Nilsson
- grid.5254.60000 0001 0674 042XThe Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Alwin Krämer
- grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Clinical Cooperation Unit Molecular Hematology/Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Department of Internal Medicine V, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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19
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Metzner FJ, Wenzl SJ, Kugler M, Krebs S, Hopfner KP, Lammens K. Mechanistic understanding of human SLFN11. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5464. [PMID: 36115853 PMCID: PMC9482658 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33123-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Schlafen 11 (SLFN11) is an interferon-inducible antiviral restriction factor with tRNA endoribonuclease and DNA binding functions. It is recruited to stalled replication forks in response to replication stress and inhibits replication of certain viruses such as the human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) by modulating the tRNA pool. SLFN11 has been identified as a predictive biomarker in cancer, as its expression correlates with a beneficial response to DNA damage inducing anticancer drugs. However, the mechanism and interdependence of these two functions are largely unknown. Here, we present cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of human SLFN11 in its dimeric apoenzyme state, bound to tRNA and in complex with single-strand DNA. Full-length SLFN11 neither hydrolyses nor binds ATP and the helicase domain appears in an autoinhibited state. Together with biochemical and structure guided mutagenesis studies, our data give detailed insights into the mechanism of endoribonuclease activity as well as suggestions on how SLFN11 may block stressed replication forks. Schlafen 11 serves as an antiviral restriction factor and a predictive biomarker in cancer. Here, the authors use cryoelectron microscopy and biochemical assays to understand tRNA endoribonuclease and DNA binding functions of human Schlafen 11.
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20
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Fischietti M, Eckerdt F, Perez RE, Guillen Magaña JN, Mazewski C, Ho S, Gonzalez C, Streich LD, Beauchamp EM, Heimberger AB, Baran AH, Yue F, James CD, Platanias LC. SLFN11 Negatively Regulates Noncanonical NFκB Signaling to Promote Glioblastoma Progression. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2022; 2:966-978. [PMID: 36382088 PMCID: PMC9648417 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-22-0192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive and incurable brain tumor in nearly all instances, whose disease progression is driven in part by the glioma stem cell (GSC) subpopulation. Here, we explored the effects of Schlafen family member 11 (SLFN11) in the molecular, cellular, and tumor biology of GBM. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout of SLFN11 inhibited GBM cell proliferation and neurosphere growth and was associated with reduced expression of progenitor/stem cell marker genes, such as NES, SOX2, and CD44. Loss of SLFN11 stimulated expression of NFκB target genes, consistent with a negative regulatory role for SLFN11 on the NFκB pathway. Furthermore, our studies identify p21 as a direct transcriptional target of NFκB2 in GBM whose expression was stimulated by loss of SLFN11. Genetic disruption of SLFN11 blocked GBM growth and significantly extended survival in an orthotopic patient-derived xenograft model. Together, our results identify SLFN11 as a novel component of signaling pathways that contribute to GBM and GSC with implications for future diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Significance:
We identify a negative regulatory role for SLFN11 in noncanonical NFκB signaling that results in suppression of the cell-cycle inhibitor p21. We provide evidence that SLFN11 contributes to regulation of stem cell markers in GBM, promoting the malignant phenotype. In addition, SLFN11 targeting triggers p21 expression and antitumor responses. Our studies define a highly novel function for SLFN11 and identify it as a potential therapeutic target for GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariafausta Fischietti
- 1Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
- 2Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Frank Eckerdt
- 1Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
- 2Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
- 3Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Ricardo E. Perez
- 1Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
- 2Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | | | - Candice Mazewski
- 1Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
- 2Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Sang Ho
- 1Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Christopher Gonzalez
- 1Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Lukas D. Streich
- 4Department of Pathology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Elspeth M. Beauchamp
- 1Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
- 2Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
- 5Department of Medicine, Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Amy B. Heimberger
- 3Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Aneta H. Baran
- 1Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
- 2Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
- 5Department of Medicine, Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Feng Yue
- 1Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
- 6Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - C. David James
- 1Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
- 3Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Leonidas C. Platanias
- 1Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
- 2Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
- 5Department of Medicine, Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
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21
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Onji H, Murai J. Reconsidering the mechanisms of action of PARP inhibitors based on clinical outcomes. Cancer Sci 2022; 113:2943-2951. [PMID: 35766436 PMCID: PMC9459283 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15477] [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: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
PARP inhibitors (PARPis) were initially developed as DNA repair inhibitors that inhibit the catalytic activity of PARP1 and PARP2 and are expected to induce synthetic lethality in BRCA‐ or homologous recombination (HR)‐deficient tumors. However, the clinical indications for PARPis are not necessarily limited to BRCA mutations or HR deficiency; BRCA wild‐type and HR‐proficient cancers can also derive some benefit from PARPis. These facts are interpretable by an additional primary antitumor mechanism of PARPis named PARP trapping, resulting from the stabilization of PARP‐DNA complexes. Favorable response to platinum derivatives (cisplatin and carboplatin) in preceding treatment is used as a clinical biomarker for some PARPis, implying that sensitivity factors for platinum derivatives and PARPis are mainly common. Such common sensitivity factors include not only HR defects (HRD) but also additional factors. One of them is Schlafen 11 (SLFN11), a putative DNA/RNA helicase, that sensitizes cancer cells to a broad type of DNA‐damaging agents, including platinum and topoisomerase inhibitors. Mechanistically, SLFN11 induces a lethal replication block in response to replication stress (ie, DNA damage). As SLFN11 acts upon replication stress, trapping PARPis can activate SLFN11. Preclinical models show the importance of SLFN11 in PARPi sensitivity. However, the relevance of SLFN11 in PARPi response is less evident in clinical data compared with the significance of SLFN11 for platinum sensitivity. In this review, we consider the reasons for variable indications of PARPis resulting from clinical outcomes and review the mechanisms of action for PARPis as anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Onji
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Junko Murai
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan.,Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Tsuruoka, Japan
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22
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Yuan L, Fung TS, He J, Chen RA, Liu DX. Modulation of Viral Replication, Apoptosis and Antiviral Response by Induction and Mutual Regulation of EGR and AP-1 Family Genes During Coronavirus Infection. Emerg Microbes Infect 2022; 11:1717-1729. [PMID: 35727266 PMCID: PMC9262369 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2022.2093133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Coronaviruses have evolved a variety of strategies to exploit normal cellular processes and signalling pathways for their efficient reproduction in a generally hostile cellular environment. One immediate-early response gene (IEG) family, the AP-1 gene family, was previously shown to be activated by coronavirus infection. In this study, we report that another IEG family, the EGR family, is also activated in cells infected with four different coronaviruses in three genera, i.e. gammacoronavirus infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), alphacoronaviruses porcine epidemic diarrhoea virus (PEDV) and human coronavirus-229E (HCoV-229E), and betacoronavirus HCoV-OC43. Knockdown of EGR1 reduced the expression of cJUN and cFOS, and knockdown of cJUN and/or cFOS reduced the expression of EGR1, demonstrating that these two IEG families may be cross-activated and mutual regulated. Furthermore, ERK1/2 was identified as an upstream kinase, and JNK and p38 as inhibitors of EGR1 activation in coronavirus-infected cells. However, upregulation of EGR family genes, in particular EGR1, appears to play a differential role in regulating viral replication, apoptosis and antiviral response. EGR1 was shown to play a limited role in regulation of coronavirus replication, and an anti-apoptotic role in cells infected with IBV or PEDV, but not in cells infected with HCoV-229E. Upregulation of EGR1 may also play a differential role in the regulation of antiviral response against different coronaviruses. This study reveals a novel regulatory network shared by different coronaviruses in the immediate-early response of host cells to infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixia Yuan
- Integrative Microbiology Research Centre, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.,Zhaoqing Branch Center of Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agricultural Science and Technology, Zhaoqing 526000, Guangdong, China
| | - To Sing Fung
- Integrative Microbiology Research Centre, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiawen He
- Integrative Microbiology Research Centre, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.,Zhaoqing Branch Center of Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agricultural Science and Technology, Zhaoqing 526000, Guangdong, China
| | - Rui Ai Chen
- Zhaoqing Branch Center of Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agricultural Science and Technology, Zhaoqing 526000, Guangdong, China
| | - Ding Xiang Liu
- Integrative Microbiology Research Centre, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.,Zhaoqing Branch Center of Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agricultural Science and Technology, Zhaoqing 526000, Guangdong, China
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23
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Structural, molecular, and functional insights into Schlafen proteins. EXPERIMENTAL & MOLECULAR MEDICINE 2022; 54:730-738. [PMID: 35768579 PMCID: PMC9256597 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-022-00794-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Schlafen (SLFN) genes belong to a vertebrate gene family encoding proteins with high sequence homology. However, each SLFN is functionally divergent and differentially expressed in various tissues and species, showing a wide range of expression in cancer and normal cells. SLFNs are involved in various cellular and tissue-specific processes, including DNA replication, proliferation, immune and interferon responses, viral infections, and sensitivity to DNA-targeted anticancer agents. The fundamental molecular characteristics of SLFNs and their structures are beginning to be elucidated. Here, we review recent structural insights into the N-terminal, middle and C-terminal domains (N-, M-, and C-domains, respectively) of human SLFNs and discuss the current understanding of their biological roles. We review the distinct molecular activities of SLFN11, SLFN5, and SLFN12 and the relevance of SLFN11 as a predictive biomarker in oncology. The diverse roles that Schlafen family proteins play in cell proliferation, immune modulation, and other biological processes make them promising targets for treating and tracking diseases, especially cancer. Ukhyun Jo and Yves Pommier from the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, USA, review the molecular characteristics and structural features of Schlafen proteins. These proteins take their name from the German word for “sleep”, as the first described Schlafen proteins caused cells to stop dividing, although later reports found that related members of the same protein family serve myriad cellular functions, including in the regulation of DNA replication. A better understanding of Schlafen proteins could open up new avenues in cancer management, for instance, diagnostics that monitor activity levels of one such protein, SLFN11, could help oncologists predict how well patients might respond to anti-cancer therapies.
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24
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Raafat Elsayed AA, Al-Marsoummi S, Vomhof-Dekrey EE, Basson MD. SLFN12 Over-expression Sensitizes Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cells to Chemotherapy Drugs and Radiotherapy. Cancer Genomics Proteomics 2022; 19:328-338. [PMID: 35430566 PMCID: PMC9016483 DOI: 10.21873/cgp.20323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Schlafen 12 (SLFN12) expression correlates with survival in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). SLFN12 slows TNBC proliferation and induces TNBC differentiation, but whether SLFN12 affects the tumoral response to chemotherapy or radiation is unknown. MATERIALS AND METHODS We over-expressed SLFN12 in MDA-MB-231 cells using two different lentiviral vectors. We assessed viable cell numbers via crystal violet assay after treatment with carboplatin, paclitaxel, olaparib, zoledronic acid, camptothecin, or cesium irradiation. CHK1 and CHK2 phosphorylation was assessed by western blot and the effects of inhibiting CHK1/CHK2 by AZD7762 were examined. Key findings were confirmed in Hs578t and BT549 TNBC cells after adenoviral SLFN12 over-expression. RESULTS SLFN12 over-expression increased TNBC sensitivity to radiation, carboplatin, paclitaxel, zoledronic acid, and camptothecin, but not to olaparib. SLFN12 over-expression decreased CHK1 and CHK2 phosphorylation after treatment with the DNA damaging agent camptothecin (CPT). The CHK1/CHK2 inhibitor diminished the significant cytotoxicity difference between over-expression and baseline SLFN12 levels in response to carboplatin. CONCLUSION SLFN12 increases TNBC sensitivity to DNA-damaging agents at least in part by reducing CHK1/2 phosphorylation. This may contribute to improved survival in patients whose TNBC over-expresses SLFN12. Therefore, SLFN12 levels may be used to customize or predict radiotherapy and chemotherapy effects in TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Adham Raafat Elsayed
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine and the Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, U.S.A
| | - Sarmad Al-Marsoummi
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine and the Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, U.S.A
| | - Emilie E Vomhof-Dekrey
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine and the Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, U.S.A
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and the Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, U.S.A
| | - Marc D Basson
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine and the Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, U.S.A.;
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine and the Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, U.S.A
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and the Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, U.S.A
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25
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Cai W, Srivastava P, Feng D, Lin Y, Vanderburg CR, Xu Y, Mclean P, Frosch MP, Fisher DE, Schwarzschild MA, Chen X. Melanocortin 1 receptor activation protects against alpha-synuclein pathologies in models of Parkinson's disease. Mol Neurodegener 2022; 17:16. [PMID: 35197079 PMCID: PMC8867846 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-022-00520-4] [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: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Epidemiological studies suggest a link between the melanoma-related pigmentation gene melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) and risk of Parkinson’s disease (PD). We previously showed that MC1R signaling can facilitate nigrostriatal dopaminergic neuron survival. The present study investigates the neuroprotective potential of MC1R against neurotoxicity induced by alpha-synuclein (αSyn), a key player in PD genetics and pathogenesis. Methods Nigral dopaminergic neuron toxicity induced by local overexpression of aSyn was assessed in mice that have an inactivating mutation of MC1R, overexpress its wild-type transgene, or were treated with MC1R agonists. The role of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in MC1R-mediated protection against αSyn was characterized in vitro. Furthermore, MC1R expression was determined in human postmortem midbrain from patients with PD and unaffected subjects. Results Targeted expression of αSyn in the nigrostriatal pathway induced exacerbated synuclein pathologies in MC1R mutant mice, which were accompanied by neuroinflammation and altered Nrf2 responses, and reversed by the human MC1R transgene. Two MC1R agonists were neuroprotective against αSyn-induced dopaminergic neurotoxicity. In vitro experiments showed that Nrf2 was a necessary mediator of MC1R effects. Lastly, MC1R was present in dopaminergic neurons in the human substantia nigra and appeared to be reduced at the tissue level in PD patients. Conclusion Our study supports an interaction between MC1R and αSyn that can be mediated by neuronal MC1R possibly through Nrf2. It provides evidence for MC1R as a therapeutic target and a rationale for development of MC1R-activating strategies for PD. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13024-022-00520-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waijiao Cai
- MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA.,Department of Integrative Medicine, HuaShan Hospital, Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Pranay Srivastava
- MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA.,Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, Towson, MD, USA
| | - Danielle Feng
- MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Yue Lin
- MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Charles R Vanderburg
- MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA.,Harvard NeuroDiscovery Advanced Tissue Resource Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Yuehang Xu
- MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | | | - Matthew P Frosch
- MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA.,Harvard NeuroDiscovery Advanced Tissue Resource Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA.,Neuropathology Service, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - David E Fisher
- Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Michael A Schwarzschild
- MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA.,Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, Towson, MD, USA
| | - Xiqun Chen
- MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA. .,Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, Towson, MD, USA.
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26
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Metzner FJ, Huber E, Hopfner KP, Lammens K. Structural and biochemical characterization of human Schlafen 5. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:1147-1161. [PMID: 35037067 PMCID: PMC8789055 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab1278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The Schlafen family belongs to the interferon-stimulated genes and its members are involved in cell cycle regulation, T cell quiescence, inhibition of viral replication, DNA-repair and tRNA processing. Here, we present the cryo-EM structure of full-length human Schlafen 5 (SLFN5) and the high-resolution crystal structure of the highly conserved N-terminal core domain. We show that the core domain does not resemble an ATPase-like fold and neither binds nor hydrolyzes ATP. SLFN5 binds tRNA as well as single- and double-stranded DNA, suggesting a potential role in transcriptional regulation. Unlike rat Slfn13 or human SLFN11, human SLFN5 did not cleave tRNA. Based on the structure, we identified two residues in proximity to the zinc finger motif that decreased DNA binding when mutated. These results indicate that Schlafen proteins have divergent enzymatic functions and provide a structural platform for future biochemical and genetic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix J Metzner
- Department of Biochemistry, Gene Center, Feodor-Lynen-Straße 25, 81377 München, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Huber
- Department of Biochemistry, Gene Center, Feodor-Lynen-Straße 25, 81377 München, Germany
| | - Karl-Peter Hopfner
- Department of Biochemistry, Gene Center, Feodor-Lynen-Straße 25, 81377 München, Germany
| | - Katja Lammens
- Department of Biochemistry, Gene Center, Feodor-Lynen-Straße 25, 81377 München, Germany
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27
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Taniyama D, Sakamoto N, Takashima T, Takeda M, Pham QT, Ukai S, Maruyama R, Harada K, Babasaki T, Sekino Y, Hayashi T, Sentani K, Pommier Y, Murai J, Yasui W. Prognostic impact of Schlafen 11 in bladder cancer patients treated with platinum-based chemotherapy. Cancer Sci 2021; 113:784-795. [PMID: 34808009 PMCID: PMC8819307 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The utility of Schlafen 11 (SLFN11) expression as a predictive biomarker for platinum‐based chemotherapy has been established for cancers from different histologies. However, the therapeutic relevance of SLFN11 in bladder cancer (BC) is unknown. Here, we examined the clinicopathologic significance of SLFN11 expression across 120 BC cases by immunohistochemistry. We divided the cases into two cohorts, one including 50 patients who received adjuvant or neoadjuvant platinum‐based chemotherapy, and the other including 70 BC patients treated by surgical resection without chemotherapy. In the cohort of 50 BC cases treated with platinum‐based chemotherapy, the SLFN11‐positive group (n = 25) showed significantly better overall survival than the SLFN11‐negative group (n = 25, P = .012). Schlafen 11 expression correlated significantly with the expression of luminal subtype marker GATA3. Multivariate analyses identified SLFN11 expression as an independent prognostic predictor (odds ratio, 0.32; 95% confidence interval, 0.11‐0.91; P = .033). Conversely, in the cohort of 70 BC cases not receiving platinum‐based chemotherapy, the SLFN11‐positive group (n = 29) showed significantly worse overall survival than the SLFN11‐negative group (n = 41, P = .034). In vitro analyses using multiple BC cell lines confirmed that SLFN11 KO rendered cells resistant to cisplatin. The epigenetic modifying drugs 5‐azacytidine and entinostat restored SLFN11 expression and resensitized cells to cisplatin and carboplatin in SLFN11‐negative BC cell lines. We conclude that SLFN11 is a predictive biomarker for BC patients who undergo platinum‐based chemotherapy and that the combination of epigenetic modifiers could rescue refractory BC patients to platinum derivatives by reactivating SLFN11 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiki Taniyama
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Naoya Sakamoto
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Takashima
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.,Department of Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Masahiko Takeda
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Quoc Thang Pham
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Shoichi Ukai
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Ryota Maruyama
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Kenji Harada
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Takashi Babasaki
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.,Department of Urology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Yohei Sekino
- Department of Urology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Tetsutaro Hayashi
- Department of Urology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Sentani
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Yves Pommier
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch and Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Junko Murai
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Tsuruoka, Japan
| | - Wataru Yasui
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
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A wake-up call for cancer DNA damage: the role of Schlafen 11 (SLFN11) across multiple cancers. Br J Cancer 2021; 125:1333-1340. [PMID: 34294893 PMCID: PMC8576031 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-021-01476-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA-damaging agents exploit increased genomic instability, a hallmark of cancer. Recently, inhibitors targeting the DNA damage response (DDR) pathways, such as PARP inhibitors, have also shown promising therapeutic potential. However, not all tumors respond well to these treatments, suggesting additional determinants of response are required. Schlafen 11 (SLFN11), a putative DNA/RNA helicase that induces irreversible replication block, is emerging as an important regulator of cellular response to DNA damage. Preclinical and emerging clinical trial data suggest that SLFN11 is a predictive biomarker of response to a wide range of therapeutics that cause DNA damage including platinum salts and topoisomerase I/II inhibitors, as well as PARP inhibitors, which has raised exciting possibilities for its clinical application. In this article, we review the function, prevalence, and clinical testing of SLFN11 in tumor biopsy samples and circulating tumor cells. We discuss mounting evidence of SLFN11 as a key predictive biomarker for a wide range of cancer therapeutics and as a prognostic marker across several cancer types. Furthermore, we discuss emerging areas of investigation such as epigenetic reactivation of SLFN11 and its role in activating immune response. We then provide perspectives on open questions and future directions in studying this important biomarker.
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29
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Murai Y, Jo U, Murai J, Fukuda S, Takebe N, Pommier Y. Schlafen 11 expression in human acute leukemia cells with gain-of-function mutations in the interferon-JAK signaling pathway. iScience 2021; 24:103173. [PMID: 34693224 PMCID: PMC8517841 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Schlafen11 (SLFN11) is referred to as interferon (IFN)-inducible. Based on cancer genomic databases, we identified human acute myeloid and lymphoblastic leukemia cells with gain-of-function mutations in the Janus kinase (JAK) family as exhibiting high SLFN11 expression. In these cells, the clinical JAK inhibitors cerdulatinib, ruxolitinib, and tofacitinib reduced SLFN11 expression, but IFN did not further induce SLFN11 despite phosphorylated STAT1. We provide evidence that suppression of SLFN11 by JAK inhibitors is caused by inactivation of the non-canonical IFN pathway controlled by AKT and ERK. Accordingly, the AKT and ERK inhibitors MK-2206 and SCH77284 suppressed SLFN11 expression. Both also suppressed the E26 transformation-specific (ETS)-family genes ETS-1 and FLI-1 that act as transcription factors for SLFN11. Moreover, SLFN11 expression was inhibited by the ETS inhibitor TK216. Our study reveals that SLFN11 expression is regulated via the JAK, AKT and ERK, and ETS axis. Pharmacological suppression of SLFN11 warrants future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhisa Murai
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch and Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hematology, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Japan
| | - Ukhyun Jo
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch and Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Junko Murai
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Tsuruoka, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Shinsaku Fukuda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hematology, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Japan
| | - Naoko Takebe
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch and Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch and Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Yves Pommier
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch and Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
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30
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Winkler C, King M, Berthe J, Ferraioli D, Garuti A, Grillo F, Rodriguez-Canales J, Ferrando L, Chopin N, Ray-Coquard I, Delpuech O, Rinchai D, Bedognetti D, Ballestrero A, Leo E, Zoppoli G. SLFN11 captures cancer-immunity interactions associated with platinum sensitivity in high-grade serous ovarian cancer. JCI Insight 2021; 6:146098. [PMID: 34549724 PMCID: PMC8492341 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.146098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Large independent analyses on cancer cell lines followed by functional studies have identified Schlafen 11 (SLFN11), a putative helicase, as the strongest predictor of sensitivity to DNA-damaging agents (DDAs), including platinum. However, its role as a prognostic biomarker is undefined, partially due to the lack of validated methods to score SLFN11 in human tissues. Here, we implemented a pipeline to quantify SLFN11 in human cancer samples. By analyzing a cohort of high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) specimens before platinum-based chemotherapy treatment, we show, for the first time to our knowledge, that SLFN11 density in both the neoplastic and microenvironmental components was independently associated with favorable outcome. We observed SLFN11 expression in both infiltrating innate and adaptive immune cells, and analyses in a second, independent, cohort revealed that SLFN11 was associated with immune activation in HGSOC. We found that platinum treatments activated immune-related pathways in ovarian cancer cells in an SLFN11-dependent manner, representative of tumor-immune transactivation. Moreover, SLFN11 expression was induced in activated, isolated immune cell subpopulations, hinting that SLFN11 in the immune compartment may be an indicator of immune transactivation. In summary, we propose SLFN11 is a dual biomarker capturing simultaneously interconnected immunological and cancer cell–intrinsic functional dispositions associated with sensitivity to DDA treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Julie Berthe
- Translational Medicine, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | - Anna Garuti
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties and
| | - Federica Grillo
- Department of Integrated Surgical and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Genova, Genova, Italy.,IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Davide Bedognetti
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties and.,Cancer Research Department, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar.,Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Alberto Ballestrero
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties and.,IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | | | - Gabriele Zoppoli
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties and.,IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
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31
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Jo U, Murai Y, Takebe N, Thomas A, Pommier Y. Precision Oncology with Drugs Targeting the Replication Stress, ATR, and Schlafen 11. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4601. [PMID: 34572827 PMCID: PMC8465591 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13184601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Precision medicine aims to implement strategies based on the molecular features of tumors and optimized drug delivery to improve cancer diagnosis and treatment. DNA replication is a logical approach because it can be targeted by a broad range of anticancer drugs that are both clinically approved and in development. These drugs increase deleterious replication stress (RepStress); however, how to selectively target and identify the tumors with specific molecular characteristics are unmet clinical needs. Here, we provide background information on the molecular processes of DNA replication and its checkpoints, and discuss how to target replication, checkpoint, and repair pathways with ATR inhibitors and exploit Schlafen 11 (SLFN11) as a predictive biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ukhyun Jo
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch and Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892-4264, USA; (Y.M.); (A.T.)
| | - Yasuhisa Murai
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch and Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892-4264, USA; (Y.M.); (A.T.)
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hematology, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki 036-8562, Japan
| | - Naoko Takebe
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch and Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892-4264, USA;
| | - Anish Thomas
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch and Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892-4264, USA; (Y.M.); (A.T.)
| | - Yves Pommier
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch and Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892-4264, USA; (Y.M.); (A.T.)
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32
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Cheng YC, Snavely A, Barrett LB, Zhang X, Herman C, Frost DJ, Riva P, Tochitsky I, Kawaguchi R, Singh B, Ivanis J, Huebner EA, Arvanites A, Oza V, Davidow L, Maeda R, Sakuma M, Grantham A, Wang Q, Chang AN, Pfaff K, Costigan M, Coppola G, Rubin LL, Schwer B, Alt FW, Woolf CJ. Topoisomerase I inhibition and peripheral nerve injury induce DNA breaks and ATF3-associated axon regeneration in sensory neurons. Cell Rep 2021; 36:109666. [PMID: 34496254 PMCID: PMC8462619 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Although axonal damage induces rapid changes in gene expression in primary sensory neurons, it remains unclear how this process is initiated. The transcription factor ATF3, one of the earliest genes responding to nerve injury, regulates expression of downstream genes that enable axon regeneration. By exploiting ATF3 reporter systems, we identify topoisomerase inhibitors as ATF3 inducers, including camptothecin. Camptothecin increases ATF3 expression and promotes neurite outgrowth in sensory neurons in vitro and enhances axonal regeneration after sciatic nerve crush in vivo. Given the action of topoisomerases in producing DNA breaks, we determine that they do occur immediately after nerve damage at the ATF3 gene locus in injured sensory neurons and are further increased after camptothecin exposure. Formation of DNA breaks in injured sensory neurons and enhancement of it pharmacologically may contribute to the initiation of those transcriptional changes required for peripheral nerve regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yung-Chih Cheng
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Program in Neurobiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Andrew Snavely
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Program in Neurobiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Lee B Barrett
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Program in Neurobiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Xuefei Zhang
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Crystal Herman
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Program in Neurobiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Devlin J Frost
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Program in Neurobiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Priscilla Riva
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Program in Neurobiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ivan Tochitsky
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Program in Neurobiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Riki Kawaguchi
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neurology, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Bhagat Singh
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Program in Neurobiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jelena Ivanis
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Program in Neurobiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Eric A Huebner
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Program in Neurobiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Anthony Arvanites
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Vatsal Oza
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Lance Davidow
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Rie Maeda
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Program in Neurobiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Miyuki Sakuma
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Program in Neurobiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Alyssa Grantham
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Program in Neurobiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Qing Wang
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neurology, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Amelia N Chang
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Kathleen Pfaff
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Michael Costigan
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Program in Neurobiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Anaesthesia Department, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Giovanni Coppola
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neurology, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Lee L Rubin
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Bjoern Schwer
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Frederick W Alt
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Clifford J Woolf
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Program in Neurobiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
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33
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Miyake T, Kuge M, Matsumoto Y, Shimada M. α-glucosyl-rutin activates immediate early genes in human induced pluripotent stem cells. Stem Cell Res 2021; 56:102511. [PMID: 34455240 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2021.102511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Rutin is a natural flavonoid glycoside found in several vegetables and fruits such as buckwheat and onion. Rutin has a range of pharmacological effects that include anti-oxidant, anti-inflammation, anti-bacterial, and anti-cancer activities. α-glucosyl-rutin (AGR) is a derivative of rutin with increased water solubility that is used in cosmetics and foods. However, the effects of AGR on cellular responses have not been clarified, especially in stem cells. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) show high proliferative activity and pluripotency; however, regulation of molecular machinery such as cell cycle, metabolism, and DNA repair differs between iPSCs and somatic cells. Here, we compared the effects of AGR on iPSCs and differentiated cells (fibroblasts and skin keratinocytes). AGR-treated iPSCs exhibited increased cell viability. RNA sequencing and reverse transcriptase PCR analysis revealed that AGR induced expression of immediate early genes (IEGs) and differentiation-related genes in iPSCs. Our results suggest that AGR may activate differentiation signals mediated by IEG responses in iPSCs, resulting in altered metabolic activity and increased cell viability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoko Miyake
- Cosmetic R&D Department, Takara Belmont Corp, 7-1-19 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0052, Japan.
| | - Munekazu Kuge
- Cosmetic R&D Department, Takara Belmont Corp, 7-1-19 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0052, Japan
| | - Yoshihisa Matsumoto
- Laboratory for Zero-Carbon Energy, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 2-12-1 Ookayama, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 152-8550, Japan
| | - Mikio Shimada
- Laboratory for Zero-Carbon Energy, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 2-12-1 Ookayama, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 152-8550, Japan.
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Schlafens: Emerging Proteins in Cancer Cell Biology. Cells 2021; 10:cells10092238. [PMID: 34571887 PMCID: PMC8465726 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Schlafens (SLFN) are a family of genes widely expressed in mammals, including humans and rodents. These intriguing proteins play different roles in regulating cell proliferation, cell differentiation, immune cell growth and maturation, and inhibiting viral replication. The emerging evidence is implicating Schlafens in cancer biology and chemosensitivity. Although Schlafens share common domains and a high degree of homology, different Schlafens act differently. In particular, they show specific and occasionally opposing effects in some cancer types. This review will briefly summarize the history, structure, and non-malignant biological functions of Schlafens. The roles of human and mouse Schlafens in different cancer types will then be outlined. Finally, we will discuss the implication of Schlafens in the anti-tumor effect of interferons and the use of Schlafens as predictors of chemosensitivity.
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Levings DC, Lacher SE, Palacios-Moreno J, Slattery M. Transcriptional reprogramming by oxidative stress occurs within a predefined chromatin accessibility landscape. Free Radic Biol Med 2021; 171:319-331. [PMID: 33992677 PMCID: PMC8608001 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2021.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are important signaling molecules in many physiological processes, yet excess ROS leads to cell damage and can lead to pathology. Accordingly, cells need to maintain tight regulation of ROS levels, and ROS-responsive transcriptional reprogramming is central to this process. Although it has long been recognized that oxidative stress leads to rapid, significant changes in gene expression, the impact of oxidative stress on the underlying chromatin accessibility landscape remained unclear. Here, we asked whether ROS-responsive transcriptional reprogramming is accompanied by reprogramming of the chromatin environment in MCF7 human breast cancer cells. Using a time-course exposure to multiple inducers of oxidative stress, we determined that the widespread ROS-responsive changes in gene expression induced by ROS occur with minimal changes to the chromatin environment. While we did observe changes in chromatin accessibility, these changes were: (1) far less numerous than gene expression changes after oxidative stress, and (2) occur within pre-existing regions of accessible chromatin. Transcription factor (TF) footprinting analysis of our ATAC-seq experiments identified 5 TFs or TF families with evidence for ROS-responsive changes in DNA binding: NRF2, AP-1, p53, NFY, and SP/KLF. Importantly, several of these (AP-1, NF-Y, and SP/KLF factors) have not been previously implicated as widespread regulators in the response to ROS. In summary, we have characterized genome-wide changes in gene expression and chromatin accessibility in response to ROS treatment of MCF7 cells, and we have found that regulation of the large-scale transcriptional response to excess ROS is primarily constrained by the cell's pre-existing chromatin landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel C Levings
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth, MN, 55812, USA
| | - Sarah E Lacher
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth, MN, 55812, USA
| | - Juan Palacios-Moreno
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth, MN, 55812, USA
| | - Matthew Slattery
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth, MN, 55812, USA.
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Takashima T, Taniyama D, Sakamoto N, Yasumoto M, Asai R, Hattori T, Honma R, Thang PQ, Ukai S, Maruyama R, Harada K, Kuraoka K, Tanabe K, Sasaki AT, Ohdan H, Morii E, Murai J, Yasui W. Schlafen 11 predicts response to platinum-based chemotherapy in gastric cancers. Br J Cancer 2021; 125:65-77. [PMID: 33785877 PMCID: PMC8257722 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-021-01364-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although unresectable or recurrent gastric cancers (GC) are frequently treated with platinum-based chemotherapy, response to treatment remains unpredictable. Because Schlafen 11 (SLFN11) is recently identified as a critical determinant of platinum sensitivity, we investigated the potential clinical utility of SLFN11 in the treatment of GC. METHODS We analysed the correlation between SLFN11 expression and overall survival in 169 GC patients by our established immunohistochemical approach. The impact of SLFN11 expression on the response to platinum and transition of SLFN11 expression upon long-term treatment with platinum were examined using GC cell lines and organoids. RESULTS GC patients with high-SLFN11 expression exhibited significantly better survival than those with low-SLFN11 expression, and the significance increased when we selected patients treated with platinum-based chemotherapy. Knockout of SLFN11 and reactivation of SLFN11 in GC cells conferred resistance and sensitivity to platinum, respectively. In GC cells and organoids, long-term treatment with oxaliplatin suppressed SLFN11 expression while imparting drug resistance. The acquired resistance to oxaliplatin was reversed by reactivation of SLFN11 with epigenetic modifying drugs. CONCLUSIONS This is the first report revealing definitive clinical implications of SLFN11 in the treatment of GC patients and providing novel strategies for the drug selection based on SLFN11 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsuyoshi Takashima
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
- Department of Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Daiki Taniyama
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Naoya Sakamoto
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.
| | - Maika Yasumoto
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Ryuichi Asai
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Takuya Hattori
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Ririno Honma
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Pham Quoc Thang
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Shoichi Ukai
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Ryota Maruyama
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Kenji Harada
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Kazuya Kuraoka
- Institute for Clinical Research, National Hospital Organization, Kure Medical Center and Chugoku Cancer Center, Hiroshima, Japan
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, National Hospital Organization, Kure Medical Center and Chugoku Cancer Center, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Kazuaki Tanabe
- Department of Gastroenterological and Transplant Surgery, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Atsuo T Sasaki
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Tsuruoka, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Hideki Ohdan
- Department of Gastroenterological and Transplant Surgery, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Eiichi Morii
- Department of Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Junko Murai
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Tsuruoka, Yamagata, Japan.
| | - Wataru Yasui
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
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37
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Bainomugisa CK, Sutherland HG, Parker R, Mcrae AF, Haupt LM, Griffiths LR, Heath A, Nelson EC, Wright MJ, Hickie IB, Martin NG, Nyholt DR, Mehta D. Using Monozygotic Twins to Dissect Common Genes in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Migraine. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:678350. [PMID: 34239411 PMCID: PMC8258453 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.678350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms have been associated with genes involved in Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD often co-occurs with other health conditions such as depression, cardiovascular disorder and respiratory illnesses. PTSD and migraine have previously been reported to be symptomatically positively correlated with each other, but little is known about the genes involved. The aim of this study was to understand the comorbidity between PTSD and migraine using a monozygotic twin disease discordant study design in six pairs of monozygotic twins discordant for PTSD and 15 pairs of monozygotic twins discordant for migraine. DNA from peripheral blood was run on Illumina EPIC arrays and analyzed. Multiple testing correction was performed using the Bonferroni method and 10% false discovery rate (FDR). We validated 11 candidate genes previously associated with PTSD including DOCK2, DICER1, and ADCYAP1. In the epigenome-wide scan, seven novel CpGs were significantly associated with PTSD within/near IL37, WNT3, ADNP2, HTT, SLFN11, and NQO2, with all CpGs except the IL37 CpG hypermethylated in PTSD. These results were significantly enriched for genes whose DNA methylation was previously associated with migraine (p-value = 0.036). At 10% FDR, 132 CpGs in 99 genes associated with PTSD were also associated with migraine in the migraine twin samples. Genes associated with PTSD were overrepresented in vascular smooth muscle, axon guidance and oxytocin signaling pathways, while genes associated with both PTSD and migraine were enriched for AMPK signaling and longevity regulating pathways. In conclusion, these results suggest that common genes and pathways are likely involved in PTSD and migraine, explaining at least in part the co-morbidity between the two disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte K Bainomugisa
- Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, School of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia
| | - Heidi G Sutherland
- Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, School of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia.,Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Genomics Research Centre, School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia
| | - Richard Parker
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Royal Brisbane Hospital, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Allan F Mcrae
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Larisa M Haupt
- Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, School of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia.,Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Genomics Research Centre, School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia
| | - Lyn R Griffiths
- Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, School of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia.,Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Genomics Research Centre, School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia
| | - Andrew Heath
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Elliot C Nelson
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Margaret J Wright
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Ian B Hickie
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Nicholas G Martin
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Royal Brisbane Hospital, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Dale R Nyholt
- Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, School of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia
| | - Divya Mehta
- Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, School of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia
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38
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Murai Y, Jo U, Murai J, Jenkins LM, Huang SYN, Chakka S, Chen L, Cheng K, Fukuda S, Takebe N, Pommier Y. SLFN11 Inactivation Induces Proteotoxic Stress and Sensitizes Cancer Cells to Ubiquitin Activating Enzyme Inhibitor TAK-243. Cancer Res 2021; 81:3067-3078. [PMID: 33863777 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-20-2694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Schlafen11 (SLFN11) inactivation occurs in approximately 50% of cancer cell lines and in a large fraction of patient tumor samples, which leads to chemoresistance. Therefore, new therapeutic approaches are needed to target SLFN11-deficient cancers. To that effect, we conducted a drug screen with the NCATS mechanistic drug library of 1,978 compounds in isogenic SLFN11-knockout (KO) and wild-type (WT) leukemia cell lines. Here we report that TAK-243, a first-in-class ubiquitin activating enzyme UBA1 inhibitor in clinical development, causes preferential cytotoxicity in SLFN11-KO cells; this effect is associated with claspin-mediated DNA replication inhibition by CHK1 independently of ATR. Additional analyses showed that SLFN11-KO cells exhibit consistently enhanced global protein ubiquitylation, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, unfolded protein response (UPR), and protein aggregation. TAK-243 suppressed global protein ubiquitylation and activated the UPR transducers PERK, phosphorylated eIF2α, phosphorylated IRE1, and ATF6 more effectively in SLFN11-KO cells than in WT cells. Proteomic analysis using biotinylated mass spectrometry and RNAi screening also showed physical and functional interactions of SLFN11 with translation initiation complexes and protein folding machinery. These findings uncover a previously unknown function of SLFN11 as a regulator of protein quality control and attenuator of ER stress and UPR. Moreover, they suggest the potential value of TAK-243 in SLFN11-deficient tumors. SIGNIFICANCE: This study uncovers that SLFN11 deficiency induces proteotoxic stress and sensitizes cancer cells to TAK-243, suggesting that profiling SLFN11 status can serve as a therapeutic biomarker for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhisa Murai
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch and Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hematology, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Japan
| | - Ukhyun Jo
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch and Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Junko Murai
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Tsuruoka, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Lisa M Jenkins
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Shar-Yin N Huang
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch and Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Sirisha Chakka
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, Functional Genomics Laboratory, NIH, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Lu Chen
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, Functional Genomics Laboratory, NIH, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Ken Cheng
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, Functional Genomics Laboratory, NIH, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Shinsaku Fukuda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hematology, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Japan
| | - Naoko Takebe
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch and Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland.,Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Yves Pommier
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch and Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland.
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Gotovac JR, Kader T, Milne JV, Fujihara KM, Lara-Gonzalez LE, Gorringe KL, Kalimuthu SN, Jayawardana MW, Duong CP, Phillips WA, Clemons NJ. Loss of SMAD4 Is Sufficient to Promote Tumorigenesis in a Model of Dysplastic Barrett's Esophagus. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 12:689-713. [PMID: 33774196 PMCID: PMC8267443 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2021.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) develops from its precursor Barrett's esophagus through intermediate stages of low- and high-grade dysplasia. However, knowledge of genetic drivers and molecular mechanisms implicated in disease progression is limited. Herein, we investigated the effect of Mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 4 (SMAD4) loss on transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) signaling functionality and in vivo tumorigenicity in high-grade dysplastic Barrett's cells. METHODS An in vivo xenograft model was used to test tumorigenicity of SMAD4 knockdown or knockout in CP-B high-grade dysplastic Barrett's cells. RT2 polymerase chain reaction arrays were used to analyze TGF-β signaling functionality, and low-coverage whole-genome sequencing was performed to detect copy number alterations upon SMAD4 loss. RESULTS We found that SMAD4 knockout significantly alters the TGF-β pathway target gene expression profile. SMAD4 knockout positively regulates potential oncogenes such as CRYAB, ACTA2, and CDC6, whereas the CDKN2A/B tumor-suppressor locus was regulated negatively. We verified that SMAD4 in combination with CDC6-CDKN2A/B or CRYAB genetic alterations in patient tumors have significant predictive value for poor prognosis. Importantly, we investigated the effect of SMAD4 inactivation in Barrett's tumorigenesis. We found that genetic knockdown or knockout of SMAD4 was sufficient to promote tumorigenesis in dysplastic Barrett's esophagus cells in vivo. Progression to invasive EAC was accompanied by distinctive and consistent copy number alterations in SMAD4 knockdown or knockout xenografts. CONCLUSIONS Altogether, up-regulation of oncogenes, down-regulation of tumor-suppressor genes, and chromosomal instability within the tumors after SMAD4 loss implicates SMAD4 as a protector of genome integrity in EAC development and progression. Foremost, SMAD4 loss promotes tumorigenesis from dysplastic Barrett's toward EAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jovana R Gotovac
- Division of Cancer Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tanjina Kader
- Division of Cancer Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Julia V Milne
- Division of Cancer Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kenji M Fujihara
- Division of Cancer Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Luis E Lara-Gonzalez
- Division of Cancer Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kylie L Gorringe
- Division of Cancer Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sangeetha N Kalimuthu
- Anatomical Pathology, Laboratory Medicine Program, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Madawa W Jayawardana
- Division of Cancer Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Cuong P Duong
- Division of Cancer Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Wayne A Phillips
- Division of Cancer Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Surgery, St Vincent's Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nicholas J Clemons
- Division of Cancer Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
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40
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Winkler C, Armenia J, Jones GN, Tobalina L, Sale MJ, Petreus T, Baird T, Serra V, Wang AT, Lau A, Garnett MJ, Jaaks P, Coker EA, Pierce AJ, O'Connor MJ, Leo E. SLFN11 informs on standard of care and novel treatments in a wide range of cancer models. Br J Cancer 2021; 124:951-962. [PMID: 33339894 PMCID: PMC7921667 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-020-01199-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schlafen 11 (SLFN11) has been linked with response to DNA-damaging agents (DDA) and PARP inhibitors. An in-depth understanding of several aspects of its role as a biomarker in cancer is missing, as is a comprehensive analysis of the clinical significance of SLFN11 as a predictive biomarker to DDA and/or DNA damage-response inhibitor (DDRi) therapies. METHODS We used a multidisciplinary effort combining specific immunohistochemistry, pharmacology tests, anticancer combination therapies and mechanistic studies to assess SLFN11 as a potential biomarker for stratification of patients treated with several DDA and/or DDRi in the preclinical and clinical setting. RESULTS SLFN11 protein associated with both preclinical and patient treatment response to DDA, but not to non-DDA or DDRi therapies, such as WEE1 inhibitor or olaparib in breast cancer. SLFN11-low/absent cancers were identified across different tumour types tested. Combinations of DDA with DDRi targeting the replication-stress response (ATR, CHK1 and WEE1) could re-sensitise SLFN11-absent/low cancer models to the DDA treatment and were effective in upper gastrointestinal and genitourinary malignancies. CONCLUSION SLFN11 informs on the standard of care chemotherapy based on DDA and the effect of selected combinations with ATR, WEE1 or CHK1 inhibitor in a wide range of cancer types and models.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joshua Armenia
- Bioinformatics and Data Science, Research and Early Development, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Gemma N Jones
- Translational Medicine, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Luis Tobalina
- Bioinformatics and Data Science, Research and Early Development, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Matthew J Sale
- Signalling Programme, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, Cambridge, UK
| | - Tudor Petreus
- Bioscience, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Tarrion Baird
- Translational Medicine, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Violeta Serra
- Experimental Therapeutics Group, Vall d' Hebron Institute of Oncology, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Alan Lau
- Bioscience, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | | | - Andrew J Pierce
- Translational Medicine, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
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SLFN11 promotes CDT1 degradation by CUL4 in response to replicative DNA damage, while its absence leads to synthetic lethality with ATR/CHK1 inhibitors. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2015654118. [PMID: 33536335 PMCID: PMC8017720 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2015654118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Schlafen-11 (SLFN11) inactivation in ∼50% of cancer cells confers broad chemoresistance. To identify therapeutic targets and underlying molecular mechanisms for overcoming chemoresistance, we performed an unbiased genome-wide RNAi screen in SLFN11-WT and -knockout (KO) cells. We found that inactivation of Ataxia Telangiectasia- and Rad3-related (ATR), CHK1, BRCA2, and RPA1 overcome chemoresistance to camptothecin (CPT) in SLFN11-KO cells. Accordingly, we validate that clinical inhibitors of ATR (M4344 and M6620) and CHK1 (SRA737) resensitize SLFN11-KO cells to topotecan, indotecan, etoposide, cisplatin, and talazoparib. We uncover that ATR inhibition significantly increases mitotic defects along with increased CDT1 phosphorylation, which destabilizes kinetochore-microtubule attachments in SLFN11-KO cells. We also reveal a chemoresistance mechanism by which CDT1 degradation is retarded, eventually inducing replication reactivation under DNA damage in SLFN11-KO cells. In contrast, in SLFN11-expressing cells, SLFN11 promotes the degradation of CDT1 in response to CPT by binding to DDB1 of CUL4CDT2 E3 ubiquitin ligase associated with replication forks. We show that the C terminus and ATPase domain of SLFN11 are required for DDB1 binding and CDT1 degradation. Furthermore, we identify a therapy-relevant ATPase mutant (E669K) of the SLFN11 gene in human TCGA and show that the mutant contributes to chemoresistance and retarded CDT1 degradation. Taken together, our study reveals new chemotherapeutic insights on how targeting the ATR pathway overcomes chemoresistance of SLFN11-deficient cancers. It also demonstrates that SLFN11 irreversibly arrests replication by degrading CDT1 through the DDB1-CUL4CDT2 ubiquitin ligase.
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42
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Epigenetic suppression of SLFN11 in germinal center B-cells during B-cell development. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0237554. [PMID: 33513156 PMCID: PMC7846023 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0237554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background SLFN11 has recently been reported to execute cancer cells harboring replicative stress induced by DNA damaging agents. However, the roles of SLFN11 under physiological conditions remain poorly understood. Germinal center B-cells (GCBs) undergo somatic hypermutations and class-switch recombination, which can cause physiological genotoxic stress. Hence, we tested whether SLFN11 expression needs to be suppressed in GCBs during B-cell development. Objective To clarify the expression profile of SLFN11 in different developmental stages of B-cells and B-cell-derived cancers. Methods We analyzed the expression of SLFN11 by mining cell line databases for different stages of normal B-cells and various types of B-cell-derived cancer cell lines. We performed dual immunohistochemical staining for SLFN11 and B-cell specific markers in normal human lymphatic tissues. We tested the effects of two epigenetic modifiers, an EZH2 inhibitor, tazemetostat (EPZ6438) and a histone deacetylase inhibitor, panobinostat (LBH589) on SLFN11 expression in GCB-derived lymphoma cell lines. We also examined the therapeutic efficacy of these drugs in combination with cytosine arabinoside and the effects of SLFN11 on the efficacy of cytosine arabinoside in SLFN11-overexpressing cells. Results SLFN11 mRNA level was found low in both normal GCBs and GCB-DLBCL (GCB like-diffuse large B-cell lymphoma). Immunohistochemical staining showed low SLFN11 expression in GCBs and high SLFN11 expression in plasmablasts and plasmacytes. The EZH2 and HDAC epigenetic modifiers upregulated SLFN11 expression in GCB-derived lymphoma cells and made them more susceptible to cytosine arabinoside. SLFN11 overexpression further sensitized GCB-derived lymphoma cells to cytosine arabinoside. Conclusions The expression of SLFN11 is epigenetically suppressed in normal GCBs and GCB-derived lymphomas. GCB-derived lymphomas with low SLFN11 expression can be treated by the combination of epigenetic modifiers and cytosine arabinoside.
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43
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Guo G, Wang Y, Hu XM, Li ZR, Tan J, Qiao WT. Human Schlafen 11 exploits codon preference discrimination to attenuate viral protein synthesis of prototype foamy virus (PFV). Virology 2020; 555:78-88. [PMID: 33465725 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2020.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Recently, the Schlafen (SLFN) proteins have been identified as a novel interferon-stimulated family with antiviral properties. In this study, we reported that SLFN11 inhibited prototype foamy virus (PFV) replication. Over-expression of human SLFN11 reduced viral production, while knockdown of SLFN11 enhanced viral infectivity. In addition, SLFN11 from cattle and African green monkey also suppressed PFV production. Both the ATPase activity and helicase activity of SLFN11 were required for its inhibitory function. Dephosphorylation activated the antiviral activity of SLFN11. More importantly, SLFN11 inhibited the expression of viral protein, which was rescued by viral gene codon optimization. Together, our results demonstrated that SLFN11 impaired PFV viral protein synthesis by exploiting the distinct codon usage between the virus and the host. These findings further broaden our understanding of the antiviral properties of the SLFN family and the molecular mechanism of PFV latent infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ge Guo
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology (Ministry of Education) and Key Laboratory of Microbial Functional Genomics (Tianjin), College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology (Ministry of Education) and Key Laboratory of Microbial Functional Genomics (Tianjin), College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiao-Mei Hu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology (Ministry of Education) and Key Laboratory of Microbial Functional Genomics (Tianjin), College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhuo-Ran Li
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology (Ministry of Education) and Key Laboratory of Microbial Functional Genomics (Tianjin), College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Juan Tan
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology (Ministry of Education) and Key Laboratory of Microbial Functional Genomics (Tianjin), College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Wen-Tao Qiao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology (Ministry of Education) and Key Laboratory of Microbial Functional Genomics (Tianjin), College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.
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