1
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Fox GC, Poncha KF, Smith BR, van der Maas LN, Robbins NN, Graham B, Dowen JM, Strahl BD, Young NL, Jain K. Histone H3K18 & H3K23 acetylation directs establishment of MLL-mediated H3K4 methylation. J Biol Chem 2024:107527. [PMID: 38960040 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
In an unmodified state, positively charged histone N-terminal tails engage nucleosomal DNA in a manner which restricts access to not only the underlying DNA, but also key tail residues subject to binding and/or modification. Charge-neutralizing modifications, such as histone acetylation, serve to disrupt this DNA-tail interaction, facilitating access to such residues. We previously showed that a polyacetylation-mediated chromatin "switch" governs the read-write capability of H3K4me3 by the MLL1 methyltransferase complex. Here, we discern the relative contributions of site-specific acetylation states along the H3 tail and extend our interrogation to other chromatin modifiers. We show that the contributions of H3 tail acetylation to H3K4 methylation by MLL1 are highly variable, with H3K18 and H3K23 acetylation exhibiting robust stimulatory effects, and that this extends to the related H3K4 methyltransferase complex, MLL4. We show that H3K4me1 and H3K4me3 are found preferentially co-enriched with H3 N-terminal tail proteoforms bearing dual H3K18 and H3K23 acetylation (H3{K18acK23ac}). We further show that this effect is specific to H3K4 methylation, while methyltransferases targeting other H3 tail residues (H3K9, H3K27, & H3K36), a methyltransferase targeting the nucleosome core (H3K79), and a kinase targeting a residue directly adjacent to H3K4 (H3T3) are insensitive to tail acetylation. Together, these findings indicate a unique and robust stimulation of H3K4 methylation by H3K18 and H3K23 acetylation and provide key insight into why H3K4 methylation is often associated with histone acetylation in the context of active gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey C Fox
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Karl F Poncha
- Verna & Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - B Rutledge Smith
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Lara N van der Maas
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC
| | | | | | - Jill M Dowen
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC; Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC; Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Brian D Strahl
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC; Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC.
| | - Nicolas L Young
- Verna & Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX.
| | - Kanishk Jain
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC.
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2
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Sudholz H, Schuster IS, Foroutan M, Sng X, Andoniou CE, Doan A, Camilleri T, Shen Z, Zaph C, Degli-Esposti MA, Huntington ND, Scheer S. DOT1L maintains NK cell phenotype and function for optimal tumor control. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114333. [PMID: 38865244 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Histone methyltransferases (HMTs) are crucial in gene regulation and function, yet their role in natural killer (NK) cell biology within the tumor microenvironment (TME) remains largely unknown. We demonstrate that the HMT DOT1L limits NK cell conversion to CD49a+ CD49b+ intILC1, a subset that can be observed in the TME in response to stimulation with transforming growth factor (TGF)-β and is correlated with impaired tumor control. Deleting Dot1l in NKp46-expressing cells reveals its pivotal role in maintaining NK cell phenotype and function. Loss of DOT1L skews NK cells toward intILC1s even in the absence of TGF-β. Transcriptionally, DOT1L-null NK cells closely resemble intILC1s and ILC1s, correlating with altered NK cell responses and impaired solid tumor control. These findings deepen our understanding of NK cell biology and could inform approaches to prevent NK cell conversion to intILC1s in adoptive NK cell therapies for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harrison Sudholz
- Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Iona S Schuster
- Infection and Immunity Program and Department of Microbiology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia; Centre for Experimental Immunology, Lions Eye Institute, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Momeneh Foroutan
- Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia; oNKo-Innate Pty Ltd, Moonee Ponds, VIC 3039, Australia
| | - Xavier Sng
- Infection and Immunity Program and Department of Microbiology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Christopher E Andoniou
- Infection and Immunity Program and Department of Microbiology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia; Centre for Experimental Immunology, Lions Eye Institute, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Anh Doan
- Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Tania Camilleri
- Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Zihan Shen
- Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Colby Zaph
- Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Mariapia A Degli-Esposti
- Infection and Immunity Program and Department of Microbiology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia; Centre for Experimental Immunology, Lions Eye Institute, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Nicholas D Huntington
- Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia; oNKo-Innate Pty Ltd, Moonee Ponds, VIC 3039, Australia.
| | - Sebastian Scheer
- Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia.
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3
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Kealy L, Runting J, Thiele D, Scheer S. An emerging maestro of immune regulation: how DOT1L orchestrates the harmonies of the immune system. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1385319. [PMID: 38962004 PMCID: PMC11219580 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1385319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The immune system comprises a complex yet tightly regulated network of cells and molecules that play a critical role in protecting the body from infection and disease. The activity and development of each immune cell is regulated in a myriad of ways including through the cytokine milieu, the availability of key receptors, via tailored intracellular signalling cascades, dedicated transcription factors and even by directly modulating gene accessibility and expression; the latter is more commonly known as epigenetic regulation. In recent years, epigenetic regulators have begun to emerge as key players involved in modulating the immune system. Among these, the lysine methyltransferase DOT1L has gained significant attention for its involvement in orchestrating immune cell formation and function. In this review we provide an overview of the role of DOT1L across the immune system and the implications of this role on health and disease. We begin by elucidating the general mechanisms of DOT1L-mediated histone methylation and its impact on gene expression within immune cells. Subsequently, we provide a detailed and comprehensive overview of recent studies that identify DOT1L as a crucial regulator of immune cell development, differentiation, and activation. Next, we discuss the potential mechanisms of DOT1L-mediated regulation of immune cell function and shed light on how DOT1L might be contributing to immune cell homeostasis and dysfunction. We then provide food for thought by highlighting some of the current obstacles and technical limitations precluding a more in-depth elucidation of DOT1L's role. Finally, we explore the potential therapeutic implications of targeting DOT1L in the context of immune-related diseases and discuss ongoing research efforts to this end. Overall, this review consolidates the current paradigm regarding DOT1L's role across the immune network and emphasises its critical role in governing the healthy immune system and its potential as a novel therapeutic target for immune-related diseases. A deeper understanding of DOT1L's immunomodulatory functions could pave the way for innovative therapeutic approaches which fine-tune the immune response to enhance or restore human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liam Kealy
- Immunity Program, The Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Jessica Runting
- Immunity Program, The Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Daniel Thiele
- Immunity Program, The Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Sebastian Scheer
- Immunity Program, The Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
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4
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Fox GC, Poncha KF, Smith BR, van der Maas LN, Robbins NN, Graham B, Dowen JM, Strahl BD, Young NL, Jain K. H3K18 & H3K23 acetylation directs establishment of MLL-mediated H3K4 methylation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.13.590588. [PMID: 38798640 PMCID: PMC11118386 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.13.590588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
In an unmodified state, positively charged histone N-terminal tails engage nucleosomal DNA in a manner which restricts access to not only the underlying DNA, but also key tail residues subject to binding and/or modification. Charge-neutralizing modifications, such as histone acetylation, serve to disrupt this DNA-tail interaction, facilitating access to such residues. We previously showed that a polyacetylation-mediated chromatin "switch" governs the read-write capability of H3K4me3 by the MLL1 methyltransferase complex. Here, we discern the relative contributions of site-specific acetylation states along the H3 tail and extend our interrogation to other chromatin modifiers. We show that the contributions of H3 tail acetylation to H3K4 methylation by MLL1 are highly variable, with H3K18 and H3K23 acetylation exhibiting robust stimulatory effects, and that this extends to the related H3K4 methyltransferase complex, MLL4. We show that H3K4me1 and H3K4me3 are found preferentially co-enriched with H3 N-terminal tail proteoforms bearing dual H3K18 and H3K23 acetylation (H3{K18acK23ac}). We further show that this effect is specific to H3K4 methylation, while methyltransferases targeting other H3 tail residues (H3K9, H3K27, & H3K36), a methyltransferase targeting the nucleosome core (H3K79), and a kinase targeting a residue directly adjacent to H3K4 (H3T3) are insensitive to tail acetylation. Together, these findings indicate a unique and robust stimulation of H3K4 methylation by H3K18 and H3K23 acetylation and provide key insight into why H3K4 methylation is often associated with histone acetylation in the context of active gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey C. Fox
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Karl F. Poncha
- Verna & Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - B. Rutledge Smith
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Lara N. van der Maas
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC
| | | | | | - Jill M. Dowen
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
- Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Brian D. Strahl
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Nicolas L. Young
- Verna & Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Kanishk Jain
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC
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5
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Comerford I, McColl SR. Atypical chemokine receptors in the immune system. Nat Rev Immunol 2024:10.1038/s41577-024-01025-5. [PMID: 38714818 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-024-01025-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/10/2024]
Abstract
Leukocyte migration is a fundamental component of innate and adaptive immune responses as it governs the recruitment and localization of these motile cells, which is crucial for immune cell priming, effector functions, memory responses and immune regulation. This complex cellular trafficking system is controlled to a large extent via highly regulated production of secreted chemokines and the restricted expression of their membrane-tethered G-protein-coupled receptors. The activity of chemokines and their receptors is also regulated by a subfamily of molecules known as atypical chemokine receptors (ACKRs), which are chemokine receptor-like molecules that do not couple to the classical signalling pathways that promote cell migration in response to chemokine ligation. There has been a great deal of progress in understanding the biology of these receptors and their functions in the immune system in the past decade. Here, we describe the contribution of the various ACKRs to innate and adaptive immune responses, focussing specifically on recent progress. This includes recent findings that have defined the role for ACKRs in sculpting extracellular chemokine gradients, findings that broaden the spectrum of chemokine ligands recognized by these receptors, candidate new additions to ACKR family, and our increasing understanding of the role of these receptors in shaping the migration of innate and adaptive immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iain Comerford
- The Chemokine Biology Laboratory, School of Molecular & Biomedical Science, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
| | - Shaun R McColl
- The Chemokine Biology Laboratory, School of Molecular & Biomedical Science, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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6
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Polmear J, Hailes L, Olshansky M, Rischmueller M, L'Estrange‐Stranieri E, Fletcher AL, Hibbs ML, Bryant VL, Good‐Jacobson KL. Targeting BMI-1 to deplete antibody-secreting cells in autoimmunity. Clin Transl Immunology 2023; 12:e1470. [PMID: 37799772 PMCID: PMC10550498 DOI: 10.1002/cti2.1470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives B cells drive the production of autoreactive antibody-secreting cells (ASCs) in autoimmune diseases such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and Sjögren's syndrome, causing long-term organ damage. Current treatments for antibody-mediated autoimmune diseases target B cells or broadly suppress the immune system. However, pre-existing long-lived ASCs are often refractory to treatment, leaving a reservoir of autoreactive cells that continue to produce antibodies. Therefore, the development of novel treatment methods targeting ASCs is vital to improve patient outcomes. Our objective was to test whether targeting the epigenetic regulator BMI-1 could deplete ASCs in autoimmune conditions in vivo and in vitro. Methods Use of a BMI-1 inhibitor in both mouse and human autoimmune settings was investigated. Lyn -/- mice, a model of SLE, were treated with the BMI-1 small molecule inhibitor PTC-028, before assessment of ASCs, serum antibody and immune complexes. To examine human ASC survival, a novel human fibroblast-based assay was established, and the impact of PTC-028 on ASCs derived from Sjögren's syndrome patients was evaluated. Results BMI-1 inhibition significantly decreased splenic and bone marrow ASCs in Lyn -/- mice. The decline in ASCs was linked to aberrant cell cycle gene expression and led to a significant decrease in serum IgG3, immune complexes and anti-DNA IgG. PTC-028 was also efficacious in reducing ex vivo plasma cell survival from both Sjögren's syndrome patients and age-matched healthy donors. Conclusion These data provide evidence that inhibiting BMI-1 can deplete ASC in a variety of contexts and thus BMI-1 is a viable therapeutic target for antibody-mediated autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Polmear
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyMonash UniversityClaytonVICAustralia
- Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery InstituteMonash UniversityClaytonVICAustralia
| | - Lauren Hailes
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyMonash UniversityClaytonVICAustralia
- Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery InstituteMonash UniversityClaytonVICAustralia
| | - Moshe Olshansky
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyMonash UniversityClaytonVICAustralia
- Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery InstituteMonash UniversityClaytonVICAustralia
| | - Maureen Rischmueller
- The Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Basil Hetzel InstituteWoodville SouthSAAustralia
- Adelaide Medical SchoolUniversity of AdelaideAdelaideSAAustralia
| | | | - Anne L Fletcher
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyMonash UniversityClaytonVICAustralia
- Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery InstituteMonash UniversityClaytonVICAustralia
| | - Margaret L Hibbs
- Department of Immunology, Alfred Research AllianceMonash UniversityMelbourneVICAustralia
| | - Vanessa L Bryant
- Immunology DivisionWalter & Eliza Hall InstituteParkvilleVICAustralia
- Department of Medical BiologyUniversity of MelbourneParkvilleVICAustralia
- Department of Clinical Immunology & AllergyThe Royal Melbourne HospitalParkvilleVICAustralia
| | - Kim L Good‐Jacobson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyMonash UniversityClaytonVICAustralia
- Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery InstituteMonash UniversityClaytonVICAustralia
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7
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Zaini A, Dalit L, Sheikh AA, Zhang Y, Thiele D, Runting J, Rodrigues G, Ng J, Bramhall M, Scheer S, Hailes L, Groom JR, Good-Jacobson KL, Zaph C. Heterogeneous Tfh cell populations that develop during enteric helminth infection predict the quality of type 2 protective response. Mucosal Immunol 2023; 16:642-657. [PMID: 37392971 DOI: 10.1016/j.mucimm.2023.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
T follicular helper (Tfh) cells are an important component of germinal center (GC)-mediated humoral immunity. Yet, how a chronic type 1 versus protective type 2 helminth infection modulates Tfh-GC responses remains poorly understood. Here, we employ the helminth Trichuris muris model and demonstrate that Tfh cell phenotypes and GC are differentially regulated in acute versus chronic infection. The latter failed to induce Tfh-GC B cell responses, with Tfh cells expressing Τ-bet and interferon-γ. In contrast, interleukin-4-producing Tfh cells dominate responses to an acute, resolving infection. Heightened expression and increased chromatin accessibility of T helper (Th)1- and Th2 cell-associated genes are observed in chronic and acute induced Tfh cells, respectively. Blockade of the Th1 cell response by T-cell-intrinsic T-bet deletion promoted Tfh cell expansion during chronic infection, pointing to a correlation between a robust Tfh cell response and protective immunity to parasites. Finally, blockade of Tfh-GC interactions impaired type 2 immunity, revealing the critical protective role of GC-dependent Th2-like Tfh cell responses during acute infection. Collectively, these results provide new insights into the protective roles of Tfh-GC responses and identify distinct transcriptional and epigenetic features of Tfh cells that emerge during resolving or chronic T. muris infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aidil Zaini
- Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Clayton, Australia; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Clayton, Australia; Department of Immunology and Pathology, Central Clinical School, Monash University, The Alfred Centre, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Lennard Dalit
- Division of Immunology, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Amania A Sheikh
- Division of Immunology, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Yan Zhang
- Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Clayton, Australia; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Clayton, Australia
| | - Daniel Thiele
- Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Clayton, Australia; Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Jessica Runting
- Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Clayton, Australia; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Clayton, Australia
| | - Grace Rodrigues
- Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Clayton, Australia; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Clayton, Australia
| | - Judy Ng
- Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Clayton, Australia; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Clayton, Australia
| | - Michael Bramhall
- Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Clayton, Australia; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Clayton, Australia; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sebastian Scheer
- Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Clayton, Australia; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Clayton, Australia
| | - Lauren Hailes
- Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Clayton, Australia; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Clayton, Australia
| | - Joanna R Groom
- Division of Immunology, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Kim L Good-Jacobson
- Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Clayton, Australia; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Clayton, Australia.
| | - Colby Zaph
- Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Clayton, Australia; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Clayton, Australia.
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8
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Yoo H, La H, Park C, Yoo S, Lee H, Song H, Do JT, Choi Y, Hong K. Common and distinct functions of mouse Dot1l in the regulation of endothelial transcriptome. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1176115. [PMID: 37397258 PMCID: PMC10311421 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1176115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms are mandatory for endothelial called lymphangioblasts during cardiovascular development. Dot1l-mediated gene transcription in mice is essential for the development and function of lymphatic ECs (LECs). The role of Dot1l in the development and function of blood ECs blood endothelial cells is unclear. RNA-seq datasets from Dot1l-depleted or -overexpressing BECs and LECs were used to comprehensively analyze regulatory networks of gene transcription and pathways. Dot1l depletion in BECs changed the expression of genes involved in cell-to-cell adhesion and immunity-related biological processes. Dot1l overexpression modified the expression of genes involved in different types of cell-to-cell adhesion and angiogenesis-related biological processes. Genes involved in specific tissue development-related biological pathways were altered in Dot1l-depleted BECs and LECs. Dot1l overexpression altered ion transportation-related genes in BECs and immune response regulation-related genes in LECs. Importantly, Dot1l overexpression in BECs led to the expression of genes related to the angiogenesis and increased expression of MAPK signaling pathways related was found in both Dot1l-overexpressing BECs and LECs. Therefore, our integrated analyses of transcriptomics in Dot1l-depleted and Dot1l-overexpressed ECs demonstrate the unique transcriptomic program of ECs and the differential functions of Dot1l in the regulation of gene transcription in BECs and LECs.
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9
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Liontis T, Verma K, Grishok A. DOT-1.1 (DOT1L) deficiency in C. elegans leads to small RNA-dependent gene activation. BBA ADVANCES 2023; 3:100080. [PMID: 37082252 PMCID: PMC10074844 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadva.2023.100080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Methylation of histone H3 at lysine 79 (H3K79) is conserved from yeast to humans and is accomplished by Dot1 (disruptor of telomeric silencing-1) methyltransferases. The C. elegans enzyme DOT-1.1 and its interacting partners are similar to the mammalian DOT1L (Dot1-like) complex. The C. elegans DOT-1.1 complex has been functionally connected to RNA interference. Specifically, we have previously shown that embryonic and larval lethality of dot-1.1 mutant worms deficient in H3K79 methylation was suppressed by mutations in the RNAi pathway genes responsible for generation (rde-4) and function (rde-1) of primary small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). This suggests that dot-1.1 mutant lethality is dependent on the enhanced production of some siRNAs. We have also found that this lethality is suppressed by a loss-of-function of CED-3, a conserved apoptotic protease. Here, we describe a comparison of gene expression and primary siRNA production changes between control and dot-1.1 deletion mutant embryos. We found that elevated antisense siRNA production occurred more often at upregulated than downregulated genes. Importantly, gene expression changes were dependent on RDE-4 in both instances. Moreover, the upregulated group, which is potentially activated by ectopic siRNAs, was enriched in protease-coding genes. Our findings are consistent with a model where in the absence of H3K79 methylation there is a small RNA-dependent activation of protease genes, which leads to embryonic and larval lethality. DOT1 enzymes' conservation suggests that the interplay between H3K79 methylation and small RNA pathways may exist in higher organisms.
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10
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Zhang S, Meng Y, Zhou L, Qiu L, Wang H, Su D, Zhang B, Chan K, Han J. Targeting epigenetic regulators for inflammation: Mechanisms and intervention therapy. MedComm (Beijing) 2022; 3:e173. [PMID: 36176733 PMCID: PMC9477794 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence indicates that resolution of inflammation is a critical and dynamic endogenous process for host tissues defending against external invasive pathogens or internal tissue injury. It has long been known that autoimmune diseases and chronic inflammatory disorders are characterized by dysregulated immune responses, leading to excessive and uncontrol tissue inflammation. The dysregulation of epigenetic alterations including DNA methylation, posttranslational modifications to histone proteins, and noncoding RNA expression has been implicated in a host of inflammatory disorders and the immune system. The inflammatory response is considered as a critical trigger of epigenetic alterations that in turn intercede inflammatory actions. Thus, understanding the molecular mechanism that dictates the outcome of targeting epigenetic regulators for inflammatory disease is required for inflammation resolution. In this article, we elucidate the critical role of the nuclear factor‐κB signaling pathway, JAK/STAT signaling pathway, and the NLRP3 inflammasome in chronic inflammatory diseases. And we formulate the relationship between inflammation, coronavirus disease 2019, and human cancers. Additionally, we review the mechanism of epigenetic modifications involved in inflammation and innate immune cells. All that matters is that we propose and discuss the rejuvenation potential of interventions that target epigenetic regulators and regulatory mechanisms for chronic inflammation‐associated diseases to improve therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su Zhang
- Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics and Genomics Frontiers Science Center for Disease‐Related Molecular Network State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu China
| | - Yang Meng
- Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics and Genomics Frontiers Science Center for Disease‐Related Molecular Network State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu China
| | - Lian Zhou
- Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics and Genomics Frontiers Science Center for Disease‐Related Molecular Network State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu China
| | - Lei Qiu
- Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics and Genomics Frontiers Science Center for Disease‐Related Molecular Network State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu China
| | - Heping Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan China
| | - Dan Su
- Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics and Genomics Frontiers Science Center for Disease‐Related Molecular Network State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics and Genomics Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery Frontiers Science Center for Disease‐Related Molecular Network West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu China
| | - Kui‐Ming Chan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences City University of Hong Kong Hong Kong China
| | - Junhong Han
- Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics and Genomics Frontiers Science Center for Disease‐Related Molecular Network State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu China
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11
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Kwesi-Maliepaard EM, Malik M, van Welsem T, van Doorn R, Vermeer MH, Vlaming H, Jacobs H, van Leeuwen F. DOT1L inhibition does not modify the sensitivity of cutaneous T cell lymphoma to pan-HDAC inhibitors in vitro. Front Genet 2022; 13:1032958. [PMID: 36425063 PMCID: PMC9681147 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1032958] [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: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 08/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCLs) are a subset of T-cell malignancies presenting in the skin. The treatment options for CTCL, in particular in advanced stages, are limited. One of the emerging therapies for CTCL is treatment with histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors. We recently discovered an evolutionarily conserved crosstalk between HDAC1, one of the targets of HDAC inhibitors, and the histone methyltransferase DOT1L. HDAC1 negatively regulates DOT1L activity in yeast, mouse thymocytes, and mouse thymic lymphoma. Here we studied the functional relationship between HDAC inhibitors and DOT1L in two human CTCL cell lines, specifically addressing the question whether the crosstalk between DOT1L and HDAC1 observed in mouse T cells plays a role in the therapeutic effect of clinically relevant broad-acting HDAC inhibitors in the treatment of human CTCL. We confirmed that human CTCL cell lines were sensitive to treatment with pan-HDAC inhibitors. In contrast, the cell lines were not sensitive to DOT1L inhibitors. Combining both types of inhibitors did neither enhance nor suppress the inhibitory effect of HDAC inhibitors on CTCL cells. Thus our in vitro studies suggest that the effect of commonly used pan-HDAC inhibitors in CTCL cells relies on downstream effects other than DOT1L misregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Muddassir Malik
- Division of Gene Regulation, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Tibor van Welsem
- Division of Gene Regulation, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Remco van Doorn
- Department of Dermatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Maarten H. Vermeer
- Department of Dermatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Hanneke Vlaming
- Division of Gene Regulation, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Heinz Jacobs
- Division of Tumor Biology and Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Fred van Leeuwen
- Division of Gene Regulation, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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12
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Willemsen L, Prange KH, Neele AE, van Roomen CP, Gijbels M, Griffith GR, Toom MD, Beckers L, Siebeler R, Spann NJ, Chen HJ, Bosmans LA, Gorbatenko A, van Wouw S, Zelcer N, Jacobs H, van Leeuwen F, de Winther MP. DOT1L regulates lipid biosynthesis and inflammatory responses in macrophages and promotes atherosclerotic plaque stability. Cell Rep 2022; 41:111703. [DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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13
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Wille CK, Sridharan R. Connecting the DOTs on Cell Identity. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:906713. [PMID: 35733849 PMCID: PMC9207516 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.906713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
DOT1-Like (DOT1L) is the sole methyltransferase of histone H3K79, a modification enriched mainly on the bodies of actively transcribing genes. DOT1L has been extensively studied in leukemia were some of the most frequent onco-fusion proteins contain portions of DOT1L associated factors that mislocalize H3K79 methylation and drive oncogenesis. However, the role of DOT1L in non-transformed, developmental contexts is less clear. Here we assess the known functional roles of DOT1L both in vitro cell culture and in vivo models of mammalian development. DOT1L is evicted during the 2-cell stage when cells are totipotent and massive epigenetic and transcriptional alterations occur. Embryonic stem cell lines that are derived from the blastocyst tolerate the loss of DOT1L, while the reduction of DOT1L protein levels or its catalytic activity greatly enhances somatic cell reprogramming to induced pluripotent stem cells. DOT1L knockout mice are embryonically lethal when organogenesis commences. We catalog the rapidly increasing studies of total and lineage specific knockout model systems that show that DOT1L is broadly required for differentiation. Reduced DOT1L activity is concomitant with increased developmental potential. Contrary to what would be expected of a modification that is associated with active transcription, loss of DOT1L activity results in more upregulated than downregulated genes. DOT1L also participates in various epigenetic networks that are both cell type and developmental stage specific. Taken together, the functions of DOT1L during development are pleiotropic and involve gene regulation at the locus specific and global levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Coral K. Wille
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- *Correspondence: Coral K. Wille, , Rupa Sridharan,
| | - Rupa Sridharan
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- *Correspondence: Coral K. Wille, , Rupa Sridharan,
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14
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Kania AK, Price MJ, George-Alexander LE, Patterson DG, Hicks SL, Scharer CD, Boss JM. H3K27me3 Demethylase UTX Restrains Plasma Cell Formation. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2022; 208:1873-1885. [PMID: 35346967 PMCID: PMC9012698 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2100948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
B cell differentiation is associated with substantial transcriptional, metabolic, and epigenetic remodeling, including redistribution of histone 3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3), which is associated with a repressive chromatin state and gene silencing. Although the role of the methyltransferase EZH2 (Enhancer of zeste homolog 2) in B cell fate decisions has been well established, it is not known whether H3K27me3 demethylation is equally important. In this study, we showed that simultaneous genetic deletion of the two H3K27 demethylases UTX and JMJD3 (double-knockout [Utx fl/fl Jmjd3 fl/fl Cd19 cre/+] [dKO]) led to a significant increase in plasma cell (PC) formation after stimulation with the T cell-independent Ags LPS and NP-Ficoll. This phenotype occurred in a UTX-dependent manner as UTX single-knockout mice, but not JMJD3 single-knockout mice, mimicked the dKO. Although UTX- and JMJD3-deficient marginal zone B cells showed increased proliferation, dKO follicular B cells also showed increased PC formation. PCs from dKO mice upregulated genes associated with oxidative phosphorylation and exhibited increased spare respiratory capacity. Mechanistically, deletion of Utx and Jmjd3 resulted in higher levels of H3K27me3 at proapoptotic genes and resulted in reduced apoptosis of dKO PCs in vivo. Furthermore, UTX regulated chromatin accessibility at regions containing ETS and IFN regulatory factor (IRF) transcription factor family motifs, including motifs of known repressors of PC fate. Taken together, these data demonstrate that the H3K27me3 demethylases restrain B cell differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna K Kania
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Madeline J Price
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | | | - Dillon G Patterson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Sakeenah L Hicks
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Christopher D Scharer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Jeremy M Boss
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
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15
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Alexandrova E, Salvati A, Pecoraro G, Lamberti J, Melone V, Sellitto A, Rizzo F, Giurato G, Tarallo R, Nassa G, Weisz A. Histone Methyltransferase DOT1L as a Promising Epigenetic Target for Treatment of Solid Tumors. Front Genet 2022; 13:864612. [PMID: 35495127 PMCID: PMC9043692 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.864612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The histone lysine methyltransferase DOT1L (DOT1-like histone lysine methyltransferase) is responsible for the epigenetic regulation of gene expression through specific methylation of lysine79 residue of histone H3 (H3K79) in actively transcribed genes. Its normal activity is crucial for embryonic development and adult tissues functions, whereas its aberrant functioning is known to contribute to leukemogenesis. DOT1L is the only lysine methyltransferase that does not contain a SET domain, which is a feature that allowed the development of selective DOT1L inhibitors that are currently investigated in Phase I clinical trials for cancer treatment. Recently, abnormal expression of this enzyme has been associated with poor survival and increased aggressiveness of several solid tumors. In this review evidences of aberrant DOT1L expression and activity in breast, ovarian, prostate, colon, and other solid tumors, and its relationships with biological and clinical behavior of the disease and response to therapies, are summarized. Current knowledge of the structural basis of DOT1L ability to regulate cell proliferation, invasion, plasticity and stemness, cell cycle progression, cell-to-cell signaling, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and chemoresistance, through cooperation with several molecular partners including noncoding RNAs, is also reviewed. Finally, available options for the treatment of therapeutically challenging solid tumors by targeting DOT1L are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Alexandrova
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
| | - Annamaria Salvati
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
- Medical Genomics Program and Division of Oncology, AOU “S. Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d’Aragona”, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Giovanni Pecoraro
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
| | - Jessica Lamberti
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
| | - Viola Melone
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
| | - Assunta Sellitto
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
| | - Francesca Rizzo
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
- Genome Research Center for Health—CRGS, Campus of Medicine of the University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
| | - Giorgio Giurato
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
- Genome Research Center for Health—CRGS, Campus of Medicine of the University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
| | - Roberta Tarallo
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
- Genome Research Center for Health—CRGS, Campus of Medicine of the University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
| | - Giovanni Nassa
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
- Genome Research Center for Health—CRGS, Campus of Medicine of the University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
- *Correspondence: Giovanni Nassa, ; Alessandro Weisz,
| | - Alessandro Weisz
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
- Medical Genomics Program and Division of Oncology, AOU “S. Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d’Aragona”, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
- Genome Research Center for Health—CRGS, Campus of Medicine of the University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
- *Correspondence: Giovanni Nassa, ; Alessandro Weisz,
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16
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Malbeteau L, Pham HT, Eve L, Stallcup MR, Poulard C, Le Romancer M. How Protein Methylation Regulates Steroid Receptor Function. Endocr Rev 2022; 43:160-197. [PMID: 33955470 PMCID: PMC8755998 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnab014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Steroid receptors (SRs) are members of the nuclear hormonal receptor family, many of which are transcription factors regulated by ligand binding. SRs regulate various human physiological functions essential for maintenance of vital biological pathways, including development, reproduction, and metabolic homeostasis. In addition, aberrant expression of SRs or dysregulation of their signaling has been observed in a wide variety of pathologies. SR activity is tightly and finely controlled by post-translational modifications (PTMs) targeting the receptors and/or their coregulators. Whereas major attention has been focused on phosphorylation, growing evidence shows that methylation is also an important regulator of SRs. Interestingly, the protein methyltransferases depositing methyl marks are involved in many functions, from development to adult life. They have also been associated with pathologies such as inflammation, as well as cardiovascular and neuronal disorders, and cancer. This article provides an overview of SR methylation/demethylation events, along with their functional effects and biological consequences. An in-depth understanding of the landscape of these methylation events could provide new information on SR regulation in physiology, as well as promising perspectives for the development of new therapeutic strategies, illustrated by the specific inhibitors of protein methyltransferases that are currently available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Malbeteau
- Université de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France.,Inserm U1052, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France.,CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France
| | - Ha Thuy Pham
- Université de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France.,Inserm U1052, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France.,CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France
| | - Louisane Eve
- Université de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France.,Inserm U1052, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France.,CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France
| | - Michael R Stallcup
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Norris Comprehensive Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Coralie Poulard
- Université de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France.,Inserm U1052, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France.,CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France
| | - Muriel Le Romancer
- Université de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France.,Inserm U1052, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France.,CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France
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17
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Di Pietro A, Polmear J, Cooper L, Damelang T, Hussain T, Hailes L, O'Donnell K, Udupa V, Mi T, Preston S, Shtewe A, Hershberg U, Turner SJ, La Gruta NL, Chung AW, Tarlinton DM, Scharer CD, Good-Jacobson KL. Targeting BMI-1 in B cells restores effective humoral immune responses and controls chronic viral infection. Nat Immunol 2022; 23:86-98. [PMID: 34845392 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-021-01077-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Ineffective antibody-mediated responses are a key characteristic of chronic viral infection. However, our understanding of the intrinsic mechanisms that drive this dysregulation are unclear. Here, we identify that targeting the epigenetic modifier BMI-1 in mice improves humoral responses to chronic lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus. BMI-1 was upregulated by germinal center B cells in chronic viral infection, correlating with changes to the accessible chromatin landscape, compared to acute infection. B cell-intrinsic deletion of Bmi1 accelerated viral clearance, reduced splenomegaly and restored splenic architecture. Deletion of Bmi1 restored c-Myc expression in B cells, concomitant with improved quality of antibody and coupled with reduced antibody-secreting cell numbers. Specifically, BMI-1-deficiency induced antibody with increased neutralizing capacity and enhanced antibody-dependent effector function. Using a small molecule inhibitor to murine BMI-1, we could deplete antibody-secreting cells and prohibit detrimental immune complex formation in vivo. This study defines BMI-1 as a crucial immune modifier that controls antibody-mediated responses in chronic infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Di Pietro
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Infection and Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jack Polmear
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Infection and Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lucy Cooper
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Infection and Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Timon Damelang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tabinda Hussain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Infection and Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lauren Hailes
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Infection and Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kristy O'Donnell
- Department of Immunology & Pathology, Alfred Research Alliance, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Vibha Udupa
- Infection and Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tian Mi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Simon Preston
- Divisions of Immunology and Molecular Immunology, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Areen Shtewe
- Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Uri Hershberg
- Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Stephen J Turner
- Infection and Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nicole L La Gruta
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Infection and Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Amy W Chung
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - David M Tarlinton
- Department of Immunology & Pathology, Alfred Research Alliance, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christopher D Scharer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kim L Good-Jacobson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia. .,Infection and Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
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18
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Dai E, Zhu Z, Wahed S, Qu Z, Storkus WJ, Guo ZS. Epigenetic modulation of antitumor immunity for improved cancer immunotherapy. Mol Cancer 2021; 20:171. [PMID: 34930302 PMCID: PMC8691037 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-021-01464-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms play vital roles not only in cancer initiation and progression, but also in the activation, differentiation and effector function(s) of immune cells. In this review, we summarize current literature related to epigenomic dynamics in immune cells impacting immune cell fate and functionality, and the immunogenicity of cancer cells. Some important immune-associated genes, such as granzyme B, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-12, FoxP3 and STING, are regulated via epigenetic mechanisms in immune or/and cancer cells, as are immune checkpoint molecules (PD-1, CTLA-4, TIM-3, LAG-3, TIGIT) expressed by immune cells and tumor-associated stromal cells. Thus, therapeutic strategies implementing epigenetic modulating drugs are expected to significantly impact the tumor microenvironment (TME) by promoting transcriptional and metabolic reprogramming in local immune cell populations, resulting in inhibition of immunosuppressive cells (MDSCs and Treg) and the activation of anti-tumor T effector cells, professional antigen presenting cells (APC), as well as cancer cells which can serve as non-professional APC. In the latter instance, epigenetic modulating agents may coordinately promote tumor immunogenicity by inducing de novo expression of transcriptionally repressed tumor-associated antigens, increasing expression of neoantigens and MHC processing/presentation machinery, and activating tumor immunogenic cell death (ICD). ICD provides a rich source of immunogens for anti-tumor T cell cross-priming and sensitizing cancer cells to interventional immunotherapy. In this way, epigenetic modulators may be envisioned as effective components in combination immunotherapy approaches capable of mediating superior therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enyong Dai
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Zhi Zhu
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Surgical Oncology, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Shudipto Wahed
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Zhaoxia Qu
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Walter J Storkus
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Departments of Dermatology, Immunology, Pathology and Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Zong Sheng Guo
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY, USA.
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19
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Kealy L, Good-Jacobson KL. Advances in understanding the formation and fate of B-cell memory in response to immunization or infection. OXFORD OPEN IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 2:iqab018. [PMID: 36845573 PMCID: PMC8499879 DOI: 10.1093/oxfimm/iqab018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunological memory has the potential to provide lifelong protection against recurrent infections. As such, it has been crucial to the success of vaccines. Yet, the recent pandemic has illuminated key gaps in our knowledge related to the factors influencing effective memory formation and the inability to predict the longevity of immune protection. In recent decades, researchers have acquired a number of novel and powerful tools with which to study the factors underpinning humoral memory. These tools have been used to study the B-cell fate decisions that occur within the germinal centre (GC), a site where responding B cells undergo affinity maturation and are one of the major routes for memory B cell and high-affinity long-lived plasma cell formation. The advent of single-cell sequencing technology has provided an enhanced resolution for studying fate decisions within the GC and cutting-edge techniques have enabled researchers to model this reaction with more accuracy both in vitro and in silico. Moreover, modern approaches to studying memory B cells have allowed us to gain a better appreciation for the heterogeneity and adaptability of this vital class of B cells. Together, these studies have facilitated important breakthroughs in our understanding of how these systems operate to ensure a successful immune response. In this review, we describe recent advances in the field of GC and memory B-cell biology in order to provide insight into how humoral memory is formed, as well as the potential for generating lasting immunity to novel pathogens such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liam Kealy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia,Infection and Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kim L Good-Jacobson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia,Infection and Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia,Correspondence address. Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Ground floor reception, 23 Innovation Walk (Bldg 77), Clayton, Victoria 3800 Australia. Tel: (+613) 990-29510; E-mail: ; Twitter: @KimLJacobson
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20
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Ming R, Wang E, Wei J, Shen J, Zong S, Xiao H. The Prognostic Value of the DNA Repair Gene Signature in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2021; 11:710694. [PMID: 34395285 PMCID: PMC8362833 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.710694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To construct a prognostic signature composed of DNA repair genes to effectively predict the prognosis of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Methods After downloading the transcriptome and clinical data of HNSCC from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), 499 patients with HNSCC were equally divided into training and testing sets. In the training set, 13 DNA repair genes were screened using univariate proportional hazard (Cox) regression analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression analysis to construct a risk model, which was validated in the testing set. Results In the training and testing sets, there were significant differences in the clinical outcomes of patients in the high- and low-risk groups showed by Kaplan-Meier survival curves (P < 0.001). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses showed that the risk score had independent prognostic predictive ability (P < 0.001). At the same time, the immune cell infiltration, immune score, immune-related gene expression, and tumor mutation burden (TMB) of patients with HNSCC were also different between the high- and low-risk groups (P < 0.05). Finally, we screened several chemotherapeutics for HNSCC, which showed significant differences in drug sensitivity between the high- and low-risk groups (P < 0.05). Conclusion This study constructed a 13-DNA-repair-gene signature for the prognosis of HNSCC, which could accurately and independently predict the clinical outcome of the patient. We then revealed the immune landscape, TMB, and sensitivity to chemotherapy drugs in different risk groups, which might be used to guide clinical treatment decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruijie Ming
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Enhao Wang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiahui Wei
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jinxiong Shen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shimin Zong
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hongjun Xiao
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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21
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Patterson DG, Kania AK, Zuo Z, Scharer CD, Boss JM. Epigenetic gene regulation in plasma cells. Immunol Rev 2021; 303:8-22. [PMID: 34010461 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Humoral immunity provides protection from pathogenic infection and is mediated by antibodies following the differentiation of naive B cells (nBs) to antibody-secreting cells (ASCs). This process requires substantial epigenetic and transcriptional rewiring to ultimately repress the nB program and replace it with one conducive to ASC physiology and function. Notably, these reprogramming events occur within the framework of cell division. Efforts to understand the relationship of cell division with reprogramming and ASC differentiation in vivo have uncovered the timing and scope of reprogramming, as well as key factors that influence these events. Herein, we discuss the unique physiology of ASC and how nBs undergo epigenetic and genome architectural reorganization to acquire the necessary functions to support antibody production. We also discuss the stage-wise manner in which reprogramming occurs across cell divisions and how key molecular determinants can influence B cell fate outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dillon G Patterson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Anna K Kania
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Zhihong Zuo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | | | - Jeremy M Boss
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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22
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Cildir G, Tumes DJ. DOT1L leaves its mark on adaptive immunity. Immunol Cell Biol 2021; 99:348-350. [PMID: 33604914 DOI: 10.1111/imcb.12440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gökhan Cildir
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Damon J Tumes
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
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