1
|
Hu X, Wang Y, Zhang X, Li C, Zhang X, Yang D, Liu Y, Li L. DNA methylation of HOX genes and its clinical implications in cancer. Exp Mol Pathol 2023; 134:104871. [PMID: 37696326 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2023.104871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Homeobox (HOX) genes encode highly conserved transcription factors that play vital roles in embryonic development. DNA methylation is a pivotal regulatory epigenetic signaling mark responsible for regulating gene expression. Abnormal DNA methylation is largely associated with the aberrant expression of HOX genes, which is implicated in a broad range of human diseases, including cancer. Numerous studies have clarified the mechanisms of DNA methylation in both physiological and pathological processes. In this review, we focus on how DNA methylation regulates HOX genes and briefly discuss drug development approaches targeting these mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Hu
- Department of Immunology, School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250117, Shandong, China
| | - Yong Wang
- Shandong Xinchuang Biotechnology Co., LTD, Jinan 250102, Shandong, China; Laboratory of Precision Medicine, Zhangqiu District People's Hospital of Jinan, Jinan 250200, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhang
- Department of Immunology, School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250117, Shandong, China
| | - Chensheng Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Xikun Zhang
- Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250031, Shandong, China
| | - Dongxia Yang
- Shandong Xinchuang Biotechnology Co., LTD, Jinan 250102, Shandong, China
| | - Yuanyuan Liu
- Shandong Xinchuang Biotechnology Co., LTD, Jinan 250102, Shandong, China
| | - Lianlian Li
- Department of Oncology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, Shandong, China; Department of Immunology, School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250117, Shandong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Apfelbaum AA, Wu F, Hawkins AG, Magnuson B, Jiménez JA, Taylor SD, Wrenn ED, Waltner O, Pfaltzgraff ER, Song JY, Hall C, Wellik DM, Ljungman M, Furlan SN, Ryan RJ, Sarthy JF, Lawlor ER. EWS::FLI1 and HOXD13 Control Tumor Cell Plasticity in Ewing Sarcoma. Clin Cancer Res 2022; 28:4466-4478. [PMID: 35653119 PMCID: PMC9588607 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-22-0384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Propagation of Ewing sarcoma requires precise regulation of EWS::FLI1 transcriptional activity. Determining the mechanisms of fusion regulation will advance our understanding of tumor progression. Here we investigated whether HOXD13, a developmental transcription factor that promotes Ewing sarcoma metastatic phenotypes, influences EWS::FLI1 transcriptional activity. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Existing tumor and cell line datasets were used to define EWS::FLI1 binding sites and transcriptional targets. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and CRISPR interference were employed to identify enhancers. CUT&RUN and RNA sequencing defined binding sites and transcriptional targets of HOXD13. Transcriptional states were investigated using bulk and single-cell transcriptomic data from cell lines, patient-derived xenografts, and patient tumors. Mesenchymal phenotypes were assessed by gene set enrichment, flow cytometry, and migration assays. RESULTS We found that EWS::FLI1 creates a de novo GGAA microsatellite enhancer in a developmentally conserved regulatory region of the HOXD locus. Knockdown of HOXD13 led to widespread changes in expression of developmental gene programs and EWS::FLI1 targets. HOXD13 binding was enriched at established EWS::FLI1 binding sites where it influenced expression of EWS::FLI1-activated genes. More strikingly, HOXD13 bound and activated EWS::FLI1-repressed genes, leading to adoption of mesenchymal and migratory cell states that are normally suppressed by the fusion. Single-cell analysis confirmed that direct transcriptional antagonism between HOXD13-mediated gene activation and EWS::FLI1-dependent gene repression defines the state of Ewing sarcoma cells along a mesenchymal axis. CONCLUSIONS Ewing sarcoma tumors are comprised of tumor cells that exist along a mesenchymal transcriptional continuum. The identity of cells along this continuum is, in large part, determined by the competing activities of EWS::FLI1 and HOXD13. See related commentary by Weiss and Bailey, p. 4360.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- April A. Apfelbaum
- Cancer Biology PhD Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA,Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA, 98101, USA
| | - Feinan Wu
- Genomics and Bioinformatics Shared Resource, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Allegra G. Hawkins
- Childhood Cancer Data Lab Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Brian Magnuson
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Jennifer A. Jiménez
- Cancer Biology PhD Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Sean D. Taylor
- Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA, 98101, USA
| | - Emma D. Wrenn
- Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA, 98101, USA
| | - Olivia Waltner
- Fred Hutch Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | | | - Jane Y. Song
- Immunology Discovery, Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Cody Hall
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Deneen M. Wellik
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53705
| | - Mats Ljungman
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Scott N. Furlan
- Fred Hutch Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA,Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
| | - Russell J.H. Ryan
- Immunology Discovery, Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Jay F. Sarthy
- Fred Hutch Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA,Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
| | - Elizabeth R. Lawlor
- Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA, 98101, USA,Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA.,Correspondence: Elizabeth R. Lawlor MD, PhD, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Olive Lab, 1100 Olive Way, Suite 100 Seattle, WA 98101,
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Sipani R, Joshi R. Hox genes collaborate with helix-loop-helix factor Grainyhead to promote neuroblast apoptosis along the anterior-posterior axis of the Drosophila larval central nervous system. Genetics 2022; 222:6632667. [DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyac101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Hox genes code for a family of a homeodomain (HD) containing transcription factors that use TALE-HD containing factors Pbx/Exd and Meis/Hth to specify the development of the anterior-posterior (AP) axis of an organism. However, the absence of TALE-HD containing factors from specific tissues emphasizes the need to identify and validate new Hox cofactors. In Drosophila central nervous system (CNS), Hox execute segment-specific apoptosis of neural stem cells (neuroblasts-NBs) and neurons. In abdominal segments of larval CNS, Hox gene Abdominal-A (AbdA) mediates NB apoptosis with the help of Exd and bHLH factor Grainyhead (Grh) using a 717 bp apoptotic enhancer. In this study, we show that this enhancer is critical for abdominal NB apoptosis and relies on two separable set of DNA binding motifs responsible for its initiation and maintenance. Our results also show that AbdA and Grh interact through their highly conserved DNA binding domains, and the DNA binding specificity of AbdA-HD is important for it to interact with Grh and essential for it to execute NB apoptosis in CNS. We also establish that Grh is required for Hox-dependent NB apoptosis in Labial and Sex Combs Reduced (Scr) expressing regions of the CNS, and it can physically interact with all the Hox proteins in vitro. Our biochemical and functional data collectively support the idea that Grh can function as a Hox cofactor and help them carry out their in vivo roles during development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rashmi Sipani
- Laboratory of Drosophila Neural Development, Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD) , Inner Ring Road, Uppal, Hyderabad-500039. India
- Graduate Studies, Manipal Academy of Higher Education , Manipal 576104, India
| | - Rohit Joshi
- Laboratory of Drosophila Neural Development, Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD) , Inner Ring Road, Uppal, Hyderabad-500039. India
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Singh NP, Krumlauf R. Diversification and Functional Evolution of HOX Proteins. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:798812. [PMID: 35646905 PMCID: PMC9136108 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.798812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene duplication and divergence is a major contributor to the generation of morphological diversity and the emergence of novel features in vertebrates during evolution. The availability of sequenced genomes has facilitated our understanding of the evolution of genes and regulatory elements. However, progress in understanding conservation and divergence in the function of proteins has been slow and mainly assessed by comparing protein sequences in combination with in vitro analyses. These approaches help to classify proteins into different families and sub-families, such as distinct types of transcription factors, but how protein function varies within a gene family is less well understood. Some studies have explored the functional evolution of closely related proteins and important insights have begun to emerge. In this review, we will provide a general overview of gene duplication and functional divergence and then focus on the functional evolution of HOX proteins to illustrate evolutionary changes underlying diversification and their role in animal evolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Robb Krumlauf
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, United States
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Kansas University Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
- *Correspondence: Robb Krumlauf,
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Bridoux L, Gofflot F, Rezsohazy R. HOX Protein Activity Regulation by Cellular Localization. J Dev Biol 2021; 9:jdb9040056. [PMID: 34940503 PMCID: PMC8707151 DOI: 10.3390/jdb9040056] [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: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
While the functions of HOX genes have been and remain extensively studied in distinct model organisms from flies to mice, the molecular biology of HOX proteins remains poorly documented. In particular, the mechanisms involved in regulating the activity of HOX proteins have been poorly investigated. Nonetheless, based on data available from other well-characterized transcription factors, it can be assumed that HOX protein activity must be finely tuned in a cell-type-specific manner and in response to defined environmental cues. Indeed, records in protein–protein interaction databases or entries in post-translational modification registries clearly support that HOX proteins are the targets of multiple layers of regulation at the protein level. In this context, we review here what has been reported and what can be inferred about how the activities of HOX proteins are regulated by their intracellular distribution.
Collapse
|
6
|
Poliacikova G, Maurel-Zaffran C, Graba Y, Saurin AJ. Hox Proteins in the Regulation of Muscle Development. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:731996. [PMID: 34733846 PMCID: PMC8558437 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.731996] [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: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hox genes encode evolutionary conserved transcription factors that specify the anterior-posterior axis in all bilaterians. Being well known for their role in patterning ectoderm-derivatives, such as CNS and spinal cord, Hox protein function is also crucial in mesodermal patterning. While well described in the case of the vertebrate skeleton, much less is known about Hox functions in the development of different muscle types. In contrast to vertebrates however, studies in the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, have provided precious insights into the requirement of Hox at multiple stages of the myogenic process. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of Hox protein function in Drosophila and vertebrate muscle development, with a focus on the molecular mechanisms underlying target gene regulation in this process. Emphasizing a tight ectoderm/mesoderm cross talk for proper locomotion, we discuss shared principles between CNS and muscle lineage specification and the emerging role of Hox in neuromuscular circuit establishment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yacine Graba
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, IBDM, UMR 7288, Marseille, France
| | - Andrew J Saurin
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, IBDM, UMR 7288, Marseille, France
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Hombría JCG, García-Ferrés M, Sánchez-Higueras C. Anterior Hox Genes and the Process of Cephalization. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:718175. [PMID: 34422836 PMCID: PMC8374599 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.718175] [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: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
During evolution, bilateral animals have experienced a progressive process of cephalization with the anterior concentration of nervous tissue, sensory organs and the appearance of dedicated feeding structures surrounding the mouth. Cephalization has been achieved by the specialization of the unsegmented anterior end of the body (the acron) and the sequential recruitment to the head of adjacent anterior segments. Here we review the key developmental contribution of Hox1-5 genes to the formation of cephalic structures in vertebrates and arthropods and discuss how this evolved. The appearance of Hox cephalic genes preceded the evolution of a highly specialized head in both groups, indicating that Hox gene involvement in the control of cephalic structures was acquired independently during the evolution of vertebrates and invertebrates to regulate the genes required for head innovation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James C-G Hombría
- Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas/Junta de Andalucía/Universidad Pablo de Olavide), Seville, Spain
| | - Mar García-Ferrés
- Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas/Junta de Andalucía/Universidad Pablo de Olavide), Seville, Spain
| | - Carlos Sánchez-Higueras
- Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas/Junta de Andalucía/Universidad Pablo de Olavide), Seville, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wilmerding A, Bouteille L, Rinaldi L, Caruso N, Graba Y, Delfini MC. HOXB8 Counteracts MAPK/ERK Oncogenic Signaling in a Chicken Embryo Model of Neoplasia. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:8911. [PMID: 34445617 PMCID: PMC8396257 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
HOX transcription factors are members of an evolutionarily conserved family of proteins required for the establishment of the anteroposterior body axis during bilaterian development. Although they are often deregulated in cancers, the molecular mechanisms by which they act as oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes are only partially understood. Since the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway is deregulated in most cancers, we aimed at apprehending if and how the Hox proteins interact with ERK oncogenicity. Using an in vivo neoplasia model in the chicken embryo consisting in the overactivation of the ERK1/2 kinases in the trunk neural tube, we analyzed the consequences of the HOXB8 gain of function at the morphological and transcriptional levels. We found that HOXB8 acts as a tumor suppressor, counteracting ERK-induced neoplasia. The HOXB8 tumor suppressor function relies on a large reversion of the oncogenic transcriptome induced by ERK. In addition to showing that the HOXB8 protein controls the transcriptional responsiveness to ERK oncogenic signaling, our study identified new downstream targets of ERK oncogenic activation in an in vivo context that could provide clues for therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Axelle Wilmerding
- Aix Marseille Université (AMU), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut de Biologie du Développement de Marseille (IBDM-UMR 7288), 13288 Marseille, France; (A.W.); (L.B.); (L.R.); (N.C.)
| | - Lauranne Bouteille
- Aix Marseille Université (AMU), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut de Biologie du Développement de Marseille (IBDM-UMR 7288), 13288 Marseille, France; (A.W.); (L.B.); (L.R.); (N.C.)
| | - Lucrezia Rinaldi
- Aix Marseille Université (AMU), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut de Biologie du Développement de Marseille (IBDM-UMR 7288), 13288 Marseille, France; (A.W.); (L.B.); (L.R.); (N.C.)
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Department of Medicine and the Cancer Center, Division of Hematology, Harvard Initiative of RNA Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Nathalie Caruso
- Aix Marseille Université (AMU), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut de Biologie du Développement de Marseille (IBDM-UMR 7288), 13288 Marseille, France; (A.W.); (L.B.); (L.R.); (N.C.)
| | - Yacine Graba
- Aix Marseille Université (AMU), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut de Biologie du Développement de Marseille (IBDM-UMR 7288), 13288 Marseille, France; (A.W.); (L.B.); (L.R.); (N.C.)
| | - Marie-Claire Delfini
- Aix Marseille Université (AMU), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut de Biologie du Développement de Marseille (IBDM-UMR 7288), 13288 Marseille, France; (A.W.); (L.B.); (L.R.); (N.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Chen Z, Wu J, Liu B, Zhang G, Wang Z, Zhang L, Wang K, Fan Z, Zhu P. Identification of cis-HOX-HOXC10 axis as a therapeutic target for colorectal tumor-initiating cells without APC mutations. Cell Rep 2021; 36:109431. [PMID: 34320348 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide, in which adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) mutations are frequently and uniquely observed. Here we find that cis-HOX (circular RNA stabilizing HOXC10) is robustly expressed in colorectal tumor-initiating cells (TICs). cis-HOX knockout decreases colorectal TIC numbers and impairs the self-renewal, tumorigenesis, and metastatic capacities of TICs, whereas cis-HOX overexpression drives colorectal TIC self-renewal and metastasis. Mechanistically, cis-HOX binds to HOXC10 mRNA to attenuate its decay through blocking the K-homology splicing regulatory protein (KSRP)-binding sequence of HOXC10 3' UTR. HOXC10 is highly expressed in colorectal tumors and TICs and triggers Wnt/β-catenin activation by activating FZD3 expression. HOXC10 inhibitor salinomycin exerts efficient therapeutic effects in APC-wild-type colorectal tumors, but not in tumors with APC nonsense mutations. Therefore, the cis-HOX-HOXC10 pathway drives colorectal tumorigenesis, stemness, and metastasis and serves as a potential therapeutic target for APC-wild-type colorectal tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhenzhen Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; International Joint Laboratory for Protein and Peptide Drugs of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
| | - Jiayi Wu
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Benyu Liu
- Research Center of Basic Medicine, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Guangtan Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Henan University, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 7 Weiwu Road, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450003, China
| | - Zhiwei Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Lulu Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Kaili Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Zusen Fan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Pingping Zhu
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450052, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Wilmerding A, Rinaldi L, Caruso N, Lo Re L, Bonzom E, Saurin AJ, Graba Y, Delfini MC. HoxB genes regulate neuronal delamination in the trunk neural tube by controlling the expression of Lzts1. Development 2021; 148:dev.195404. [PMID: 33472847 DOI: 10.1242/dev.195404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Differential Hox gene expression is central for specification of axial neuronal diversity in the spinal cord. Here, we uncover an additional function of Hox proteins in the developing spinal cord, restricted to B cluster Hox genes. We found that members of the HoxB cluster are expressed in the trunk neural tube of chicken embryo earlier than Hox from the other clusters, with poor antero-posterior axial specificity and with overlapping expression in the intermediate zone (IZ). Gain-of-function experiments of HoxB4, HoxB8 and HoxB9, respectively, representative of anterior, central and posterior HoxB genes, resulted in ectopic progenitor cells in the mantle zone. The search for HoxB8 downstream targets in the early neural tube identified the leucine zipper tumor suppressor 1 gene (Lzts1), the expression of which is also activated by HoxB4 and HoxB9. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments showed that Lzts1, which is expressed endogenously in the IZ, controls neuronal delamination. These data collectively indicate that HoxB genes have a generic function in the developing spinal cord, controlling the expression of Lzts1 and neuronal delamination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nathalie Caruso
- Aix Marseille University, CNRS, IBDM, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - Laure Lo Re
- Aix Marseille University, CNRS, IBDM, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - Emilie Bonzom
- Aix Marseille University, CNRS, IBDM, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - Andrew J Saurin
- Aix Marseille University, CNRS, IBDM, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - Yacine Graba
- Aix Marseille University, CNRS, IBDM, 13288 Marseille, France
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Duffraisse M, Paul R, Carnesecchi J, Hudry B, Banreti A, Reboulet J, Ajuria L, Lohmann I, Merabet S. Role of a versatile peptide motif controlling Hox nuclear export and autophagy in the Drosophila fat body. J Cell Sci 2020; 133:jcs241943. [PMID: 32878938 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.241943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hox proteins are major regulators of embryonic development, acting in the nucleus to regulate the expression of their numerous downstream target genes. By analyzing deletion forms of the Drosophila Hox protein Ultrabithorax (Ubx), we identified the presence of an unconventional nuclear export signal (NES) that overlaps with a highly conserved motif originally described as mediating the interaction with the PBC proteins, a generic and crucial class of Hox transcriptional cofactors that act in development and cancer. We show that this unconventional NES is involved in the interaction with the major exportin protein CRM1 (also known as Embargoed in flies) in vivo and in vitro We find that this interaction is tightly regulated in the Drosophila fat body to control the autophagy-repressive activity of Ubx during larval development. The role of the PBC interaction motif as part of an unconventional NES was also uncovered in other Drosophila and human Hox proteins, highlighting the evolutionary conservation of this novel function. Together, our results reveal the extreme molecular versatility of a unique short peptide motif for controlling the context-dependent activity of Hox proteins both at transcriptional and non-transcriptional levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marilyne Duffraisse
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle de Lyon, ENS-Lyon, 32/34 Av. Tony Garnier, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Rachel Paul
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle de Lyon, ENS-Lyon, 32/34 Av. Tony Garnier, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Julie Carnesecchi
- Centre for Organismal Studies, Im Neuenheimer Feld 230, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Bruno Hudry
- Institut de Biologie Valrose, Parc Valrose, 06108 Nice, France
| | - Agnes Banreti
- Institut de Biologie Valrose, Parc Valrose, 06108 Nice, France
| | - Jonathan Reboulet
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle de Lyon, ENS-Lyon, 32/34 Av. Tony Garnier, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Leiore Ajuria
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle de Lyon, ENS-Lyon, 32/34 Av. Tony Garnier, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Ingrid Lohmann
- Centre for Organismal Studies, Im Neuenheimer Feld 230, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Samir Merabet
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle de Lyon, ENS-Lyon, 32/34 Av. Tony Garnier, 69007 Lyon, France
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Lin S, Zhang R, Xu L, Ma R, Xu L, Zhu L, Hu J, An X. LncRNA Hoxaas3 promotes lung fibroblast activation and fibrosis by targeting miR-450b-5p to regulate Runx1. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:706. [PMID: 32848140 PMCID: PMC7450059 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-02889-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2019] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) participate in organ fibrosis and various pulmonary diseases, but its role in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is not fully understood. In this study, we found lncRNA Hoxaas3 (Hoxaas3) was up-regulated in the mice model of BLM-induced PF and TGF-β1-induced fibrogenesis in lung fibroblasts (LF). Overexpression of Hoxaas3 promoted fibrogenesis, whereas Hoxaas3 inhibition attenuated lung fibrosis both in vitro and in vivo, through regulation of miR-450b-5p. Furthermore, miR-450b-5p inhibition stimulated fibrogenesis by regulating runt-related transcription factor 1 (Runx1), whereas up-regulation of miR-450b-5p alleviated fibrogenesis in LF. Mechanistically, our study showed that Hoxaas3 regulated lung fibroblast activation and fibrogenesis by acting as a competing endogenous RNA for miR-450b-5p: Hoxaas3 decreased the expression of miR-450b-5p to stimulate level and activity of Runx1 and induced fibrotic LF, whereas Runx1 inhibition alleviated the pro-fibrotic effect of Hoxaas3. In addition, Hoxaas3 was regulated by TGF-β1/Smad4 pathway as its transcriptional target. In conclusion, our study showed the role and mechanism of the TGF-β1/Smad4- Hoxaas3–miR-450b-5p–Runx1 axis for a better understanding of PF, demonstrated Hoxaas3 maybe a new diagnostic biomarker or potential therapeutic target for IPF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Lin
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hangzhou Wuyunshan Sanatorium, the Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lei Xu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Henan Province People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Rui Ma
- Department of Surgery, Zhejiang University Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Liming Xu
- Department of Pathology, the First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Linghua Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jian Hu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Xiaoxia An
- Department of Anesthesiology, the First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Roux M, Bouchard M, Kmita M. Multifaceted Hoxa13 function in urogenital development underlies the Hand-Foot-Genital Syndrome. Hum Mol Genet 2020; 28:1671-1681. [PMID: 30649340 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddz013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Revised: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Hand-Foot-Genital syndrome is a rare condition caused by mutations in the HOXA13 gene and characterized by limb malformations and urogenital defects. While the role of Hoxa13 in limb development has been extensively studied, its function during the development of the urogenital system remains elusive mostly due to the embryonic lethality of Hoxa13 homozygous mutant mice. Using a conditional inactivation strategy, we show that mouse fetuses lacking Hoxa13 function develop megaureters, hydronephrosis and malformations of the uterus, reminiscent of the defects characterizing patients with Hand-Foot-Genital syndrome. Our analysis reveals that Hoxa13 plays a critical role in Müllerian ducts fusion and in ureter remodeling by regulating the elimination of the caudal common nephric duct, eventually preventing the separation from the nephric duct. Our data also reveal a specific role for Hoxa13 in the urogenital sinus, which is in part mediated by Gata3, as well as Hoxa13 requirement for the proper organization of the ureter. Finally, we provide evidence that Hoxa13 provides positional and temporal cues during the development of the lower urogenital system, a sine qua non condition for the proper function of the urinary system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marine Roux
- Genetics and Development Research Unit, Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Maxime Bouchard
- Goodman Cancer Research Centre and Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Marie Kmita
- Genetics and Development Research Unit, Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Département de Médecine (Programme de Biologie Moléculaire), Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Shi C, Chen J, Kang X, Zhao G, Lao X, Zheng H. Deep Learning in the Study of Protein-Related Interactions. Protein Pept Lett 2019; 27:359-369. [PMID: 31538879 DOI: 10.2174/0929866526666190723114142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2019] [Revised: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Protein-related interaction prediction is critical to understanding life processes, biological functions, and mechanisms of drug action. Experimental methods used to determine proteinrelated interactions have always been costly and inefficient. In recent years, advances in biological and medical technology have provided us with explosive biological and physiological data, and deep learning-based algorithms have shown great promise in extracting features and learning patterns from complex data. At present, deep learning in protein research has emerged. In this review, we provide an introductory overview of the deep neural network theory and its unique properties. Mainly focused on the application of this technology in protein-related interactions prediction over the past five years, including protein-protein interactions prediction, protein-RNA\DNA, Protein- drug interactions prediction, and others. Finally, we discuss some of the challenges that deep learning currently faces.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Shi
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Jiaxing Chen
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xinyue Kang
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Guiling Zhao
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xingzhen Lao
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Heng Zheng
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
HOXA2 activity regulation by cytoplasmic relocation, protein stabilization and post-translational modification. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2019; 1862:194404. [PMID: 31323436 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2019.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Revised: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
HOX proteins are homeodomain transcription factors critically involved in patterning animal embryos and controlling organogenesis. While the functions of HOX proteins and the processes under their control begin to be well documented, the modalities of HOX protein activity regulation remain poorly understood. Here we show that HOXA2 interacts with PPP1CB, a catalytic subunit of the Ser/Thr PP1 phosphatase complex. This interaction co-localizes in the cytoplasm with a previously described HOXA2 interactor, KPC2, which belongs to the KPC E3 ubiquitin ligase complex. We provide evidence that HOXA2, PPP1CB and KPC2 define a molecularly and functionally interacting complex. Collectively, our experiments support that PPP1CB and KPC2 together inhibit the activity of HOXA2 by activating its nuclear export, but favored HOXA2 de-ubiquitination and stabilization thereby establishing a store of HOXA2 in the cytoplasm.
Collapse
|