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Seipel K, Kopp B, Bacher U, Pabst T. BMI1-Inhibitor PTC596 in Combination with MCL1 Inhibitor S63845 or MEK Inhibitor Trametinib in the Treatment of Acute Leukemia. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13030581. [PMID: 33540760 PMCID: PMC7867282 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13030581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Prognosis for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients is poor, particularly in TP53 mutated AML, secondary, relapsed, and refractory AML, and in patients unfit for intensive treatment, thus highlighting an unmet need for novel therapeutic approaches. Targeting the stem cell oncoprotein BMI1 in leukemic cells may represent a promising novel treatment option for poor risk AML patients, especially in combination with other targeted therapies. Here we tested the BMI1 inhibitor PTC596 in combination with a variety of targeted therapies in AML cell lines and patient samples in vitro. In addition, we defined the biomarkers of response to the combination treatments in the leukemic cells. The combination treatment with the BMI1 inhibitor PTC596 and the MCL1 inhibitor S63845 may be an effective treatment in CD34+ adverse risk AML with elevated MN1 gene expression and MCL1 protein levels, while combination treatment with BMI1 inhibitor PTC596 and the MEK inhibitor trametinib may be more effective in CD34+ adverse risk AML with elevated BMI1 gene expression and MEK protein levels. The determination of gene and protein expression levels in leukemic cells as biomarkers of response to targeted combination therapies may be helpful to optimize treatment efficacy. Abstract Purpose: Prognosis for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients is poor, particularly in TP53 mutated AML, secondary, relapsed, and refractory AML, and in patients unfit for intensive treatment, thus highlighting an unmet need for novel therapeutic approaches. The combined use of compounds targeting the stem cell oncoprotein BMI1 and activating the tumor suppressor protein p53 may represent a promising novel treatment option for poor risk AML patients. Experimental Design: The BMI1 inhibitor PTC596, MCL1 inhibitor S63845, and MEK inhibitor trametinib, as well as the p53 activator APR-246 were assessed as single agents and in combination for their ability to induce apoptosis and cell death in leukemic cells. AML cells represented all major morphologic and molecular subtypes including FLT3-ITD and FLT3 wild type, NPM1 mutant and wild type, as well as TP53 mutant and wild type AML cell lines and a variety of patient derived AML cells. Results: AML cell lines were variably susceptible to PTC596 and to combination treatments with PTC596 and MCL1 inhibitor S63845, MEK inhibitor trametinib, or TP53 activator APR-246, independent of TP53 mutational status. Susceptibility of patient samples for PTC596 in combination with S63845 or trametinib was significant for the majority of adverse risk primary and secondary AML with minimal efficacy in favorable risk AML, and correlated significantly with CD34 positivity of the samples. BMI1 and MN1 gene expression, and MCL1 and MEK1 protein levels were identified as biomarkers for response to PTC596 combination treatments. Conclusions: The combination of PTC596 and S63845 may be an effective treatment in CD34+ adverse risk AML with elevated MN1 gene expression and MCL1 protein levels, while PTC596 and trametinib may be more effective in CD34+ adverse risk AML with elevated BMI1 gene expression and MEK protein levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Seipel
- Department for Biomedical Research (DBMR), University of Berne, 3008 Bern, Switzerland or (K.S.); (B.K.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Berne, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Basil Kopp
- Department for Biomedical Research (DBMR), University of Berne, 3008 Bern, Switzerland or (K.S.); (B.K.)
| | - Ulrike Bacher
- Department of Hematology, University Hospital Berne, 3010 Bern, Switzerland;
| | - Thomas Pabst
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Berne, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +41-31-632-8430; Fax: +41-31-632-3410
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2
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Jentzsch M, Bill M, Grimm J, Brauer D, Backhaus D, Goldmann K, Schulz J, Niederwieser D, Platzbecker U, Schwind S. Allogeneic stem cell transplantation mitigates the adverse prognostic impact of high diagnostic BAALC and MN1 expression in AML. Ann Hematol 2020; 99:2417-2427. [PMID: 32862286 PMCID: PMC7481166 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-020-04235-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
For most acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients, an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) offers the highest chance of sustained remissions and long-term survival. At diagnosis, high expression of the AML-associated genes BAALC (brain and acute leukemia, cytoplasmic) and MN1 (meningioma-1) were repeatedly linked to inferior outcomes in patients consolidated with chemotherapy while data for patients receiving HSCT remain limited. Using clinically applicable digital droplet PCR assays, we analyzed the diagnostic BAALC/ABL1 and MN1/ABL1 copy numbers in 302 AML patients. High BAALC/ABL1 and MN1/ABL1 copy numbers associated with common adverse prognostic factors at diagnosis. However, while high diagnostic copy numbers of both genes associated with shorter event free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients receiving chemotherapy, there was no prognostic impact in patients undergoing HSCT. Our data suggests that the adverse prognostic impact of high BAALC and MN1 expression are mitigated by allogeneic HSCT. But preHSCT BAALC/ABL1 and MN1/ABL1 assessed in remission prior to HSCT remained prognosticators for EFS and OS independent of the diagnostic expression status. Whether allogeneic HSCT may improve survival for AML patients with high diagnostic BAALC or MN1 expression should be investigated prospectively and may improve informed decisions towards individualized consolidation options in AML.
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MESH Headings
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Allografts
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use
- Bone Marrow/chemistry
- Bone Marrow/pathology
- Combined Modality Therapy
- Cytarabine/administration & dosage
- Disease-Free Survival
- Female
- Gene Dosage
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Humans
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/diagnosis
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/genetics
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/mortality
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/therapy
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Neoplasm Proteins/biosynthesis
- Neoplasm Proteins/genetics
- Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation
- Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods
- Prognosis
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-abl/genetics
- Trans-Activators/biosynthesis
- Trans-Activators/genetics
- Treatment Outcome
- Tumor Suppressor Proteins/biosynthesis
- Tumor Suppressor Proteins/genetics
- Young Adult
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Affiliation(s)
- Madlen Jentzsch
- Medical Clinic and Policlinic 1, Hematology and Cellular Therapy, Leipzig University Hospital, Liebigstraße 22, Haus 7, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Marius Bill
- Medical Clinic and Policlinic 1, Hematology and Cellular Therapy, Leipzig University Hospital, Liebigstraße 22, Haus 7, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Juliane Grimm
- Medical Clinic and Policlinic 1, Hematology and Cellular Therapy, Leipzig University Hospital, Liebigstraße 22, Haus 7, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Dominic Brauer
- Medical Clinic and Policlinic 1, Hematology and Cellular Therapy, Leipzig University Hospital, Liebigstraße 22, Haus 7, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Donata Backhaus
- Medical Clinic and Policlinic 1, Hematology and Cellular Therapy, Leipzig University Hospital, Liebigstraße 22, Haus 7, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Karoline Goldmann
- Medical Clinic and Policlinic 1, Hematology and Cellular Therapy, Leipzig University Hospital, Liebigstraße 22, Haus 7, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Julia Schulz
- Medical Clinic and Policlinic 1, Hematology and Cellular Therapy, Leipzig University Hospital, Liebigstraße 22, Haus 7, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Dietger Niederwieser
- Medical Clinic and Policlinic 1, Hematology and Cellular Therapy, Leipzig University Hospital, Liebigstraße 22, Haus 7, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Uwe Platzbecker
- Medical Clinic and Policlinic 1, Hematology and Cellular Therapy, Leipzig University Hospital, Liebigstraße 22, Haus 7, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sebastian Schwind
- Medical Clinic and Policlinic 1, Hematology and Cellular Therapy, Leipzig University Hospital, Liebigstraße 22, Haus 7, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
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3
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Effective drug treatment identified by in vivo screening in a transplantable patient-derived xenograft model of chronic myelomonocytic leukemia. Leukemia 2020; 34:2951-2963. [PMID: 32576961 PMCID: PMC7116758 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-020-0929-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
To establish novel and effective treatment combinations for chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) preclinically, we hypothesized that supplementation of CMML cells with the human oncogene Meningioma 1 (MN1) promotes expansion and serial transplantability in mice, while maintaining the functional dependencies of these cells on their original genetic profile. Using lentiviral expression of MN1 for oncogenic supplementation and transplanting transduced primary mononuclear CMML cells into immunocompromised mice, we established three serially transplantable CMML-PDX models with disease-related gene mutations that recapitulate the disease in vivo. Ectopic MN1 expression was confirmed to enhance the proliferation of CMML cells, which otherwise did not engraft upon secondary transplantation. Furthermore, MN1-supplemented CMML cells were serially transplantable into recipient mice up to 5 generations. This robust engraftment enabled an in vivo RNA interference screening targeting CMML-related mutated genes including NRAS, confirming that their functional relevance is preserved in the presence of MN1. The novel combination treatment with azacitidine and the MEK-inhibitor trametinib additively inhibited ERK-phosphorylation and thus depleted the signal from mutated NRAS. The combination treatment significantly prolonged survival of CMML mice compared to single-agent treatment. Thus, we identified the combination of azacitidine and trametinib as an effective treatment in NRAS-mutated CMML and propose its clinical development.
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4
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Schwaller J. Role of Meningioma 1 for maintaining the transformed state in MLL-rearranged acute myeloid leukemia: potential for therapeutic intervention? Haematologica 2020; 105:1174-1176. [PMID: 32358078 PMCID: PMC7193464 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2019.246348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Juerg Schwaller
- University Children’s Hospital beider Basel (UKBB), Department of Biomedicine (DBM), University of Basel, Switzerland
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5
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Schwaller J. Learning from mouse models of MLL fusion gene-driven acute leukemia. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2020; 1863:194550. [PMID: 32320749 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2020.194550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
5-10% of human acute leukemias carry chromosomal translocations involving the mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) gene that result in the expression of chimeric protein fusing MLL to >80 different partners of which AF4, ENL and AF9 are the most prevalent. In contrast to many other leukemia-associated mutations, several MLL-fusions are powerful oncogenes that transform hematopoietic stem cells but also more committed progenitor cells. Here, I review different approaches that were used to express MLL fusions in the murine hematopoietic system which often, but not always, resulted in highly penetrant and transplantable leukemias that closely phenocopied the human disease. Due to its simple and reliable nature, reconstitution of irradiated mice with bone marrow cells retrovirally expressing the MLL-AF9 fusion became the most frequently in vivo model to study the biology of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). I review some of the most influential studies that used this model to dissect critical protein interactions, the impact of epigenetic regulators, microRNAs and microenvironment-dependent signals for MLL fusion-driven leukemia. In addition, I highlight studies that used this model for shRNA- or genome editing-based screens for cellular vulnerabilities that allowed to identify novel therapeutic targets of which some entered clinical trials. Finally, I discuss some inherent characteristics of the widely used mouse model based on retroviral expression of the MLL-AF9 fusion that can limit general conclusions for the biology of AML. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: The MLL family of proteins in normal development and disease edited by Thomas A Milne.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juerg Schwaller
- University Children's Hospital Beider Basel (UKBB), Basel, Switzerland; Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Switzerland.
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6
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Seipel K, Messerli C, Wiedemann G, Bacher U, Pabst T. MN1, FOXP1 and hsa-miR-181a-5p as prognostic markers in acute myeloid leukemia patients treated with intensive induction chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation. Leuk Res 2020; 89:106296. [PMID: 31927137 DOI: 10.1016/j.leukres.2020.106296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The meningioma-1 (MN1) gene is expressed in hematopoietic CD34+ cells and down-regulated during myeloid differentiation. MN1 overexpression has been linked to shorter overall and disease free survival in AML patients treated with intensive induction chemotherapy. MN1 overexpression may still be an adverse prognostic marker in AML patients treated with autologous stem cell transplant (auto-SCT) after intensive induction chemotherapy. METHODS We retrospectively analysed 54 peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) samples of AML patients who received auto-SCT at remission (CR1) after intensive induction chemotherapy. MN1 and putative MN1-associated mRNAs, as well as MN1-associated micro-RNAs were assessed at diagnosis in peripheral blood mononuclear cells using Taqman gene expression assays. RESULTS AML patients with elevated MN1 or FoxP1 gene expression at diagnosis had a significantly shorter progression-free and overall survival after intensive induction chemo-therapy and auto-SCT. The presence of the favourable risk NPM1 mutation associated with reduced MN1 gene expression. In contrast to MN1 and FOXP1, elevated expression of the putative tumor suppressive micro-RNA hsa-miR-181a-5p was predictive for positive outcome. Correlation analysis of MN1 with myeloid gene expression levels revealed association of MN1 and BMI-1, CD34, FOXP1 and MDM2 expression. Analysis of non-coding RNAs revealed an inverse correlation of MN1 with hsa-miR-20a-5p and hsa-miR-181b-5p expression. CONCLUSIONS MN1, FOXP1 and hsa-miR-181a-5p are prognostic markers in AML patients treated with intensive induction chemotherapy and auto-SCT. While MDM2 is a validated therapeutic target, the transcription factors MN1 and FOXP1, and the chromatin modulator BMI-1 are potential therapeutic targets in the treatment of AML. The tumor suppressor hsa-miR-181a-5p may be a candidate miRNA mimic for therapeutic use.
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Aged
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/adverse effects
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use
- Biomarkers, Tumor
- Female
- Forkhead Transcription Factors/genetics
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
- Humans
- Induction Chemotherapy
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/genetics
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/mortality
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/pathology
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/therapy
- Male
- MicroRNAs/genetics
- Middle Aged
- Models, Biological
- Mutation
- Nucleophosmin
- Prognosis
- Repressor Proteins/genetics
- Retrospective Studies
- Trans-Activators/genetics
- Transplantation, Autologous
- Treatment Outcome
- Tumor Suppressor Proteins/genetics
- Young Adult
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Seipel
- Department for Biomedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital, Inselspital, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Christian Messerli
- Department for Biomedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Gertrud Wiedemann
- Department of Hematology, University Hospital, Inselspital, Bern, Switzerland; Center of Laboratory Medicine (ZLM), University Hospital, Inselspital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ulrike Bacher
- Department of Hematology, University Hospital, Inselspital, Bern, Switzerland; Center of Laboratory Medicine (ZLM), University Hospital, Inselspital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Pabst
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital, Inselspital, Bern, Switzerland.
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7
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Sharma A, Jyotsana N, Gabdoulline R, Heckl D, Kuchenbauer F, Slany RK, Ganser A, Heuser M. Meningioma 1 is indispensable for mixed lineage leukemia-rearranged acute myeloid leukemia. Haematologica 2019; 105:1294-1305. [PMID: 31413090 PMCID: PMC7193500 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2018.211201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Mixed lineage leukemia (MLL/KMT2A) rearrangements (MLL-r) are one of the most frequent chromosomal aberrations in acute myeloid leukemia. We evaluated the function of Meningioma 1 (MN1), a co-factor of HOXA9 and MEIS1, in human and murine MLL-rearranged leukemia by CRISPR-Cas9 mediated deletion of MN1. MN1 was required for in vivo leukemogenicity of MLL positive murine and human leukemia cells. Loss of MN1 inhibited cell cycle and proliferation, promoted apoptosis and induced differentiation of MLL-rearranged cells. Expression analysis and chromatin immunoprecipitation with sequencing from previously reported data sets demonstrated that MN1 primarily maintains active transcription of HOXA9 and HOXA10, which are critical downstream genes of MLL, and their target genes like BCL2, MCL1 and Survivin. Treatment of MLL-rearranged primary leukemia cells with anti-MN1 siRNA significantly reduced their clonogenic potential in contrast to normal CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cells, suggesting a therapeutic window for MN1 targeting. In summary, our findings demonstrate that MN1 plays an essential role in MLL fusion leukemias and serve as a therapeutic target in MLL-rearranged acute myeloid leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Sharma
- Department of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Nidhi Jyotsana
- Department of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Razif Gabdoulline
- Department of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Dirk Heckl
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Robert K Slany
- Department of Genetics, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Arnold Ganser
- Department of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Michael Heuser
- Department of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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8
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High expression of meningioma 1 is correlated with reduced survival rates in colorectal cancer patients. Acta Histochem 2019; 121:628-637. [PMID: 31133374 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2019.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Revised: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The identification of prognostic markers for colorectal cancer (CRC) has important clinical implications. However, the association between meningioma 1 (MN1) expression and clinical outcomes of CRC has not been fully investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of MN1 in the clinical context of CRC. We first used immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining to examine and compare MN1 expression between multiple human cancer tissues and normal tissues. Initial screening revealed that the expression of MN1 proteins was significantly higher in tumor tissues of the breast, colon, and liver than in normal tissues. In further testing conducted on 59 paired CRC samples, we observed that the expression of MN1 in CRC tissue samples was significantly higher than in adjacent normal tissues. Moreover, high MN1 expression was not significantly associated with clinicopathological characteristics. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed that high expression of MN1 mRNA or MN1 protein was significantly associated with poor CRC prognosis. Furthermore, univariate Cox analysis revealed that a high MN1 score was significantly associated with prognostic factors. Multivariate Cox analysis further indicated that gender, histologic grade, tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage, and a high MN1 score were independent factors of overall CRC survival rates. Finally, MN1 and PCNA protein levels were positively correlated, which suggests that MN1 may be involved in the cell proliferation process during CRC formation. Our results, which confirm those of other studies, indicate that (1) high levels of MN1 expression contribute to poor CRC prognosis and (2) MN1 can serve as a novel potential biomarker in predicting the prognosis of CRC patients.
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9
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Gong S, Guo M, Tang G, Yang J, Qiu H. Overexpression of TEL-MN1 Fusion Enhances Resistance of HL-60 Cells to Idarubicin. Chemotherapy 2019; 63:308-314. [PMID: 30840968 DOI: 10.1159/000495073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2018] [Accepted: 11/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The translocation t(12; 22) (p13;q12) is a recurrent but infrequent chromosome abnormality in human myeloid malignancies. To date, the role of TEL-MN1 fusion in leukemogenic process and drug resistance is still largely unknown. METHODS In the present study, the TEL-MN1 fusion was transfected into HL-60 cells to upregulate TEL-MN1 expression via a retroviral vector. MTT assay was employed to examine cell viability and flow cytometry was performed to evaluate cell apoptosis. Idarubicin was used to treat HL-60 cells for estimating the effect of TEL-MN1 fusion on the chemotherapy resistance. RESULTS The results showed that overexpression of TEL-MN1 in HL-60 cells could promote cell proliferation, suggesting that TEL-MN1 may be involved in the leukemogenesis process. HL-60 cells treated with idarubicin showed a weakened cell viability, whereas TEL-MN1 overexpression attenuated the idarubicin-induced inhibition of cell viability and acceleration of cell apoptosis of HL-60 cells. CONCLUSION Taken together, our results indicated that TEL-MN1 fusion is an oncogene involved in the leukemogenesis process and TEL-MN1 overexpression enhanced resistance of HL-60 cells to idarubicin, which may provide a useful tool for studying the mechanism of leukemogenesis and drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenglan Gong
- Department of Hematology, Institute of Hematology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengqiao Guo
- Department of Hematology, Institute of Hematology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Gusheng Tang
- Department of Hematology, Institute of Hematology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianmin Yang
- Department of Hematology, Institute of Hematology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huiying Qiu
- Department of Hematology, Institute of Hematology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China,
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10
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The Impact of the Cellular Origin in Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Learning From Mouse Models. Hemasphere 2019; 3:e152. [PMID: 31723801 PMCID: PMC6745939 DOI: 10.1097/hs9.0000000000000152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a genetically heterogeneous disease driven by a limited number of cooperating mutations. There is a long-standing debate as to whether AML driver mutations occur in hematopoietic stem or in more committed progenitor cells. Here, we review how different mouse models, despite their inherent limitations, have functionally demonstrated that cellular origin plays a critical role in the biology of the disease, influencing clinical outcome. AML driven by potent oncogenes such as mixed lineage leukemia fusions often seem to emerge from committed myeloid progenitors whereas AML without any major cytogenetic abnormalities seem to develop from a combination of preleukemic initiating events arising in the hematopoietic stem cell pool. More refined mouse models may serve as experimental platforms to identify and validate novel targeted therapeutic strategies.
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11
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Shao H, Cen J, Chen S, Qiu H, Pan J. Myeloid neoplasms with t(12;22)(p13;q12)/MN1-EVT6: a systematic review of 12 cases. Ann Hematol 2018; 97:417-424. [PMID: 29273914 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-017-3208-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Accepted: 12/13/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
t(12;22)(p13;q12) is a rare but recurrent chromosomal abnormality involving the ETS transcription factor ETV6 and meningioma 1 (MN1) genes. In this study, we analyzed the clinical, cytogenetic, and molecular features of five new patients with the t(12;22)/MN1-EVT6 who presented with acute myeloid leukemia or chronic myelomonocytic leukemia. We subsequently reviewed the literature and identified seven additional cases reported with t(12;22)/MN1-EVT6. Our data suggest that neoplasms carrying the t(12;22)/MN1-ETV6, although rare, can commonly present as myeloid neoplasms at the initial diagnosis, including acute myeloid leukemia (n = 8), myelodysplastic syndrome (n = 2), and myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasms (n = 2). There were five men and seven women with a median age of 43 years (range, 15-63 years) at initial diagnosis. Cytogenetics revealed t(12;22) as the sole abnormality in five patients, with the remaining seven patients harboring additional chromosomal aberrations. Of the five patients who received known therapy regimens, all of them had poor response to the idarubicin/mitoxantrone + cytarabine regimen. Of the seven patients with follow-up information, six patients died with a median overall survival time of only 5 months (range, 1-12 months) after the emergence of t(12;22). In summary, patients with t(12;22) are frequently associated with myeloid neoplasms, poor response to chemotherapy, and inferior outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haigang Shao
- Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, Key Laboratory of Thrombosis and Hemostasis of Ministry of Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 188 Shizi Street, Suzhou, 215006, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiannong Cen
- Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, Key Laboratory of Thrombosis and Hemostasis of Ministry of Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 188 Shizi Street, Suzhou, 215006, People's Republic of China
| | - Suning Chen
- Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, Key Laboratory of Thrombosis and Hemostasis of Ministry of Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 188 Shizi Street, Suzhou, 215006, People's Republic of China
| | - Huiying Qiu
- Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, Key Laboratory of Thrombosis and Hemostasis of Ministry of Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 188 Shizi Street, Suzhou, 215006, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinlan Pan
- Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, Key Laboratory of Thrombosis and Hemostasis of Ministry of Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 188 Shizi Street, Suzhou, 215006, People's Republic of China.
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12
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Lai CK, Norddahl GL, Maetzig T, Rosten P, Lohr T, Sanchez Milde L, von Krosigk N, Docking TR, Heuser M, Karsan A, Humphries RK. Meis2 as a critical player in MN1-induced leukemia. Blood Cancer J 2017; 7:e613. [PMID: 28960191 PMCID: PMC5709755 DOI: 10.1038/bcj.2017.86] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Meningioma 1 (MN1) is an independent prognostic marker for normal karyotype acute myeloid leukemia (AML), with high expression linked to all-trans retinoic acid resistance and poor survival. MN1 is also a potent and sufficient oncogene in murine leukemia models, strongly dependent on the MEIS1/AbdB-like HOX protein complex to transform common myeloid progenitors, block myeloid differentiation, and promote leukemic stem cell self-renewal. To identify key genes and pathways underlying leukemic activity, we functionally assessed MN1 cell phenotypic heterogeneity, revealing leukemic and non-leukemic subsets. Using gene expression profiling of these subsets combined with previously published comparisons of full-length MN1 and mutants with varying leukemogenic activity, we identified candidate genes critical to leukemia. Functional analysis identified Hlf and Hoxa9 as critical to MN1 in vitro proliferation, self-renewal and impaired myeloid differentiation. Although critical to transformation, Meis1 knockdown had little impact on these properties in vitro. However, we identified Meis2 as critical to MN1-induced leukemia, with essential roles in proliferation, self-renewal, impairment of differentiation and disease progression in vitro and in vivo. Here, we provide evidence of phenotypic and functional hierarchy in MN1-induced leukemic cells, characterise contributions of Hlf, Hoxa9 and Meis1 to in vitro leukemic properties, and reveal Meis2 as a novel player in MN1-induced leukemogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- C K Lai
- Terry Fox Laboratory, BC Cancer Agency Research Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - G L Norddahl
- Terry Fox Laboratory, BC Cancer Agency Research Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - T Maetzig
- Terry Fox Laboratory, BC Cancer Agency Research Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - P Rosten
- Terry Fox Laboratory, BC Cancer Agency Research Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - T Lohr
- Terry Fox Laboratory, BC Cancer Agency Research Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - L Sanchez Milde
- Terry Fox Laboratory, BC Cancer Agency Research Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - N von Krosigk
- Terry Fox Laboratory, BC Cancer Agency Research Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - T R Docking
- Genome Sciences Centre, BC Cancer Agency Research Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - M Heuser
- Department of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology, and Stem Cell Transplantation, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - A Karsan
- Genome Sciences Centre, BC Cancer Agency Research Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - R K Humphries
- Terry Fox Laboratory, BC Cancer Agency Research Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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13
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Shafik RE, Hassan NM, El Meligui YM, Shafik HE. The Meningioma 1 (MN1) Gene is an Independent Poor Prognostic Factor in Adult Egyptian Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patients. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2017; 18:609-613. [PMID: 28440611 PMCID: PMC5464473 DOI: 10.22034/apjcp.2017.18.3.609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: To determine the prognostic importance of meningioma 1 (MN1) gene expression levels in the context of other predictive markers for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cases. Methods: MN1 expression was measured in 85 newly diagnosed adults younger than 60 years by real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Results: At diagnosis 67.4% of cases had elevated MN1 expression, this being associated with a worse prognosis, higher incidence of lymphadenopathy and CD34 transcript expression (p=0.02 and <0.001, respectively). No other molecular or clinical characteristics were significantly associated with MN1expression. Patients with high MN1 expression had lower complete response rate at day 15 compared to patients with low MN1 expression (p=0.09) and a significantly higher relapse rate (21.1% versus 7.7%, respectively, p=0.04). Patients with high MN1 expression had shorter TTP compared to those with low expression, p= 0.07. Conclusion: MN1 expression may predict outcome in AML patients. The MN1 gene and micro RNA expression suggest a biological feature that could be used as therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxan E Shafik
- National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Medical Oncology Department, Egypt.
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14
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Kavianpour M, Ahmadzadeh A, Shahrabi S, Saki N. Significance of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes in AML prognosis. Tumour Biol 2016; 37:10041-52. [DOI: 10.1007/s13277-016-5067-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2015] [Accepted: 05/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
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15
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Numata M, Yener MD, Ekmekçi SS, Aydın M, Grosveld G, Cardone M, Terranova S, Geltink RK, Özbek U, Özçelik E, Güleç Ç, Anak S, Karaman S, Öztürk G, Akbıyık M, Kandilci A. High MN1 expression increases the in vitro clonogenic activity of primary mouse B-cells. Leuk Res 2015; 39:906-12. [PMID: 26111797 DOI: 10.1016/j.leukres.2015.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2014] [Revised: 04/01/2015] [Accepted: 05/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The MN1 (Meningioma 1) gene is overexpressed in certain subtypes of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and high levels of MN1 expression in mouse bone marrow cells results in myeloid leukemia. We showed that compared with control bone marrow (BM) MN1 expression was increased (2-fold or more) in 29 out of 73 (40%) pediatric B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) patient BM. Additional analysis of MN1 expression in sub-groups within our cohort carrying different chromosome translocations showed that carriers of the good prognostic marker t(12;21)(TEL-AML1) (n=27) expressed significantly more MN1 than both healthy controls (n=9) (P=0.02) and the group carrying the t(9;22)(BCR-ABL) (n=9) (P=0.001). In addition, AML1 expression was also upregulated in 31 out of 45 (68%) B-ALL patient BM compared with control and there was a significant correlation between MN1 and AML1 expression (r=0.3552, P=0.0167). Retroviral MN1 overexpression increased the colony forming activity of mouse Pro-B/Pre-B cells in vitro. Our results suggest that deregulated MN1 expression contributes to the pathogenesis of pediatric B-ALL. Further investigation into the clinical and biological significance of elevated MN1 expression in TEL-AML1(positive) leukemia might provide insight into additional molecular mechanisms contributing to B-ALL and may lead to improved treatment options for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masashi Numata
- St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Department of Genetics, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Mehmet Deniz Yener
- Gebze Technical University, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Gebze, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Sema Sırma Ekmekçi
- Institute for Experimental Medicine, Department of Genetics, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Müge Aydın
- Institute for Experimental Medicine, Department of Genetics, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gerard Grosveld
- St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Department of Genetics, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Monica Cardone
- St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Department of Genetics, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Sabrina Terranova
- St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Department of Genetics, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Ramon Klein Geltink
- St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Department of Genetics, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Uğur Özbek
- Institute for Experimental Medicine, Department of Genetics, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Emrah Özçelik
- Gebze Technical University, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Gebze, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Çağrı Güleç
- Pediatric Hematology Division of Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sema Anak
- Pediatric Hematology Division of Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Serap Karaman
- Pediatric Hematology Division of Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gülyüz Öztürk
- Medical Park Hospitals, Bahçelievler, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Meral Akbıyık
- Medical Park Hospitals, Bahçelievler, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Ayten Kandilci
- Gebze Technical University, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Gebze, Kocaeli, Turkey.
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16
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Lai CK, Moon Y, Kuchenbauer F, Starzcynowski DT, Argiropoulos B, Yung E, Beer P, Schwarzer A, Sharma A, Park G, Leung M, Lin G, Vollett S, Fung S, Eaves CJ, Karsan A, Weng AP, Humphries RK, Heuser M. Cell fate decisions in malignant hematopoiesis: leukemia phenotype is determined by distinct functional domains of the MN1 oncogene. PLoS One 2014; 9:e112671. [PMID: 25401736 PMCID: PMC4234417 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0112671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2014] [Accepted: 10/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Extensive molecular profiling of leukemias and preleukemic diseases has revealed that distinct clinical entities, like acute myeloid (AML) and T-lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL), share similar pathogenetic mutations. It is not well understood how the cell of origin, accompanying mutations, extracellular signals or structural differences in a mutated gene determine the phenotypic identity of leukemias. We dissected the functional aspects of different protein regions of the MN1 oncogene and their effect on the leukemic phenotype, building on the ability of MN1 to induce leukemia without accompanying mutations. We found that the most C-terminal region of MN1 was required to block myeloid differentiation at an early stage, and deletion of an extended C-terminal region resulted in loss of myeloid identity and cell differentiation along the T-cell lineage in vivo. Megakaryocytic/erythroid lineage differentiation was blocked by the N-terminal region. In addition, the N-terminus was required for proliferation and leukemogenesis in vitro and in vivo through upregulation of HoxA9, HoxA10 and Meis2. Our results provide evidence that a single oncogene can modulate cellular identity of leukemic cells based on its active gene regions. It is therefore likely that different mutations in the same oncogene may impact cell fate decisions and phenotypic appearance of malignant diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courteney K. Lai
- Terry Fox Laboratory, BC Cancer Agency Research Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Yeonsook Moon
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical School of Inha University, Incheon, Korea
| | - Florian Kuchenbauer
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
- Institute of Experimental Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Centre, University Hospital of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Daniel T. Starzcynowski
- Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Bob Argiropoulos
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Eric Yung
- Terry Fox Laboratory, BC Cancer Agency Research Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Philip Beer
- Terry Fox Laboratory, BC Cancer Agency Research Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Adrian Schwarzer
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Amit Sharma
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Gyeongsin Park
- Department of Hospital Pathology, Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Malina Leung
- Terry Fox Laboratory, BC Cancer Agency Research Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Grace Lin
- Terry Fox Laboratory, BC Cancer Agency Research Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Sarah Vollett
- Terry Fox Laboratory, BC Cancer Agency Research Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Stephen Fung
- Terry Fox Laboratory, BC Cancer Agency Research Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Connie J. Eaves
- Terry Fox Laboratory, BC Cancer Agency Research Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Aly Karsan
- Genome Sciences Centre, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Andrew P. Weng
- Terry Fox Laboratory, BC Cancer Agency Research Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - R. Keith Humphries
- Terry Fox Laboratory, BC Cancer Agency Research Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | - Michael Heuser
- Department of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology, and Stem Cell Transplantation, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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17
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Abstract
Leukemic transformation of human cells is a complex process. Here we show that forced expression of MN1 in primitive human cord blood cells maintained on stromal cells in vitro induces a transient, but not serially transplantable, myeloproliferation in engrafted mice. However, cotransduction of an activated HOX gene (NUP98HOXD13) with MN1 induces a serially transplantable acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Further characterization of the leukemic cells generated from the dually transduced cells showed the activation of stem cell gene expression signatures also found in primary human AML. These findings show a new forward genetic model of human leukemogenesis and further highlight the relevance of homeobox transcription factors in the transformation process.
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18
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Cermáková K, Tesina P, Demeulemeester J, El Ashkar S, Méreau H, Schwaller J, Rezáčová P, Veverka V, De Rijck J. Validation and structural characterization of the LEDGF/p75-MLL interface as a new target for the treatment of MLL-dependent leukemia. Cancer Res 2014; 74:5139-51. [PMID: 25082813 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-13-3602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) fusion-driven acute leukemias represent a genetically distinct subset of leukemias with poor prognosis. MLL forms a ternary complex with the lens epithelium-derived growth factor (LEDGF/p75) and MENIN. LEDGF/p75, a chromatin reader recognizing H3K36me3 marks, contributes to the association of the MLL multiprotein complex to chromatin. Formation of this complex is critical for the development of MLL leukemia. Available X-ray data represent only a partial structure of the LEDGF/p75-MLL-MENIN complex. Using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, we identified an additional LEDGF/p75-MLL interface, which overlaps with the binding site of known LEDGF/p75 interactors-HIV-1 integrase, PogZ, and JPO2. Binding of these proteins or MLL to LEDGF/p75 is mutually exclusive. The resolved structure, as well as mutational analysis, shows that the interaction is primarily sustained via two aromatic residues of MLL (F148 and F151). Colony-forming assays in MLL-AF9(+) leukemic cells expressing MLL interaction-defective LEDGF/p75 mutants revealed that this interaction is essential for transformation. Finally, we show that the clonogenic growth of primary murine MLL-AF9-expressing leukemic blasts is selectively impaired upon overexpression of a LEDGF/p75-binding cyclic peptide CP65, originally developed to inhibit the LEDGF/p75-HIV-1 integrase interaction. The newly defined protein-protein interface therefore represents a new target for the development of therapeutics against LEDGF/p75-dependent MLL fusion-driven leukemic disorders. Cancer Res; 74(18); 5139-51. ©2014 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kateřina Cermáková
- KU Leuven, Laboratory for Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Petr Tesina
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the ASCR, v.v.i., Structural Biology, Prague, Czech Republic. Charles University in Prague, Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jonas Demeulemeester
- KU Leuven, Laboratory for Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sara El Ashkar
- KU Leuven, Laboratory for Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Hélène Méreau
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital and Children's Hospital Basel (UKBB) ZLF, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Juerg Schwaller
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital and Children's Hospital Basel (UKBB) ZLF, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Pavlína Rezáčová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the ASCR, v.v.i., Structural Biology, Prague, Czech Republic. Institute of Molecular Genetics of the ASCR, v.v.i., Structural Biology, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Vaclav Veverka
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the ASCR, v.v.i., Structural Biology, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Jan De Rijck
- KU Leuven, Laboratory for Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Leuven, Belgium.
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19
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Chang X, Shi L, Gao F, Russin J, Zeng L, He S, Chen TC, Giannotta SL, Weisenberger DJ, Zada G, Wang K, Mack WJ. Genomic and transcriptome analysis revealing an oncogenic functional module in meningiomas. Neurosurg Focus 2014; 35:E3. [PMID: 24289128 DOI: 10.3171/2013.10.focus13326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECT Meningiomas are among the most common primary adult brain tumors. Although typically benign, roughly 2%-5% display malignant pathological features. The key molecular pathways involved in malignant transformation remain to be determined. METHODS Illumina expression microarrays were used to assess gene expression levels, and Illumina single-nucleotide polymorphism arrays were used to identify copy number variants in benign, atypical, and malignant meningiomas (19 tumors, including 4 malignant ones). The authors also reanalyzed 2 expression data sets generated on Affymetrix microarrays (n = 68, including 6 malignant ones; n = 56, including 3 malignant ones). A weighted gene coexpression network approach was used to identify coexpression modules associated with malignancy. RESULTS At the genomic level, malignant meningiomas had more chromosomal losses than atypical and benign meningiomas, with average length of 528, 203, and 34 megabases, respectively. Monosomic loss of chromosome 22 was confirmed to be one of the primary chromosomal level abnormalities in all subtypes of meningiomas. At the transcriptome level, the authors identified 23 coexpression modules from the weighted gene coexpression network. Gene functional enrichment analysis highlighted a module with 356 genes that was highly related to tumorigenesis. Four intramodular hubs within the module (GAB2, KLF2, ID1, and CTF1) were oncogenic in other cancers such as leukemia. A putative meningioma tumor suppressor MN1 was also identified in this module with differential expression between malignant and benign meningiomas. CONCLUSIONS The authors' genomic and transcriptome analysis of meningiomas provides novel insights into the molecular pathways involved in malignant transformation of meningiomas, with implications for molecular heterogeneity of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Chang
- Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
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20
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Thanasopoulou A, Tzankov A, Schwaller J. Potent co-operation between the NUP98-NSD1 fusion and the FLT3-ITD mutation in acute myeloid leukemia induction. Haematologica 2014; 99:1465-71. [PMID: 24951466 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2013.100917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The NUP98-NSD1 fusion, product of the t(5;11)(q35;p15.5) chromosomal translocation, is one of the most prevalent genetic alterations in cytogenetically normal pediatric acute myeloid leukemias and is associated with poor prognosis. Co-existence of an FLT3-ITD activating mutation has been found in more than 70% of NUP98-NSD1-positive patients. To address functional synergism, we determined the transforming potential of retrovirally expressed NUP98-NSD1 and FLT3-ITD in the mouse. Expression of NUP98-NSD1 provided mouse strain-dependent, aberrant self-renewal potential to bone marrow progenitor cells. Co-expression of FLT3-ITD increased proliferation and maintained self-renewal in vitro. Transplantation of immortalized progenitors co-expressing NUP98-NSD1 and FLT3-ITD into mice resulted in acute myeloid leukemia after a short latency. In contrast, neither NUP98-NSD1 nor FLT3-ITD single transduced cells were able to initiate leukemia. Interestingly, as reported for patients carrying NUP98-NSD1, an increased Flt3-ITD to wild-type Flt3 mRNA expression ratio with increased FLT3-signaling was associated with rapidly induced disease. In contrast, there was no difference in the expression levels of the NUP98-NSD1 fusion or its proposed targets HoxA5, HoxA7, HoxA9 or HoxA10 between animals with different latencies to develop disease. Finally, leukemic cells co-expressing NUP98-NSD1 and FLT3-ITD were very sensitive to a small molecule FLT3 inhibitor, which underlines the significance of aberrant FLT3 signaling for NUP98-NSD1-positive leukemias and suggests new therapeutic approaches that could potentially improve patient outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Juerg Schwaller
- Department of Biomedicine, University Children's Hospital of Basel (UKBB), Switzerland
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21
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Sharma A, Yun H, Jyotsana N, Chaturvedi A, Schwarzer A, Yung E, Lai CK, Kuchenbauer F, Argiropoulos B, Görlich K, Ganser A, Humphries RK, Heuser M. Constitutive IRF8 expression inhibits AML by activation of repressed immune response signaling. Leukemia 2014; 29:157-68. [PMID: 24957708 DOI: 10.1038/leu.2014.162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2013] [Revised: 04/28/2014] [Accepted: 05/05/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Myeloid differentiation is blocked in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), but the molecular mechanisms are not well characterized. Meningioma 1 (MN1) is overexpressed in AML patients and confers resistance to all-trans retinoic acid-induced differentiation. To understand the role of MN1 as a transcriptional regulator in myeloid differentiation, we fused transcriptional activation (VP16) or repression (M33) domains with MN1 and characterized these cells in vivo. Transcriptional activation of MN1 target genes induced myeloproliferative disease with long latency and differentiation potential to mature neutrophils. A large proportion of differentially expressed genes between leukemic MN1 and differentiation-permissive MN1VP16 cells belonged to the immune response pathway like interferon-response factor (Irf) 8 and Ccl9. As MN1 is a cofactor of MEIS1 and retinoic acid receptor alpha (RARA), we compared chromatin occupancy between these genes. Immune response genes that were upregulated in MN1VP16 cells were co-targeted by MN1 and MEIS1, but not RARA, suggesting that myeloid differentiation is blocked through transcriptional repression of shared target genes of MN1 and MEIS1. Constitutive expression of Irf8 or its target gene Ccl9 identified these genes as potent inhibitors of murine and human leukemias in vivo. Our data show that MN1 prevents activation of the immune response pathway, and suggest restoration of IRF8 signaling as therapeutic target in AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Sharma
- Department of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - H Yun
- Department of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - N Jyotsana
- Department of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - A Chaturvedi
- Department of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - A Schwarzer
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - E Yung
- Terry Fox Laboratory, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - C K Lai
- Terry Fox Laboratory, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - F Kuchenbauer
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - B Argiropoulos
- Department of Medical Genetics, HSC, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - K Görlich
- Department of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - A Ganser
- Department of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - R K Humphries
- 1] Terry Fox Laboratory, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada [2] Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - M Heuser
- Department of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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22
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Kagoya Y, Yoshimi A, Kataoka K, Nakagawa M, Kumano K, Arai S, Kobayashi H, Saito T, Iwakura Y, Kurokawa M. Positive feedback between NF-κB and TNF-α promotes leukemia-initiating cell capacity. J Clin Invest 2014; 124:528-42. [PMID: 24382349 DOI: 10.1172/jci68101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2012] [Accepted: 10/17/2013] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous hematologic malignancy that originates from leukemia-initiating cells (LICs). The identification of common mechanisms underlying LIC development will be important in establishing broadly effective therapeutics for AML. Constitutive NF-κB pathway activation has been reported in different types of AML; however, the mechanism of NF-κB activation and its importance in leukemia progression are poorly understood. Here, we analyzed myeloid leukemia mouse models to assess NF-κB activity in AML LICs. We found that LICs, but not normal hematopoietic stem cells or non-LIC fractions within leukemia cells, exhibited constitutive NF-κB activity. This activity was maintained through autocrine TNF-α secretion, which formed an NF-κB/TNF-α positive feedback loop. LICs had increased levels of active proteasome machinery, which promoted the degradation of IκBα and further supported NF-κB activity. Pharmacological inhibition of the proteasome complex markedly suppressed leukemia progression in vivo. Conversely, enhanced activation of NF-κB signaling expanded LIC frequency within leukemia cell populations. We also demonstrated a strong correlation between NF-κB activity and TNF-α secretion in human AML samples. Our findings indicate that NF-κB/TNF-α signaling in LICs contributes to leukemia progression and provide a widely applicable approach for targeting LICs.
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23
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Brault L, Rovó A, Decker S, Dierks C, Tzankov A, Schwaller J. CXCR4-SERINE339 regulates cellular adhesion, retention and mobilization, and is a marker for poor prognosis in acute myeloid leukemia. Leukemia 2013; 28:566-76. [PMID: 23817178 DOI: 10.1038/leu.2013.201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2012] [Revised: 06/21/2013] [Accepted: 06/24/2013] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The CXCR4 receptor is a major regulator of hematopoietic cell migration. Overexpression of CXCR4 has been associated with poor prognosis in acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). We have previously shown that ligand-mediated phosphorylation of the Serine339 (CXCR4-S339) residue of the intracellular domain by PIM1 is implicated in surface re-expression of this receptor. Here, we report that phosphorylation of CXCR4-S339 in bone marrow (BM) biopsies correlated with poor prognosis in a cohort of AML patients. To functionally address the impact of CXCR4-S339 phosphorylation, we generated cell lines-expressing CXCR4 mutants that mimic constitutive phosphorylation (S339E) or abrogate phosphorylation (S339A). Whereas the expression of CXCR4 significantly increased, both CXCR4-S339E and the CXCR4-S339A mutants significantly reduced the BM homing and engraftment of Kasumi-1 AML cells in immunodeficient mice. In contrast, only expression of the CXCR4-S339E mutant increased the BM retention of the cells and resistance to cytarabine treatment, and impaired detachment capacity and AMD3100-induced mobilization of engrafted leukemic cells. These observations suggest that the poor prognosis in AML patients displaying CXCR4-S339 phosphorylation can be the consequence of an increased retention to the BM associated with an enhanced chemoresistance of leukemic cells. Therefore, CXCR4-S339 phosphorylation could serve as a novel prognostic marker in human AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Brault
- Department of Biomedicine, University Children's Hospital (UKBB), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - A Rovó
- Department of Hematology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - S Decker
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - C Dierks
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - A Tzankov
- Institute for Pathology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - J Schwaller
- Department of Biomedicine, University Children's Hospital (UKBB), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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24
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Kandilci A, Surtel J, Janke L, Neale G, Terranova S, Grosveld GC. Mapping of MN1 sequences necessary for myeloid transformation. PLoS One 2013; 8:e61706. [PMID: 23626719 PMCID: PMC3634013 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0061706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2013] [Accepted: 03/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The MN1 oncogene is deregulated in human acute myeloid leukemia and its overexpression induces proliferation and represses myeloid differentiation of primitive human and mouse hematopoietic cells, leading to myeloid leukemia in mouse models. To delineate the sequences within MN1 necessary for MN1-induced leukemia, we tested the transforming capacity of in-frame deletion mutants, using retroviral transduction of mouse bone marrow. We found that integrity of the regions between amino acids 12 to 458 and 1119 to 1273 are required for MN1's in vivo transforming activity, generating myeloid leukemia with some mutants also producing T-cell lympho-leukemia and megakaryocytic leukemia. Although both full length MN1 and a mutant that lacks the residues between 12-228 (Δ12-228 mutant) repressed myeloid differentiation and increased myeloproliferative activity in vitro, the mutant lost its transforming activity in vivo. Both MN1 and Δ12-228 increased the frequency of common myeloid progentiors (CMP) in vitro and microarray comparisons of purified MN1-CMP and Δ12-228-CMP cells showed many differentially expressed genes including Hoxa9, Meis1, Myb, Runx2, Cebpa, Cebpb and Cebpd. This collection of immediate MN1-responsive candidate genes distinguishes the leukemic activity from the in vitro myeloproliferative capacity of this oncoprotein.
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MESH Headings
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Animals
- Bone Marrow Cells/metabolism
- Bone Marrow Cells/pathology
- Cell Count
- Cell Differentiation
- Cell Proliferation
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/genetics
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/metabolism
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/pathology
- Gene Expression Profiling
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Genetic Vectors
- Humans
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/genetics
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/metabolism
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/mortality
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/pathology
- Mice
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Myeloid Cells/metabolism
- Myeloid Cells/pathology
- Neoplasm Proteins/genetics
- Neoplasm Proteins/metabolism
- Neoplastic Stem Cells/metabolism
- Neoplastic Stem Cells/pathology
- Oncogene Proteins/genetics
- Oncogene Proteins/metabolism
- Retroviridae/genetics
- Sequence Deletion
- Survival Analysis
- Trans-Activators
- Transduction, Genetic
- Tumor Suppressor Proteins
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayten Kandilci
- Department of Genetics, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Jacqueline Surtel
- Department of Genetics, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Laura Janke
- Veterinary Pathology Core, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Geoffrey Neale
- Hartwell Center for Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Sabrina Terranova
- Department of Genetics, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Gerard C. Grosveld
- Department of Genetics, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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25
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Aref S, Ibrahim L, Morkes H, Azmy E, Ebrahim M. Meningioma 1 (MN1) expression: refined risk stratification in acute myeloid leukemia with normal cytogenetics (CN-AML). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 18:277-83. [PMID: 23394438 DOI: 10.1179/1607845412y.0000000065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Prognostic stratification of cytogenetic normal acute myeloid leukemia (CN-AML) is an area of active research. The aim of this study was to determine the prognostic importance of the meningioma 1 (MN1) gene expression levels in CN-AML. One hundred patients with CN-AML were diagnosed; MN1 expressions were analyzed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. High expressions were detected in 48 (48%) patients (expression range: 2.35-31.99, mean: 13.9 ± 8.49) in comparison with 52 (52%) patients with low expression (expression range: 0.02-2.3, mean: 0.68 ± 0.77). The course of the disease in patients with high MN1 expression was unfavorable. Patients with high MN1 expression was associated with significant low complete remission rate (62.5 vs. 8.4%, high vs. low MN1, P = 0.001) and high mortality rate (75% vs. 46.1, P = 0.03). AML patients with high MN1 expression tended to be refractory (37.5 vs. 19.2%, P = 0.00) and relapse risk (54.1 vs. 23%, P = 0.02). Multivariable analysis confirmed high MN1 expression as an independent risk factor for disease-free survival and overall survival. In conclusion, MN1 overexpression independently predicts bad clinical outcome in CN-AML patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salah Aref
- Mansoura Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura, Egypt
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26
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Méreau H, De Rijck J, Cermáková K, Kutz A, Juge S, Demeulemeester J, Gijsbers R, Christ F, Debyser Z, Schwaller J. Impairing MLL-fusion gene-mediated transformation by dissecting critical interactions with the lens epithelium-derived growth factor (LEDGF/p75). Leukemia 2013; 27:1245-53. [PMID: 23318960 DOI: 10.1038/leu.2013.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The lens epithelium-derived growth factor (LEDGF/p75) tethers the mixed-lineage leukemia (MLL1) protein complex to chromatin. Likewise, LEDGF/p75 tethers the HIV-1 pre-integration complex to chromatin. We previously demonstrated that expression of the C-terminal fragment fused to enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) (eGFP-LEDGF(325-530)) impaired HIV-1 replication. Here, we explored this strategy to selectively interfere with the leukemogenic activity of MLL-fusion proteins. We found that expression of LEDGF(325-530) impaired the clonogenic growth of MLL-fusion gene transformed human and mouse hematopoietic cells, without affecting the growth of control cells immortalized by the FLT3-ITD mutant or normal lineage-marker-depleted murine bone marrow cells. Expression of LEDGF(325-530) was associated with downregulation of the MLL target Hoxa9 and impaired cell cycle progression. Structure-function analysis revealed two small eGFP-fused LEDGF/p75 peptides, LEDGF(424-435) and LEDGF(375-386) phenocopying these effects. Both LEDGF(325-530) and the smaller active peptides were able to disrupt the LEDGF/p75-MLL interaction. Expression of LEDGF(325-530) or LEDGF(375-386) fragments increased the latency period to disease development in vivo in a mouse bone marrow transplant model of MLL-AF9-induced AML. We conclude that small peptides disrupting the LEDGF/p75-MLL interface have selective anti-leukemic activity providing a direct rationale for the design of small molecule inhibitors targeting this interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Méreau
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital and Children's Hospital Base(UKBB) ZLF, Lab 318, Basel, Switzerland
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27
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Paschka P, Döhner K. Core-binding factor acute myeloid leukemia: can we improve on HiDAC consolidation? HEMATOLOGY. AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HEMATOLOGY. EDUCATION PROGRAM 2013; 2013:209-219. [PMID: 24319183 DOI: 10.1182/asheducation-2013.1.209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with t(8;21) or inv(16) is commonly referred to as core-binding factor AML (CBF-AML). The incorporation of high-dose cytarabine for postremission therapy has substantially improved the outcome of CBF-AML patients, especially when administered in the setting of repetitive cycles. For many years, high-dose cytarabine was the standard treatment in CBF-AML resulting in favorable long-term outcome in approximately half of the patients. Therefore, CBF-AML patients are generally considered to be a favorable AML group. However, a substantial proportion of patients cannot be cured by the current treatment. Additional genetic alterations discovered in CBF-AML help in our understanding of the process of leukemogenesis and some of them may refine the risk assessment in CBF-AML and, importantly, also serve as targets for novel therapeutic approaches. We discuss the clinical and genetic heterogeneity of CBF-AML, with a particular focus on the role of KIT mutations as a prognosticator, and also discuss recent efforts to target the KIT kinase in the context of existing therapeutic regimens.
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MESH Headings
- Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic/therapeutic use
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/genetics
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/metabolism
- Chromosome Inversion
- Chromosomes, Human
- Cytarabine/therapeutic use
- Drug Delivery Systems/methods
- Humans
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/genetics
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/metabolism
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/therapy
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-kit/genetics
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-kit/metabolism
- Translocation, Genetic
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Paschka
- 1Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
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28
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Kuhn A, Kumar A, Beilina A, Dillman A, Cookson MR, Singleton AB. Cell population-specific expression analysis of human cerebellum. BMC Genomics 2012; 13:610. [PMID: 23145530 PMCID: PMC3561119 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-13-610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2012] [Accepted: 10/09/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Interpreting gene expression profiles obtained from heterogeneous samples can be difficult because bulk gene expression measures are not resolved to individual cell populations. We have recently devised Population-Specific Expression Analysis (PSEA), a statistical method that identifies individual cell types expressing genes of interest and achieves quantitative estimates of cell type-specific expression levels. This procedure makes use of marker gene expression and circumvents the need for additional experimental information like tissue composition. Results To systematically assess the performance of statistical deconvolution, we applied PSEA to gene expression profiles from cerebellum tissue samples and compared with parallel, experimental separation methods. Owing to the particular histological organization of the cerebellum, we could obtain cellular expression data from in situ hybridization and laser-capture microdissection experiments and successfully validated computational predictions made with PSEA. Upon statistical deconvolution of whole tissue samples, we identified a set of transcripts showing age-related expression changes in the astrocyte population. Conclusions PSEA can predict cell-type specific expression levels from tissues homogenates on a genome-wide scale. It thus represents a computational alternative to experimental separation methods and allowed us to identify age-related expression changes in the astrocytes of the cerebellum. These molecular changes might underlie important physiological modifications previously observed in the aging brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Kuhn
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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29
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Pardee TS. Overexpression of MN1 confers resistance to chemotherapy, accelerates leukemia onset, and suppresses p53 and Bim induction. PLoS One 2012; 7:e43185. [PMID: 22905229 PMCID: PMC3419213 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0043185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2012] [Accepted: 07/20/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The transcriptional co-activator MN1 confers a worse prognosis for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) when highly expressed; however, the mechanisms involved are unknown. We sought to model the effects of high MN1 expression in AML models to explore the underlying mechanisms. Methodology/Principal Findings We used cell lines and a genetically defined mouse model of AML to examine the effects of MN1 overexpression on prognosis and response to cytarabine and doxorubicin in vitro and in vivo. Murine AML that was engineered to overexpress MN1 became more aggressive in vivo, leading to shortened survival in both treated and control groups. In vitro murine AML cells that overexpressed MN1 became resistant to treatment with cytarabine and highly resistant to doxorubicin. This resistant phenotype was also seen in vivo, where treatment with the combination of cytarabine and doxorubicin selected for cells expressing MN1. When therapy-induced DNA damage levels were assessed by γH2AX foci, no reduction was seen in MN1 expressing cells arguing against a drug efflux mechanism. Despite no reduction in DNA damage, MN1-expressing cells showed less apoptosis as assessed by annexin V and propidium iodide staining. Following treatment, p53 and BIM induction were markedly reduced in cells expressing MN1. Pharmacologic inhibition of the p53 E3 ligase MDM2 resulted in increased p53 levels and improved response to doxorubicin in vitro. Conclusions/Significance MN1 overexpression accelerates an already aggressive leukemia, confers resistance to chemotherapy, and suppresses p53 and BIM induction, resulting in decreased apoptosis. This provides a mechanistic explanation of the poor prognosis observed with high MN1 expression and suggests that therapies directed at increasing p53 function may be useful for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy S Pardee
- Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Department of Internal Medicine, Section on Hematology and Oncology, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States of America.
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30
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Bergerson RJ, Collier LS, Sarver AL, Been RA, Lugthart S, Diers MD, Zuber J, Rappaport AR, Nixon MJ, Silverstein KAT, Fan D, Lamblin AFJ, Wolff L, Kersey JH, Delwel R, Lowe SW, O'Sullivan MG, Kogan SC, Adams DJ, Largaespada DA. An insertional mutagenesis screen identifies genes that cooperate with Mll-AF9 in a murine leukemogenesis model. Blood 2012; 119:4512-23. [PMID: 22427200 PMCID: PMC3362364 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2010-04-281428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2010] [Accepted: 03/03/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with a t(9;11) translocation (MLL-AF9) develop acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and while in mice the expression of this fusion oncogene also results in the development of myeloid leukemia, it is with long latency. To identify mutations that cooperate with Mll-AF9, we infected neonatal wild-type (WT) or Mll-AF9 mice with a murine leukemia virus (MuLV). MuLV-infected Mll-AF9 mice succumbed to disease significantly faster than controls presenting predominantly with myeloid leukemia while infected WT animals developed predominantly lymphoid leukemia. We identified 88 candidate cancer genes near common sites of proviral insertion. Analysis of transcript levels revealed significantly elevated expression of Mn1, and a trend toward increased expression of Bcl11a and Fosb in Mll-AF9 murine leukemia samples with proviral insertions proximal to these genes. Accordingly, FOSB and BCL11A were also overexpressed in human AML harboring MLL gene translocations. FOSB was revealed to be essential for growth in mouse and human myeloid leukemia cells using shRNA lentiviral vectors in vitro. Importantly, MN1 cooperated with Mll-AF9 in leukemogenesis in an in vivo BM viral transduction and transplantation assay. Together, our data identified genes that define transcription factor networks and important genetic pathways acting during progression of leukemia induced by MLL fusion oncogenes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel J Bergerson
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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31
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Unique dual targeting of thymidylate synthase and topoisomerase1 by FdUMP[10] results in high efficacy against AML and low toxicity. Blood 2012; 119:3561-70. [PMID: 22362039 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2011-06-362442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive malignancy that leads to marrow failure and death. There is a desperate need for new therapies. The novel fluoropyrimidine, FdUMP[10], was highly active against both human AML cell lines, (IC(50) values, 3.4nM-21.5nM) and murine lines (IC(50) values, 123.8pM-131.4pM). In all cases, the IC(50) of FdUMP[10] was lower than for cytarabine and ∼ 1000 times lower than 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). FdUMP[10] remained effective against cells expressing the Flt3 internal tandem duplication, BCR-ABL, MN1, and an shRNA against p53. It had activity against patient samples at concentrations that did not affect normal hematopoietic cells. FdUMP[10] inhibited thymidylate synthase (TS) and trapped topoisomerase I cleavage complexes (Top1CCs), leading to DNA damage and apoptosis. All cell lines and nearly all primary AML samples examined expressed both TS and Top1. In vivo, FdUMP[10] was active against a syngeneic AML model with a survival advantage equivalent to doxorubicin plus cytarabine. 5-FU treatment was toxic and did not improve survival. FdUMP[10] was better tolerated than 5-FU or cytarabine plus doxorubicin and did not affect normal HSCs, while 5-FU dramatically impaired their ability to engraft. In summary, FdUMP[10] was highly efficacious and better tolerated than standard therapies.
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32
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Heuser M, Yun H, Berg T, Yung E, Argiropoulos B, Kuchenbauer F, Park G, Hamwi I, Palmqvist L, Lai CK, Leung M, Lin G, Chaturvedi A, Thakur BK, Iwasaki M, Bilenky M, Thiessen N, Robertson G, Hirst M, Kent D, Wilson NK, Göttgens B, Eaves C, Cleary ML, Marra M, Ganser A, Humphries RK. Cell of origin in AML: susceptibility to MN1-induced transformation is regulated by the MEIS1/AbdB-like HOX protein complex. Cancer Cell 2011; 20:39-52. [PMID: 21741595 PMCID: PMC3951989 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2011.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2010] [Revised: 04/03/2011] [Accepted: 06/06/2011] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Pathways defining susceptibility of normal cells to oncogenic transformation may be valuable therapeutic targets. We characterized the cell of origin and its critical pathways in MN1-induced leukemias. Common myeloid (CMP) but not granulocyte-macrophage progenitors (GMP) could be transformed by MN1. Complementation studies of CMP-signature genes in GMPs demonstrated that MN1-leukemogenicity required the MEIS1/AbdB-like HOX-protein complex. ChIP-sequencing identified common target genes of MN1 and MEIS1 and demonstrated identical binding sites for a large proportion of their chromatin targets. Transcriptional repression of MEIS1 targets in established MN1 leukemias demonstrated antileukemic activity. As MN1 relies on but cannot activate expression of MEIS1/AbdB-like HOX proteins, transcriptional activity of these genes determines cellular susceptibility to MN1-induced transformation and may represent a promising therapeutic target.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/metabolism
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/pathology
- Gene Expression Profiling
- Gene Expression Regulation, Leukemic
- Genes, Dominant/genetics
- Granulocyte-Macrophage Progenitor Cells/metabolism
- Granulocyte-Macrophage Progenitor Cells/pathology
- Homeodomain Proteins/metabolism
- Humans
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/genetics
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/pathology
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Models, Biological
- Multiprotein Complexes/metabolism
- Myeloid Ecotropic Viral Integration Site 1 Protein
- Neoplasm Proteins/metabolism
- Promoter Regions, Genetic/genetics
- Protein Binding
- Tumor Suppressor Proteins/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Heuser
- Terry Fox Laboratory, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 1L3, Canada
- Department of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology, and Stem Cell Transplantation, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Haiyang Yun
- Department of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology, and Stem Cell Transplantation, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Tobias Berg
- Terry Fox Laboratory, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Eric Yung
- Terry Fox Laboratory, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Bob Argiropoulos
- Terry Fox Laboratory, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Florian Kuchenbauer
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Medical Center, 89075 Ulm, Germany
| | - Gyeongsin Park
- Terry Fox Laboratory, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Iyas Hamwi
- Department of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology, and Stem Cell Transplantation, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Lars Palmqvist
- Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, 413 45 Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Courteney K. Lai
- Terry Fox Laboratory, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Malina Leung
- Terry Fox Laboratory, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Grace Lin
- Terry Fox Laboratory, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Anuhar Chaturvedi
- Department of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology, and Stem Cell Transplantation, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Basant Kumar Thakur
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Masayuki Iwasaki
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | - Mikhail Bilenky
- Genome Sciences Centre, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Nina Thiessen
- Genome Sciences Centre, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Gordon Robertson
- Genome Sciences Centre, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Martin Hirst
- Genome Sciences Centre, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - David Kent
- Terry Fox Laboratory, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Nicola K. Wilson
- Department of Haematology, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Bertie Göttgens
- Department of Haematology, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Connie Eaves
- Terry Fox Laboratory, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Michael L. Cleary
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | - Marco Marra
- Genome Sciences Centre, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Arnold Ganser
- Department of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology, and Stem Cell Transplantation, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - R. Keith Humphries
- Terry Fox Laboratory, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 1L3, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 1M9, Canada
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33
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Nagel S, Venturini L, Meyer C, Kaufmann M, Scherr M, Drexler HG, Macleod RAF. Transcriptional deregulation of oncogenic myocyte enhancer factor 2C in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Leuk Lymphoma 2011; 52:290-7. [PMID: 21261500 DOI: 10.3109/10428194.2010.537003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Myocyte enhancer factor 2C (MEF2C) encodes a transcription factor which is ectopically expressed in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) cell lines, deregulated directly by ectopically expressed homeodomain protein NKX2-5 or by loss of promoter regions via del(5)(q14). Here, we analyzed the MEF2C 5'-region, thus identifying potential regulatory binding sites for GFI1B, basic helix-loop-helix proteins, STAT5, and HOXA9/HOXA10. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and overexpression analyses demonstrated direct activation by GFI1B and LYL1 and inhibition by STAT5. HOXA9/HOXA10 activated expression of NMYC which in turn mediated MEF2C repression, indicating an indirect mode of regulation via NMYC interactor (NMI) and STAT5. Lacking comma: Chromosomal deletion of the STAT5 binding site in LOUCY cells reduced protein levels of STAT5 in some MEF2C-positve T-ALL cell lines, and the presence of inhibitory IL7-JAK-STAT5 signaling highlighted the repressive impact of this factor in MEF2C regulation. Taken together, our results indicate that the expression of MEF2C in T-ALL cells is principally deregulated via activating leukemic transcription factors GFI1B or NKX2-5 and by escaping inhibitory developmental STAT5 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Nagel
- Department of Human and Animal Cell Lines, DSMZ - German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Braunschweig, Germany.
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34
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Peters AHFM, Schwaller J. Epigenetic mechanisms in acute myeloid leukemia. PROGRESS IN DRUG RESEARCH. FORTSCHRITTE DER ARZNEIMITTELFORSCHUNG. PROGRES DES RECHERCHES PHARMACEUTIQUES 2011; 67:197-219. [PMID: 21141731 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-7643-8989-5_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Acute leukemia is characterized by clonal expansion of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells with blocked differentiation. Clinical and experimental evidences suggest that acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the product of several functionally cooperating genetic alterations including chromosomal translocations leading to expression of leukemogenic fusion proteins. Several AML-associated lesions target chromatin regulators like histone methyltransferases or histone acetyltransferases, including mixed-lineage leukemia 1 (MLL1) or CREB bindung protein/p300. Molecular and biochemical studies start to provide useful insights into the mechanisms of targeting and mode-of-action of such leukemogenic fusion proteins resulting in aberrant gene expression programs and AML. Chromatin modulating mechanisms are also mediating the transforming activity of key drivers of leukemogenesis by aberrant recruitment of corepressors. Recent large-scale screening efforts demonstrated that both aberrant DNA promoter methylation and aberrantly expressed microRNAs play an important role in the pathogenesis of AML as well. Current efforts to therapeutically exploit the potential reversibility of epigenetic mechanisms are focused on small molecules that inhibit DNA methyltransferases or histone deacetylases. Several phase I/II clinical trials using such compounds have reported promising, but mostly transient, clinical responses. This underscores the need to further dissect the molecular players of epigenetic mechanisms driving induction, maintenance, and potential reversibility of leukemic state to develop efficient and long-lasting targeted therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine H F M Peters
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, CH-4058 Basel, Switzerland.
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