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Czegle I, Gray AL, Wang M, Liu Y, Wang J, Wappler-Guzzetta EA. Mitochondria and Their Relationship with Common Genetic Abnormalities in Hematologic Malignancies. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:1351. [PMID: 34947882 PMCID: PMC8707674 DOI: 10.3390/life11121351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hematologic malignancies are known to be associated with numerous cytogenetic and molecular genetic changes. In addition to morphology, immunophenotype, cytochemistry and clinical characteristics, these genetic alterations are typically required to diagnose myeloid, lymphoid, and plasma cell neoplasms. According to the current World Health Organization (WHO) Classification of Tumors of Hematopoietic and Lymphoid Tissues, numerous genetic changes are highlighted, often defining a distinct subtype of a disease, or providing prognostic information. This review highlights how these molecular changes can alter mitochondrial bioenergetics, cell death pathways, mitochondrial dynamics and potentially be related to mitochondrial genetic changes. A better understanding of these processes emphasizes potential novel therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibolya Czegle
- Department of Internal Medicine and Haematology, Semmelweis University, H-1085 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Austin L. Gray
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Loma Linda University Health, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA; (A.L.G.); (Y.L.); (J.W.)
| | - Minjing Wang
- Independent Researcher, Diamond Bar, CA 91765, USA;
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Loma Linda University Health, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA; (A.L.G.); (Y.L.); (J.W.)
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Loma Linda University Health, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA; (A.L.G.); (Y.L.); (J.W.)
| | - Edina A. Wappler-Guzzetta
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Loma Linda University Health, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA; (A.L.G.); (Y.L.); (J.W.)
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2
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Ueda T, Kanai A, Komuro A, Amano H, Ota K, Honda M, Kawazu M, Okada H. KDM4B promotes acute myeloid leukemia associated with AML1-ETO by regulating chromatin accessibility. FASEB Bioadv 2021; 3:1020-1033. [PMID: 34938963 PMCID: PMC8664044 DOI: 10.1096/fba.2021-00030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic alterations of chromatin structure affect chromatin accessibility and collaborate with genetic alterations in the development of cancer. Lysine demethylase 4B (KDM4B) has been identified as a JmjC domain-containing epigenetic modifier that possesses histone demethylase activity. Although recent studies have demonstrated that KDM4B positively regulates the pathogenesis of multiple types of solid tumors, the tissue specificity and context dependency have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we investigated gene expression profiles established from clinical samples and found that KDM4B is elevated specifically in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) associated with chromosomal translocation 8;21 [t(8;21)], which results in a fusion of the AML1 and the eight-twenty-one (ETO) genes to generate a leukemia oncogene, AML1-ETO fusion transcription factor. Short hairpin RNA-mediated KDM4B silencing significantly reduced cell proliferation in t(8;21)-positive AML cell lines. Meanwhile, KDM4B silencing suppressed the expression of AML1-ETO-inducible genes, and consistently perturbed chromatin accessibility of AML1-ETO-binding sites involving altered active enhancer marks and functional cis-regulatory elements. Notably, transduction of murine KDM4B orthologue mutants followed by KDM4B silencing demonstrated a requirement of methylated-histone binding modules for a proliferative surge. To address the role of KDM4B in leukemia development, we further generated and analyzed Kdm4b conditional knockout mice. As a result, Kdm4b deficiency attenuated clonogenic potential mediated by AML1-ETO and delayed leukemia progression in vivo. Thus, our results highlight a tumor-promoting role of KDM4B in AML associated with t(8;21).
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Ueda
- Department of BiochemistryKindai University Faculty of MedicineOsakasayamaJapan
- Graduate School of Medical SciencesKindai University Faculty of MedicineOsakasayamaJapan
| | - Akinori Kanai
- Department of Molecular OncologyResearch Institute for Radiation Biology and MedicineHiroshima UniversityHiroshimaJapan
| | - Akiyoshi Komuro
- Department of BiochemistryKindai University Faculty of MedicineOsakasayamaJapan
| | - Hisayuki Amano
- Department of BiochemistryKindai University Faculty of MedicineOsakasayamaJapan
| | - Kazushige Ota
- Department of BiochemistryKindai University Faculty of MedicineOsakasayamaJapan
| | - Masahiko Honda
- Department of BiochemistryKindai University Faculty of MedicineOsakasayamaJapan
| | - Masahito Kawazu
- Division of Cellular SignalingNational Cancer Center Research InstituteTokyoJapan
| | - Hitoshi Okada
- Department of BiochemistryKindai University Faculty of MedicineOsakasayamaJapan
- Graduate School of Medical SciencesKindai University Faculty of MedicineOsakasayamaJapan
- Anti‐Aging CenterKindai UniversityHigashi‐OsakaJapan
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3
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Rejeski K, Duque-Afonso J, Lübbert M. AML1/ETO and its function as a regulator of gene transcription via epigenetic mechanisms. Oncogene 2021; 40:5665-5676. [PMID: 34331016 PMCID: PMC8460439 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-01952-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The chromosomal translocation t(8;21) and the resulting oncofusion gene AML1/ETO have long served as a prototypical genetic lesion to model and understand leukemogenesis. In this review, we describe the wide-ranging role of AML1/ETO in AML leukemogenesis, with a particular focus on the aberrant epigenetic regulation of gene transcription driven by this AML-defining mutation. We begin by analyzing how structural changes secondary to distinct genomic breakpoints and splice changes, as well as posttranscriptional modifications, influence AML1/ETO protein function. Next, we characterize how AML1/ETO recruits chromatin-modifying enzymes to target genes and how the oncofusion protein alters chromatin marks, transcription factor binding, and gene expression. We explore the specific impact of these global changes in the epigenetic network facilitated by the AML1/ETO oncofusion on cellular processes and leukemic growth. Furthermore, we define the genetic landscape of AML1/ETO-positive AML, presenting the current literature concerning the incidence of cooperating mutations in genes such as KIT, FLT3, and NRAS. Finally, we outline how alterations in transcriptional regulation patterns create potential vulnerabilities that may be exploited by epigenetically active agents and other therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Rejeski
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital of the LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Freiburg Partner Site, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jesús Duque-Afonso
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Michael Lübbert
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany. .,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Freiburg Partner Site, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany. .,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
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4
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Grinev VV, Barneh F, Ilyushonak IM, Nakjang S, Smink J, van Oort A, Clough R, Seyani M, McNeill H, Reza M, Martinez-Soria N, Assi SA, Ramanouskaya TV, Bonifer C, Heidenreich O. RUNX1/RUNX1T1 mediates alternative splicing and reorganises the transcriptional landscape in leukemia. Nat Commun 2021; 12:520. [PMID: 33483506 PMCID: PMC7822815 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-20848-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The fusion oncogene RUNX1/RUNX1T1 encodes an aberrant transcription factor, which plays a key role in the initiation and maintenance of acute myeloid leukemia. Here we show that the RUNX1/RUNX1T1 oncogene is a regulator of alternative RNA splicing in leukemic cells. The comprehensive analysis of RUNX1/RUNX1T1-associated splicing events identifies two principal mechanisms that underlie the differential production of RNA isoforms: (i) RUNX1/RUNX1T1-mediated regulation of alternative transcription start site selection, and (ii) direct or indirect control of the expression of genes encoding splicing factors. The first mechanism leads to the expression of RNA isoforms with alternative structure of the 5'-UTR regions. The second mechanism generates alternative transcripts with new junctions between internal cassettes and constitutive exons. We also show that RUNX1/RUNX1T1-mediated differential splicing affects several functional groups of genes and produces proteins with unique conserved domain structures. In summary, this study reveals alternative splicing as an important component of transcriptome re-organization in leukemia by an aberrant transcriptional regulator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasily V. Grinev
- grid.17678.3f0000 0001 1092 255XDepartment of Genetics, Faculty of Biology, Belarusian State University, 220030 Minsk, Republic of Belarus
| | - Farnaz Barneh
- grid.487647.ePrincess Maxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ilya M. Ilyushonak
- grid.17678.3f0000 0001 1092 255XDepartment of Genetics, Faculty of Biology, Belarusian State University, 220030 Minsk, Republic of Belarus
| | - Sirintra Nakjang
- grid.1006.70000 0001 0462 7212Wolfson Childhood Cancer Research Centre, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU UK
| | - Job Smink
- grid.487647.ePrincess Maxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Anita van Oort
- grid.487647.ePrincess Maxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Richard Clough
- grid.1006.70000 0001 0462 7212Wolfson Childhood Cancer Research Centre, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU UK
| | - Michael Seyani
- grid.1006.70000 0001 0462 7212Wolfson Childhood Cancer Research Centre, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU UK
| | - Hesta McNeill
- grid.1006.70000 0001 0462 7212Wolfson Childhood Cancer Research Centre, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU UK
| | - Mojgan Reza
- grid.1006.70000 0001 0462 7212Wolfson Childhood Cancer Research Centre, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU UK
| | - Natalia Martinez-Soria
- grid.1006.70000 0001 0462 7212Wolfson Childhood Cancer Research Centre, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU UK
| | - Salam A. Assi
- grid.6572.60000 0004 1936 7486Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK
| | - Tatsiana V. Ramanouskaya
- grid.17678.3f0000 0001 1092 255XDepartment of Genetics, Faculty of Biology, Belarusian State University, 220030 Minsk, Republic of Belarus
| | - Constanze Bonifer
- grid.6572.60000 0004 1936 7486Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK
| | - Olaf Heidenreich
- grid.487647.ePrincess Maxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands ,grid.1006.70000 0001 0462 7212Wolfson Childhood Cancer Research Centre, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU UK ,grid.1006.70000 0001 0462 7212Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU UK
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5
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Chin PS, Bonifer C. Modelling t(8;21) acute myeloid leukaemia - What have we learned? MedComm (Beijing) 2020; 1:260-269. [PMID: 34766123 PMCID: PMC8491201 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a heterogeneous haematopoietic malignancy caused by recurrent mutations in haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells that affect both the epigenetic regulatory machinery and signalling molecules. The t(8;21) or RUNX1‐RUNX1T1 translocation generates the RUNX1‐ETO chimeric transcription factor which primes haematopoietic stem cells for further oncogenic mutational events that in their sum cause overt disease. Significant progress has been made in generating both in vitro and in vivo model systems to recapitulate t(8;21) AML which are crucial for the understanding of the biology of the disease and the development of effective treatment. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the in vivo and in vitro model systems that were developed to gain insights into the molecular mechanisms of RUNX1‐ETO oncogenic activity and their contribution to the advancement of knowledge in the t(8;21) AML field. Such models include transgenic mice, patient‐derived xenografts, RUNX1‐ETO transduced human progenitor cells, cell lines and human embryonic stem cell model systems, making the t(8;21) as one of the well‐characterized sub‐type of AML at the molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulynn Suyin Chin
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences University of Birmingham Birmingham UK
| | - Constanze Bonifer
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences University of Birmingham Birmingham UK
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Tijchon E, Yi G, Mandoli A, Smits JGA, Ferrari F, Heuts BMH, Wijnen F, Kim B, Janssen-Megens EM, Schuringa JJ, Martens JHA. The acute myeloid leukemia associated AML1-ETO fusion protein alters the transcriptome and cellular progression in a single-oncogene expressing in vitro induced pluripotent stem cell based granulocyte differentiation model. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0226435. [PMID: 31869378 PMCID: PMC6927605 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0226435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is characterized by recurrent mutations that affect normal hematopoiesis. The analysis of human AMLs has mostly been performed using end-point materials, such as cell lines and patient derived AMLs that also carry additional contributing mutations. The molecular effects of a single oncogenic hit, such as expression of the AML associated oncoprotein AML1-ETO on hematopoietic development and transformation into a (pre-) leukemic state still needs further investigation. Here we describe the development and characterization of an induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) system that allows in vitro differentiation towards different mature myeloid cell types such as monocytes and granulocytes. During in vitro differentiation we expressed the AML1-ETO fusion protein and examined the effects of the oncoprotein on differentiation and the underlying alterations in the gene program at 8 different time points. Our analysis revealed that AML1-ETO as a single oncogenic hit in a non-mutated background blocks granulocytic differentiation, deregulates the gene program via altering the acetylome of the differentiating granulocytic cells, and induces t(8;21) AML associated leukemic characteristics. Together, these results reveal that inducible oncogene expression during in vitro differentiation of iPS cells provides a valuable platform for analysis of aberrant regulation in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Tijchon
- Radboud University, Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Nijmegen Centre for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Guoqiang Yi
- Radboud University, Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Nijmegen Centre for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Amit Mandoli
- Radboud University, Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Nijmegen Centre for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Jos G. A. Smits
- Radboud University, Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Nijmegen Centre for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Francesco Ferrari
- Radboud University, Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Nijmegen Centre for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Branco M. H. Heuts
- Radboud University, Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Nijmegen Centre for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Falco Wijnen
- Radboud University, Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Nijmegen Centre for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Bowon Kim
- Radboud University, Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Nijmegen Centre for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Eva M. Janssen-Megens
- Radboud University, Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Nijmegen Centre for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Jan Jacob Schuringa
- Department of Hematology, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Joost H. A. Martens
- Radboud University, Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Nijmegen Centre for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- * E-mail:
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7
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Gautam N, Kaur S, Kaur K, Kumar N. A novel insight of Asp193His mutation on epigenetic methyltransferase activity of human EZH2 protein: An in-silico approach. Meta Gene 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mgene.2019.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
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8
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Guo Z, Xu C, Chen H. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for relapsed acute myeloid leukemia in ETO positive with reduced-intensity conditioning. Oncotarget 2018; 9:524-538. [PMID: 29416633 PMCID: PMC5787486 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.22612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective This research is conducted under the intention of exploring the efficacy and safety of reduced-intensity conditioning for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) in the treatment of relapsed ETO positive acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Materials and Methods Treatment of 15 cases referring to recurrent ETO positive acute myeloid leukemia in an army hospital from January 2010 to January 2013 through allo-HSCT with reduced-intensity conditioning. All participants belonged to the recurrent or refractory type, including 10 males and 5 females, aging from 16 to 48 years old, with the average age of 32.5 years old. Before transplantation, 6 cases were remission while 9 were not, 10 cases were HLA-identical matching and 5 cases were HLA-haploidentical. Donors received G-CSF to mobilize and used peripheral blood stem cell transplantation. Patients received a combination of Fludarabine, Busulfex and cytarabine as conditioning regimen. Preventive donor peripheral blood stem cell infusion was used 3 months after transplantation in order to observe toxicity, graft versus host disease(GVHD) and disease-free survival. Results All patients reached hematopoietic reconstitution, the average time were 15.5d and 16.8d respectively with neutrophils > 0.5 × 109/L and platelets > 20 × 109/L. Engraftment was confirmed by the evidence of 100% donor hematopoiesis and T lymphocyte subsets counts increased significantly before and after transplantation. Univariate analysis showed that the levels of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD19+ significantly increased after transplantation (P < 0.05) . Until June 2016 after the duration of 27.5 months, 8 cases presented the presence of GVHD, one died of complication, another 4 died of relapse and the other three remained disease-free survival, the DFS rate of 2-year was 66.7%, with the longest DFS up to 54 months. Considering of the transplantation cases with remission into relief groups (6 cases), and not ease group (9 cases), 2 years of disease-free survival rates were 66.7% and 66.7%. The survival curves of the two groups are demonstrated with no significant statistical significance (P > 0.05). Conclusions Reduced-intensity allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation remains effective for relapsed AML with ETO positive, with safe and effective features and can be used as the method for relapsed AML with ETO positive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Guo
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital and Shenzhen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Shenzhen, 518116, China
| | - Chen Xu
- Center of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, 307 Hospital of People's Liberation Army, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Hu Chen
- Center of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, 307 Hospital of People's Liberation Army, Beijing, 100071, China
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Lin S, Mulloy JC, Goyama S. RUNX1-ETO Leukemia. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 962:151-173. [PMID: 28299657 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-10-3233-2_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
AML1-ETO leukemia is the most common cytogenetic subtype of acute myeloid leukemia, defined by the presence of t(8;21). Remarkable progress has been achieved in understanding the molecular pathogenesis of AML1-ETO leukemia. Proteomic surveies have shown that AML-ETO forms a stable complex with several transcription factors, including E proteins. Genome-wide transcriptome and ChIP-seq analyses have revealed the genes directly regulated by AML1-ETO, such as CEBPA. Several lines of evidence suggest that AML1-ETO suppresses endogenous DNA repair in cells to promote mutagenesis, which facilitates acquisition of cooperating secondary events. Furthermore, it has become increasingly apparent that a delicate balance of AML1-ETO and native AML1 is important to sustain the malignant cell phenotype. Translation of these findings into the clinical setting is just beginning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Lin
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - James C Mulloy
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Susumu Goyama
- Division of Cellular Therapy, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
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10
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ASXL2 is essential for haematopoiesis and acts as a haploinsufficient tumour suppressor in leukemia. Nat Commun 2017; 8:15429. [PMID: 28516957 PMCID: PMC5454368 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms15429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2016] [Accepted: 03/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Additional sex combs-like (ASXL) proteins are mammalian homologues of additional sex combs (Asx), a regulator of trithorax and polycomb function in Drosophila. While there has been great interest in ASXL1 due to its frequent mutation in leukemia, little is known about its paralog ASXL2, which is frequently mutated in acute myeloid leukemia patients bearing the RUNX1-RUNX1T1 (AML1-ETO) fusion. Here we report that ASXL2 is required for normal haematopoiesis with distinct, non-overlapping effects from ASXL1 and acts as a haploinsufficient tumour suppressor. While Asxl2 was required for normal haematopoietic stem cell self-renewal, Asxl2 loss promoted AML1-ETO leukemogenesis. Moreover, ASXL2 target genes strongly overlapped with those of RUNX1 and AML1-ETO and ASXL2 loss was associated with increased chromatin accessibility at putative enhancers of key leukemogenic loci. These data reveal that Asxl2 is a critical regulator of haematopoiesis and mediates transcriptional effects that promote leukemogenesis driven by AML1-ETO. While the role of ASLX1 in haematopoiesis and leukaemia has been heavily studied, the role of ASLX2 is unclear. Here the authors show that ASLX2 is required for normal haematopoietic stem cell self-renewal whereas Asxl2 loss promotes leukemogenesis, thus explaining the frequently observed mutations in AML patients
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11
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Vegi NM, Klappacher J, Oswald F, Mulaw MA, Mandoli A, Thiel VN, Bamezai S, Feder K, Martens JHA, Rawat VPS, Mandal T, Quintanilla-Martinez L, Spiekermann K, Hiddemann W, Döhner K, Döhner H, Stunnenberg HG, Feuring-Buske M, Buske C. MEIS2 Is an Oncogenic Partner in AML1-ETO-Positive AML. Cell Rep 2016; 16:498-507. [PMID: 27346355 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2016.05.094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2014] [Revised: 04/20/2016] [Accepted: 05/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Homeobox genes are known to be key factors in leukemogenesis. Although the TALE family homeodomain factor Meis1 has been linked to malignancy, a role for MEIS2 is less clear. Here, we demonstrate that MEIS2 is expressed at high levels in patients with AML1-ETO-positive acute myeloid leukemia and that growth of AML1-ETO-positive leukemia depends on MEIS2 expression. In mice, MEIS2 collaborates with AML1-ETO to induce acute myeloid leukemia. MEIS2 binds strongly to the Runt domain of AML1-ETO, indicating a direct interaction between these transcription factors. High expression of MEIS2 impairs repressive DNA binding of AML1-ETO, inducing increased expression of genes such as the druggable proto-oncogene YES1. Collectively, these data describe a pivotal role for MEIS2 in AML1-ETO-induced leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naidu M Vegi
- Institute of Experimental Cancer Research, CCC and University Hospital of Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Josef Klappacher
- Institute of Experimental Cancer Research, CCC and University Hospital of Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Franz Oswald
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Center for Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Ulm, Albert-Einstein-Allee 23, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Medhanie A Mulaw
- Institute of Experimental Cancer Research, CCC and University Hospital of Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Amit Mandoli
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Nijmegen Centre for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University, 6500HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Verena N Thiel
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Center for Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Ulm, Albert-Einstein-Allee 23, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Shiva Bamezai
- Institute of Experimental Cancer Research, CCC and University Hospital of Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Kristin Feder
- Institute of Experimental Cancer Research, CCC and University Hospital of Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Joost H A Martens
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Nijmegen Centre for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University, 6500HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Vijay P S Rawat
- Institute of Experimental Cancer Research, CCC and University Hospital of Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Tamoghna Mandal
- Institute of Experimental Cancer Research, CCC and University Hospital of Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Leticia Quintanilla-Martinez
- Institute of Pathology and Neuropathology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen and Comprehensive Cancer Center, University Hospital Tübingen, Liebermeisterstrasse 8, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Karsten Spiekermann
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Grosshadern, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Hiddemann
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Grosshadern, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Konstanze Döhner
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Hartmut Döhner
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Hendrik G Stunnenberg
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Nijmegen Centre for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University, 6500HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | | | - Christian Buske
- Institute of Experimental Cancer Research, CCC and University Hospital of Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany; Core Facility Genomics, Medical Faculty Ulm, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany.
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12
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MYC-dependent recruitment of RUNX1 and GATA2 on the SET oncogene promoter enhances PP2A inactivation in acute myeloid leukemia. Oncotarget 2016; 8:53989-54003. [PMID: 28903318 PMCID: PMC5589557 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.9840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2016] [Accepted: 05/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The SET (I2PP2A) oncoprotein is a potent inhibitor of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) that regulates many cell processes and important signaling pathways. Despite the importance of SET overexpression and its prognostic impact in both hematologic and solid tumors, little is known about the mechanisms involved in its transcriptional regulation. In this report, we define the minimal promoter region of the SET gene, and identify a novel multi-protein transcription complex, composed of MYC, SP1, RUNX1 and GATA2, which activates SET expression in AML. The role of MYC is crucial, since it increases the expression of the other three transcription factors of the complex, and supports their recruitment to the promoter of SET. These data shed light on a new regulatory mechanism in cancer, in addition to the already known PP2A-MYC and SET-PP2A. Besides, we show that there is a significant positive correlation between the expression of SET and MYC, RUNX1, and GATA2 in AML patients, which further endorses our results. Altogether, this study opens new directions for understanding the mechanisms that lead to SET overexpression, and demonstrates that MYC, SP1, RUNX1 and GATA2 are key transcriptional regulators of SET expression in AML.
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13
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Maiques-Diaz A, Hernando M, Sánchez-López A, Rio-Machin A, Shrestha M, Mulloy JC, Cigudosa JC, Alvarez S. MAPK8-mediated stabilization of SP1 is essential for RUNX1-RUNX1T1 - driven leukaemia. Br J Haematol 2016; 172:807-10. [PMID: 26058961 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.13536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alba Maiques-Diaz
- Molecular Cytogenetics Group, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain. ,
| | - Miriam Hernando
- Molecular Cytogenetics Group, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Amanda Sánchez-López
- Molecular Cytogenetics Group, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Rio-Machin
- Molecular Cytogenetics Group, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Mahesh Shrestha
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - James C Mulloy
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Juan C Cigudosa
- Molecular Cytogenetics Group, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Sara Alvarez
- Molecular Cytogenetics Group, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain.
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14
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Rodriguez-Perales S, Torres-Ruiz R, Suela J, Acquadro F, Martin MC, Yebra E, Ramirez JC, Alvarez S, Cigudosa JC. Truncated RUNX1 protein generated by a novel t(1;21)(p32;q22) chromosomal translocation impairs the proliferation and differentiation of human hematopoietic progenitors. Oncogene 2015; 35:125-34. [DOI: 10.1038/onc.2015.70] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2014] [Revised: 01/21/2015] [Accepted: 02/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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15
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Gao XN, Yan F, Lin J, Gao L, Lu XL, Wei SC, Shen N, Pang JX, Ning QY, Komeno Y, Deng AL, Xu YH, Shi JL, Li YH, Zhang DE, Nervi C, Liu SJ, Yu L. AML1/ETO cooperates with HIF1α to promote leukemogenesis through DNMT3a transactivation. Leukemia 2015; 29:1730-40. [PMID: 25727291 DOI: 10.1038/leu.2015.56] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2014] [Revised: 02/16/2015] [Accepted: 02/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The mechanisms by which AML1/ETO (A/E) fusion protein induces leukemogenesis in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) without mutagenic events remain elusive. Here we show that interactions between A/E and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF1α) are sufficient to prime leukemia cells for subsequent aggressive growth. In agreement with this, HIF1α is highly expressed in A/E-positive AML patients and strongly predicts inferior outcomes, regardless of gene mutations. Co-expression of A/E and HIF1α in leukemia cells causes a higher cell proliferation rate in vitro and more serious leukemic status in mice. Mechanistically, A/E and HIF1α form a positive regulatory circuit and cooperate to transactivate DNMT3a gene leading to DNA hypermethylation. Pharmacological or genetic interventions in the A/E-HIF1α loop results in DNA hypomethylation, a re-expression of hypermethylated tumor-suppressor p15(INK4b) and the blockage of leukemia growth. Thus high HIF1α expression serves as a reliable marker, which identifies patients with a poor prognosis in an otherwise prognostically favorable AML group and represents an innovative therapeutic target in high-risk A/E-driven leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- X N Gao
- 1] Department of Hematology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China [2] The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN, USA
| | - F Yan
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN, USA
| | - J Lin
- Institute of Basic Medicine, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
| | - L Gao
- Department of Hematology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
| | - X L Lu
- Department of Hematology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
| | - S C Wei
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN, USA
| | - N Shen
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN, USA
| | - J X Pang
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN, USA
| | - Q Y Ning
- Department of Hematology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Y Komeno
- Department of Pathology and Division of Biological Sciences, Moores UCSD Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - A L Deng
- Department of Hematology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Y H Xu
- Department of Hematology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
| | - J L Shi
- Department of Hematology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Y H Li
- Department of Hematology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
| | - D E Zhang
- Department of Pathology and Division of Biological Sciences, Moores UCSD Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - C Nervi
- Department of Medical Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, University of Rome 'La Sapienza', Latina, Italy
| | - S J Liu
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN, USA
| | - L Yu
- Department of Hematology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
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16
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Mehdipour P, Santoro F, Minucci S. Epigenetic alterations in acute myeloid leukemias. FEBS J 2014; 282:1786-800. [DOI: 10.1111/febs.13142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2014] [Revised: 10/22/2014] [Accepted: 10/31/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Parinaz Mehdipour
- Department of Experimental Oncology at the IFOM-IEO Campus; European Institute of Oncology; Milan Italy
| | - Fabio Santoro
- Department of Experimental Oncology at the IFOM-IEO Campus; European Institute of Oncology; Milan Italy
| | - Saverio Minucci
- Department of Experimental Oncology at the IFOM-IEO Campus; European Institute of Oncology; Milan Italy
- Department of Biosciences; University of Milan; Milan Italy
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17
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Interaction of c-Myb with p300 is required for the induction of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) by human AML oncogenes. Blood 2014; 123:2682-90. [DOI: 10.1182/blood-2012-02-413187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Key Points
A mutation preventing interaction between c-Myb and p300 prevents transformation and leukemia induction by MLL-AF9 and AML1-ETO9a oncogenes. Identifying agents that block the c-Myb-p300 interaction may be a valuable approach to developing a therapy for acute myeloid leukemia.
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18
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Li L, Lorzadeh A, Hirst M. Regulatory variation: an emerging vantage point for cancer biology. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-SYSTEMS BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2013; 6:37-59. [DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Luolan Li
- Centre for High-Throughput Biology, Department of Microbiology & Immunology; University of British Columbia; Vancouver, British Columbia Canada
| | - Alireza Lorzadeh
- Centre for High-Throughput Biology, Department of Microbiology & Immunology; University of British Columbia; Vancouver, British Columbia Canada
| | - Martin Hirst
- Centre for High-Throughput Biology, Department of Microbiology & Immunology; University of British Columbia; Vancouver, British Columbia Canada
- Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre; BC Cancer Agency; Vancouver, British Columbia Canada
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19
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Origins of aberrant DNA methylation in acute myeloid leukemia. Leukemia 2013; 28:1-14. [DOI: 10.1038/leu.2013.242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2013] [Revised: 08/06/2013] [Accepted: 08/09/2013] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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20
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Koh CP, Wang CQ, Ng CEL, Ito Y, Araki M, Tergaonkar V, Huang G, Osato M. RUNX1 meets MLL: epigenetic regulation of hematopoiesis by two leukemia genes. Leukemia 2013; 27:1793-802. [PMID: 23817177 DOI: 10.1038/leu.2013.200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2013] [Revised: 06/26/2013] [Accepted: 06/26/2013] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
A broad range of human leukemias carries RUNX1 and MLL genetic alterations. Despite such widespread involvements, the relationship between RUNX1 and MLL has never been appreciated. Recently, we showed that RUNX1 physically and functionally interacts with MLL, thereby regulating the epigenetic status of critical cis-regulatory elements for hematopoietic genes. This newly unveiled interaction between the two most prevalent leukemia genes has solved a long-standing conundrum: leukemia-associated RUNX1 N-terminal point mutants that exhibit no obvious functional abnormalities in classical assays for the assessment of transcriptional activities. These mutants turned out to be defective in MLL interaction and subsequent epigenetic modifications that can be examined by the histone-modification status of cis-regulatory elements in the target genes. RUNX1/MLL binding confirms the importance of RUNX1 function as an epigenetic regulator. Recent studies employing next-generation sequencing on human hematological malignancies identified a plethora of mutations in epigenetic regulator genes. These new findings would enhance our understanding on the mechanistic basis for leukemia development and may provide a novel direction for therapeutic applications. This review summarizes the current knowledge about the epigenetic regulation of normal and malignant hematopoiesis by RUNX1 and MLL.
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Affiliation(s)
- C P Koh
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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21
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Zhuang WY, Cen JN, Zhao Y, Chen ZX. Epigenetic silencing of Bcl-2, CEBPA and p14(ARF) by the AML1-ETO oncoprotein contributing to growth arrest and differentiation block in the U937 cell line. Oncol Rep 2013; 30:185-92. [PMID: 23673926 DOI: 10.3892/or.2013.2459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2013] [Accepted: 04/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The AML1-ETO fusion transcription factor generated by the t(8;21) translocation is considered to deregulate the expression of genes that are crucial for normal differentiation and proliferation of hematopoietic progenitors, resulting in acute myelogenous leukemia by recruiting co-repressor complexes to DNA. To investigate the role of AML1-ETO in leukemogenesis, we transfected the cloned AML1-ETO cDNA and expressed the AML1-ETO protein in U937 myelomonocytic leukemia cells. By focusing on the anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-2, the key regulator gene of granulocytic differentiation CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α (CEBPA) and the tumor suppressor gene p14(ARF), we found that both AML1-ETO-expressing cell lines and t(8;21) leukemia samples displayed low levels of these three genes. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated that Bcl-2, CEBPA and p14(ARF) were direct transcriptional targets of AML1-ETO. The universal binding of AML1-ETO to genomic DNA resulted in recruitment of methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2), reduction of histone H3 or H4 acetylation and increased trimethylation of histone H3 lysine 9 as well as lysine 27 indicating that AML1-ETO induced heterochromatic silencing of Bcl-2, CEBPA and p14(ARF). These results suggested that the aberrant transcription factor AML1-ETO epigenetically silenced the function of the Bcl-2, CEBPA and p14(ARF) genes by inducing repressed chromatin configurations at their promoters through histone modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Yue Zhuang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Soochow University, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, Key Laboratory of Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Ministry of Health, Suzhou, Jiangsu, P.R. China
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22
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Zaidi SK, Trombly DJ, Dowdy CR, Lian JB, Stein JL, van Wijnen AJ, Stein GS. Epigenetic mechanisms in leukemia. Adv Biol Regul 2012; 52:369-376. [PMID: 22884030 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2012.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2012] [Accepted: 05/16/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Focal organization of regulatory machinery within the interphase nucleus is linked to biological responsiveness and perturbed in cancer. Lineage determinant Runx proteins organize and assemble multi-protein complexes at sites of transcription within the nucleus and regulate both RNA polymerase II- and I-mediated gene expression. In addition, Runx proteins epigenetically control lineage determining transcriptional programs including: 1) architectural organization of macromolecular complexes in interphase, 2) regulation of gene expression through bookmarking during mitosis, and 3) microRNA-mediated translational control in the interphase nucleus. These mechanisms are compromised with the onset and progression of cancer. For example, the oncogenic AML1-ETO protein, which results from a chromosomal translocation between chromosomes 8 and 21, is expressed in nearly 25% of all acute myelogenous leukemias, disrupts Runx1 subnuclear localization during interphase and compromises transcriptional regulation. Epigenetically, the leukemic protein redirects the Runx1 DNA binding domain to leukemia-specific nuclear microenvironments, modifies regulatory protein accessibility to Runx1 target genes by imprinting repressive chromatin marks, and deregulates the microRNA (miR) profile of diseased myeloid cells. Consequently, the entire Runx1-dependent transcriptional program of myeloid cells is deregulated leading to onset and progression of acute myeloid leukemia and maintenance of leukemic phenotype. We discuss the potential of modified epigenetic landscape of leukemic cells as a viable therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayyed K Zaidi
- Department of Cell Biology and Cancer Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 55 Lake Ave. N., Worcester, MA 01655, USA
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23
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Hatlen MA, Wang L, Nimer SD. AML1-ETO driven acute leukemia: insights into pathogenesis and potential therapeutic approaches. Front Med 2012; 6:248-62. [PMID: 22875638 DOI: 10.1007/s11684-012-0206-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2012] [Accepted: 04/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The AML1-ETO fusion transcription factor is generated by the t(8;21) translocation, which is present in approximately 4%-12% of adult and 12%-30% of pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients. Both human and mouse models of AML have demonstrated that AML1-ETO is insufficient for leukemogenesis in the absence of secondary events. In this review, we discuss the pathogenetic insights that have been gained from identifying the various events that can cooperate with AML1-ETO to induce AML in vivo. We also discuss potential therapeutic strategies for t(8;21) positive AML that involve targeting the fusion protein itself, the proteins that bind to it, or the genes that it regulates. Recently published studies suggest that a targeted therapy for t(8;21) positive AML is feasible and may be coming sometime soon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan A Hatlen
- Molecular Pharmacology and Chemistry Program, Sloan-Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
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24
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Ptasinska A, Assi SA, Mannari D, James SR, Williamson D, Dunne J, Hoogenkamp M, Wu M, Care M, McNeill H, Cauchy P, Cullen M, Tooze RM, Tenen DG, Young BD, Cockerill PN, Westhead DR, Heidenreich O, Bonifer C. Depletion of RUNX1/ETO in t(8;21) AML cells leads to genome-wide changes in chromatin structure and transcription factor binding. Leukemia 2012; 26:1829-41. [PMID: 22343733 PMCID: PMC3419980 DOI: 10.1038/leu.2012.49] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The t(8;21) translocation fuses the DNA-binding domain of the hematopoietic master regulator RUNX1 to the ETO protein. The resultant RUNX1/ETO fusion protein is a leukemia-initiating transcription factor that interferes with RUNX1 function. The result of this interference is a block in differentiation and, finally, the development of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). To obtain insights into RUNX1/ETO-dependant alterations of the epigenetic landscape, we measured genome-wide RUNX1- and RUNX1/ETO-bound regions in t(8;21) cells and assessed to what extent the effects of RUNX1/ETO on the epigenome depend on its continued expression in established leukemic cells. To this end, we determined dynamic alterations of histone acetylation, RNA Polymerase II binding and RUNX1 occupancy in the presence or absence of RUNX1/ETO using a knockdown approach. Combined global assessments of chromatin accessibility and kinetic gene expression data show that RUNX1/ETO controls the expression of important regulators of hematopoietic differentiation and self-renewal. We show that selective removal of RUNX1/ETO leads to a widespread reversal of epigenetic reprogramming and a genome-wide redistribution of RUNX1 binding, resulting in the inhibition of leukemic proliferation and self-renewal, and the induction of differentiation. This demonstrates that RUNX1/ETO represents a pivotal therapeutic target in AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Ptasinska
- Section of Experimental Haematology, Leeds Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
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25
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Rio-Machín A, Menezes J, Maiques-Diaz A, Agirre X, Ferreira BI, Acquadro F, Rodriguez-Perales S, Juaristi KA, Alvarez S, Cigudosa JC. Abrogation of RUNX1 gene expression in de novo myelodysplastic syndrome with t(4;21)(q21;q22). Haematologica 2011; 97:534-7. [PMID: 22102704 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2011.050567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The disruption of RUNX1 function is one of the main mechanisms of disease observed in hematopoietic malignancies and the description of novel genetic events that lead to a RUNX1 loss of function has been accelerated with the development of genomic technologies. Here we describe the molecular characterization of a new t(4;21)(q21;q22) in a de novo myelodysplastic syndrome that resulted in the deletion of the RUNX1 gene. We demonstrated by quantitative real-time RT-PCR an almost complete depletion of the expression of the RUNX1 gene in our t(4;21) case compared with CD34(+) cells that was independent of mutation or DNA methylation. More importantly, we explored and confirmed the possibility that this abrogation also prevented transactivation of RUNX1 target genes, perhaps confirming the genetic origin of the thrombocytopenia and the myelodysplastic features observed in our patient, and certainly mimicking what has been observed in the presence of the RUNX1/ETO fusion protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Rio-Machín
- Molecular Cytogenetics Group, Human Cancer Genetics Program, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre - CNIO, Melchor Fernández Almagro, 3, 28029, Madrid, Spain
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