1
|
EVI1 drives leukemogenesis through aberrant ERG activation. Blood 2023; 141:453-466. [PMID: 36095844 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2022016592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Chromosomal rearrangements involving the MDS1 and EVI1 complex locus (MECOM) on chromosome 3q26 define an aggressive subtype of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) that is associated with chemotherapy resistance and dismal prognosis. Established treatment regimens commonly fail in these patients, therefore, there is an urgent need for new therapeutic concepts that will require a better understanding of the molecular and cellular functions of the ecotropic viral integration site 1 (EVI1) oncogene. To characterize gene regulatory functions of EVI1 and associated dependencies in AML, we developed experimentally tractable human and murine disease models, investigated the transcriptional consequences of EVI1 withdrawal in vitro and in vivo, and performed the first genome-wide CRISPR screens in EVI1-dependent AML. By integrating conserved transcriptional targets with genetic dependency data, we identified and characterized the ETS transcription factor ERG as a direct transcriptional target of EVI1 that is aberrantly expressed and selectively required in both human and murine EVI1-driven AML. EVI1 controls the expression of ERG and occupies a conserved intragenic enhancer region in AML cell lines and samples from patients with primary AML. Suppression of ERG induces terminal differentiation of EVI1-driven AML cells, whereas ectopic expression of ERG abrogates their dependence on EVI1, indicating that the major oncogenic functions of EVI1 are mediated through aberrant transcriptional activation of ERG. Interfering with this regulatory axis may provide entry points for the development of rational targeted therapies.
Collapse
|
2
|
Lewis KT, Oles LR, MacDougald OA. Tetracycline response element driven Cre causes ectopic recombinase activity independent of transactivator element. Mol Metab 2022; 61:101501. [PMID: 35452876 PMCID: PMC9170755 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2022.101501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Tamoxifen is widely used for inducible Cre-LoxP systems but has several undesirable side effects for researchers investigating metabolism or energy balance, including weight loss, lipoatrophy, and drug incorporation into lipid stores. For this reason, we sought to determine whether a doxycycline-inducible system would be more advantageous for adipocyte-specific Cre mouse models, but serendipitously discovered widespread ectopic tetracycline response element Cre (TRE-Cre) recombinase activity. METHODS Adipocyte-specific tamoxifen- and doxycycline-inducible Cre mice were crossed to fluorescent Cre reporter mice and visualized by confocal microscopy to assess efficiency and background activity. TRE-Cre mice were crossed to stop-floxed diphtheria toxin mice to selectively ablate cells with background Cre activity. RESULTS Tamoxifen- and doxycycline-inducible systems performed similarly in adipose tissues, but ectopic Cre recombination was evident in numerous other cell types of the latter, most notably neurons. The source of ectopic Cre activity was isolated to the TRE-Cre transgene, driven by the pTet (tetO7) tetracycline-inducible promoter. Ablation of cells with ectopic recombination in mice led to stunted growth, diminished survival, and reduced brain mass. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that tamoxifen- and doxycycline-inducible adipocyte-specific Cre mouse models are similarly efficient, but the TRE-Cre component of the latter is inherently leaky. TRE-Cre background activity is especially pronounced in the brain and peripheral nerve fibers, and selective ablation of these cells impairs mouse development and survival. Caution should be taken when pairing TRE-Cre with floxed alleles that have defined roles in neural function, and additional controls should be included when using this model system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth T Lewis
- University of Michigan Medical School, Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Lily R Oles
- University of Michigan Medical School, Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Ormond A MacDougald
- University of Michigan Medical School, Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; University of Michigan Medical School, Department of Internal Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Jouvet N, Bouyakdan K, Campbell SA, Baldwin C, Townsend SE, Gannon MA, Poitout V, Alquier T, Estall JL. The Tetracycline-Controlled Transactivator (Tet-On/Off) System in β-Cells Reduces Insulin Expression and Secretion in Mice. Diabetes 2021; 70:2850-2859. [PMID: 34610983 PMCID: PMC8660978 DOI: 10.2337/db21-0147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Controllable genetic manipulation is an indispensable tool in research, greatly advancing our understanding of cell biology and physiology. However in β-cells, transgene silencing, low inducibility, ectopic expression, and off-targets effects are persistent challenges. In this study, we investigated whether an inducible Tetracycline (Tet)-Off system with β-cell-specific mouse insulin promoter (MIP)-itTA-driven expression of tetracycline operon (TetO)-CreJaw/J could circumvent previous issues of specificity and efficacy. Following assessment of tissue-specific gene recombination, β-cell architecture, in vitro and in vivo glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, and whole-body glucose homeostasis, we discovered that expression of any tetracycline-controlled transactivator (e.g., improved itTA, reverse rtTA, or tTA) in β-cells significantly reduced Insulin gene expression and decreased insulin content. This translated into lower pancreatic insulin levels and reduced insulin secretion in mice carrying any tTA transgene, independent of Cre recombinase expression or doxycycline exposure. Our study echoes ongoing challenges faced by fundamental researchers working with β-cells and highlights the need for consistent and comprehensive controls when using the tetracycline-controlled transactivator systems (Tet-On or Tet-Off) for genome editing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Jouvet
- Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal (IRCM), Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Khalil Bouyakdan
- Montreal Diabetes Research Centre, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Scott A Campbell
- Montreal Diabetes Research Centre, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Département de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Cindy Baldwin
- Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal (IRCM), Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Shannon E Townsend
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
| | - Maureen A Gannon
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Tennessee Valley Health Authority, Nashville, TN
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Vincent Poitout
- Montreal Diabetes Research Centre, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Département de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Thierry Alquier
- Montreal Diabetes Research Centre, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Département de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jennifer L Estall
- Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal (IRCM), Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Montreal Diabetes Research Centre, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Département de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Radaelli E, Santagostino SF, Sellers RS, Brayton CF. Immune Relevant and Immune Deficient Mice: Options and Opportunities in Translational Research. ILAR J 2019; 59:211-246. [PMID: 31197363 PMCID: PMC7114723 DOI: 10.1093/ilar/ily026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2017] [Revised: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In 1989 ILAR published a list and description of immunodeficient rodents used in research. Since then, advances in understanding of molecular mechanisms; recognition of genetic, epigenetic microbial, and other influences on immunity; and capabilities in manipulating genomes and microbiomes have increased options and opportunities for selecting mice and designing studies to answer important mechanistic and therapeutic questions. Despite numerous scientific breakthroughs that have benefitted from research in mice, there is debate about the relevance and predictive or translational value of research in mice. Reproducibility of results obtained from mice and other research models also is a well-publicized concern. This review summarizes resources to inform the selection and use of immune relevant mouse strains and stocks, aiming to improve the utility, validity, and reproducibility of research in mice. Immune sufficient genetic variations, immune relevant spontaneous mutations, immunodeficient and autoimmune phenotypes, and selected induced conditions are emphasized.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Radaelli
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Sara F Santagostino
- Department of Safety Assessment, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California
| | | | - Cory F Brayton
- Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Schmitt A, Schulze-Osthoff K, Hailfinger S. Correspondence: T cells are compromised in tetracycline transactivator transgenic mice. Cell Death Differ 2018; 25:634-636. [PMID: 29352266 PMCID: PMC5864203 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-017-0042-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2017] [Revised: 11/17/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Anja Schmitt
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Interfaculty Institute for Biochemistry, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Klaus Schulze-Osthoff
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Interfaculty Institute for Biochemistry, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stephan Hailfinger
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Interfaculty Institute for Biochemistry, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|