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Gimeno-Valiente F, López-Rodas G, Castillo J, Franco L. The Many Roads from Alternative Splicing to Cancer: Molecular Mechanisms Involving Driver Genes. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2123. [PMID: 38893242 PMCID: PMC11171328 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16112123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer driver genes are either oncogenes or tumour suppressor genes that are classically activated or inactivated, respectively, by driver mutations. Alternative splicing-which produces various mature mRNAs and, eventually, protein variants from a single gene-may also result in driving neoplastic transformation because of the different and often opposed functions of the variants of driver genes. The present review analyses the different alternative splicing events that result in driving neoplastic transformation, with an emphasis on their molecular mechanisms. To do this, we collected a list of 568 gene drivers of cancer and revised the literature to select those involved in the alternative splicing of other genes as well as those in which its pre-mRNA is subject to alternative splicing, with the result, in both cases, of producing an oncogenic isoform. Thirty-one genes fall into the first category, which includes splicing factors and components of the spliceosome and splicing regulators. In the second category, namely that comprising driver genes in which alternative splicing produces the oncogenic isoform, 168 genes were found. Then, we grouped them according to the molecular mechanisms responsible for alternative splicing yielding oncogenic isoforms, namely, mutations in cis splicing-determining elements, other causes involving non-mutated cis elements, changes in splicing factors, and epigenetic and chromatin-related changes. The data given in the present review substantiate the idea that aberrant splicing may regulate the activation of proto-oncogenes or inactivation of tumour suppressor genes and details on the mechanisms involved are given for more than 40 driver genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Gimeno-Valiente
- Cancer Evolution and Genome Instability Laboratory, University College London Cancer Institute, London WC1E 6DD, UK;
| | - Gerardo López-Rodas
- Department of Oncology, Institute of Health Research INCLIVA, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (G.L.-R.); (J.C.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat de València, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Josefa Castillo
- Department of Oncology, Institute of Health Research INCLIVA, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (G.L.-R.); (J.C.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat de València, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Cáncer (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Franco
- Department of Oncology, Institute of Health Research INCLIVA, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (G.L.-R.); (J.C.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat de València, 46010 Valencia, Spain
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2
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Cao X, Huber S, Ahari AJ, Traube FR, Seifert M, Oakes CC, Secheyko P, Vilov S, Scheller IF, Wagner N, Yépez VA, Blombery P, Haferlach T, Heinig M, Wachutka L, Hutter S, Gagneur J. Analysis of 3760 hematologic malignancies reveals rare transcriptomic aberrations of driver genes. Genome Med 2024; 16:70. [PMID: 38769532 PMCID: PMC11103968 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-024-01331-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rare oncogenic driver events, particularly affecting the expression or splicing of driver genes, are suspected to substantially contribute to the large heterogeneity of hematologic malignancies. However, their identification remains challenging. METHODS To address this issue, we generated the largest dataset to date of matched whole genome sequencing and total RNA sequencing of hematologic malignancies from 3760 patients spanning 24 disease entities. Taking advantage of our dataset size, we focused on discovering rare regulatory aberrations. Therefore, we called expression and splicing outliers using an extension of the workflow DROP (Detection of RNA Outliers Pipeline) and AbSplice, a variant effect predictor that identifies genetic variants causing aberrant splicing. We next trained a machine learning model integrating these results to prioritize new candidate disease-specific driver genes. RESULTS We found a median of seven expression outlier genes, two splicing outlier genes, and two rare splice-affecting variants per sample. Each category showed significant enrichment for already well-characterized driver genes, with odds ratios exceeding three among genes called in more than five samples. On held-out data, our integrative modeling significantly outperformed modeling based solely on genomic data and revealed promising novel candidate driver genes. Remarkably, we found a truncated form of the low density lipoprotein receptor LRP1B transcript to be aberrantly overexpressed in about half of hairy cell leukemia variant (HCL-V) samples and, to a lesser extent, in closely related B-cell neoplasms. This observation, which was confirmed in an independent cohort, suggests LRP1B as a novel marker for a HCL-V subclass and a yet unreported functional role of LRP1B within these rare entities. CONCLUSIONS Altogether, our census of expression and splicing outliers for 24 hematologic malignancy entities and the companion computational workflow constitute unique resources to deepen our understanding of rare oncogenic events in hematologic cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueqi Cao
- School of Computation, Information and Technology, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany
- Graduate School of Quantitative Biosciences (QBM), Munich, Germany
| | - Sandra Huber
- Munich Leukemia Laboratory (MLL), Munich, Germany
| | - Ata Jadid Ahari
- School of Computation, Information and Technology, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany
| | - Franziska R Traube
- School of Computation, Information and Technology, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany
- Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Marc Seifert
- Department of Haematology, Oncology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Christopher C Oakes
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Polina Secheyko
- School of Computation, Information and Technology, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Sergey Vilov
- Computational Health Center, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Ines F Scheller
- School of Computation, Information and Technology, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany
- Computational Health Center, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Nils Wagner
- School of Computation, Information and Technology, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany
- Helmholtz Association - Munich School for Data Science (MUDS), Munich, Germany
| | - Vicente A Yépez
- School of Computation, Information and Technology, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany
| | - Piers Blombery
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Torsten Haferlach Leukämiediagnostik Stiftung, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Matthias Heinig
- School of Computation, Information and Technology, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany
- Computational Health Center, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Leonhard Wachutka
- School of Computation, Information and Technology, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany.
| | | | - Julien Gagneur
- School of Computation, Information and Technology, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany.
- Graduate School of Quantitative Biosciences (QBM), Munich, Germany.
- Computational Health Center, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany.
- Institute of Human Genetics, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
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3
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Jin P, Wang X, Jin Q, Zhang Y, Shen J, Jiang G, Zhu H, Zhao M, Wang D, Li Z, Zhou Y, Li W, Zhang W, Liu Y, Wang S, Jin W, Cao Y, Sheng G, Dong F, Wu S, Li X, Jin Z, He M, Liu X, Chen L, Zhang Y, Wang K, Li J. Mutant U2AF1-Induced Mis-Splicing of mRNA Translation Genes Confers Resistance to Chemotherapy in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Cancer Res 2024; 84:1583-1596. [PMID: 38417135 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-2543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
Patients with primary refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have a dismal long-term prognosis. Elucidating the resistance mechanisms to induction chemotherapy could help identify strategies to improve AML patient outcomes. Herein, we retrospectively analyzed the multiomics data of more than 1,500 AML cases and found that patients with spliceosome mutations had a higher risk of developing refractory disease. RNA splicing analysis revealed that the mis-spliced genes in refractory patients converged on translation-associated pathways, promoted mainly by U2AF1 mutations. Integrative analyses of binding and splicing in AML cell lines substantiated that the splicing perturbations of mRNA translation genes originated from both the loss and gain of mutant U2AF1 binding. In particular, the U2AF1S34F and U2AF1Q157R mutants orchestrated the inclusion of exon 11 (encoding a premature termination codon) in the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4A2 (EIF4A2). This aberrant inclusion led to reduced eIF4A2 protein expression via nonsense-mediated mRNA decay. Consequently, U2AF1 mutations caused a net decrease in global mRNA translation that induced the integrated stress response (ISR) in AML cells, which was confirmed by single-cell RNA sequencing. The induction of ISR enhanced the ability of AML cells to respond and adapt to stress, contributing to chemoresistance. A pharmacologic inhibitor of ISR, ISRIB, sensitized U2AF1 mutant cells to chemotherapy. These findings highlight a resistance mechanism by which U2AF1 mutations drive chemoresistance and provide a therapeutic approach for AML through targeting the ISR pathway. SIGNIFICANCE U2AF1 mutations induce the integrated stress response by disrupting splicing of mRNA translation genes that improves AML cell fitness to enable resistance to chemotherapy, which can be targeted to improve AML treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Jin
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoling Wang
- Department of Reproductive Medical Center, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiqi Jin
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Shen
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ge Jiang
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongming Zhu
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ming Zhao
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dan Wang
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zeyi Li
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Zhou
- Department of Reproductive Medical Center, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenzhu Li
- Department of Reproductive Medical Center, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yabin Liu
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Siyang Wang
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen Jin
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- CNRS-LIA Hematology and Cancer, Sino-French Research Center for Life Sciences and Genomics, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuncan Cao
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Guangying Sheng
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Fangyi Dong
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shishuang Wu
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoyang Li
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhen Jin
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengke He
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaxin Liu
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Luonan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yunxiang Zhang
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Kankan Wang
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- CNRS-LIA Hematology and Cancer, Sino-French Research Center for Life Sciences and Genomics, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Junmin Li
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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4
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Bhaskar A, Astrof S. A screen of mutants generated and imaged by the International Mouse Phenotyping Consortium identifies 39 novel genes regulating the development of the secondary palate. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.09.579685. [PMID: 38405938 PMCID: PMC10888939 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.09.579685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
The International Mouse Phenotyping Consortium (IMPC) has generated thousands of knockout mouse lines, of which a large proportion is embryonic or early neonatal lethal. The IMPC has generated and imaged embryos from lethal lines and made the three-dimensional image data sets publicly available. In this study, we used this resource to screen homozygous null mutants for defects in the development of the secondary palate. Altogether, we analyzed optical sections from 3216 embryos isolated at embryonic day (E) 15.5 and E18.5 from 478 homozygous mutant lines. Through this analysis, we discovered 39 novel genes important for palatal development. These studies provide new insights into the molecular regulation of palatogenesis and craniofacial disease and offer a useful resource for future exploration.
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5
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Tao Y, Zhang Q, Wang H, Yang X, Mu H. Alternative splicing and related RNA binding proteins in human health and disease. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:26. [PMID: 38302461 PMCID: PMC10835012 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01734-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Alternative splicing (AS) serves as a pivotal mechanism in transcriptional regulation, engendering transcript diversity, and modifications in protein structure and functionality. Across varying tissues, developmental stages, or under specific conditions, AS gives rise to distinct splice isoforms. This implies that these isoforms possess unique temporal and spatial roles, thereby associating AS with standard biological activities and diseases. Among these, AS-related RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) play an instrumental role in regulating alternative splicing events. Under physiological conditions, the diversity of proteins mediated by AS influences the structure, function, interaction, and localization of proteins, thereby participating in the differentiation and development of an array of tissues and organs. Under pathological conditions, alterations in AS are linked with various diseases, particularly cancer. These changes can lead to modifications in gene splicing patterns, culminating in changes or loss of protein functionality. For instance, in cancer, abnormalities in AS and RBPs may result in aberrant expression of cancer-associated genes, thereby promoting the onset and progression of tumors. AS and RBPs are also associated with numerous neurodegenerative diseases and autoimmune diseases. Consequently, the study of AS across different tissues holds significant value. This review provides a detailed account of the recent advancements in the study of alternative splicing and AS-related RNA-binding proteins in tissue development and diseases, which aids in deepening the understanding of gene expression complexity and offers new insights and methodologies for precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yining Tao
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200000, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Bone Tumor Institution, 200000, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Tumor Microenvironment and Inflammation, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200000, Shanghai, China
| | - Haoyu Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200000, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Bone Tumor Institution, 200000, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiyu Yang
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200000, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Bone Tumor Institution, 200000, Shanghai, China
| | - Haoran Mu
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200000, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Bone Tumor Institution, 200000, Shanghai, China.
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6
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Thoms JAI, Koch F, Raei A, Subramanian S, Wong JH, Vafaee F, Pimanda J. BloodChIP Xtra: an expanded database of comparative genome-wide transcription factor binding and gene-expression profiles in healthy human stem/progenitor subsets and leukemic cells. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:D1131-D1137. [PMID: 37870453 PMCID: PMC10767868 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The BloodChIP Xtra database (http://bloodchipXtra.vafaeelab.com/) facilitates genome-wide exploration and visualization of transcription factor (TF) occupancy and chromatin configuration in rare primary human hematopoietic stem (HSC-MPP) and progenitor (CMP, GMP, MEP) cells and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell lines (KG-1, ME-1, Kasumi1, TSU-1621-MT), along with chromatin accessibility and gene expression data from these and primary patient AMLs. BloodChIP Xtra features significantly more datasets than our earlier database BloodChIP (two primary cell types and two cell lines). Improved methodologies for determining TF occupancy and chromatin accessibility have led to increased availability of data for rare primary cell types across the spectrum of healthy and AML hematopoiesis. However, there is a continuing need for these data to be integrated in an easily accessible manner for gene-based queries and use in downstream applications. Here, we provide a user-friendly database based around genome-wide binding profiles of key hematopoietic TFs and histone marks in healthy stem/progenitor cell types. These are compared with binding profiles and chromatin accessibility derived from primary and cell line AML and integrated with expression data from corresponding cell types. All queries can be exported to construct TF-gene and protein-protein networks and evaluate the association of genes with specific cellular processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie A I Thoms
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Forrest C Koch
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Alireza Raei
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Shruthi Subramanian
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jason W H Wong
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Fatemeh Vafaee
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- UNSW Data Science Hub, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - John E Pimanda
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Haematology Department, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, Australia
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7
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Zhang M, Wang H, Han J, Wang H, Jia Y, Hong W, Tang F, Li Z. Specific recognition and sensitive quantification of mRNA splice variants via one-pot ligation-dependent loop-mediated isothermal amplification. Analyst 2023; 148:5605-5611. [PMID: 37818948 DOI: 10.1039/d3an01382k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Specific recognition and sensitive quantification of mRNA alternative splice variants have been a necessity for exploring the regulatory mechanism of RNA splicing and revealing the association between pre-mRNA splicing and transcriptome function, as well as disease diagnosis. However, their wide abundance range and high sequence homology pose enormous challenges for high sensitivity and selectivity quantification of splice variants. Herein, taking advantage of the excellent specificity of ligation and the powerful nucleic acid replication feature of loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), we developed a one-pot method (termed one-pot ligation-LAMP) for specific recognition and sensitive quantification of mRNA splicing variants based on two splicing junction-specific stem-loop DNA probe ligation and the subsequently initiating LAMP. The one-pot ligation-LAMP can specifically detect as low as 100 aM mRNA splice variants without any nonspecific signals and quantify them with a wide dynamics range spanning at least six orders of magnitude. We have demonstrated that the one-pot ligation-LAMP is a versatile and practical strategy for accurately quantifying different splicing variants in complex biological samples with high sensitivity all in one tube within 90 min, thereby providing an attractive tool for mRNA splice variant-related studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Bioengineering and Sensing Technology, School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, 30 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Hui Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Bioengineering and Sensing Technology, School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, 30 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Jun Han
- National Textile and Leather Product Quality Inspection and Testing Centre, 15 Xili-Balizhuang, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100025, China
| | - Honghong Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Bioengineering and Sensing Technology, School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, 30 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Yuting Jia
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Bioengineering and Sensing Technology, School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, 30 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Weixiang Hong
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Bioengineering and Sensing Technology, School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, 30 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Fu Tang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, 30 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Zhengping Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Bioengineering and Sensing Technology, School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, 30 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100083, China.
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8
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Deng K, Liu Z, Su Y, Zhang Z, Fan Y, Zhang Y, Wang F. RUNX1T1 modulates myogenic differentiation by regulating the calcium signaling pathway and the alternative splicing of ROCK2. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23044. [PMID: 37342905 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202300677r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
RUNX1T1 (Runt-related transcription factor 1, translocated to 1) plays a wide-ranging and diverse role in cellular development, including hematopoiesis and adipogenesis. However, little is known about the function of RUNX1T1 in the skeletal muscle development. Here, we assessed the impact of RUNX1T1 on the proliferation and myogenic differentiation of goat primary myoblasts (GPMs). It was observed that RUNX1T1 is highly expressed during the early stages of myogenic differentiation and the fetal stage. Moreover, the knockdown of RUNX1T1 promotes the proliferation and inhibits myogenic differentiation and mitochondrial biogenesis of GPMs. RNA sequencing analysis revealed that significantly differentially expressed genes in RUNX1T1 knockdown cells were enriched in the calcium signaling pathway. Additionally, we discovered that RUNX1T1 regulates alternative splicing (AS) events involved in myogenesis. We also show that silencing RUNX1T1 blocked the Ca2+ -CAMK signaling pathway and reduced the expression levels of muscle-specific isoforms of recombinant rho associated coiled coil containing crotein kinase 2 (ROCK2) during myogenic differentiation, partially explaining why RUNX1T1 deficiency leads to the impairment of myotube formation. These findings suggest that RUNX1T1 is a novel regulator of myogenic differentiation that regulates the calcium signaling pathway and AS of ROCK2. Overall, our results highlight the critical role of RUNX1T1 in myogenesis and broaden our understanding of myogenic differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiping Deng
- Institute of Sheep and Goat Science, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Institute of Haimen Goat Industry, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhipeng Liu
- Institute of Sheep and Goat Science, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Institute of Haimen Goat Industry, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yalong Su
- Institute of Sheep and Goat Science, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Institute of Haimen Goat Industry, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Institute of Sheep and Goat Science, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Institute of Haimen Goat Industry, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yixuan Fan
- Institute of Sheep and Goat Science, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Institute of Haimen Goat Industry, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yanli Zhang
- Institute of Sheep and Goat Science, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Institute of Haimen Goat Industry, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Institute of Sheep and Goat Science, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Institute of Haimen Goat Industry, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
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9
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Alom MM, Faruqe MO, Molla MKI, Rahman MM. Exploring Prognostic Biomarkers of Acute Myeloid Leukemia to Determine Its Most Effective Drugs from the FDA-Approved List through Molecular Docking and Dynamic Simulation. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 2023:1946703. [PMID: 37359050 PMCID: PMC10287530 DOI: 10.1155/2023/1946703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a blood cancer caused by the abnormal proliferation and differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow. The actual genetic markers and molecular mechanisms of AML prognosis are unclear till today. This study used bioinformatics approaches for identifying hub genes and pathways associated with AML development to uncover potential molecular mechanisms. The expression profiles of RNA-Seq datasets, GSE68925 and GSE183817, were retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. These two datasets were analyzed by GREIN to obtain differentially expressed genes (DEGs), which were used for performing the Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway, protein-protein interaction (PPI), and survival analysis. The molecular docking and dynamic simulation were performed to identify the most effective drug/s for AML from the drug list approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). By integrating the two datasets, 238 DEGs were identified as likely to be affected by AML progression. GO enrichment analyses exhibited that the upregulated genes were mainly associated with inflammatory response (BP) and extracellular region (CC). The downregulated DEGs were involved in the T-cell receptor signalling pathway (BP), an integral component of the lumenal side of the endoplasmic reticulum membrane (CC) and peptide antigen binding (MF). The pathway enrichment analysis showed that the upregulated DEGs were mainly associated with the T-cell receptor signalling pathway. Among the top 15 hub genes, the expression levels of ALDH1A1 and CFD were associated with the prognosis of AML. Four FDA-approved drugs were selected, and a top-ranked drug was identified for each biomarker through molecular docking studies. The top-ranked drugs were further confirmed by molecular dynamic simulation that revealed their binding stability and confirmed their stable performance. Therefore, the drug compounds, enasidenib and gilteritinib, can be recommended as the most effective drugs against the ALDH1A1 and CFD proteins, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md. Murshid Alom
- Laboratory of Molecular Health Science, Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh
| | - Md Omar Faruqe
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Khademul Islam Molla
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh
| | - Md Motiur Rahman
- Laboratory of Molecular Health Science, Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh
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10
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van der Werf I, Mondala PK, Steel SK, Balaian L, Ladel L, Mason CN, Diep RH, Pham J, Cloos J, Kaspers GJL, Chan WC, Mark A, La Clair JJ, Wentworth P, Fisch KM, Crews LA, Whisenant TC, Burkart MD, Donohoe ME, Jamieson CHM. Detection and targeting of splicing deregulation in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia stem cells. Cell Rep Med 2023; 4:100962. [PMID: 36889320 PMCID: PMC10040387 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2023.100962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
Pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (pAML) is typified by high relapse rates and a relative paucity of somatic DNA mutations. Although seminal studies show that splicing factor mutations and mis-splicing fuel therapy-resistant leukemia stem cell (LSC) generation in adults, splicing deregulation has not been extensively studied in pAML. Herein, we describe single-cell proteogenomics analyses, transcriptome-wide analyses of FACS-purified hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells followed by differential splicing analyses, dual-fluorescence lentiviral splicing reporter assays, and the potential of a selective splicing modulator, Rebecsinib, in pAML. Using these methods, we discover transcriptomic splicing deregulation typified by differential exon usage. In addition, we discover downregulation of splicing regulator RBFOX2 and CD47 splice isoform upregulation. Importantly, splicing deregulation in pAML induces a therapeutic vulnerability to Rebecsinib in survival, self-renewal, and lentiviral splicing reporter assays. Taken together, the detection and targeting of splicing deregulation represent a potentially clinically tractable strategy for pAML therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inge van der Werf
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Sanford Stem Cell Institute, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; Department of Hematology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Phoebe K Mondala
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Sanford Stem Cell Institute, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - S Kathleen Steel
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Sanford Stem Cell Institute, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Larisa Balaian
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Sanford Stem Cell Institute, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Luisa Ladel
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Sanford Stem Cell Institute, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Cayla N Mason
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Sanford Stem Cell Institute, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Raymond H Diep
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Sanford Stem Cell Institute, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Jessica Pham
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Sanford Stem Cell Institute, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Jacqueline Cloos
- Department of Hematology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Gertjan J L Kaspers
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Emma Children's Hospital Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Pediatric Oncology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Warren C Chan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Adam Mark
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics (CCBB), University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - James J La Clair
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Peggy Wentworth
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Sanford Stem Cell Institute, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Kathleen M Fisch
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics (CCBB), University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Leslie A Crews
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Sanford Stem Cell Institute, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Thomas C Whisenant
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics (CCBB), University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Michael D Burkart
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Mary E Donohoe
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Sanford Stem Cell Institute, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Catriona H M Jamieson
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Sanford Stem Cell Institute, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
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11
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Deregulated Gene Expression Profiles and Regulatory Networks in Adult and Pediatric RUNX1/RUNX1T1-Positive AML Patients. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15061795. [PMID: 36980682 PMCID: PMC10046396 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15061795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous and complex disease concerning molecular aberrations and prognosis. RUNX1/RUNX1T1 is a fusion oncogene that results from the chromosomal translocation t(8;21) and plays a crucial role in AML. However, its impact on the transcriptomic profile of different age groups of AML patients is not completely understood. Here, we investigated the deregulated gene expression (DEG) profiles in adult and pediatric RUNX1/RUNX1T1-positive AML patients, and compared their functions and regulatory networks. We retrospectively analyzed gene expression data from two independent Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets (GSE37642 and GSE75461) and computed their differentially expressed genes and upstream regulators, using limma, GEO2Enrichr, and X2K. For validation purposes, we used the TCGA-LAML (adult) and TARGET-AML (pediatric) patient cohorts. We also analyzed the protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks, as well as those composed of transcription factors (TF), intermediate proteins, and kinases foreseen to regulate the top deregulated genes in each group. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways enrichment analyses were further performed for the DEGs in each dataset. We found that the top upregulated genes in (both adult and pediatric) RUNX1/RUNX1T1-positive AML patients are enriched in extracellular matrix organization, the cell projection membrane, filopodium membrane, and supramolecular fiber. Our data corroborate that RUNX1/RUNX1T1 reprograms a large transcriptional network to establish and maintain leukemia via intricate PPI interactions and kinase-driven phosphorylation events.
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12
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Gialesaki S, Bräuer-Hartmann D, Issa H, Bhayadia R, Alejo-Valle O, Verboon L, Schmell AL, Laszig S, Regényi E, Schuschel K, Labuhn M, Ng M, Winkler R, Ihling C, Sinz A, Glaß M, Hüttelmaier S, Matzk S, Schmid L, Strüwe FJ, Kadel SK, Reinhardt D, Yaspo ML, Heckl D, Klusmann JH. RUNX1 isoform disequilibrium promotes the development of trisomy 21-associated myeloid leukemia. Blood 2023; 141:1105-1118. [PMID: 36493345 PMCID: PMC10023736 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2022017619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Gain of chromosome 21 (Hsa21) is among the most frequent aneuploidies in leukemia. However, it remains unclear how partial or complete amplifications of Hsa21 promote leukemogenesis and why children with Down syndrome (DS) (ie, trisomy 21) are particularly at risk of leukemia development. Here, we propose that RUNX1 isoform disequilibrium with RUNX1A bias is key to DS-associated myeloid leukemia (ML-DS). Starting with Hsa21-focused CRISPR-CRISPR-associated protein 9 screens, we uncovered a strong and specific RUNX1 dependency in ML-DS cells. Expression of the RUNX1A isoform is elevated in patients with ML-DS, and mechanistic studies using murine ML-DS models and patient-derived xenografts revealed that excess RUNX1A synergizes with the pathognomonic Gata1s mutation during leukemogenesis by displacing RUNX1C from its endogenous binding sites and inducing oncogenic programs in complex with the MYC cofactor MAX. These effects were reversed by restoring the RUNX1A:RUNX1C equilibrium in patient-derived xenografts in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, pharmacological interference with MYC:MAX dimerization using MYCi361 exerted strong antileukemic effects. Thus, our study highlights the importance of alternative splicing in leukemogenesis, even on a background of aneuploidy, and paves the way for the development of specific and targeted therapies for ML-DS, as well as for other leukemias with Hsa21 aneuploidy or RUNX1 isoform disequilibrium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Gialesaki
- Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Daniela Bräuer-Hartmann
- Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Hasan Issa
- Department of Pediatrics, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Raj Bhayadia
- Department of Pediatrics, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Oriol Alejo-Valle
- Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Lonneke Verboon
- Department of Pediatrics, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Anna-Lena Schmell
- Department of Pediatrics, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Stephanie Laszig
- Department of Pediatrics, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Enikő Regényi
- Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Konstantin Schuschel
- Department of Pediatrics, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Maurice Labuhn
- Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Michelle Ng
- Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Robert Winkler
- Department of Pediatrics, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Christian Ihling
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Bioanalytics, Institute of Pharmacy, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Andrea Sinz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Bioanalytics, Institute of Pharmacy, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Markus Glaß
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Stefan Hüttelmaier
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Sören Matzk
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lena Schmid
- Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Sofie-Katrin Kadel
- Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Dirk Reinhardt
- Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Pediatrics III, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | | | - Dirk Heckl
- Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
- Dirk Heckl, Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, 06120 Halle, Germany;
| | - Jan-Henning Klusmann
- Department of Pediatrics, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Frankfurt/Mainz and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Correspondence: Jan-Henning Klusmann, Department of Pediatrics, Goethe University Frankfurt, Theodor Stern Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany;
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13
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Boumpas P, Merabet S, Carnesecchi J. Integrating transcription and splicing into cell fate: Transcription factors on the block. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2023; 14:e1752. [PMID: 35899407 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Transcription factors (TFs) are present in all life forms and conserved across great evolutionary distances in eukaryotes. From yeast to complex multicellular organisms, they are pivotal players of cell fate decision by orchestrating gene expression at diverse molecular layers. Notably, TFs fine-tune gene expression by coordinating RNA fate at both the expression and splicing levels. They regulate alternative splicing, an essential mechanism for cell plasticity, allowing the production of many mRNA and protein isoforms in precise cell and tissue contexts. Despite this apparent role in splicing, how TFs integrate transcription and splicing to ultimately orchestrate diverse cell functions and cell fate decisions remains puzzling. We depict substantial studies in various model organisms underlining the key role of TFs in alternative splicing for promoting tissue-specific functions and cell fate. Furthermore, we emphasize recent advances describing the molecular link between the transcriptional and splicing activities of TFs. As TFs can bind both DNA and/or RNA to regulate transcription and splicing, we further discuss their flexibility and compatibility for DNA and RNA substrates. Finally, we propose several models integrating transcription and splicing activities of TFs in the coordination and diversification of cell and tissue identities. This article is categorized under: RNA Processing > Splicing Regulation/Alternative Splicing RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein-RNA Interactions: Functional Implications RNA Processing > Splicing Mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Boumpas
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle de Lyon, UMR5242, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Claude Bernard-Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Samir Merabet
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle de Lyon, UMR5242, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Claude Bernard-Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Julie Carnesecchi
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle de Lyon, UMR5242, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Claude Bernard-Lyon 1, Lyon, France
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14
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Issa H, Swart LE, Rasouli M, Ashtiani M, Nakjang S, Jyotsana N, Schuschel K, Heuser M, Blair H, Heidenreich O. Nanoparticle-mediated targeting of the fusion gene RUNX1/ETO in t(8;21)-positive acute myeloid leukaemia. Leukemia 2023; 37:820-834. [PMID: 36823395 PMCID: PMC10079536 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-023-01854-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
A hallmark of acute myeloid leukaemias (AMLs) are chromosomal rearrangements that give rise to novel leukaemia-specific fusion genes. Most of these fusion genes are both initiating and driving events in AML and therefore constitute ideal therapeutic targets but are challenging to target by conventional drug development. siRNAs are frequently used for the specific suppression of fusion gene expression but require special formulations for efficient in vivo delivery. Here we describe the use of siRNA-loaded lipid nanoparticles for the specific therapeutic targeting of the leukaemic fusion gene RUNX1/ETO. Transient knockdown of RUNX1/ETO reduces its binding to its target genes and alters the binding of RUNX1 and its co-factor CBFβ. Transcriptomic changes in vivo were associated with substantially increased median survival of a t(8;21)-AML mouse model. Importantly, transient knockdown in vivo causes long-lasting inhibition of leukaemic proliferation and clonogenicity, induction of myeloid differentiation and a markedly impaired re-engraftment potential in vivo. These data strongly suggest that temporary inhibition of RUNX1/ETO results in long-term restriction of leukaemic self-renewal. Our results provide proof for the feasibility of targeting RUNX1/ETO in a pre-clinical setting and support the further development of siRNA-LNPs for the treatment of fusion gene-driven malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasan Issa
- Wolfson Childhood Cancer Research Centre, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.,Department of Pediatrics, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Laura E Swart
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Milad Rasouli
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Pediatric Oncology, Erasmus MC-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Minoo Ashtiani
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sirintra Nakjang
- Wolfson Childhood Cancer Research Centre, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Nidhi Jyotsana
- 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
| | - Helen Blair
- Wolfson Childhood Cancer Research Centre, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Olaf Heidenreich
- Wolfson Childhood Cancer Research Centre, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. .,Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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15
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Zhang J, Wang Z, Wang K, Xin D, Wang L, Fan Y, Xu Y. Increased Expression of SRSF1 Predicts Poor Prognosis in Multiple Myeloma. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2023; 2023:9998927. [PMID: 37206090 PMCID: PMC10191755 DOI: 10.1155/2023/9998927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Background Multiple myeloma (MM) is a clonal plasma cell disorder which still lacks sufficient prognostic factors. The serine/arginine-rich splicing factor (SRSF) family serves as an important splicing regulator in organ development. Among all members, SRSF1 plays an important role in cell proliferation and renewal. However, the role of SRSF1 in MM is still unknown. Methods SRSF1 was selected from the primary bioinformatics analysis of SRSF family members, and then we integrated 11 independent datasets and analyzed the relationship between SRSF1 expression and MM clinical characteristics. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was conducted to explore the potential mechanism of SRSF1 in MM progression. ImmuCellAI was used to estimate the abundance of immune infiltrating cells between the SRSF1high and SRSF1low groups. The ESTIMATE algorithm was used to evaluate the tumor microenvironment in MM. The expression of immune-related genes was compared between the groups. Additionally, SRSF1 expression was validated in clinical samples. SRSF1 knockdown was conducted to explore the role of SRSF1 in MM development. Results SRSF1 expression showed an increasing trend with the progression of myeloma. Besides, SRSF1 expression increased as the age, ISS stage, 1q21 amplification level, and relapse times increased. MM patients with higher SRSF1 expression had worse clinical features and poorer outcomes. Univariate and multivariate analysis indicated that upregulated SRSF1 expression was an independent poor prognostic factor for MM. Enrichment pathway analysis confirmed that SRSF1 takes part in the myeloma progression via tumor-associated and immune-related pathways. Several checkpoints and immune-activating genes were significantly downregulated in the SRSF1high groups. Furthermore, we detected that SRSF1 expression was significantly higher in MM patients than that in control donors. SRSF1 knockdown resulted in proliferation arrest in MM cell lines. Conclusion The expression value of SRSF1 is positively associated with myeloma progression, and high SRSF1 expression might be a poor prognostic biomarker in MM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Zhang
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Institute, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Zanzan Wang
- Department of Hematology, Ningbo First Hospital, Ningbo 315010, China
| | - Kailai Wang
- Zhejiang University Cancer Institute, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Dijia Xin
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Luyao Wang
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Yili Fan
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Yang Xu
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
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16
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Huang YJ, Chen JY, Yan M, Davis AG, Miyauchi S, Chen L, Hao Y, Katz S, Bejar R, Abdel-Wahab O, Fu XD, Zhang DE. RUNX1 deficiency cooperates with SRSF2 mutation to induce multilineage hematopoietic defects characteristic of MDS. Blood Adv 2022; 6:6078-6092. [PMID: 36206200 PMCID: PMC9772487 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2022007804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDSs) are a heterogeneous group of hematologic malignancies with a propensity to progress to acute myeloid leukemia. Causal mutations in multiple classes of genes have been identified in patients with MDS with some patients harboring more than 1 mutation. Interestingly, double mutations tend to occur in different classes rather than the same class of genes, as exemplified by frequent cooccurring mutations in the transcription factor RUNX1 and the splicing factor SRSF2. This prototypic double mutant provides an opportunity to understand how their divergent functions in transcription and posttranscriptional regulation may be altered to jointly promote MDS. Here, we report a mouse model in which Runx1 knockout was combined with the Srsf2 P95H mutation to cause multilineage hematopoietic defects. Besides their additive and synergistic effects, we also unexpectedly noted a degree of antagonizing activity of single mutations in specific hematopoietic progenitors. To uncover the mechanism, we further developed a cellular model using human K562 cells and performed parallel gene expression and splicing analyses in both human and murine contexts. Strikingly, although RUNX1 deficiency was responsible for altered transcription in both single and double mutants, it also induced dramatic changes in global splicing, as seen with mutant SRSF2, and only their combination induced missplicing of genes selectively enriched in the DNA damage response and cell cycle checkpoint pathways. Collectively, these data reveal the convergent impact of a prototypic MDS-associated double mutant on RNA processing and suggest that aberrant DNA damage repair and cell cycle regulation critically contribute to MDS development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Jou Huang
- Moores Cancer Center, UC San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA
- Department of Molecular Biology, UCSD, La Jolla, CA
| | - Jia-Yu Chen
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Ming Yan
- Moores Cancer Center, UC San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA
| | - Amanda G. Davis
- Moores Cancer Center, UC San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA
- Department of Molecular Biology, UCSD, La Jolla, CA
| | | | - Liang Chen
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Yajing Hao
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Sigrid Katz
- Moores Cancer Center, UC San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA
| | - Rafael Bejar
- Moores Cancer Center, UC San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA
| | - Omar Abdel-Wahab
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Xiang-Dong Fu
- Moores Cancer Center, UC San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Dong-Er Zhang
- Moores Cancer Center, UC San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA
- Department of Molecular Biology, UCSD, La Jolla, CA
- Department of Pathology, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA
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17
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Gimeno M, San José-Enériz E, Villar S, Agirre X, Prosper F, Rubio A, Carazo F. Explainable artificial intelligence for precision medicine in acute myeloid leukemia. Front Immunol 2022; 13:977358. [PMID: 36248800 PMCID: PMC9556772 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.977358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Artificial intelligence (AI) can unveil novel personalized treatments based on drug screening and whole-exome sequencing experiments (WES). However, the concept of “black box” in AI limits the potential of this approach to be translated into the clinical practice. In contrast, explainable AI (XAI) focuses on making AI results understandable to humans. Here, we present a novel XAI method -called multi-dimensional module optimization (MOM)- that associates drug screening with genetic events, while guaranteeing that predictions are interpretable and robust. We applied MOM to an acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cohort of 319 ex-vivo tumor samples with 122 screened drugs and WES. MOM returned a therapeutic strategy based on the FLT3, CBFβ-MYH11, and NRAS status, which predicted AML patient response to Quizartinib, Trametinib, Selumetinib, and Crizotinib. We successfully validated the results in three different large-scale screening experiments. We believe that XAI will help healthcare providers and drug regulators better understand AI medical decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marian Gimeno
- Departamento de Ingeniería Biomédica y Ciencias, TECNUN, Universidad de Navarra, San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Edurne San José-Enériz
- Programa Hemato-Oncología, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IDISNA), Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Sara Villar
- Departamento de Hematología and CCUN (Cancer Center University of Navarra), Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Xabier Agirre
- Programa Hemato-Oncología, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IDISNA), Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Felipe Prosper
- Programa Hemato-Oncología, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IDISNA), Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Hematología and CCUN (Cancer Center University of Navarra), Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Angel Rubio
- Departamento de Ingeniería Biomédica y Ciencias, TECNUN, Universidad de Navarra, San Sebastián, Spain
- Instituto de Ciencia de los Datos e Inteligencia Artificial (DATAI), Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- *Correspondence: Angel Rubio, ; Fernando Carazo,
| | - Fernando Carazo
- Departamento de Ingeniería Biomédica y Ciencias, TECNUN, Universidad de Navarra, San Sebastián, Spain
- Instituto de Ciencia de los Datos e Inteligencia Artificial (DATAI), Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- *Correspondence: Angel Rubio, ; Fernando Carazo,
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18
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De Kesel J, Fijalkowski I, Taylor J, Ntziachristos P. Splicing dysregulation in human hematologic malignancies: beyond splicing mutations. Trends Immunol 2022; 43:674-686. [PMID: 35850914 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2022.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Splicing is a fundamental process in pre-mRNA maturation. Whereas alternative splicing (AS) enriches the diversity of the proteome, its aberrant regulation can drive oncogenesis. So far, most attention has been given to spliceosome mutations (SMs) in the context of splicing dysregulation in hematologic diseases. However, in recent years, post-translational modifications (PTMs) and transcriptional alterations of splicing factors (SFs), just as epigenetic signatures, have all been shown to contribute to global splicing dysregulation as well. In addition, the contribution of aberrant splicing to the neoantigen repertoire of cancers has been recognized. With the pressing need for novel therapeutics to combat blood cancers, this article provides an overview of emerging mechanisms that contribute to aberrant splicing, as well as their clinical potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas De Kesel
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent, Ghent, Belgium; Center for Medical Genetics Ghent, Ghent University and Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Igor Fijalkowski
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent, Ghent, Belgium; Center for Medical Genetics Ghent, Ghent University and Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Justin Taylor
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Panagiotis Ntziachristos
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent, Ghent, Belgium; Center for Medical Genetics Ghent, Ghent University and Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.
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19
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A novel SRSF3 inhibitor, SFI003, exerts anticancer activity against colorectal cancer by modulating the SRSF3/DHCR24/ROS axis. Cell Death Dis 2022; 8:238. [PMID: 35501301 PMCID: PMC9061822 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-022-01039-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
As the modulation of serine/arginine-rich splicing factor 3 (SRSF3) may be therapeutically beneficial to colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment, the identification of novel SRSF3 inhibitors is highly anticipated. However, pharmaceutical agents targeting SRSF3 have not yet been discovered. Here, we propose a functional SRSF3 inhibitor for CRC therapy and elucidate its antitumor mechanisms. We found high expression of SRSF3 in 70.6% CRC tissues. Silencing SRSF3 markedly inhibits the proliferation and migration of CRC cells through suppression of its target gene 24-dehydrocholesterol reductase (DHCR24). This is evidenced by the links between SRSF3 and DHCR24 in CRC tissues. The novel SRSF3 inhibitor SFI003 exhibits potent antitumor efficacy in vitro and in vivo, which drives apoptosis of CRC cells via the SRSF3/DHCR24/reactive oxygen species (ROS) axis. Moreover, SFI003 is druggable with suitable pharmacokinetic properties, bioavailability, and tumor distribution. Thus, SRSF3 is a novel potential therapeutic target for CRC. Its inhibitor SFI003 may be developed as an anticancer therapeutic.
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20
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UBC9 inhibits myeloid differentiation in collaboration with AML1-MTG8. Int J Hematol 2022; 115:686-693. [DOI: 10.1007/s12185-022-03303-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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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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22
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Barabino SML, Citterio E, Ronchi AE. Transcription Factors, R-Loops and Deubiquitinating Enzymes: Emerging Targets in Myelodysplastic Syndromes and Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13153753. [PMID: 34359655 PMCID: PMC8345071 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13153753] [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: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The advent of DNA massive sequencing technologies has allowed for the first time an extensive look into the heterogeneous spectrum of genes and mutations underpinning myelodysplastic syndromes (MDSs) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In this review, we wish to explore the most recent advances and the rationale for the potential therapeutic interest of three main actors in myelo-leukemic transformation: transcription factors that govern myeloid differentiation; RNA splicing factors, which ensure proper mRNA maturation and whose mutations increase R-loops formation; and deubiquitinating enzymes, which contribute to genome stability in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Abstract Myeloid neoplasms encompass a very heterogeneous family of diseases characterized by the failure of the molecular mechanisms that ensure a balanced equilibrium between hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) self-renewal and the proper production of differentiated cells. The origin of the driver mutations leading to preleukemia can be traced back to HSC/progenitor cells. Many properties typical to normal HSCs are exploited by leukemic stem cells (LSCs) to their advantage, leading to the emergence of a clonal population that can eventually progress to leukemia with variable latency and evolution. In fact, different subclones might in turn develop from the original malignant clone through accumulation of additional mutations, increasing their competitive fitness. This process ultimately leads to a complex cancer architecture where a mosaic of cellular clones—each carrying a unique set of mutations—coexists. The repertoire of genes whose mutations contribute to the progression toward leukemogenesis is broad. It encompasses genes involved in different cellular processes, including transcriptional regulation, epigenetics (DNA and histones modifications), DNA damage signaling and repair, chromosome segregation and replication (cohesin complex), RNA splicing, and signal transduction. Among these many players, transcription factors, RNA splicing proteins, and deubiquitinating enzymes are emerging as potential targets for therapeutic intervention.
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23
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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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