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Pastori V, Zambanini G, Citterio E, Weiss T, Nakamura Y, Cantù C, Ronchi AE. Transcriptional repression of the oncofetal LIN28B gene by the transcription factor SOX6. Sci Rep 2024; 14:10287. [PMID: 38704454 PMCID: PMC11069503 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60438-3] [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: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The identification of regulatory networks contributing to fetal/adult gene expression switches is a major challenge in developmental biology and key to understand the aberrant proliferation of cancer cells, which often reactivate fetal oncogenes. One key example is represented by the developmental gene LIN28B, whose aberrant reactivation in adult tissues promotes tumor initiation and progression. Despite the prominent role of LIN28B in development and cancer, the mechanisms of its transcriptional regulation are largely unknown. Here, by using quantitative RT-PCR and single cell RNA sequencing data, we show that in erythropoiesis the expression of the transcription factor SOX6 matched a sharp decline of LIN28B mRNA during human embryo/fetal to adult globin switching. SOX6 overexpression repressed LIN28B not only in a panel of fetal-like erythroid cells (K562, HEL and HUDEP1; ≈92% p < 0.0001, 54% p = 0.0009 and ≈60% p < 0.0001 reduction, respectively), but also in hepatoblastoma HepG2 and neuroblastoma SH-SY5H cells (≈99% p < 0.0001 and ≈59% p < 0.0001 reduction, respectively). SOX6-mediated repression caused downregulation of the LIN28B/Let-7 targets, including MYC and IGF2BP1, and rapidly blocks cell proliferation. Mechanistically, Lin28B repression is accompanied by SOX6 physical binding within its locus, suggesting a direct mechanism of LIN28B downregulation that might contribute to the fetal/adult erythropoietic transition and restrict cancer proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Pastori
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie e Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianluca Zambanini
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Division of Molecular Medicine and Virology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Max-Planck-Institut für molekulare Genetik, Berlin, Germany
| | - Elisabetta Citterio
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie e Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Tamina Weiss
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Division of Molecular Medicine and Virology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Yukio Nakamura
- RIKEN BioResource Research Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Claudio Cantù
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Division of Molecular Medicine and Virology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Antonella Ellena Ronchi
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie e Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy.
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Li Y, Jiang D, Zhang Q, Liu E, Shao H. Clinical implications and genetical insights of SOX6 expression in acute myeloid leukemia. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2022:10.1007/s00432-022-04349-8. [PMID: 36117190 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-022-04349-8] [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: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transcription factor SOX6 belongs to Sry-related high-mobility-group box (SOX) family, has been reported to be downregulated and acts as a tumor-suppressor gene in various solid tumors, but in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is incompletely understood. METHODS The SOX6 expression was analyzed between AML patients and normal controls from public data and our research cohort. Correlations between SOX6 expression and clinical, genetic features together with survival were further analyzed. RESULTS In both public and our present datasets, we demonstrated that SOX6 expression is notably downregulated in AML patients compared with normal controls. Moreover, the expression level of SOX6 was dynamic, along with the disease status. SOX6 was significantly decreased in relapsed/refractory AML compared with complete remission AML. Clinically, SOX6 underexpression was significantly correlated with bone marrow blasts, and WBC counts. Furthermore, decreased expression of SOX6 was more common in core binding factor AML (CBF-AML), rarely found in complex karyotype AML (CK-AML), and correlated with FLT3 mutations. By survival analyses, low-expression of SOX6 was associated with shorter overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) among cytogenetic normal AML (CN-AML) patients. Moreover, both univariate and multivariate analyses showed that low SOX6 expression was an independent unfavorable prognostic biomarker for CN-AML. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicated that SOX6 underexpression, as a frequent event in AML, was associated with genetic abnormalities and prognosis in AML. SOX6 might be a valuable biomarker for risk stratification, predicting prognosis and relapse of AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Li
- Department of Hematology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Duanfeng Jiang
- Department of Hematology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical College, Haikou, 570311, Hainan, China
| | - Qin Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Enyi Liu
- Department of Hematology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Haigang Shao
- Department of Hematology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China.
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Wang J, Yao W, Li J, Zhang Q, Wei L. Identification of a novel circ_0001946/miR-1290/SOX6 ceRNA network in esophageal squamous cell cancer. Thorac Cancer 2022; 13:1299-1310. [PMID: 35411716 PMCID: PMC9058308 DOI: 10.1111/1759-7714.14381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Circular RNAs (circRNAs) can function as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) to impact the development of esophageal squamous cell cancer (ESCC). Human circ_0001946 has been identified as a potential anticancer factor in ESCC, yet our understanding of its molecular basis remains limited. Methods Circ_0001946, microRNA (miR)‐1290 and SRY‐box transcription factor 6 (SOX6) were quantified by quantitative reasl‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR) or immunoblotting. Cell proliferation was assessed by CCK‐8 and EDU assays. Cell apoptosis and invasion were evaluated by flow cytometry and transwell assays, respectively. Cell migration was detected by transwell and wound‐healing assays. The direct relationship between miR‐1290 and circ_0001946 or SOX6 was determined by dual‐luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays. Xenograft model assays were used to assess the role of circ_0001946 in tumor growth. Results Circ_0001946 expression was attenuated in human ESCC, and circ_0001946 increase impeded cell proliferation, invasion, migration and enhanced apoptosis in vitro. Moreover, circ_0001946 increase diminished xenograft growth in vivo. Mechanistically, circ_0001946 bound to miR‐1290, and re‐expression of miR‐1290 reversed circ_0001946‐dependent cell properties. SOX6 was a miR‐1290 target and it was responsible for the regulation of miR‐1290 in cell properties. Furthermore, circ_0001946 functioned as a ceRNA to regulate SOX6 expression via miR‐1290. Conclusion Our findings uncover an undescribed molecular mechanism, the circ_0001946/miR‐1290/SOX6 ceRNA crosstalk, for the anti‐ESCC activity of circ_0001946.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianjun Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, People's Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wenjian Yao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, People's Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jiwei Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, People's Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Quan Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, People's Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Li Wei
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, People's Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, China
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Pagin M, Pernebrink M, Giubbolini S, Barone C, Sambruni G, Zhu Y, Chiara M, Ottolenghi S, Pavesi G, Wei CL, Cantù C, Nicolis SK. Sox2 controls neural stem cell self-renewal through a Fos-centered gene regulatory network. Stem Cells 2021; 39:1107-1119. [PMID: 33739574 DOI: 10.1002/stem.3373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The Sox2 transcription factor is necessary for the long-term self-renewal of neural stem cells (NSCs). Its mechanism of action is still poorly defined. To identify molecules regulated by Sox2, and acting in mouse NSC maintenance, we transduced, into Sox2-deleted NSC, genes whose expression is strongly downregulated following Sox2 loss (Fos, Jun, Egr2), individually or in combination. Fos alone rescued long-term proliferation, as shown by in vitro cell growth and clonal analysis. Furthermore, pharmacological inhibition by T-5224 of FOS/JUN AP1 complex binding to its targets decreased cell proliferation and expression of the putative target Suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (Socs3). Additionally, Fos requirement for efficient long-term proliferation was demonstrated by the reduction of NSC clones capable of long-term expansion following CRISPR/Cas9-mediated Fos inactivation. Previous work showed that the Socs3 gene is strongly downregulated following Sox2 deletion, and its re-expression by lentiviral transduction rescues long-term NSC proliferation. Fos appears to be an upstream regulator of Socs3, possibly together with Jun and Egr2; indeed, Sox2 re-expression in Sox2-deleted NSC progressively activates both Fos and Socs3 expression; in turn, Fos transduction activates Socs3 expression. Based on available SOX2 ChIPseq and ChIA-PET data, we propose a model whereby Sox2 is a direct activator of both Socs3 and Fos, as well as possibly Jun and Egr2; furthermore, we provide direct evidence for FOS and JUN binding on Socs3 promoter, suggesting direct transcriptional regulation. These results provide the basis for developing a model of a network of interactions, regulating critical effectors of NSC proliferation and long-term maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Pagin
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Mattias Pernebrink
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine (WCMM) and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health Science, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Division of Molecular Medicine and Virology, Faculty of Health Science, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Simone Giubbolini
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Cristiana Barone
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Gaia Sambruni
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Yanfen Zhu
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
| | - Matteo Chiara
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Sergio Ottolenghi
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulio Pavesi
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Chia-Lin Wei
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
| | - Claudio Cantù
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine (WCMM) and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health Science, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Division of Molecular Medicine and Virology, Faculty of Health Science, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Silvia K Nicolis
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
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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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Pagin M, Pernebrink M, Pitasi M, Malighetti F, Ngan CY, Ottolenghi S, Pavesi G, Cantù C, Nicolis SK. FOS Rescues Neuronal Differentiation of Sox2-Deleted Neural Stem Cells by Genome-Wide Regulation of Common SOX2 and AP1(FOS-JUN) Target Genes. Cells 2021; 10:cells10071757. [PMID: 34359927 PMCID: PMC8303191 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor SOX2 is important for brain development and for neural stem cells (NSC) maintenance. Sox2-deleted (Sox2-del) NSC from neonatal mouse brain are lost after few passages in culture. Two highly expressed genes, Fos and Socs3, are strongly downregulated in Sox2-del NSC; we previously showed that Fos or Socs3 overexpression by lentiviral transduction fully rescues NSC's long-term maintenance in culture. Sox2-del NSC are severely defective in neuronal production when induced to differentiate. NSC rescued by Sox2 reintroduction correctly differentiate into neurons. Similarly, Fos transduction rescues normal or even increased numbers of immature neurons expressing beta-tubulinIII, but not more differentiated markers (MAP2). Additionally, many cells with both beta-tubulinIII and GFAP expression appear, indicating that FOS stimulates the initial differentiation of a "mixed" neuronal/glial progenitor. The unexpected rescue by FOS suggested that FOS, a SOX2 transcriptional target, might act on neuronal genes, together with SOX2. CUT&RUN analysis to detect genome-wide binding of SOX2, FOS, and JUN (the AP1 complex) revealed that a high proportion of genes expressed in NSC are bound by both SOX2 and AP1. Downregulated genes in Sox2-del NSC are highly enriched in genes that are also expressed in neurons, and a high proportion of the "neuronal" genes are bound by both SOX2 and AP1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Pagin
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126 Milano, Italy; (M.P.); (M.P.); (F.M.); (S.O.)
| | - Mattias Pernebrink
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine, Linköping University, SE-581 83 Linköping, Sweden;
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Division of Molecular Medicine and Virology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, SE-581 83 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Mattia Pitasi
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126 Milano, Italy; (M.P.); (M.P.); (F.M.); (S.O.)
| | - Federica Malighetti
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126 Milano, Italy; (M.P.); (M.P.); (F.M.); (S.O.)
| | - Chew-Yee Ngan
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CT 06032, USA;
| | - Sergio Ottolenghi
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126 Milano, Italy; (M.P.); (M.P.); (F.M.); (S.O.)
| | - Giulio Pavesi
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milano, Via Celoria 26, 20134 Milano, Italy;
| | - Claudio Cantù
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine, Linköping University, SE-581 83 Linköping, Sweden;
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Division of Molecular Medicine and Virology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, SE-581 83 Linköping, Sweden
- Correspondence: (C.C.); (S.K.N.)
| | - Silvia K. Nicolis
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126 Milano, Italy; (M.P.); (M.P.); (F.M.); (S.O.)
- Correspondence: (C.C.); (S.K.N.)
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Zhang W, Li J, Yao H, Li T. Restoring microRNA-499-5p Protects Sepsis-Induced Lung Injury Mice Via Targeting Sox6. NANOSCALE RESEARCH LETTERS 2021; 16:89. [PMID: 34019224 PMCID: PMC8140057 DOI: 10.1186/s11671-021-03534-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND MicroRNAs (miRs) are known to participate in sepsis; hence, we aim to discuss the protective effect of miR-499-5p targeting sex-determining region Y-related high-mobility-group box 6 (Sox6) on sepsis-induced lung injury in mice. METHODS The sepsis-induced lung injury model was established by cecal ligation and puncture. The wet/dry weight (W/D) ratio, miR-499-5p, Sox6, Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 expression in lung tissues of mice were tested. Lung injury score, collagen fibers and the degree of pulmonary fibrosis in lung tissues were determined. Further, the cell apoptosis in lung tissues was measured. The inflammatory factors contents and oxidative stress indices in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissues were detected via loss- and gain-of-function assays. The targeting relation between miR-499-5p and Sox6 was verified. RESULTS W/D ratio and Sox6 were increased while miR-499-5p was decreased in lung tissues of sepsis-induced lung injury mice. Restored miR-499-5p or depleted Sox6 alleviated lung tissues pathology, reduced lung injury score, collagen fibers, the degree of pulmonary fibrosis, TUNEL positive cells, Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 protein expression and inflammatory factors contents in BALF and lung tissues as well as oxidative stress response in lung tissues of sepsis-induced lung injury mice. miR-499-5p targeted Sox6. CONCLUSION High expression of miR-499-5p can attenuate cell apoptosis in lung tissues and inhibit inflammation of sepsis-induced lung injury mice via depleting Sox6, and it is a potential candidate marker and therapeutic target for sepsis-induced lung injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjie Zhang
- Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Weihai Municipal Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, No. 70, Heping Road, Weihai, 264200, Shandong, China
| | - Jing Li
- Preventive Medicine Ward, Weihai Municipal Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Weihai, 264200, Shandong, China
| | - Hui Yao
- Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Weihai Municipal Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, No. 70, Heping Road, Weihai, 264200, Shandong, China
| | - Tianmin Li
- Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Weihai Municipal Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, No. 70, Heping Road, Weihai, 264200, Shandong, China.
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Jagga B, Edwards M, Pagin M, Wagstaff KM, Aragão D, Roman N, Nanson JD, Raidal SR, Dominado N, Stewart M, Jans DA, Hime GR, Nicolis SK, Basler CF, Forwood JK. Structural basis for nuclear import selectivity of pioneer transcription factor SOX2. Nat Commun 2021; 12:28. [PMID: 33397924 PMCID: PMC7782513 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-20194-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
SOX (SRY-related HMG-box) transcription factors perform critical functions in development and cell differentiation. These roles depend on precise nuclear trafficking, with mutations in the nuclear targeting regions causing developmental diseases and a range of cancers. SOX protein nuclear localization is proposed to be mediated by two nuclear localization signals (NLSs) positioned within the extremities of the DNA-binding HMG-box domain and, although mutations within either cause disease, the mechanistic basis has remained unclear. Unexpectedly, we find here that these two distantly positioned NLSs of SOX2 contribute to a contiguous interface spanning 9 of the 10 ARM domains on the nuclear import adapter IMPα3. We identify key binding determinants and show this interface is critical for neural stem cell maintenance and for Drosophila development. Moreover, we identify a structural basis for the preference of SOX2 binding to IMPα3. In addition to defining the structural basis for SOX protein localization, these results provide a platform for understanding how mutations and post-translational modifications within these regions may modulate nuclear localization and result in clinical disease, and also how other proteins containing multiple NLSs may bind IMPα through an extended recognition interface. The SOX2 pioneer transcription factor performs critical roles in pluripotency and self-renewal of embryonic stem cells. Here the authors show that SOX2’s two nuclear localization signal sequences form a contiguous binding interface on the nuclear import receptor importin-α3, and provide a structural basis for the preference of SOX2 binding to IMPα3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bikshapathi Jagga
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, 2678, Australia
| | - Megan Edwards
- Center for Microbial Pathogenesis, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA
| | - Miriam Pagin
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, piazza della Scienza 2, 20126, Milano, Italy
| | - Kylie M Wagstaff
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - David Aragão
- Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, OX11 0DE, UK
| | - Noelia Roman
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, 2678, Australia
| | - Jeffrey D Nanson
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, Institute for Molecular Bioscience and Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Shane R Raidal
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, 2678, Australia
| | - Nicole Dominado
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Murray Stewart
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Ave., Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, CB2 0QH, UK
| | - David A Jans
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Gary R Hime
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Silvia K Nicolis
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, piazza della Scienza 2, 20126, Milano, Italy
| | - Christopher F Basler
- Center for Microbial Pathogenesis, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA
| | - Jade K Forwood
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, 2678, Australia.
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SRY-related high-mobility-group box 6 suppresses cell proliferation and is downregulated in breast cancer. Anticancer Drugs 2020; 32:306-313. [PMID: 33038083 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000001004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers endangering women's health. SRY-related high-mobility-group box 6 (SOX6) is associated with many cancers, though its role has not been reported in breast cancer. Here, we aimed to explore the expression and function of SOX6 in breast cancer. On the basis of the analysis of SOX6 in The Cancer Genome Atlas, Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia and Genotype-Tissue Expression databases, we revealed that SOX6 was downregulated in breast cancer, and we verified the results at the cellular level by means of western blotting and quantitative real-time PCR. When SOX6 was overexpressed, the proliferation of breast cancer cells was inhibited, and apoptosis was promoted. Moreover, the methylation level of the SOX6 promoter in breast cancer was significantly higher than that in normal tissues. 5'-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine reversed the high level of methylation that was caused by decreased expression of SOX6. This evidence suggests that SOX6 is a tumor suppressor gene associated with breast cancer. This study could provide a new target for breast cancer treatment.
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Barone C, Buccarelli M, Alessandrini F, Pagin M, Rigoldi L, Sambruni I, Favaro R, Ottolenghi S, Pallini R, Ricci-Vitiani L, Malatesta P, Nicolis SK. Sox2-dependent maintenance of mouse oligodendroglioma involves the Sox2-mediated downregulation of Cdkn2b, Ebf1, Zfp423, and Hey2. Glia 2020; 69:579-593. [PMID: 32975900 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSC) are essential for tumorigenesis. The transcription factor Sox2 is overexpressed in brain gliomas, and is essential to maintain CSC. In mouse high-grade glioma pHGG cells in culture, Sox2 deletion causes cell proliferation arrest and inability to reform tumors after transplantation in vivo; in Sox2-deleted cells, 134 genes are derepressed. To identify genes mediating Sox2 deletion effects, we overexpressed into pHGG cells nine among the most derepressed genes, and identified four genes, Ebf1, Hey2, Zfp423, and Cdkn2b, that strongly reduced cell proliferation in vitro and brain tumorigenesis in vivo. CRISPR/Cas9 mutagenesis of each gene, individually or in combination (Ebf1 + Cdkn2b), significantly antagonized the proliferation arrest caused by Sox2 deletion. The same genes also repressed clonogenicity in primary human glioblastoma-derived CSC-like lines. These experiments identify a network of critical tumor suppressive Sox2-targets whose inhibition by Sox2 is involved in glioma CSC maintenance, defining new potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristiana Barone
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Mariachiara Buccarelli
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Alessandrini
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università di Genova, and Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, IRCCS, Genoa, Italy
| | - Miriam Pagin
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Rigoldi
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Irene Sambruni
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Rebecca Favaro
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Sergio Ottolenghi
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Pallini
- Institute of Neurosurgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Ricci-Vitiani
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Malatesta
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università di Genova, and Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, IRCCS, Genoa, Italy
| | - Silvia K Nicolis
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
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11
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Chen L, Xie Y, Ma X, Zhang Y, Li X, Zhang F, Gao Y, Fan Y, Gu L, Wang L, Zhang X, Fu B. SOX6 represses tumor growth of clear cell renal cell carcinoma by HMG domain-dependent regulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Mol Carcinog 2020; 59:1159-1173. [PMID: 32794610 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 07/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Sex-determining region Y box (SOXs) are expressed in various cells and control cell fate and differentiation in a multitude of physiologic processes. SOX6, a main representative of SOXs, is involved in the regulation of carcinogenesis in various human malignancies. However, the role of SOX6 in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) remains unclear. In this study, SOX6 expression in ccRCC and its clinical significance were investigated. In vitro and in vivo assays were used to explore the tumor-related function and the underlying molecular mechanism of SOX6 in ccRCC. We confirmed that SOX6 was frequently downregulated in ccRCC tissues and cell lines. Besides, downregulation of SOX6 was significantly associated with larger tumor sizes, advanced tumor stage, higher Fuhrman grades, and its expression could act as an independent prognostic factor for ccRCC (hazards ratio = 0.590, P = .026). Gain/loss-of-function experiments demonstrated that SOX6 could remarkably inhibit tumor cell growth and foci formation in vitro and xenograft tumorigenesis in vivo, respectively. Mechanistically, SOX6 could influence cell cycle by regulating the G1/the S phase transition and had an inhibitory effect on Wnt/β-catenin signaling as well as its target genes, c-Myc and cyclin D1. Interesting, the tumor-suppressive function of SOX6 was proved to be dependent on its specific high-mobility-group (HMG) domain. In general, our findings indicated that SOX6 was a novel tumor suppressor and prognostic biomarker in ccRCC. SOX6 could inhibit tumor growth by negatively regulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in an HMG domain-dependent manner in ccRCC, which might provide a novel therapeutic approach for ccRCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luyao Chen
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yongpeng Xie
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xin Ma
- Department of Urology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Urology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xintao Li
- Department of Urology, Chinese PLA Air Force General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Department of Urology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Gao
- Department of Urology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Fan
- Department of Urology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Liangyou Gu
- Department of Urology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Urology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- Department of Urology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Fu
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
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12
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Chen J, Dang Y, Feng W, Qiao C, Liu D, Zhang T, Wang Y, Tian D, Fan D, Nie Y, Wu K, Xia L. SOX18 promotes gastric cancer metastasis through transactivating MCAM and CCL7. Oncogene 2020; 39:5536-5552. [PMID: 32616889 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-020-1378-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 06/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The therapeutic strategies for advanced gastric cancer (GC) remain unsatisfying and limited. Therefore, it is still imperative to fully elucidate the mechanisms underlying GC metastasis. Here, we report a novel role of SRY-box transcription factor 18 (SOX18), a member of the SOX family, in promoting GC metastasis. The elevated expression of SOX18 was positively correlated with distant metastasis, higher AJCC stage, and poor prognosis in human GC. SOX18 expression was an independent and significant risk factor for the recurrence and survival in GC patients. Up-regulation of SOX18 promoted GC invasion and metastasis, whereas down-regulation of SOX18 decreased GC invasion and metastasis. Melanoma cell adhesion molecule (MCAM) and C-C motif chemokine ligand 7 (CCL7) are direct transcriptional targets of SOX18. Knockdown of MCAM and CCL7 significantly decreased SOX18-mediated GC invasion and metastasis, while the stable overexpression of MCAM and CCL7 reversed the decrease in cell invasion and metastasis that was induced by the inhibition of SOX18. A mechanistic investigation indicated that the upregulation of SOX18 that was mediated by the CCL7-CCR1 pathway relied on the ERK/ELK1 pathway. SOX18 knockdown significantly reduced CCL7-enhanced GC invasion and metastasis. Furthermore, BX471, a specific CCR1 inhibitor, significantly reduced the SOX18-mediated GC invasion and metastasis. In human GC tissues, SOX18 expression was positively correlated with CCL7 and MCAM expression, and patients with positive coexpression of SOX18/CCL7 or SOX18/MCAM had the worst prognosis. In conclusion, we defined a CCL7-CCR1-SOX18 positive feedback loop that played a pivotal role in GC metastasis, and targeting this pathway may be a promising therapeutic option for the clinical management of GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China
- State key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Yunzhi Dang
- State key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Weibo Feng
- State key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Chenyang Qiao
- State key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Danfei Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Tongyue Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yijun Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Dean Tian
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Daiming Fan
- State key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Yongzhan Nie
- State key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Kaichun Wu
- State key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Limin Xia
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China.
- State key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi Province, China.
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13
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Zhang TJ, Xu ZJ, Gu Y, Wen XM, Ma JC, Zhang W, Deng ZQ, Leng JY, Qian J, Lin J, Zhou JD. Identification and validation of prognosis-related DLX5 methylation as an epigenetic driver in myeloid neoplasms. Clin Transl Med 2020; 10:e29. [PMID: 32508046 PMCID: PMC7403826 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Revised: 04/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The deregulated DLX gene family members DLX1/2/3/4/5/6 (DLXs) caused by DNA methylation has been demonstrated in various cancers with therapeutic target value. However, the potential role of DLXs methylation in myeloid neoplasms such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) remains to be elucidated. Clinical significance of DLXs methylation/expression was analyzed in patient with AML and MDS. The functional roles of DLXs were determined in vitro. In the identification stage, we found that lower DLX5 expression was correlated with prognosis in AML among all DLXs analyzed by The Cancer Genome Atlas datasets. In the validation stage, we revealed that reduced DLX5 expression was frequently occurred, and was also correlated with promoter hypermethylation in AML evaluated by targeted bisulfite sequencing. Epigenetic studies also showed that DLX5 promoter DNA methylation was associated with its expression. By quantitative polymerase chain reaction, we also validated that DLX5 hypermethylation was frequent event in both AML and MDS, and also correlated with MDS transformation to leukemia. Moreover, DLX5 hypermethylation was associated with lower rate of complete remission and shorter time of leukemia‐free/overall survival, and was also confirmed by Logistic/Cox regression analysis. Functional studies revealed the antiproliferative and pro‐apoptotic effects of DLX5 in MDS‐derived AML cell‐line SKM‐1. Finally, bioinformatics analysis demonstrated that DLX5 functioned in leukemogenesis may be through the association with PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Collectively, our findings demonstrated that DLX5 methylation, negatively correlated DLX5 expression, was a potential prognostic and predictive indicator in patients with AML and MDS, which could also act as an epigenetic driver in myeloid neoplasms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Juan Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, P. R. China.,Zhenjiang Clinical Research Center of Hematology, Zhenjiang, P. R. China.,The Key Lab of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment in Hematologic Neoplasms of Zhenjiang City, Zhenjiang, P. R. China
| | - Zi-Jun Xu
- Zhenjiang Clinical Research Center of Hematology, Zhenjiang, P. R. China.,The Key Lab of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment in Hematologic Neoplasms of Zhenjiang City, Zhenjiang, P. R. China.,Laboratory Center, Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, P. R. China
| | - Yu Gu
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, P. R. China.,Zhenjiang Clinical Research Center of Hematology, Zhenjiang, P. R. China.,The Key Lab of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment in Hematologic Neoplasms of Zhenjiang City, Zhenjiang, P. R. China
| | - Xiang-Mei Wen
- Zhenjiang Clinical Research Center of Hematology, Zhenjiang, P. R. China.,The Key Lab of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment in Hematologic Neoplasms of Zhenjiang City, Zhenjiang, P. R. China.,Laboratory Center, Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, P. R. China
| | - Ji-Chun Ma
- Zhenjiang Clinical Research Center of Hematology, Zhenjiang, P. R. China.,The Key Lab of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment in Hematologic Neoplasms of Zhenjiang City, Zhenjiang, P. R. China.,Laboratory Center, Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, P. R. China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, P. R. China.,Zhenjiang Clinical Research Center of Hematology, Zhenjiang, P. R. China.,The Key Lab of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment in Hematologic Neoplasms of Zhenjiang City, Zhenjiang, P. R. China
| | - Zhao-Qun Deng
- Zhenjiang Clinical Research Center of Hematology, Zhenjiang, P. R. China.,The Key Lab of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment in Hematologic Neoplasms of Zhenjiang City, Zhenjiang, P. R. China.,Laboratory Center, Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, P. R. China
| | - Jia-Yan Leng
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, P. R. China.,Zhenjiang Clinical Research Center of Hematology, Zhenjiang, P. R. China.,The Key Lab of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment in Hematologic Neoplasms of Zhenjiang City, Zhenjiang, P. R. China
| | - Jun Qian
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, P. R. China.,Zhenjiang Clinical Research Center of Hematology, Zhenjiang, P. R. China.,The Key Lab of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment in Hematologic Neoplasms of Zhenjiang City, Zhenjiang, P. R. China
| | - Jiang Lin
- Zhenjiang Clinical Research Center of Hematology, Zhenjiang, P. R. China.,The Key Lab of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment in Hematologic Neoplasms of Zhenjiang City, Zhenjiang, P. R. China.,Laboratory Center, Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, P. R. China
| | - Jing-Dong Zhou
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, P. R. China.,Zhenjiang Clinical Research Center of Hematology, Zhenjiang, P. R. China.,The Key Lab of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment in Hematologic Neoplasms of Zhenjiang City, Zhenjiang, P. R. China
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