1
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Olson SL, Akbar RJ, Gorniak A, Fuhr LI, Borahay MA. Hypoxia in uterine fibroids: role in pathobiology and therapeutic opportunities. OXYGEN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 4:236-252. [PMID: 38957794 PMCID: PMC11218552 DOI: 10.3390/oxygen4020013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Uterine fibroids are the most common tumors in females affecting up to 70% of women world-wide, yet targeted therapeutic options are limited. Oxidative stress has recently surfaced as a key driver of fibroid pathogenesis and provides insights into hypoxia-induced cell transformation, extracellular matrix pathophysiology, hypoxic cell signaling cascades, and uterine biology. Hypoxia drives fibroid tumorigenesis through (1) promoting myometrial stem cell proliferation, (2) causing DNA damage propelling transformation of stem cells to tumor initiating cells, and (3) driving excess extracellular matrix (ECM) production. Common fibroid-associated DNA mutations include MED12 mutations, HMGA2 overexpression, and Fumarate hydratase loss of function. Evidence suggests an interaction between hypoxia signaling and these mutations. Fibroid development and growth are promoted by hypoxia-triggered cell signaling via various pathways including HIF-1, TGFβ, and Wnt/β-catenin. Fibroid-associated hypoxia persists due to antioxidant imbalance, ECM accumulation, and growth beyond adequate vascular supply. Current clinically available fibroid treatments do not take advantage of hypoxia-targeting therapies. Growing pre-clinical and clinical studies identify ROS inhibitors, anti-HIF-1 agents, Wnt/β-catenin inhibition, and TGFβ cascade inhibitors as agents that may reduce fibroid development and growth through targeting hypoxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sydney L. Olson
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | | | - Adrianna Gorniak
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Laura I. Fuhr
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Mostafa A. Borahay
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
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2
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Boddu PC, Gupta AK, Roy R, De La Peña Avalos B, Olazabal-Herrero A, Neuenkirchen N, Zimmer JT, Chandhok NS, King D, Nannya Y, Ogawa S, Lin H, Simon MD, Dray E, Kupfer GM, Verma A, Neugebauer KM, Pillai MM. Transcription elongation defects link oncogenic SF3B1 mutations to targetable alterations in chromatin landscape. Mol Cell 2024; 84:1475-1495.e18. [PMID: 38521065 PMCID: PMC11061666 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2024.02.032] [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: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Transcription and splicing of pre-messenger RNA are closely coordinated, but how this functional coupling is disrupted in human diseases remains unexplored. Using isogenic cell lines, patient samples, and a mutant mouse model, we investigated how cancer-associated mutations in SF3B1 alter transcription. We found that these mutations reduce the elongation rate of RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) along gene bodies and its density at promoters. The elongation defect results from disrupted pre-spliceosome assembly due to impaired protein-protein interactions of mutant SF3B1. The decreased promoter-proximal RNAPII density reduces both chromatin accessibility and H3K4me3 marks at promoters. Through an unbiased screen, we identified epigenetic factors in the Sin3/HDAC/H3K4me pathway, which, when modulated, reverse both transcription and chromatin changes. Our findings reveal how splicing factor mutant states behave functionally as epigenetic disorders through impaired transcription-related changes to the chromatin landscape. We also present a rationale for targeting the Sin3/HDAC complex as a therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prajwal C Boddu
- Section of Hematology, Yale Cancer Center and Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, 300 George Street, Suite 786, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Abhishek K Gupta
- Section of Hematology, Yale Cancer Center and Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, 300 George Street, Suite 786, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Rahul Roy
- Section of Hematology, Yale Cancer Center and Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, 300 George Street, Suite 786, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Bárbara De La Peña Avalos
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center (UTHSC) at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Anne Olazabal-Herrero
- Section of Hematology, Yale Cancer Center and Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, 300 George Street, Suite 786, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Nils Neuenkirchen
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Joshua T Zimmer
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Namrata S Chandhok
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Darren King
- Section of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine and Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Yasuhito Nannya
- Department of Pathology and Tumor Biology, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Seishi Ogawa
- Department of Pathology and Tumor Biology, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Haifan Lin
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Matthew D Simon
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Eloise Dray
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center (UTHSC) at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Gary M Kupfer
- Department of Oncology and Pediatrics, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Amit Verma
- Division of Hemato-Oncology, Department of Medicine and Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology, Albert Einstein-Montefiore Cancer Center, New York, USA
| | - Karla M Neugebauer
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA; Yale Center for RNA Science and Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Manoj M Pillai
- Section of Hematology, Yale Cancer Center and Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, 300 George Street, Suite 786, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Yale Center for RNA Science and Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA; Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
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3
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Westover KR, Jin P, Yao B. Bridging the gap: R-loop mediated genomic instability and its implications in neurological diseases. Epigenomics 2024; 16:589-608. [PMID: 38530068 PMCID: PMC11160457 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2023-0379] [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: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
R-loops, intricate three-stranded structures formed by RNA-DNA hybrids and an exposed non-template DNA strand, are fundamental to various biological phenomena. They carry out essential and contrasting functions within cellular mechanisms, underlining their critical role in maintaining cellular homeostasis. The specific cellular context that dictates R-loop formation determines their function, particularly emphasizing the necessity for their meticulous genomic regulation. Notably, the aberrant formation or misregulation of R-loops is implicated in numerous neurological disorders. This review focuses on the complex interactions between R-loops and double-strand DNA breaks, exploring how R-loop dysregulation potentially contributes to the pathogenesis of various brain disorders, which could provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms underpinning neurological disease progression and identify potential therapeutic targets by highlighting these aspects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine R Westover
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Peng Jin
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Bing Yao
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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4
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Denu RA, Dann AM, Keung EZ, Nakazawa MS, Nassif Haddad EF. The Future of Targeted Therapy for Leiomyosarcoma. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:938. [PMID: 38473300 PMCID: PMC10930698 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16050938] [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: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Leiomyosarcoma (LMS) is an aggressive subtype of soft tissue sarcoma that arises from smooth muscle cells, most commonly in the uterus and retroperitoneum. LMS is a heterogeneous disease with diverse clinical and molecular characteristics that have yet to be fully understood. Molecular profiling has uncovered possible targets amenable to treatment, though this has yet to translate into approved targeted therapies in LMS. This review will explore historic and recent findings from molecular profiling, highlight promising avenues of current investigation, and suggest possible future strategies to move toward the goal of molecularly matched treatment of LMS. We focus on targeting the DNA damage response, the macrophage-rich micro-environment, the PI3K/mTOR pathway, epigenetic regulators, and telomere biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan A. Denu
- Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Amanda M. Dann
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA;
| | - Emily Z. Keung
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Michael S. Nakazawa
- Department of Sarcoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Elise F. Nassif Haddad
- Department of Sarcoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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5
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Khamidullina AI, Abramenko YE, Bruter AV, Tatarskiy VV. Key Proteins of Replication Stress Response and Cell Cycle Control as Cancer Therapy Targets. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1263. [PMID: 38279263 PMCID: PMC10816012 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021263] [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: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Replication stress (RS) is a characteristic state of cancer cells as they tend to exchange precision of replication for fast proliferation and increased genomic instability. To overcome the consequences of improper replication control, malignant cells frequently inactivate parts of their DNA damage response (DDR) pathways (the ATM-CHK2-p53 pathway), while relying on other pathways which help to maintain replication fork stability (ATR-CHK1). This creates a dependency on the remaining DDR pathways, vulnerability to further destabilization of replication and synthetic lethality of DDR inhibitors with common oncogenic alterations such as mutations of TP53, RB1, ATM, amplifications of MYC, CCNE1 and others. The response to RS is normally limited by coordination of cell cycle, transcription and replication. Inhibition of WEE1 and PKMYT1 kinases, which prevent unscheduled mitosis entry, leads to fragility of under-replicated sites. Recent evidence also shows that inhibition of Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), such as CDK4/6, CDK2, CDK8/19 and CDK12/13 can contribute to RS through disruption of DNA repair and replication control. Here, we review the main causes of RS in cancers as well as main therapeutic targets-ATR, CHK1, PARP and their inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvina I. Khamidullina
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncobiology, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 34/5 Vavilov Street, 119334 Moscow, Russia; (A.I.K.); (Y.E.A.)
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 34/5 Vavilov Street, 119334 Moscow, Russia
| | - Yaroslav E. Abramenko
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncobiology, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 34/5 Vavilov Street, 119334 Moscow, Russia; (A.I.K.); (Y.E.A.)
| | - Alexandra V. Bruter
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 34/5 Vavilov Street, 119334 Moscow, Russia
| | - Victor V. Tatarskiy
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncobiology, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 34/5 Vavilov Street, 119334 Moscow, Russia; (A.I.K.); (Y.E.A.)
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 34/5 Vavilov Street, 119334 Moscow, Russia
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6
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de la Peña Avalos B, Tropée R, Duijf PHG, Dray E. EYA4 promotes breast cancer progression and metastasis through its role in replication stress avoidance. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:158. [PMID: 37777742 PMCID: PMC10543271 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01861-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The Eyes Absent (EYA) family of proteins is an atypical group of four dual-functioning protein phosphatases (PP), which have been linked to many vital cellular processes and organogenesis pathways. The four family members of this PP family possess transcriptional activation and phosphatase functions, with serine/threonine and tyrosine phosphatase domains. EYA4 has been associated with several human cancers, with tumor-suppressing and tumor-promoting roles. However, EYA4 is the least well-characterized member of this unique family of PP, with its biological functions and molecular mechanisms in cancer progression, particularly in breast cancer, still largely unknown. In the present study, we found that the over-expression of EYA4 in breast tissue leads to an aggressive and invasive breast cancer phenotype, while the inhibition of EYA4 reduced tumorigenic properties of breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Cellular changes downstream of EYA4, including cell proliferation and migration, may explain the increased metastatic power of breast cancer cells over-expressing EYA4. Mechanistically, EYA4 prevents genome instability by inhibiting the accumulation of replication-associated DNA damage. Its depletion results in polyploidy as a consequence of endoreplication, a phenomenon that can occur in response to stress. The absence of EYA4 leads to spontaneous replication stress characterized by the activation of the ATR pathway, sensitivity to hydroxyurea, and accumulation of endogenous DNA damage as indicated by increased γH2AX levels. In addition, we show that EYA4, specifically its serine/threonine phosphatase domain, plays an important and so far, unexpected role in replication fork progression. This phosphatase activity is essential for breast cancer progression and metastasis. Taken together, our data indicate that EYA4 is a novel potential breast cancer oncogene that supports primary tumor growth and metastasis. Developing therapeutics aimed at the serine/threonine phosphatase activity of EYA4 represents a robust strategy for killing breast cancer cells, to limit metastasis and overcome chemotherapy resistance caused by endoreplication and genomic rearrangements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bárbara de la Peña Avalos
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Romain Tropée
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Present Address: Southern RNA, Springfield Central, QLD, 4300, Australia
| | - Pascal H G Duijf
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Centre for Cancer Biology, Clinical and Health Sciences, & SA Pathology, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Eloïse Dray
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA.
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA.
- Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson, San Antonio, TX, USA.
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7
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Zuberi A, Huang Y, Dotts AJ, Wei H, Coon JS, Liu S, Iizuka T, Wu O, Sotos O, Saini P, Chakravarti D, Boyer TG, Dai Y, Bulun SE, Yin P. MED12 mutation activates the tryptophan/kynurenine/AHR pathway to promote growth of uterine leiomyomas. JCI Insight 2023; 8:e171305. [PMID: 37607000 PMCID: PMC10561729 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.171305] [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: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Uterine leiomyomas cause heavy menstrual bleeding, anemia, and pregnancy loss in millions of women worldwide. Driver mutations in the transcriptional mediator complex subunit 12 (MED12) gene in uterine myometrial cells initiate 70% of leiomyomas that grow in a progesterone-dependent manner. We showed a distinct chromatin occupancy landscape of MED12 in mutant MED12 (mut-MED12) versus WT-MED12 leiomyomas. Integration of cistromic and transcriptomics data identified tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO2) as the top mut-MED12 target gene that was significantly upregulated in mut-MED12 leiomyomas when compared with adjacent myometrium and WT-MED12 leiomyomas. TDO2 catalyzes the conversion of tryptophan to kynurenine, an aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) ligand that we confirmed to be significantly elevated in mut-MED12 leiomyomas. Treatment of primary mut-MED12 leiomyoma cells with tryptophan or kynurenine stimulated AHR nuclear translocation, increased proliferation, inhibited apoptosis, and induced AHR-target gene expression, whereas blocking the TDO2/kynurenine/AHR pathway by siRNA or pharmacological treatment abolished these effects. Progesterone receptors regulated the expression of AHR and its target genes. In vivo, TDO2 expression positively correlated with the expression of genes crucial for leiomyoma growth. In summary, activation of the TDO2/kynurenine/AHR pathway selectively in mut-MED12 leiomyomas promoted tumor growth and may inform the future development of targeted treatments and precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azna Zuberi
- Division of Reproductive Science in Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Yongchao Huang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Ariel J. Dotts
- Division of Reproductive Science in Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Helen Wei
- Division of Reproductive Science in Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - John S. Coon
- Division of Reproductive Science in Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Shimeng Liu
- Division of Reproductive Science in Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Takashi Iizuka
- Division of Reproductive Science in Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Olivia Wu
- Division of Reproductive Science in Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Olivia Sotos
- Division of Reproductive Science in Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Priyanka Saini
- Division of Reproductive Science in Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Debabrata Chakravarti
- Division of Reproductive Science in Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Thomas G. Boyer
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Yang Dai
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Serdar E. Bulun
- Division of Reproductive Science in Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Ping Yin
- Division of Reproductive Science in Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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8
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Buyukcelebi K, Chen X, Abdula F, Elkafas H, Duval AJ, Ozturk H, Seker-Polat F, Jin Q, Yin P, Feng Y, Bulun SE, Wei JJ, Yue F, Adli M. Engineered MED12 mutations drive leiomyoma-like transcriptional and metabolic programs by altering the 3D genome compartmentalization. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4057. [PMID: 37429859 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39684-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Nearly 70% of Uterine fibroid (UF) tumors are driven by recurrent MED12 hotspot mutations. Unfortunately, no cellular models could be generated because the mutant cells have lower fitness in 2D culture conditions. To address this, we employ CRISPR to precisely engineer MED12 Gly44 mutations in UF-relevant myometrial smooth muscle cells. The engineered mutant cells recapitulate several UF-like cellular, transcriptional, and metabolic alterations, including altered Tryptophan/kynurenine metabolism. The aberrant gene expression program in the mutant cells is, in part, driven by a substantial 3D genome compartmentalization switch. At the cellular level, the mutant cells gain enhanced proliferation rates in 3D spheres and form larger lesions in vivo with elevated production of collagen and extracellular matrix deposition. These findings indicate that the engineered cellular model faithfully models key features of UF tumors and provides a platform for the broader scientific community to characterize genomics of recurrent MED12 mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kadir Buyukcelebi
- Robert Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Xintong Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Fatih Abdula
- Robert Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Hoda Elkafas
- Robert Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Alexander James Duval
- Robert Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Harun Ozturk
- Robert Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Fidan Seker-Polat
- Robert Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Qiushi Jin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ping Yin
- Robert Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Yue Feng
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Serdar E Bulun
- Robert Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jian Jun Wei
- Robert Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Feng Yue
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Mazhar Adli
- Robert Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
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9
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Yang Q, Al-Hendy A. Update on the Role and Regulatory Mechanism of Extracellular Matrix in the Pathogenesis of Uterine Fibroids. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:5778. [PMID: 36982852 PMCID: PMC10051203 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Uterine fibroids (UFs), also known as leiomyomas, are benign tumors of the myometrium affecting over 70% of women worldwide, particularly women of color. Although benign, UFs are associated with significant morbidity; they are the primary indication for hysterectomy and a major source of gynecologic and reproductive dysfunction, ranging from menorrhagia and pelvic pain to infertility, recurrent miscarriage, and preterm labor. So far, the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of UFs are still quite limited. A knowledge gap needs to be filled to help develop novel strategies that will ultimately facilitate the development of therapies and improve UF patient outcomes. Excessive ECM accumulation and aberrant remodeling are crucial for fibrotic diseases and excessive ECM deposition is the central characteristics of UFs. This review summarizes the recent progress of ascertaining the biological functions and regulatory mechanisms in UFs, from the perspective of factors regulating ECM production, ECM-mediated signaling, and pharmacological drugs targeting ECM accumulation. In addition, we provide the current state of knowledge by discussing the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation and emerging role of the extracellular matrix in the pathogenesis of UFs and in applications. Comprehensive and deeper insights into ECM-mediated alterations and interactions in cellular events will help develop novel strategies to treat patients with this common tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiwei Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA;
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10
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A View on Uterine Leiomyoma Genesis through the Prism of Genetic, Epigenetic and Cellular Heterogeneity. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065752. [PMID: 36982825 PMCID: PMC10056617 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Uterine leiomyomas (ULs), frequent benign tumours of the female reproductive tract, are associated with a range of symptoms and significant morbidity. Despite extensive research, there is no consensus on essential points of UL initiation and development. The main reason for this is a pronounced inter- and intratumoral heterogeneity resulting from diverse and complicated mechanisms underlying UL pathobiology. In this review, we comprehensively analyse risk and protective factors for UL development, UL cellular composition, hormonal and paracrine signalling, epigenetic regulation and genetic abnormalities. We conclude the need to carefully update the concept of UL genesis in light of the current data. Staying within the framework of the existing hypotheses, we introduce a possible timeline for UL development and the associated key events—from potential prerequisites to the beginning of UL formation and the onset of driver and passenger changes.
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11
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Ali M, Bariani MV, Vafaei S, Omran MM, Yang Q, Madueke-Laveaux OS, Al-Hendy A. Prevention of Uterine Fibroids: molecular mechanisms and potential clinical application. JOURNAL OF ENDOMETRIOSIS AND UTERINE DISORDERS 2023; 1:100018. [PMID: 37637856 PMCID: PMC10451784 DOI: 10.1016/j.jeud.2023.100018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Uterine fibroids (UFs; leiomyoma) are the most common benign neoplastic threat to women worldwide, exacting an immense personal burden on female health and a monetary expense to the healthcare system estimated in the hundreds of billions of dollars every year globally. With no long-term non-invasive treatment option currently available to treat UFs, deeper insights regarding tumor etiology are the key for developing newer therapies. Accordingly, in this review, we discuss new mechanistic paradigm to explain UF tumor development through an exquisite model involving developmental reprogramming of myometrial stem cells due to early life endocrine disruptors exposure, inflammation, fibrosis, DNA damage, and eventually tissue stiffness. Further, we propose to utilize shear wave elastography as a potential screening tool for the early identification of women at risk for developing UFs who can benefit from several simple preventive strategies, including the consumption of natural compounds such as vitamin D and green tea as a safe fertility friendly non-hormonal modality to delay or even arrest or reverse UF progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Ali
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL 60637, USA Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Maria Victoria Bariani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL 60637, USA Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Somayeh Vafaei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL 60637, USA Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Mervat M. Omran
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL 60637, USA Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Cancer Biology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Qiwei Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL 60637, USA Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Obianuju Sandra Madueke-Laveaux
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL 60637, USA Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Ayman Al-Hendy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL 60637, USA Chicago, IL 60637, USA
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Boddu PC, Gupta A, Roy R, De La Pena Avalos B, Herrero AO, Neuenkirchen N, Zimmer J, Chandhok N, King D, Nannya Y, Ogawa S, Lin H, Simon M, Dray E, Kupfer G, Verma AK, Neugebauer KM, Pillai MM. Transcription elongation defects link oncogenic splicing factor mutations to targetable alterations in chromatin landscape. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.25.530019. [PMID: 36891287 PMCID: PMC9994134 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.25.530019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
Transcription and splicing of pre-messenger RNA are closely coordinated, but how this functional coupling is disrupted in human disease remains unexplored. Here, we investigated the impact of non-synonymous mutations in SF3B1 and U2AF1, two commonly mutated splicing factors in cancer, on transcription. We find that the mutations impair RNA Polymerase II (RNAPII) transcription elongation along gene bodies leading to transcription-replication conflicts, replication stress and altered chromatin organization. This elongation defect is linked to disrupted pre-spliceosome assembly due to impaired association of HTATSF1 with mutant SF3B1. Through an unbiased screen, we identified epigenetic factors in the Sin3/HDAC complex, which, when modulated, normalize transcription defects and their downstream effects. Our findings shed light on the mechanisms by which oncogenic mutant spliceosomes impact chromatin organization through their effects on RNAPII transcription elongation and present a rationale for targeting the Sin3/HDAC complex as a potential therapeutic strategy. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT HIGHLIGHTS Oncogenic mutations of SF3B1 and U2AF1 cause a gene-body RNAPII elongation defectRNAPII transcription elongation defect leads to transcription replication conflicts, DNA damage response, and changes to chromatin organization and H3K4me3 marksThe transcription elongation defect is linked to disruption of the early spliceosome formation through impaired interaction of HTATSF1 with mutant SF3B1.Changes to chromatin organization reveal potential therapeutic strategies by targeting the Sin3/HDAC pathway.
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Buyukcelebi K, Chen X, Abdula F, Duval A, Ozturk H, Seker-Polat F, Jin Q, Yin P, Feng Y, Wei JJ, Bulun S, Yue F, Adli M. Engineered MED12 mutations drive uterine fibroid-like transcriptional and metabolic programs by altering the 3D genome compartmentalization. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2537075. [PMID: 36798375 PMCID: PMC9934745 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2537075/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Uterine fibroid (UF) tumors originate from a mutated smooth muscle cell (SMC). Nearly 70% of these tumors are driven by hotspot recurrent somatic mutations in the MED12 gene; however, there are no tractable genetic models to study the biology of UF tumors because, under culture conditions, the non-mutant fibroblasts outgrow the mutant SMC cells, resulting in the conversion of the population to WT phenotype. The lack of faithful cellular models hampered our ability to delineate the molecular pathways downstream of MED12 mutations and identify therapeutics that may selectively target the mutant cells. To overcome this challenge, we employed CRISPR knock-in with a sensitive PCR-based screening strategy to precisely engineer cells with mutant MED12 Gly44, which constitutes 50% of MED12 exon two mutations. Critically, the engineered myometrial SMC cells recapitulate several UF-like cellular, transcriptional and metabolic alterations, including enhanced proliferation rates in 3D spheres and altered Tryptophan/kynurenine metabolism. Our transcriptomic analysis supported by DNA synthesis tracking reveals that MED12 mutant cells, like UF tumors, have heightened expression of DNA repair genes but reduced DNA synthesis rates. Consequently, these cells accumulate significantly higher rates of DNA damage and are selectively more sensitive to common DNA-damaging chemotherapy, indicating mutation-specific and therapeutically relevant vulnerabilities. Our high-resolution 3D chromatin interaction analysis demonstrates that the engineered MED12 mutations drive aberrant genomic activity due to a genome-wide chromatin compartmentalization switch. These findings indicate that the engineered cellular model faithfully models key features of UF tumors and provides a novel platform for the broader scientific community to characterize genomics of recurrent MED12 mutations and discover potential therapeutic targets.
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Khan ES, Danckwardt S. Pathophysiological Role and Diagnostic Potential of R-Loops in Cancer and Beyond. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13122181. [PMID: 36553448 PMCID: PMC9777984 DOI: 10.3390/genes13122181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
R-loops are DNA-RNA hybrids that play multifunctional roles in gene regulation, including replication, transcription, transcription-replication collision, epigenetics, and preserving the integrity of the genome. The aberrant formation and accumulation of unscheduled R-loops can disrupt gene expression and damage DNA, thereby causing genome instability. Recent links between unscheduled R-loop accumulation and the abundance of proteins that modulate R-loop biogenesis have been associated with numerous human diseases, including various cancers. Although R-loops are not necessarily causative for all disease entities described to date, they can perpetuate and even exacerbate the initially disease-eliciting pathophysiology, making them structures of interest for molecular diagnostics. In this review, we discuss the (patho) physiological role of R-loops in health and disease, their surprising diagnostic potential, and state-of-the-art techniques for their detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Essak S. Khan
- Posttranscriptional Gene Regulation, Cancer Research and Experimental Hemostasis, University Medical Center Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, 55131 Mainz, Germany
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis (CTH), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, 55131 Mainz, Germany
- German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), DKFZ Frankfurt-Mainz, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Sven Danckwardt
- Posttranscriptional Gene Regulation, Cancer Research and Experimental Hemostasis, University Medical Center Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, 55131 Mainz, Germany
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis (CTH), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, 55131 Mainz, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Rhine-Main, 55131 Mainz, Germany
- Correspondence:
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