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Bhattarai S, Hakkim FL, Day CA, Grigore F, Langfald A, Entin I, Hinchcliffe EH, Robinson JP. H3F3A K27M Mutations Drives a Repressive Transcriptome by Modulating Chromatin Accessibility, Independent of H3K27me3 in Diffuse Midline Glioma. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.16.594522. [PMID: 38798502 PMCID: PMC11118475 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.16.594522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Background Heterozygous histone H3.3K27M mutation is a primary oncogenic driver of Diffuse Midline Glioma (DMG). H3.3K27M inhibits the Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2) methyltransferase complex, leading to a global reduction and redistributing of the repressive H3 lysine 27 tri-methylation. This rewiring of the epigenome is thought to promote gliomagenesis. Methods We established novel, isogenic DMG patient-derived cell lines that have been CRISPR-Cas9 edited to H3.3 WT or H3.3K27M alone and in combination with EZH2 and EZH1 co-deletion, inactivating PRC2 methyltransferase activity of PRC2 and eliminating H3K27me3. Results RNA-seq and ATAC-seq analysis of these cells revealed that K27M has a novel epigenetic effect that appears entirely independent of its effects on PRC2 function. While the loss of the PRC2 complex led to a systemic induction of gene expression (including HOX gene clusters) and upregulation of biological pathways, K27M led to a balanced gene deregulation but having an overall repressive effect on the biological pathways. Importantly, the genes uniquely deregulated by the K27M mutation, independent of methylation loss, are closely associated with changes in chromatin accessibility, with upregulated genes becoming more accessible. Notably, the PRC2- independent function of K27M appears necessary for tumorigenesis as xenografts of our H3.3K27M/EZH1/2 WT cells developed into tumors, while H3.3/EZH1/2 KO cells did not. Conclusion We demonstrate that K27M mutation alters chromatin accessibility and uniquely deregulates genes, independent of K27 methylation. We further show the mutation's role in altering biological pathways and its necessity for tumor development. Key Points We revealed genes regulated by H3.3K27M mutation and PRC2 in DMG.H3.3K27M mutation alters chromosome accessibility independent of H3K27me3.PRC2-independent effects of K27M mutation are crucial for tumor development. Importance of the Study This study is the first to demonstrate that H3F3A K27M mutations drive a repressive transcriptome by modulating chromatin accessibility independently of H3K27 trimethylation in Diffuse Midline Glioma (DMG). By isolating the effects of H3.3 K27me3 loss from those of the K27M mutation, we identified common and unique genes and pathways affected by each. We found that genes uniquely deregulated by K27M showed increased chromatin accessibility and upregulated gene expression, unlike other gene subsets affected by PRC2 knockout. Importantly, we determined the PRC2-independent function of K27M is also essential for tumorigenesis, as xenografts of H3.3 K27M/PRC2 WT cell lines formed tumors, while H3.3WT/PRC2 WT and K27M/PRC2 knockout cells did not. This research builds upon and advances prior studies, such as those identifying EZH2 as a therapeutic target in H3.3K27M DMGs, by revealing critical new pathways for gliomagenesis. The translational significance lies in identifying novel therapeutic targets against this aggressive pediatric cancer.
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Giacomini G, Piquet S, Chevallier O, Dabin J, Bai SK, Kim B, Siddaway R, Raught B, Coyaud E, Shan CM, Reid RJD, Toda T, Rothstein R, Barra V, Wilhelm T, Hamadat S, Bertin C, Crane A, Dubois F, Forne I, Imhof A, Bandopadhayay P, Beroukhim R, Naim V, Jia S, Hawkins C, Rondinelli B, Polo SE. Aberrant DNA repair reveals a vulnerability in histone H3.3-mutant brain tumors. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:2372-2388. [PMID: 38214234 PMCID: PMC10954481 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad1257] [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: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Pediatric high-grade gliomas (pHGG) are devastating and incurable brain tumors with recurrent mutations in histone H3.3. These mutations promote oncogenesis by dysregulating gene expression through alterations of histone modifications. We identify aberrant DNA repair as an independent mechanism, which fosters genome instability in H3.3 mutant pHGG, and opens new therapeutic options. The two most frequent H3.3 mutations in pHGG, K27M and G34R, drive aberrant repair of replication-associated damage by non-homologous end joining (NHEJ). Aberrant NHEJ is mediated by the DNA repair enzyme polynucleotide kinase 3'-phosphatase (PNKP), which shows increased association with mutant H3.3 at damaged replication forks. PNKP sustains the proliferation of cells bearing H3.3 mutations, thus conferring a molecular vulnerability, specific to mutant cells, with potential for therapeutic targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Giacomini
- Epigenetics & Cell Fate Centre, CNRS/Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Sandra Piquet
- Epigenetics & Cell Fate Centre, CNRS/Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Odile Chevallier
- Epigenetics & Cell Fate Centre, CNRS/Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Juliette Dabin
- Epigenetics & Cell Fate Centre, CNRS/Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Siau-Kun Bai
- Epigenetics & Cell Fate Centre, CNRS/Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Byungjin Kim
- Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Robert Siddaway
- Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Brian Raught
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, 101 College Street, Toronto, ON M5G1L7, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Etienne Coyaud
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, 101 College Street, Toronto, ON M5G1L7, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Université de Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1192 - Protéomique Réponse Inflammatoire Spectrométrie de Masse - PRISM, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Chun-Min Shan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Robert J D Reid
- Department of Genetics & Development, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Takenori Toda
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Rodney Rothstein
- Department of Genetics & Development, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Viviana Barra
- CNRS UMR9019 Genome Integrity and Cancers, Université Paris-Saclay, Gustave Roussy Institute, Villejuif, France
| | - Therese Wilhelm
- CNRS UMR9019 Genome Integrity and Cancers, Université Paris-Saclay, Gustave Roussy Institute, Villejuif, France
| | - Sabah Hamadat
- CNRS UMR9019 Genome Integrity and Cancers, Université Paris-Saclay, Gustave Roussy Institute, Villejuif, France
| | - Chloé Bertin
- CNRS UMR9019 Genome Integrity and Cancers, Université Paris-Saclay, Gustave Roussy Institute, Villejuif, France
| | - Alexander Crane
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, USA
| | - Frank Dubois
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, USA
| | - Ignasi Forne
- Protein Analysis Unit, BioMedical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Axel Imhof
- Protein Analysis Unit, BioMedical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Pratiti Bandopadhayay
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, USA
| | - Rameen Beroukhim
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, USA
| | - Valeria Naim
- CNRS UMR9019 Genome Integrity and Cancers, Université Paris-Saclay, Gustave Roussy Institute, Villejuif, France
| | - Songtao Jia
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Cynthia Hawkins
- Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Sophie E Polo
- Epigenetics & Cell Fate Centre, CNRS/Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
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3
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Fernando D, Ahmed AU, Williams BRG. Therapeutically targeting the unique disease landscape of pediatric high-grade gliomas. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1347694. [PMID: 38525424 PMCID: PMC10957575 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1347694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Pediatric high-grade gliomas (pHGG) are a rare yet devastating malignancy of the central nervous system's glial support cells, affecting children, adolescents, and young adults. Tumors of the central nervous system account for the leading cause of pediatric mortality of which high-grade gliomas present a significantly grim prognosis. While the past few decades have seen many pediatric cancers experiencing significant improvements in overall survival, the prospect of survival for patients diagnosed with pHGGs has conversely remained unchanged. This can be attributed in part to tumor heterogeneity and the existence of the blood-brain barrier. Advances in discovery research have substantiated the existence of unique subgroups of pHGGs displaying alternate responses to different therapeutics and varying degrees of overall survival. This highlights a necessity to approach discovery research and clinical management of the disease in an alternative subtype-dependent manner. This review covers traditional approaches to the therapeutic management of pHGGs, limitations of such methods and emerging alternatives. Novel mutations which predominate the pHGG landscape are highlighted and the therapeutic potential of targeting them in a subtype specific manner discussed. Collectively, this provides an insight into issues in need of transformative progress which arise during the management of pHGGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dasun Fernando
- Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Afsar U. Ahmed
- Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Bryan R. G. Williams
- Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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Leszczynska KB, Freitas-Huhtamäki A, Jayaprakash C, Dzwigonska M, Vitorino FNL, Horth C, Wojnicki K, Gielniewski B, Szadkowska P, Kaza B, Nazarian J, Ciolkowski MK, Trubicka J, Grajkowska W, Garcia BA, Majewski J, Kaminska B, Mieczkowski J. H2A.Z histone variants facilitate HDACi-dependent removal of H3.3K27M mutant protein in pediatric high-grade glioma cells. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113707. [PMID: 38306270 PMCID: PMC11026119 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113707] [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: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPGs) are deadly pediatric brain tumors, non-resectable due to brainstem localization and diffusive growth. Over 80% of DIPGs harbor a mutation in histone 3 (H3.3 or H3.1) resulting in a lysine-to-methionine substitution (H3K27M). Patients with DIPG have a dismal prognosis with no effective therapy. We show that histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors lead to a significant reduction in the H3.3K27M protein (up to 80%) in multiple glioma cell lines. We discover that the SB939-mediated H3.3K27M loss is partially blocked by a lysosomal inhibitor, chloroquine. The H3.3K27M loss is facilitated by co-occurrence of H2A.Z, as evidenced by the knockdown of H2A.Z isoforms. Chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) analysis confirms the occupancy of H3.3K27M and H2A.Z at the same SB939-inducible genes. We discover a mechanism showing that HDAC inhibition in DIPG leads to pharmacological modulation of the oncogenic H3.3K27M protein levels. These findings show the possibility of directly targeting the H3.3K27M oncohistone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna B Leszczynska
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland.
| | | | - Chinchu Jayaprakash
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Monika Dzwigonska
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Francisca N L Vitorino
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Cynthia Horth
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Kamil Wojnicki
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Bartlomiej Gielniewski
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Paulina Szadkowska
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Beata Kaza
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Javad Nazarian
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University Children's Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | - Benjamin A Garcia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jacek Majewski
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Bozena Kaminska
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jakub Mieczkowski
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland; 3P-Medicine Laboratory, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland.
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5
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Sarkar S, Deyoung T, Ressler H, Chandler W. Brain Tumors: Development, Drug Resistance, and Sensitization - An Epigenetic Approach. Epigenetics 2023; 18:2237761. [PMID: 37499114 PMCID: PMC10376921 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2023.2237761] [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: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In this article, we describe contrasting developmental aspects of paediatric and adult brain tumours. We hypothesize that the formation of cancer progenitor cells, for both paediatric and adult, could be due to epigenetic events. However, the progression of adult brain tumours selectively involves more mutations compared to paediatric tumours. We further discuss epigenetic switches, comprising both histone modifications and DNA methylation, and how they can differentially regulate transcription and expression of oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes. Next, we summarize the currently available therapies for both types of brain tumours, explaining the merits and failures leading to drug resistance. We analyse different mechanisms of drug resistance and the role of epigenetics in this process. We then provide a rationale for combination therapy, which includes epigenetic drugs. In the end, we postulate a concept which describes how a combination therapy could be initiated. The timing, doses, and order of individual drug regimens will depend on the individual case. This type of combination therapy will be part of a personalized medicine which will differ from patient to patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sibaji Sarkar
- Division of Biotechnology, Quincy College, Quincy, MA, USA
- Division of Biology, STEM, MBC College, Wellesley, MA, USA
- Division of Biology, STEM, RC College Boston, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tara Deyoung
- Division of Biotechnology, Quincy College, Quincy, MA, USA
| | - Hope Ressler
- Division of Biology, STEM, MBC College, Wellesley, MA, USA
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6
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Klein RH, Knoepfler PS. Knockout tales: the versatile roles of histone H3.3 in development and disease. Epigenetics Chromatin 2023; 16:38. [PMID: 37814296 PMCID: PMC10563256 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-023-00512-8] [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: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Histone variant H3.3 plays novel roles in development as compared to canonical H3 proteins and is the most commonly mutated histone protein of any kind in human disease. Here we discuss how gene targeting studies of the two H3.3-coding genes H3f3a and H3f3b have provided important insights into H3.3 functions including in gametes as well as brain and lung development. Knockouts have also provided insights into the important roles of H3.3 in maintaining genomic stability and chromatin organization, processes that are also affected when H3.3 is mutated in human diseases such as pediatric tumors and neurodevelopmental syndromes. Overall, H3.3 is a unique histone linking development and disease via epigenomic machinery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel H Klein
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Shriners Hospital for Children Northern California, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
- Genome Center, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Paul S Knoepfler
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Shriners Hospital for Children Northern California, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.
- Genome Center, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
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7
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Damodharan S, Puccetti D. Pediatric Central Nervous System Tumor Overview and Emerging Treatment Considerations. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1106. [PMID: 37509034 PMCID: PMC10377074 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13071106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Pediatric central nervous system (CNS) tumors are the most common solid tumor in children, with the majority being glial in origin. These tumors are classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as either being low grade (WHO grade 1 and 2) or high grade (WHO grade 3 and 4). Our knowledge of the molecular landscape of pediatric brain tumors has advanced over the last decade, which has led to newer categorizations along with an expansion of therapeutic targets and options. In this review, we will give an overview of common CNS tumors seen in children along with a focus on treatment options and future considerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudarshawn Damodharan
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine & Public Health, Madison, WI 53792, USA
| | - Diane Puccetti
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine & Public Health, Madison, WI 53792, USA
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8
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Ocasio JK, Budd KM, Roach JT, Andrews JM, Baker SJ. Oncohistones and disrupted development in pediatric-type diffuse high-grade glioma. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2023; 42:367-388. [PMID: 37119408 PMCID: PMC10441521 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10105-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
Recurrent, clonal somatic mutations in histone H3 are molecular hallmarks that distinguish the genetic mechanisms underlying pediatric and adult high-grade glioma (HGG), define biological subgroups of diffuse glioma, and highlight connections between cancer, development, and epigenetics. These oncogenic mutations in histones, now termed "oncohistones", were discovered through genome-wide sequencing of pediatric diffuse high-grade glioma. Up to 80% of diffuse midline glioma (DMG), including diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) and diffuse glioma arising in other midline structures including thalamus or spinal cord, contain histone H3 lysine 27 to methionine (K27M) mutations or, rarely, other alterations that result in a depletion of H3K27me3 similar to that induced by H3 K27M. This subgroup of glioma is now defined as diffuse midline glioma, H3K27-altered. In contrast, histone H3 Gly34Arg/Val (G34R/V) mutations are found in approximately 30% of diffuse glioma arising in the cerebral hemispheres of older adolescents and young adults, now classified as diffuse hemispheric glioma, H3G34-mutant. Here, we review how oncohistones modulate the epigenome and discuss the mutational landscape and invasive properties of histone mutant HGGs of childhood. The distinct mechanisms through which oncohistones and other mutations rewrite the epigenetic landscape provide novel insights into development and tumorigenesis and may present unique vulnerabilities for pHGGs. Lessons learned from these rare incurable brain tumors of childhood may have broader implications for cancer, as additional high- and low-frequency oncohistone mutations have been identified in other tumor types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer K Ocasio
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Kaitlin M Budd
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
- St. Jude Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Jordan T Roach
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
- St. Jude Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Memphis, TN, USA
- College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Jared M Andrews
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Suzanne J Baker
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.
- St. Jude Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Memphis, TN, USA.
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Bush K, Cervantes V, Yee JQ, Klein RH, Knoepfler PS. A knockout-first model of H3f3a gene targeting leads to developmental lethality. Genesis 2023; 61:e23507. [PMID: 36656301 PMCID: PMC10038898 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.23507] [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: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Histone variant H3.3 is encoded by two genes, H3f3a and H3f3b, which can be expressed differentially depending on tissue type. Previous work in our lab has shown that knockout of H3f3b causes some neonatal lethality and infertility in mice, and chromosomal defects in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). Studies of H3f3a and H3f3b null mice by others have produced generally similar phenotypes to what we found in our H3f3b nulls, but the relative impacts of the loss of either H3f3a or H3f3b have varied depending on the approach and genetic background. Here we used a knockout-first approach to target the H3f3a gene for inactivation in C57BL6 mice. Homozygous H3f3a targeting produced a lethal phenotype at or before birth. E13.5 null embryos had some potential morphological differences from WT littermates including smaller size and reduced head size. An E18.5 null embryo was smaller than its control littermates with several potential defects including small head and brain size as well as small lungs, which would be consistent with a late gestation lethal phenotype. Despite a reduction in H3.3 and total H3 protein levels, the only histone H3 post-translational modification in the small panel assessed that was significantly altered was the unique H3.3 mark phospho-Serine31, which was consistently increased in null neurospheres. H3f3a null neurospheres also exhibited consistent gene expression changes including in protocadherins. Overall, our findings are consistent with the model that there are differential, cell-type-specific contributions of H3f3a and H3f3b to H3.3 functions in epigenetic and developmental processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Bush
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Shriners Hospital for Children Northern California, Sacramento, California, USA
- Genome Center, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Vanessa Cervantes
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Shriners Hospital for Children Northern California, Sacramento, California, USA
- Genome Center, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Jennifer Q Yee
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Shriners Hospital for Children Northern California, Sacramento, California, USA
- Genome Center, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Rachel H Klein
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Shriners Hospital for Children Northern California, Sacramento, California, USA
- Genome Center, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Paul S Knoepfler
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Shriners Hospital for Children Northern California, Sacramento, California, USA
- Genome Center, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA
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10
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Immisch L, Papafotiou G, Popp O, Mertins P, Blankenstein T, Willimsky G. Response to: Correspondence on 'H3.3K27M mutation is not a suitable target for immunotherapy in HLA-A2+ patients with diffuse midline glioma' by Chheda et al. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:jitc-2023-006784. [PMID: 36918223 PMCID: PMC10016299 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-006784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lena Immisch
- Institute of Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium, partner site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - George Papafotiou
- Institute of Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium, partner site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Oliver Popp
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany
| | - Philipp Mertins
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany.,Berlin Institute of Health at Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Blankenstein
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany.,Berlin Institute of Health at Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gerald Willimsky
- Institute of Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany .,German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium, partner site Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Berlin Institute of Health at Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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11
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Zhuang HH, Qu Q, Teng XQ, Dai YH, Qu J. Superenhancers as master gene regulators and novel therapeutic targets in brain tumors. Exp Mol Med 2023; 55:290-303. [PMID: 36720920 PMCID: PMC9981748 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-023-00934-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcriptional deregulation, a cancer cell hallmark, is driven by epigenetic abnormalities in the majority of brain tumors, including adult glioblastoma and pediatric brain tumors. Epigenetic abnormalities can activate epigenetic regulatory elements to regulate the expression of oncogenes. Superenhancers (SEs), identified as novel epigenetic regulatory elements, are clusters of enhancers with cell-type specificity that can drive the aberrant transcription of oncogenes and promote tumor initiation and progression. As gene regulators, SEs are involved in tumorigenesis in a variety of tumors, including brain tumors. SEs are susceptible to inhibition by their key components, such as bromodomain protein 4 and cyclin-dependent kinase 7, providing new opportunities for antitumor therapy. In this review, we summarized the characteristics and identification, unique organizational structures, and activation mechanisms of SEs in tumors, as well as the clinical applications related to SEs in tumor therapy and prognostication. Based on a review of the literature, we discussed the relationship between SEs and different brain tumors and potential therapeutic targets, focusing on glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Hui Zhuang
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, PR China
| | - Qiang Qu
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410007, PR China.,Institute for Rational and Safe Medication Practices, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410007, PR China
| | - Xin-Qi Teng
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, PR China
| | - Ying-Huan Dai
- Department of Pathology, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, PR China
| | - Jian Qu
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, PR China.
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12
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Grigore FN, Yang SJ, Chen CC, Koga T. Pioneering models of pediatric brain tumors. Neoplasia 2023; 36:100859. [PMID: 36599191 PMCID: PMC9823239 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2022.100859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Among children and adolescents in the United States (0 to 19 years old), brain and other central nervous system tumors are the second most common types of cancers, surpassed in incidence only by leukemias. Despite significant progress in the diagnosis and treatment modalities, brain cancer remains the leading cause of death in the pediatric population. There is an obvious unfulfilled need to streamline the therapeutic strategies and improve survival for these patients. For that purpose, preclinical models play a pivotal role. Numerous models are currently used in pediatric brain tumor research, including genetically engineered mouse models, patient-derived xenografts and cell lines, and newer models that utilize novel technologies such as genome engineering and organoids. Furthermore, extensive studies by the Children's Brain Tumor Network (CBTN) researchers and others have revealed multiomic landscapes of variable pediatric brain tumors. Combined with such integrative data, these novel technologies have enabled numerous applicable models. Genome engineering, including CRISPR/Cas9, expanded the flexibility of modeling. Models generated through genome engineering enabled studying particular genetic alterations in clean isogenic backgrounds, facilitating the dissection of functional mechanisms of those mutations in tumor biology. Organoids have been applied to study tumor-to-tumor-microenvironment interactions and to address developmental aspects of tumorigenesis, which is essential in some pediatric brain tumors. Other modalities, such as humanized mouse models, could potentially be applied to pediatric brain tumors. In addition to current valuable models, such novel models are anticipated to expedite functional tumor biology study and establish effective therapeutics for pediatric brain tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florina-Nicoleta Grigore
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota, MMC96, Room D-429, 420 Delaware St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Serena Johanna Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota, MMC96, Room D-429, 420 Delaware St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Clark C Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota, MMC96, Room D-429, 420 Delaware St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Tomoyuki Koga
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota, MMC96, Room D-429, 420 Delaware St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
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13
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Abdallah AS, Cardona HJ, Gadd SL, Brat DJ, Powla PP, Alruwalli WS, Shen C, Picketts DJ, Li XN, Becher OJ. Novel genetically engineered H3.3G34R model reveals cooperation with ATRX loss in upregulation of Hoxa cluster genes and promotion of neuronal lineage. Neurooncol Adv 2023; 5:vdad003. [PMID: 36845293 PMCID: PMC9950856 DOI: 10.1093/noajnl/vdad003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Pediatric high-grade gliomas (pHGGs) are aggressive pediatric CNS tumors and an important subset are characterized by mutations in H3F3A, the gene that encodes Histone H3.3 (H3.3). Substitution of Glycine at position 34 of H3.3 with either Arginine or Valine (H3.3G34R/V), was recently described and characterized in a large cohort of pHGG samples as occurring in 5-20% of pHGGs. Attempts to study the mechanism of H3.3G34R have proven difficult due to the lack of knowledge regarding the cell-of-origin and the requirement for co-occurring mutations for model development. We sought to develop a biologically relevant animal model of pHGG to probe the downstream effects of the H3.3G34R mutation in the context of vital co-occurring mutations. Methods We developed a genetically engineered mouse model (GEMM) that incorporates PDGF-A activation, TP53 loss and the H3.3G34R mutation both in the presence and loss of Alpha thalassemia/mental retardation syndrome X-linked (ATRX), which is commonly mutated in H3.3G34 mutant pHGGs. Results We demonstrated that ATRX loss significantly increases tumor latency in the absence of H3.3G34R and inhibits ependymal differentiation in the presence of H3.3G34R. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that ATRX loss in the context of H3.3G34R upregulates Hoxa cluster genes. We also found that the H3.3G34R overexpression leads to enrichment of neuronal markers but only in the context of ATRX loss. Conclusions This study proposes a mechanism in which ATRX loss is the major contributor to many key transcriptomic changes in H3.3G34R pHGGs. Accession number GSE197988.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aalaa S Abdallah
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute, Molecular and Translational Cancer Biology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Herminio J Cardona
- Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute, Molecular and Translational Cancer Biology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Samantha L Gadd
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Daniel J Brat
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Plamena P Powla
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Waleed S Alruwalli
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Chen Shen
- Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute, Molecular and Translational Cancer Biology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - David J Picketts
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Xiao-Nan Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute, Molecular and Translational Cancer Biology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Developmental Therapeutic Core, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Program of Precision Medicine PDOX Modeling of Pediatric Tumors, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Oren J Becher
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute, Molecular and Translational Cancer Biology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Kravis Children’s Hospital, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
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14
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Day CA, Hinchcliffe EH, Robinson JP. H3K27me3 in Diffuse Midline Glioma and Epithelial Ovarian Cancer: Opposing Epigenetic Changes Leading to the Same Poor Outcomes. Cells 2022; 11:cells11213376. [PMID: 36359771 PMCID: PMC9655269 DOI: 10.3390/cells11213376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Histone post-translational modifications modulate gene expression through epigenetic gene regulation. The core histone H3 family members, H3.1, H3.2, and H3.3, play a central role in epigenetics. H3 histones can acquire many post-translational modifications, including the trimethylation of H3K27 (H3K27me3), which represses transcription. Triple methylation of H3K27 is performed by the histone methyltransferase Enhancer of Zeste Homologue 2 (EZH2), a component of the Polycomb Repressive Complex 2. Both global increases and decreases in H3K27me3 have been implicated in a wide range of cancer types. Here, we explore how opposing changes in H3K27me3 contribute to cancer by highlighting its role in two vastly different cancer types; (1) a form of glioma known as diffuse midline glioma H3K27-altered and (2) epithelial ovarian cancer. These two cancers vary widely in the age of onset, sex, associated mutations, and cell and organ type. However, both diffuse midline glioma and ovarian cancer have dysregulation of H3K27 methylation, triggering changes to the cancer cell transcriptome. In diffuse midline glioma, the loss of H3K27 methylation is a primary driving factor in tumorigenesis that promotes glial cell stemness and silences tumor suppressor genes. Conversely, hypermethylation of H3K27 occurs in late-stage epithelial ovarian cancer, which promotes tumor vascularization and tumor cell migration. By using each cancer type as a case study, this review emphasizes the importance of H3K27me3 in cancer while demonstrating that the mechanisms of histone H3 modification and subsequent gene expression changes are not a one-size-fits-all across cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles A. Day
- Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN 55912, USA
- Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55902, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Edward H. Hinchcliffe
- Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN 55912, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - James P. Robinson
- Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN 55912, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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15
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Sun Z, Zhu Y, Feng X, Liu X, Zhou K, Wang Q, Zhang H, Shi H. H3F3A K27M Mutation Promotes the Infiltrative Growth of High-Grade Glioma in Adults by Activating β-Catenin/USP1 Signaling. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14194836. [PMID: 36230759 PMCID: PMC9563249 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Gliomas is a primary type of tumor in the central nervous system. High-grade glioma is a malignant cancerous disease and grows rapidly. This study reports the expression of H3.3K27M in high-grade glioma tissues and the association with malignant glioma cell behavior. Moreover, the results suggested that a high expression of H3.3K27M promotes the migration and invasion of glioma cells, leading to a poor prognosis by promoting the infiltration of glioma through aggravating aberrant activation of β-catenin signaling-driven pathway. Abstract H3F3A K27M (H3.3K27M) is a newly identified molecular pathological marker in glioma and is strongly correlated with the malignancy of diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG). In recent years, accumulating evidence has revealed that other types of glioma also contain the H3.3K27M mutation. However, the role of H3.3K27M in high-grade adult glioma, the most malignant glioma, has not been investigated. In this study, we focused on exploring the expression and function of H3.3K27M in high-grade glioma in adults. We found that H3.3K27M was highly expressed at high levels in some high-grade glioma tissues. Then, we introduced H3.3K27M into H3.3 wild-type glioma cells, U87 cells and LN229 cells. We found that H3.3K27M did not affect the growth of glioma cells in vitro and in vivo; however, the survival of mice with transplanted tumors was significantly reduced. Further investigation revealed that H3.3K27M expression mainly promoted the migration and invasion of glioma cells. Moreover, we confirmed that H3.3K27M overexpression increased the levels of the β-catenin and p-β-catenin (Ser675) proteins, the ubiquitin-specific protease 1 (USP1) mRNA and protein levels, and the enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) protein level. In addition, the β-catenin inhibitor XAV-939 significantly attenuated the upregulation of the aforementioned proteins and inhibited the increased migration and invasion caused by the H3.3K27M mutation. Overall, the H3.3K27M mutation in high-grade glioma is a potential biomarker for poor prognosis mainly due to the infiltration of glioma cells that is at least partially mediated by the β-catenin/USP1/EZH2 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyuan Sun
- Central Laboratory, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, China
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, China
| | - Yufu Zhu
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, China
| | - Xia Feng
- Central Laboratory, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, China
| | - Xiaoyun Liu
- Central Laboratory, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, China
| | - Kunlin Zhou
- Central Laboratory, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, China
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, China
| | - Qing Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, China
| | - Hengzhu Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Wuxi Second Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi 214002, China
| | - Hengliang Shi
- Central Laboratory, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, China
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-516-85587335
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16
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The Intricate Epigenetic and Transcriptional Alterations in Pediatric High-Grade Gliomas: Targeting the Crosstalk as the Oncogenic Achilles’ Heel. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10061311. [PMID: 35740334 PMCID: PMC9219798 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10061311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Pediatric high-grade gliomas (pHGGs) are a deadly and heterogenous subgroup of gliomas for which the development of innovative treatments is urgent. Advances in high-throughput molecular techniques have shed light on key epigenetic components of these diseases, such as K27M and G34R/V mutations on histone 3. However, modification of DNA compaction is not sufficient by itself to drive those tumors. Here, we review molecular specificities of pHGGs subcategories in the context of epigenomic rewiring caused by H3 mutations and the subsequent oncogenic interplay with transcriptional signaling pathways co-opted from developmental programs that ultimately leads to gliomagenesis. Understanding how transcriptional and epigenetic alterations synergize in each cellular context in these tumors could allow the identification of new Achilles’ heels, thereby highlighting new levers to improve their therapeutic management.
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17
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Lewis NA, Klein RH, Kelly C, Yee J, Knoepfler PS. Histone H3.3 K27M chromatin functions implicate a network of neurodevelopmental factors including ASCL1 and NEUROD1 in DIPG. Epigenetics Chromatin 2022; 15:18. [PMID: 35590427 PMCID: PMC9121554 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-022-00447-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The histone variant H3.3 K27M mutation is a defining characteristic of diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG)/diffuse midline glioma (DMG). This histone mutation is responsible for major alterations to histone H3 post-translational modification (PTMs) and subsequent aberrant gene expression. However, much less is known about the effect this mutation has on chromatin structure and function, including open versus closed chromatin regions as well as their transcriptomic consequences. Results Recently, we developed isogenic CRISPR-edited DIPG cell lines that are wild-type for histone H3.3 that can be compared to their matched K27M lines. Here we show via ATAC-seq analysis that H3.3K27M glioma cells have unique accessible chromatin at regions corresponding to neurogenesis, NOTCH, and neuronal development pathways and associated genes that are overexpressed in H3.3K27M compared to our isogenic wild-type cell line. As to mechanisms, accessible enhancers and super-enhancers corresponding to increased gene expression in H3.3K27M cells were also mapped to genes involved in neurogenesis and NOTCH signaling, suggesting that these pathways are key to DIPG tumor maintenance. Motif analysis implicates specific transcription factors as central to the neuro-oncogenic K27M signaling pathway, in particular, ASCL1 and NEUROD1. Conclusions Altogether our findings indicate that H3.3K27M causes chromatin to take on a more accessible configuration at key regulatory regions for NOTCH and neurogenesis genes resulting in increased oncogenic gene expression, which is at least partially reversible upon editing K27M back to wild-type. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13072-022-00447-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nichole A Lewis
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.,Genome Center, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.,Institute of Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Shriners Hospital for Children Northern California, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Rachel Herndon Klein
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.,Genome Center, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.,Institute of Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Shriners Hospital for Children Northern California, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Cailin Kelly
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.,Genome Center, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.,Institute of Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Shriners Hospital for Children Northern California, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Jennifer Yee
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.,Genome Center, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.,Institute of Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Shriners Hospital for Children Northern California, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Paul S Knoepfler
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA. .,Genome Center, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA. .,Institute of Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Shriners Hospital for Children Northern California, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.
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18
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Deshmukh S, Ptack A, Krug B, Jabado N. Oncohistones: a roadmap to stalled development. FEBS J 2022; 289:1315-1328. [PMID: 33969633 PMCID: PMC9990449 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Since the discovery of recurrent mutations in histone H3 variants in paediatric brain tumours, so-called 'oncohistones' have been identified in various cancers. While their mechanism of action remains under active investigation, several studies have shed light on how they promote genome-wide epigenetic perturbations. These findings converge on altered post-translational modifications on two key lysine (K) residues of the H3 tail, K27 and K36, which regulate several cellular processes, including those linked to cell differentiation during development. We will review how these oncohistones affect the methylation of cognate residues, but also disrupt the distribution of opposing chromatin marks, creating genome-wide epigenetic changes which participate in the oncogenic process. Ultimately, tumorigenesis is promoted through the maintenance of a progenitor state at the expense of differentiation in defined cellular and developmental contexts. As these epigenetic disruptions are reversible, improved understanding of oncohistone pathogenicity can result in needed alternative therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shriya Deshmukh
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Adam Ptack
- Department of Pediatrics, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Brian Krug
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Nada Jabado
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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19
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Oncohistone interactome profiling uncovers contrasting oncogenic mechanisms and identifies potential therapeutic targets in high grade glioma. Acta Neuropathol 2022; 144:1027-1048. [PMID: 36070144 PMCID: PMC9547787 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-022-02489-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Histone H3 mutations at amino acids 27 (H3K27M) and 34 (H3G34R) are recurrent drivers of pediatric-type high-grade glioma (pHGG). H3K27M mutations lead to global disruption of H3K27me3 through dominant negative PRC2 inhibition, while H3G34R mutations lead to local losses of H3K36me3 through inhibition of SETD2. However, their broader oncogenic mechanisms remain unclear. We characterized the H3.1K27M, H3.3K27M and H3.3G34R interactomes, finding that H3K27M is associated with epigenetic and transcription factor changes; in contrast H3G34R removes a break on cryptic transcription, limits DNA methyltransferase access, and alters mitochondrial metabolism. All 3 mutants had altered interactions with DNA repair proteins and H3K9 methyltransferases. H3K9me3 was reduced in H3K27M-containing nucleosomes, and cis-H3K9 methylation was required for H3K27M to exert its effect on global H3K27me3. H3K9 methyltransferase inhibition was lethal to H3.1K27M, H3.3K27M and H3.3G34R pHGG cells, underscoring the importance of H3K9 methylation for oncohistone-mutant gliomas and suggesting it as an attractive therapeutic target.
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20
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Hayden E, Holliday H, Lehmann R, Khan A, Tsoli M, Rayner BS, Ziegler DS. Therapeutic Targets in Diffuse Midline Gliomas-An Emerging Landscape. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13246251. [PMID: 34944870 PMCID: PMC8699135 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13246251] [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: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Diffuse midline gliomas (DMGs) remain one of the most devastating childhood brain tumour types, for which there is currently no known cure. In this review we provide a summary of the existing knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of this disease, highlighting current analyses and novel treatment propositions. Together, the accumulation of these data will aid in the understanding and development of more effective therapeutic options for the treatment of DMGs. Abstract Diffuse midline gliomas (DMGs) are invariably fatal pediatric brain tumours that are inherently resistant to conventional therapy. In recent years our understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms of DMG tumorigenicity has resulted in the identification of novel targets and the development of a range of potential therapies, with multiple agents now being progressed to clinical translation to test their therapeutic efficacy. Here, we provide an overview of the current therapies aimed at epigenetic and mutational drivers, cellular pathway aberrations and tumor microenvironment mechanisms in DMGs in order to aid therapy development and facilitate a holistic approach to patient treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisha Hayden
- Children’s Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington 2052, Australia; (E.H.); (H.H.); (R.L.); (A.K.); (M.T.); (B.S.R.)
| | - Holly Holliday
- Children’s Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington 2052, Australia; (E.H.); (H.H.); (R.L.); (A.K.); (M.T.); (B.S.R.)
- School of Women’s and Children’s Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Kensington 2052, Australia
| | - Rebecca Lehmann
- Children’s Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington 2052, Australia; (E.H.); (H.H.); (R.L.); (A.K.); (M.T.); (B.S.R.)
- School of Women’s and Children’s Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Kensington 2052, Australia
| | - Aaminah Khan
- Children’s Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington 2052, Australia; (E.H.); (H.H.); (R.L.); (A.K.); (M.T.); (B.S.R.)
| | - Maria Tsoli
- Children’s Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington 2052, Australia; (E.H.); (H.H.); (R.L.); (A.K.); (M.T.); (B.S.R.)
- School of Women’s and Children’s Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Kensington 2052, Australia
| | - Benjamin S. Rayner
- Children’s Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington 2052, Australia; (E.H.); (H.H.); (R.L.); (A.K.); (M.T.); (B.S.R.)
- School of Women’s and Children’s Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Kensington 2052, Australia
| | - David S. Ziegler
- Children’s Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington 2052, Australia; (E.H.); (H.H.); (R.L.); (A.K.); (M.T.); (B.S.R.)
- School of Women’s and Children’s Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Kensington 2052, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick 2031, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-2-9382-1730; Fax: +61-2-9382-1789
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21
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McEachron TA, Helman LJ. Recent Advances in Pediatric Cancer Research. Cancer Res 2021; 81:5783-5799. [PMID: 34561271 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-21-1191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Over the past few years, the field of pediatric cancer has experienced a shift in momentum, and this has led to new and exciting findings that have relevance beyond pediatric malignancies. Here we present the current status of key aspects of pediatric cancer research. We have focused on genetic and epigenetic drivers of disease, cellular origins of different pediatric cancers, disease models, the tumor microenvironment, and cellular immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lee J Helman
- Osteosarcoma Institute, Dallas, Texas
- Cancer and Blood Disease Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
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22
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H3.3K27M Mutation Controls Cell Growth and Resistance to Therapies in Pediatric Glioma Cell Lines. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13215551. [PMID: 34771714 PMCID: PMC8583077 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Although the involvement of the H3.3K27M mutation in Diffuse Midline Glioma tumorigenesis is now established, its role in their resistance to treatments and, therefore, in their fatal outcome remains poorly documented. Here, thanks to our models of H3.3K27M induction in pediatric glioma cells, we finally shed light on this crucial issue. Hence, we demonstrate here for the first time that H3.3K27M can increase cell radioresistance capabilities independently of TP53 alterations. Moreover, thanks to a drug library screening, we evidenced that this mutation can, depending on the cellular context, drastically modulate the response of these cells to different classes of compounds, thus paving the way for new therapeutic strategies. Altogether, our results provide here the proof that, beyond its role in tumorigenesis, the presence of H3.3K27M mutation by itself alters the response to treatments of pediatric glioma cells. Abstract High-grade gliomas represent the most lethal class of pediatric tumors, and their resistance to both radio- and chemotherapy is associated with a poor prognosis. Recurrent mutations affecting histone genes drive the tumorigenesis of some pediatric high-grade gliomas, and H3K27M mutations are notably characteristic of a subtype of gliomas called DMG (Diffuse Midline Gliomas). This dominant negative mutation impairs H3K27 trimethylation, leading to profound epigenetic modifications of genes expression. Even though this mutation was described as a driver event in tumorigenesis, its role in tumor cell resistance to treatments has not been deciphered so far. To tackle this issue, we expressed the H3.3K27M mutated histone in three initially H3K27-unmutated pediatric glioma cell lines, Res259, SF188, and KNS42. First, we validated these new H3.3K27M-expressing models at the molecular level and showed that K27M expression is associated with pleiotropic effects on the transcriptomic signature, largely dependent on cell context. We observed that the mutation triggered an increase in cell growth in Res259 and SF188 cells, associated with higher clonogenic capacities. Interestingly, we evidenced that the mutation confers an increased resistance to ionizing radiations in Res259 and KNS42 cells. Moreover, we showed that H3.3K27M mutation impacts the sensitivity of Res259 cells to specific drugs among a library of 80 anticancerous compounds. Altogether, these data highlight that, beyond its tumorigenic role, H3.3K27M mutation is strongly involved in pediatric glioma cells’ resistance to therapies, likely through transcriptomic reprogramming.
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Bočkaj I, Martini TEI, de Camargo Magalhães ES, Bakker PL, Meeuwsen-de Boer TGJ, Armandari I, Meuleman SL, Mondria MT, Stok C, Kok YP, Bakker B, Wardenaar R, Seiler J, Broekhuis MJC, van den Bos H, Spierings DCJ, Ringnalda FCA, Clevers H, Schüller U, van Vugt MATM, Foijer F, Bruggeman SWM. The H3.3K27M oncohistone affects replication stress outcome and provokes genomic instability in pediatric glioma. PLoS Genet 2021; 17:e1009868. [PMID: 34752469 PMCID: PMC8604337 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
While comprehensive molecular profiling of histone H3.3 mutant pediatric high-grade glioma has revealed extensive dysregulation of the chromatin landscape, the exact mechanisms driving tumor formation remain poorly understood. Since H3.3 mutant gliomas also exhibit high levels of copy number alterations, we set out to address if the H3.3K27M oncohistone leads to destabilization of the genome. Hereto, we established a cell culture model allowing inducible H3.3K27M expression and observed an increase in mitotic abnormalities. We also found enhanced interaction of DNA replication factors with H3.3K27M during mitosis, indicating replication defects. Further functional analyses revealed increased genomic instability upon replication stress, as represented by mitotic bulky and ultrafine DNA bridges. This co-occurred with suboptimal 53BP1 nuclear body formation after mitosis in vitro, and in human glioma. Finally, we observed a decrease in ultrafine DNA bridges following deletion of the K27M mutant H3F3A allele in primary high-grade glioma cells. Together, our data uncover a role for H3.3 in DNA replication under stress conditions that is altered by the K27M mutation, promoting genomic instability and potentially glioma development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irena Bočkaj
- Department of Ageing Biology/ERIBA, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Tosca E. I. Martini
- Department of Ageing Biology/ERIBA, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Eduardo S. de Camargo Magalhães
- Department of Ageing Biology/ERIBA, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
- Glial Cell Biology Laboratory, Biomedical Sciences Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Petra L. Bakker
- Department of Ageing Biology/ERIBA, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Tiny G. J. Meeuwsen-de Boer
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Inna Armandari
- Department of Ageing Biology/ERIBA, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
- Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Saskia L. Meuleman
- Department of Ageing Biology/ERIBA, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Marin T. Mondria
- Department of Ageing Biology/ERIBA, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Colin Stok
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Yannick P. Kok
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Bjorn Bakker
- Department of Ageing Biology/ERIBA, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - René Wardenaar
- Department of Ageing Biology/ERIBA, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Jonas Seiler
- Department of Ageing Biology/ERIBA, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
- iPSC/CRISPR facility, Department of Ageing Biology/ERIBA, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Mathilde J. C. Broekhuis
- Department of Ageing Biology/ERIBA, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
- iPSC/CRISPR facility, Department of Ageing Biology/ERIBA, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Hilda van den Bos
- Department of Ageing Biology/ERIBA, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Diana C. J. Spierings
- Department of Ageing Biology/ERIBA, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Femke C. A. Ringnalda
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Oncode Institute, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Hans Clevers
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Oncode Institute, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), Oncode Institute, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Ulrich Schüller
- Research Institute Children’s Cancer Center Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marcel A. T. M. van Vugt
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Floris Foijer
- Department of Ageing Biology/ERIBA, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
- iPSC/CRISPR facility, Department of Ageing Biology/ERIBA, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Sophia W. M. Bruggeman
- Department of Ageing Biology/ERIBA, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
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24
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DNA methylation and histone variants in aging and cancer. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2021; 364:1-110. [PMID: 34507780 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2021.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Aging-related diseases such as cancer can be traced to the accumulation of molecular disorder including increased DNA mutations and epigenetic drift. We provide a comprehensive review of recent results in mice and humans on modifications of DNA methylation and histone variants during aging and in cancer. Accumulated errors in DNA methylation maintenance lead to global decreases in DNA methylation with relaxed repression of repeated DNA and focal hypermethylation blocking the expression of tumor suppressor genes. Epigenetic clocks based on quantifying levels of DNA methylation at specific genomic sites is proving to be a valuable metric for estimating the biological age of individuals. Histone variants have specialized functions in transcriptional regulation and genome stability. Their concentration tends to increase in aged post-mitotic chromatin, but their effects in cancer are mainly determined by their specialized functions. Our increased understanding of epigenetic regulation and their modifications during aging has motivated interventions to delay or reverse epigenetic modifications using the epigenetic clocks as a rapid readout for efficacity. Similarly, the knowledge of epigenetic modifications in cancer is suggesting new approaches to target these modifications for cancer therapy.
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25
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Lorzadeh A, Romero-Wolf M, Goel A, Jadhav U. Epigenetic Regulation of Intestinal Stem Cells and Disease: A Balancing Act of DNA and Histone Methylation. Gastroenterology 2021; 160:2267-2282. [PMID: 33775639 PMCID: PMC8169626 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2021.03.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Genetic mutations or regulatory failures underlie cellular malfunction in many diseases, including colorectal cancer and inflammatory bowel diseases. However, mutational defects alone fail to explain the complexity of such disorders. Epigenetic regulation-control of gene action through chemical and structural changes of chromatin-provides a platform to integrate multiple extracellular inputs and prepares the cellular genome for appropriate gene expression responses. Coregulation by polycomb repressive complex 2-mediated trimethylation of lysine 27 on histone 3 and DNA methylation has emerged as one of the most influential epigenetic controls in colorectal cancer and many other diseases, but molecular details remain inadequate. Here we review the molecular interplay of these epigenetic features in relation to gastrointestinal development, homeostasis, and disease biology. We discuss other epigenetic mechanisms pertinent to the balance of trimethylation of lysine 27 on histone 3 and DNA methylation and their actions in gastrointestinal cancers. We also review the current molecular understanding of chromatin control in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Lorzadeh
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Maile Romero-Wolf
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ajay Goel
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics and Experimental Therapeutics, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Unmesh Jadhav
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California; Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California.
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26
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Stem cell models help crack regional oncohistone codes driving childhood gliomas. Cell Stem Cell 2021; 28:785-787. [PMID: 33961758 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2021.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In this issue of Cell Stem Cell, Funato et al. (2021) and Bressan et al. (2021) use stem cells as models to define functions of the histone H3.3 G34R mutation in childhood gliomas. Both studies find strong regional specificity to oncohistone activity and implicate specific elements of an aberrantly locked-in neural progenitor transcriptional circuitry.
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27
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Lee JE, Kim MY. Cancer epigenetics: Past, present and future. Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 83:4-14. [PMID: 33798724 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cancer was thought to be caused solely by genetic mutations in oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. In the last 35 years, however, epigenetic changes have been increasingly recognized as another primary driver of carcinogenesis and cancer progression. Epigenetic deregulation in cancer often includes mutations and/or aberrant expression of chromatin-modifying enzymes, their associated proteins, and even non-coding RNAs, which can alter chromatin structure and dynamics. This leads to changes in gene expression that ultimately contribute to the emergence and evolution of cancer cells. Studies of the deregulation of chromatin modifiers in cancer cells have reshaped the way we approach cancer and guided the development of novel anticancer therapeutics that target epigenetic factors. There remain, however, a number of unanswered questions in this field that are the focus of present research. Areas of particular interest include the actions of emerging classes of epigenetic regulators of carcinogenesis and the tumor microenvironment, as well as epigenetic tumor heterogeneity. In this review, we discuss past findings on epigenetic mechanisms of cancer, current trends in the field of cancer epigenetics, and the directions of future research that may lead to the identification of new prognostic markers for cancer and the development of more effective anticancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Eun Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi-Young Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea; KAIST Institute for the BioCentury, Cancer Metastasis Control Center, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.
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28
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Peeters SM, Muftuoglu Y, Na B, Daniels DJ, Wang AC. Pediatric Gliomas: Molecular Landscape and Emerging Targets. Neurosurg Clin N Am 2021; 32:181-190. [PMID: 33781501 DOI: 10.1016/j.nec.2020.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Next-generation sequencing of pediatric gliomas has revealed the importance of molecular genetic characterization in understanding the biology underlying these tumors and a breadth of potential therapeutic targets. Promising targeted therapies include mTOR inhibitors for subependymal giant cell astrocytomas in tuberous sclerosis, BRAF and MEK inhibitors mainly for low-grade gliomas, and MEK inhibitors for NF1-deficient BRAF:KIAA fusion tumors. Challenges in developing targeted molecular therapies include significant intratumoral and intertumoral heterogeneity, highly varied mechanisms of treatment resistance and immune escape, adequacy of tumor penetrance, and sensitivity of brain to treatment-related toxicities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie M Peeters
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California Los Angeles, 300 Stein Plaza, Suite #520, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Yagmur Muftuoglu
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California Los Angeles, 300 Stein Plaza, Suite #520, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Brian Na
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of California Los Angeles, 200 UCLA Medical Plaza, Suite 265, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - David J Daniels
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Anthony C Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California Los Angeles, 300 Stein Plaza, Suite #520, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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29
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Histone Variant H3.3 Mutations in Defining the Chromatin Function in Mammals. Cells 2020; 9:cells9122716. [PMID: 33353064 PMCID: PMC7766983 DOI: 10.3390/cells9122716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2020] [Revised: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The systematic mutation of histone 3 (H3) genes in model organisms has proven to be a valuable tool to distinguish the functional role of histone residues. No system exists in mammalian cells to directly manipulate canonical histone H3 due to a large number of clustered and multi-loci histone genes. Over the years, oncogenic histone mutations in a subset of H3 have been identified in humans, and have advanced our understanding of the function of histone residues in health and disease. The oncogenic mutations are often found in one allele of the histone variant H3.3 genes, but they prompt severe changes in the epigenetic landscape of cells, and contribute to cancer development. Therefore, mutation approaches using H3.3 genes could be relevant to the determination of the functional role of histone residues in mammalian development without the replacement of canonical H3 genes. In this review, we describe the key findings from the H3 mutation studies in model organisms wherein the genetic replacement of canonical H3 is possible. We then turn our attention to H3.3 mutations in human cancers, and discuss H3.3 substitutions in the N-terminus, which were generated in order to explore the specific residue or associated post-translational modification.
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30
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Melters DP, Dalal Y. Nano-Surveillance: Tracking Individual Molecules in a Sea of Chromatin. J Mol Biol 2020; 433:166720. [PMID: 33221335 PMCID: PMC8770095 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2020.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Chromatin is the epigenomic platform for diverse nuclear processes such as DNA repair, replication, transcription, telomere, and centromere function. In cancer cells, mutations in key processes result in DNA amplification, chromosome translocations, and chromothripsis, severely distorting the natural chromatin state. In normal and diseased states, dozens of chromatin effectors alter the physical integrity and dynamics of chromatin at the level of both single nucleosomes and arrays of nucleosomes folded into 3-dimensional shapes. Integrating these length scales, from the 10 nm sized nucleosome to mitotic chromosomes, whilst jostling within the crowded environment of the cell, cannot yet be achieved by a single technology. In this review, we discuss tools that have proven powerful in the investigation of nucleosome and chromatin fiber dynamics. We also provide a deeper focus into atomic force microscopy (AFM) applications that can bridge diverse length and time scales. Using time course AFM, we observe that chromatin condensation by H1.5 is dynamic, whereas using nano-indentation force spectroscopy we observe that both histone variants and nucleosome binding partners alter material properties of individual nucleosomes. Finally, we demonstrate how high-speed AFM can visualize plasmid DNA dynamics, intermittent nucleosome-nucleosome contacts, and changes in nucleosome phasing along a contiguous chromatin fiber. Altogether, the development of innovative technologies holds the promise of revealing the secret lives of nucleosomes, potentially bridging the gaps in our understanding of how chromatin works within living cells and tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniël P Melters
- National Cancer Institute, Center for Cancer Research, Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene Expression, Bethesda, MD, United States.
| | - Yamini Dalal
- National Cancer Institute, Center for Cancer Research, Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene Expression, Bethesda, MD, United States.
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