The synovial sarcoma associated protein SYT interacts with the acute leukemia associated protein AF10

Synovial Sarcoma: A Complex Disease with Multifaceted Signaling and Epigenetic Landscapes

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Aside from a characteristic SS18-SSX translocation identified in almost all cases, no genetic anomalies have been reliably isolated yet to drive the pathogenesis of synovial sarcoma. In the following review, we explore the structural units of wild-type SS18 and SSX, particularly as they relate to the transcriptional alterations and cellular pathway changes imposed by SS18-SSX.

RECENT FINDINGS

Native SS18 and SSX contribute recognizable domains to the SS18-SSX chimeric proteins, which inflict transcriptional and epigenetic changes through selective protein interactions involving the SWI/SNF and Polycomb chromatin remodeling complexes. Multiple oncogenic and developmental pathways become altered, collectively reprogramming the cellular origin of synovial sarcoma and promoting its malignant transformation. Synovial sarcoma is characterized by complex epigenetic and signaling landscapes. Identifying the operational pathways and concomitant genetic changes induced by SS18-SSX fusions could help develop tailored therapeutic strategies to ultimately improve disease control and patient survivorship.

Keeping RNA polymerase II on the run: Functions of MLL fusion partners in transcriptional regulation

Since the identification of key MLL fusion partners as transcription elongation factors regulating expression of HOX cluster genes during hematopoiesis, extensive work from the last decade has resulted in significant progress in our overall mechanistic understanding of role of MLL fusion partner proteins in transcriptional regulation of diverse set of genes beyond just the HOX cluster. In this review, we are going to detail overall understanding of role of MLL fusion partner proteins in transcriptional regulation and thus provide mechanistic insights into possible MLL fusion protein-mediated transcriptional misregulation leading to aberrant hematopoiesis and leukemogenesis.

Differential gene response to coccidiosis in modern fast growing and slow growing broiler genotypes

We analysed intestinal tissues from groups of fast growing (Ross 308) broilers with natural or experimental coccidiosis, by genomic microarray. We identified genes that were differentially expressed (DE) in all groups and analysed expression of a panel of these, by qPCR, in Ross 308 and slow growing (Ranger classic) broilers, infected with 2500 or 7000 oocysts of Eimeria maxima for 6 or 13 days post-infection (dpi). Four genes (ADD3, MLLT10, NAV2 and PLXNA2) were upregulated (P <0.05) in Ross 308 but were not DE in Ranger Classic at 6 dpi with 2500 oocysts. Six genes (PTPRF, NCOR1, CSF3, SGK1, CROR and CD1B) were upregulated (P <0.05) in both Ross 308 and Ranger Classic infected with 2500 oocysts at 6 dpi but were not DE at 6 dpi with 7000 oocysts. At 13 dpi with 7000 oocysts, NAV2 and NCOR1 were upregulated in Ross 308 (P <0.05) and PTPRF was upregulated in both genotypes (P <0.05). DE of immune genes within the biomarker panel also occurred, with CSF3 upregulated in both genotypes infected with 2500 oocysts at 6 dpi and in Ranger Classic infected with 7000 oocysts, at 6 and 13 dpi (P <0.05). IL-22 was down-regulated in Ranger Classic infected with 2500 or 7000 oocysts at 6 dpi (P <0.05) but upregulated in both genotypes at 13 dpi (P <0.05). CD72 was down-regulated in Ranger Classic infected with 2500 oocysts at 6 dpi and with 7000 oocysts at 6 and 13 dpi (P <0.05). CD72 was upregulated in Ross 308 infected with 2500 oocysts at 6 dpi but was down-regulated following infection with 7000 oocysts at 13 dpi (P <0.05). In conclusion, differential gene expression occurs in fast and slow growing broiler genotypes with coccidiosis. In addition, we highlight a potential genetic biomarker panel for early diagnosis of coccidiosis.

Arabidopsis ANGUSTIFOLIA3 (AN3) is associated with the promoter of CONSTITUTIVE PHOTOMORPHOGENIC1 (COP1) to regulate light-mediated stomatal development

Light signals are perceived by multiple photoreceptors that converge to suppress the RING E3 ubiquitin ligase CONSTITUTIVE PHOTOMORPHOGENIC1 (COP1) for the regulation of stomatal development. Thus, COP1 is a point of integration between light signaling and stomatal patterning. However, how light signaling is collected into COP1 for the production and spacing of stomata is still unknown. Here, we report that the loss-of-function mutant of ANGUSTIFOLIA3 (AN3) delays asymmetric cell division, which leads to decreased stomatal index. Furthermore, overexpression of AN3 accelerates asymmetric cell division, which results in clusters of stomata. In addition, the stomatal development through AN3 regulation is mediated by light signaling. Finally, we find that an3 is a light-signaling mutant, and that AN3 protein is light regulated. Self-activation by AN3 contributes to the control of AN3 expression. Thus, AN3 is a point of collection between light signaling and stomatal patterning. Target-gene analysis indicates that AN3 is associated with COP1 promoter for the regulation of light-controlling stomatal development. Together, these components for regulating stomatal development form an AN3-COP1-E3 ubiquitin ligase complex, allowing the integration of light signaling into the production and spacing of stomata.

Transcription co-activator Arabidopsis ANGUSTIFOLIA3 (AN3) regulates water-use efficiency and drought tolerance by modulating stomatal density and improving root architecture by the transrepression of YODA (YDA)

One goal of modern agriculture is the improvement of plant drought tolerance and water-use efficiency (WUE). Although stomatal density has been linked to WUE, the causal molecular mechanisms and engineered alternations of this relationship are not yet fully understood. Moreover, YODA (YDA), which is a MAPKK kinase gene, negatively regulates stomatal development. BR-INSENSITIVE 2 interacts with phosphorylates and inhibits YDA. However, whether YDA is modulated in the transcriptional level is still unclear. Plants lacking ANGUSTIFOLIA3 (AN3) activity have high drought stress tolerance because of low stomatal densities and improved root architecture. Such plants also exhibit enhanced WUE through declining transpiration without a demonstrable reduction in biomass accumulation. AN3 negatively regulated YDA expression at the transcriptional level by target-gene analysis. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis indicated that AN3 was associated with a region of the YDA promoter in vivo. YDA mutation significantly decreased the stomatal density and root length of an3 mutant, thus proving the participation of YDA in an3 drought tolerance and WUE enhancement. These components form an AN3-YDA complex, which allows the integration of water deficit stress signalling into the production or spacing of stomata and cell proliferation, thus leading to drought tolerance and enhanced WUE.

Transcription coactivator Arabidopsis ANGUSTIFOLIA3 modulates anthocyanin accumulation and light-induced root elongation through transrepression of Constitutive Photomorphogenic1

ANGUSTIFOLIA3 (AN3), a transcription coactivator, is implicated in modulating cell proliferation. In this study, I found that AN3 is a novel regulator of anthocyanin biosynthesis and light-induced root elongation. Seedlings and seeds lacking AN3 activity presented significantly reduced anthocyanin accumulation and light-induced root elongation, whereas those of transgenic plants harbouring the 35S:AN3 construct exhibited increased anthocyanin accumulation. AN3 is required for the proper expression of other genes that affect anthocyanin accumulation and light-induced root elongation, Constitutive Photomorphogenic1 (COP1), encoding a RING motif - containing E3 ubiquitin ligase. AN3 was associated with COP1 promoter in vivo. Thus, AN3 may act with other proteins that bind to COP1 promoter to promote anthocyanin accumulation and inhibit light-induced root elongation.

Reprogramming of mesenchymal stem cells by oncogenes

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) originate from embryonic mesoderm and give rise to the multiple lineages of connective tissues. Transformed MSCs develop into aggressive sarcomas, some of which are initiated by specific chromosomal translocations that generate fusion proteins with potent oncogenic properties. The sarcoma oncogenes typically prime MSCs through aberrant reprogramming. They dictate commitment to a specific lineage but prevent mature differentiation, thus locking the cells in a state of proliferative precursors. Deregulated expression of lineage-specific transcription factors and controllers of chromatin structure play a central role in MSC reprogramming and sarcoma pathogenesis. This suggests that reversing the epigenetic aberrancies created by the sarcoma oncogenes with differentiation-related reagents holds great promise as a beneficial addition to sarcoma therapies.

Truncated SSX protein suppresses synovial sarcoma cell proliferation by inhibiting the localization of SS18-SSX fusion protein

Synovial sarcoma is a relatively rare high-grade soft tissue sarcoma that often develops in the limbs of young people and induces the lung and the lymph node metastasis resulting in poor prognosis. In patients with synovial sarcoma, specific chromosomal translocation of t(X; 18) (p11.2;q11.2) is observed, and SS18-SSX fusion protein expressed by this translocation is reported to be associated with pathogenesis. However, role of the fusion protein in the pathogenesis of synovial sarcoma has not yet been completely clarified. In this study, we focused on the localization patterns of SS18-SSX fusion protein. We constructed expression plasmids coding for the full length SS18-SSX, the truncated SS18 moiety (tSS18) and the truncated SSX moiety (tSSX) of SS18-SSX, tagged with fluorescent proteins. These plasmids were transfected in synovial sarcoma SYO-1 cells and we observed the expression of these proteins using a fluorescence microscope. The SS18-SSX fusion protein showed a characteristic speckle pattern in the nucleus. However, when SS18-SSX was co-expressed with tSSX, localization of SS18-SSX changed from speckle patterns to the diffused pattern similar to the localization pattern of tSSX and SSX. Furthermore, cell proliferation and colony formation of synovial sarcoma SYO-1 and YaFuSS cells were suppressed by exogenous tSSX expression. Our results suggest that the characteristic speckle localization pattern of SS18-SSX is strongly involved in the tumorigenesis through the SSX moiety of the SS18-SSX fusion protein. These findings could be applied to further understand the pathogenic mechanisms, and towards the development of molecular targeting approach for synovial sarcoma.

Downstream and intermediate interactions of synovial sarcoma-associated fusion oncoproteins and their implication for targeted therapy

Synovial sarcoma (SS), an aggressive type of soft tissue tumor, occurs mostly in adolescents and young adults. The origin and molecular mechanism of the development of SS remain only partially known. Over 90% of SS cases are characterized by the t(X;18)(p11.2;q11.2) translocation, which results mainly in the formation of SS18-SSX1 or SS18-SSX2 fusion genes. In recent years, several reports describing direct and indirect interactions of SS18-SSX1/SSX2 oncoproteins have been published. These reports suggest that the fusion proteins particularly affect the cell growth, cell proliferation, TP53 pathway, and chromatin remodeling mechanisms, contributing to SS oncogenesis. Additional research efforts are required to fully explore the protein-protein interactions of SS18-SSX oncoproteins and the pathways that are regulated by these partnerships for the development of effective targeted therapy.

Reduced expression of SMARCB1/INI1 protein in synovial sarcoma

Synovial sarcoma is classified as a tumor of uncertain differentiation, and some synovial sarcomas have rhabdoid cells. In previous studies, all malignant rhabdoid tumors and renal medullary carcinomas, some extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcomas, almost all epithelioid sarcomas and half of epithelioid malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors showed a loss of SMARCB1/INI1 protein expression in tumor cells and all of these tumors are also known to have rhabdoid cells. We analyzed the immunohistochemical and mRNA expression of SMARCB1/INI1 in 95 synovial sarcomas (73 monophasic fibrous type, 18 biphasic type and 4 poorly differentiated type) and 30 spindle cell sarcomas (3 adult fibrosarcomas, 7 fibrosarcomas arising in dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, 10 leiomyosarcomas and 10 malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors) resembling monophasic fibrous synovial sarcoma. The results have shown that 66 of the 95 synovial sarcoma cases (69%) had reduced SMARCB1/INI1 protein expression, whereas the remaining 29 cases (31%) and all 30 spindle cell sarcomas showed preserved this protein expression. No case with a complete loss of SMARCB1/INI1 protein expression was recognized. The median values of SMARCB1/INI1 mRNA expression in non-tumor skeletal muscle and synovial sarcoma with reduced protein expression were 12.86 and 134.01, respectively, and a statistically significant difference was detected between these two groups (P=0.0000004). However, there was no statistically significant difference of prognosis between the synovial sarcoma group with reduced and that with preserved SMARCB1/INI1 protein expression (P=0.46). Therefore, it was suggested that there is a post-transcriptional SMARCB1/INI1 regulatory mechanism in the tumor cells of synovial sarcoma.

Epigenetic features of human mesenchymal stem cells determine their permissiveness for induction of relevant transcriptional changes by SYT-SSX1

BACKGROUND

A characteristic SYT-SSX fusion gene resulting from the chromosomal translocation t(X;18)(p11;q11) is detectable in almost all synovial sarcomas, a malignant soft tissue tumor widely believed to originate from as yet unidentified pluripotent stem cells. The resulting fusion protein has no DNA binding motifs but possesses protein-protein interaction domains that are believed to mediate association with chromatin remodeling complexes. Despite recent advances in the identification of molecules that interact with SYT-SSX and with the corresponding wild type SYT and SSX proteins, the mechanisms whereby the SYT-SSX might contribute to neoplastic transformation remain unclear. Epigenetic deregulation has been suggested to be one possible mechanism.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

We addressed the effect of SYT/SSX expression on the transcriptome of four independent isolates of primary human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC). We observed transcriptional changes similar to the gene expression signature of synovial sarcoma, principally involving genes whose regulation is linked to epigenetic factors, including imprinted genes, genes with transcription start sites within a CpG island and chromatin related genes. Single population analysis revealed hMSC isolate-specific transcriptional changes involving genes that are important for biological functions of stem cells as well as genes that are considered to be molecular markers of synovial sarcoma including IGF2, EPHRINS, and BCL2. Methylation status analysis of sequences at the H19/IGF2 imprinted locus indicated that distinct epigenetic features characterize hMSC populations and condition the transcriptional effects of SYT-SSX expression.

CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE

Our observations suggest that epigenetic features may define the cellular microenvironment in which SYT-SSX displays its functional effects.

The Arabidopsis GRF-INTERACTING FACTOR gene family performs an overlapping function in determining organ size as well as multiple developmental properties

Previously, the GRF-INTERACTING FACTOR1 (GIF1)/ANGUSTIFOLIA3 (AN3) transcription coactivator gene, a member of a small gene family comprising three genes, was characterized as a positive regulator of cell proliferation in lateral organs, such as leaves and flowers, of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). As yet, it remains unclear how GIF1/AN3 affects the cell proliferation process. In this study, we demonstrate that the other members of the GIF gene family, GIF2 and GIF3, are also required for cell proliferation and lateral organ growth, as gif1, gif2, and gif3 mutations cause a synergistic reduction in cell numbers, leading to small lateral organs. Furthermore, GIF1, GIF2, and GIF3 overexpression complemented a cell proliferation defect of the gif1 mutant and significantly increased lateral organ growth of wild-type plants as well, indicating that members of the GIF gene family are functionally redundant. Kinematic analysis on leaf growth revealed that the gif triple mutant as well as other strong gif mutants developed leaf primordia with fewer cells, which was due to the low rate of cell proliferation, eventually resulting in earlier exit from the proliferative phase of organ growth. The low proliferative activity of primordial leaves was accompanied by decreased expression of cell cycle-regulating genes, indicating that GIF genes may act upstream of cell cycle regulators. Analysis of gif double and triple mutants clarified a previously undescribed role of the GIF gene family: gif mutants had small vegetative shoot apical meristems, which was correlated with the development of small leaf primordia. gif triple mutants also displayed defective structures of floral organs. Taken together, our results suggest that the GIF gene family plays important roles in the control of cell proliferation via cell cycle regulation and in other developmental properties that are associated with shoot apical meristem function.

Cytosolic SYT/SS18 isoforms are actin-associated proteins that function in matrix-specific adhesion

SYT (SYnovial sarcoma Translocated gene or SS18) is widely produced as two isoforms, SYT/L and SYT/S, that are thought to function in the nucleus as transcriptional coactivators. Using isoform-specific antibodies, we detected a sizable pool of SYT isoforms in the cytosol where the proteins were organized into filamentous arrays. Actin and actin-associated proteins co-immunoprecipitated with SYT isoforms, which also co-sedimented and co-localized with the actin cytoskeleton in cultured cells and tissues. The association of SYT with actin bundles was extensive yet stopped short of the distal ends at focal adhesions. Disruption of the actin cytoskeleton also led to a breakdown of the filamentous organization of SYT isoforms in the cytosol. RNAi ablation of SYT/L alone or both isoforms markedly impaired formation of stress fibers and focal adhesions but did not affect formation of cortical actin bundles. Furthermore, ablation of SYT led to markedly impaired adhesion and spreading on fibronectin and laminin-111 but not on collagen types I or IV. These findings indicate that cytoplasmic SYT isoforms interact with actin filaments and function in the ability cells to bind and react to specific extracellular matrices.

Human synovial sarcoma proto-oncogene Syt is essential for early embryonic development through the regulation of cell migration

SYT-SSX protein, resulted from chromosomal translocation, causes synovial sarcoma, which is a malignant tumor accounting for 10% of soft tissue sarcoma. However, biological functions of SYT (synovial sarcoma translocation), also known as SS18, are largely unclear, whereas it has been proven that Syt-null mice die at early stages of embryonic development. Here, we generated Syt-deficient mice and confirmed the reported phenotypes, including growth retardation, open neural tube and haplo-insufficient lethality, and therefore, there is no doubt that Syt is essential for embryonic development. However, placental defects, described in the earlier report, were rarely seen in our mice and we frequently observed cardiac defect in Syt-deficient mice. As the mechanisms responsible for embryonic lethality seem to be complicate, we performed additional experiments. By using primary cultured embryonic fibroblasts, we showed that Syt(-/-) MEFs deregulate actin organization and suppressed cell migration. These observations suggest that Syt may contribute to the signaling pathway important for various cellular functions in vivo and in vitro, and we propose that Syt-deficient MEFs would be a powerful means to understand the biological roles of SYT in vitro.

The proto-oncoprotein SYT (SS18) controls ATP release and regulates cyst formation by polarized MDCK cells

The SYT proto-oncoprotein (also known as SS18) is a gene expression regulator conserved across species. Although its biological function is still unknown, the importance of SYT as a housekeeping protein is illustrated by the lethal phenotype of SYT-null embryos. Notably, SYT is a component of the synovial sarcoma-associated translocation product, the SYT-SSX oncogene. SYT was previously reported as a mediator of cell adhesion. In the present study we show that SYT possesses distinct domains that control MDCK cyst formation in three-dimensional collagen cultures. While the carboxy-half of SYT, the QPGY domain, is required for cyst growth, the amino-terminal region appears to exert on this process a regulatory effect. Further analysis suggested that the purinergic G protein-coupled P2Y receptor signaling is involved in SYT-induced cystogenesis. Activation of this cascade is due to facilitation of ATP release in the extracellular space of polarized MDCK cells by SYT. These studies allow us to begin to understand the vital role of SYT in controlling epithelial morphogenesis and might explain the lethality of its loss in the developing embryo.

Synovial sarcoma: from genetics to genetic-based animal modeling

Synovial sarcomas are highly aggressive mesenchymal cancers that show modest response to conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy, suggesting a definite need for improved biotargeted agents. Progress has been hampered by the lack of insight into pathogenesis of this deadly disease. The presence of a specific diagnostic t(X;18) translocation leading to expression of the unique SYT-SSX fusion protein in effectively all cases of synovial sarcoma suggests a role in the etiology. Other nonspecific anomalies such as overexpression of Bcl-2, HER-2/neu, and EGFR have been reported, but their role in the pathogenesis remains unclear. Using gene targeting, we recently generated mice conditionally expressing the human SYT-SSX2 fusion gene from mouse endogenous ROSA26 promoter in chosen tissue types in the presence of Cre recombinase. These mice develop synovial sarcoma when SYT-SSX2 is expressed within myoblasts, thereby identifying a source of this enigmatic tumor and establishing a mouse model of this disease that recapitulates the clinical, histologic, immunohistochemical, and transcriptional profile of human synovial sarcomas. We review the genetics of synovial sarcoma and discuss the usefulness of genetics-based mouse models as a valuable research tool in the hunt for key molecular determinants of this lethal disease as well as a preclinical platform for designing and evaluating novel treatment strategies.

The (epi)genetics of human synovial sarcoma

Human synovial sarcomas are aggressive soft tissue tumors with relatively high rates of recurrences and metastases. They display a variable response to common treatment protocols such as radiation and chemotherapy. For the development of novel diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic approaches, detailed information on the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of these tumors is of imperative importance. Fusion of the SS18 and (one of the) SSX genes is a molecular hallmark of human synovial sarcomas. The SS18 and SSX genes encode nuclear proteins that exhibit opposite transcription regulatory activities, likely through epigenetic mechanisms. The SS18 protein functions as a transcriptional coactivator and interacts directly with members of the epigenetic chromatin remodeling and modification machineries. In contrast, the SSX proteins function as transcriptional corepressors and are associated with several Polycomb group proteins. Since the domains involved in these apparently opposite transcription regulatory activities are retained in the SS18-SSX fusion proteins, we hypothesize that these fusion proteins function as "activator-repressors" of transcription. The implications of this model for human synovial sarcoma development and future treatment are discussed.

The C terminus of the synovial sarcoma-associated SSX proteins interacts with the LIM homeobox protein LHX4

As a result of the synovial sarcoma-associated t(X;18) translocation, the SS18 gene on chromosome 18 is fused to either one of the three closely related SSX genes on the X chromosome. The SS18 protein is thought to act as a transcriptional co-activator, whereas the SSX proteins are thought to act as transcriptional corepressors. The main SSX-repression domain is located in its C terminus, a domain that is retained in the respective SS18-SSX fusion proteins. Both the SS18 and SSX proteins lack DNA-binding domains. Previously, we found that the SS18 and SS18-SSX fusion proteins may be tethered to DNA targets via the SS18-interacting protein AF10. Here, we set out to isolate proteins that interact with the SSX C-terminal repression domain using a yeast two-hybrid interaction trap. Of the positive clones isolated, two corresponded to the LIM homeobox protein LHX4, a DNA-binding protein that is involved in transcription regulation. An endogenous interaction was subsequently established in mammalian cells via colocalization and coimmunoprecipitation of the respective proteins. Interestingly, the LHX4 gene was previously found to be deregulated in various human leukemias. In addition, it was previously found that LIM homeobox proteins may bind to and activate the glycoprotein-alpha (CGA) promoter. Using LHX4 chromatin immunoprecipitation and CGA-promoter assays, we found that endogenous LHX4 binds to the CGA promoter and that LHX4-mediated CGA activation is enhanced by the SS18-SSX protein, but not by the SSX protein. Taken together, we conclude that this novel protein - protein interaction may have direct consequences for the (de)regulation of SSX and/or SS18-SSX target genes and, thus, for the development of human synovial sarcomas.

Sarcomas: genetics, signalling, and cellular origins. Part 2: TET-independent fusion proteins and receptor tyrosine kinase mutations

Although the mechanisms that underlie sarcoma development are still poorly understood, the identification of non-random chromosomal translocations and receptor tyrosine kinase mutations associated with defined sarcoma types has provided new insight into the pathogenesis of these tumours. In Part 1 of the review (J Pathol 2007;213:4-20), we addressed sarcomas that express fusion genes containing TET gene family products. Part 2 of the review summarizes our current understanding of the implications of fusion genes that do not contain TET family members in sarcoma development, as well as that of specific mutations in genes encoding receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs). The final section will serve as a summary of both reviews and will attempt to provide a synthesis of some of the emerging principles of sarcomagenesis.

The SYT-SSX fusion protein down-regulates the cell proliferation regulator COM1 in t(x;18) synovial sarcoma

Chromosomal translocations are frequently associated with soft-tissue sarcomas. Fusion proteins generated by such translocations often play critical roles in tumorigenesis. Therefore, it is important to understand the function of the fusion protein to develop therapeutic interventions. The t(X;18)(p11.2;q11.2) translocation found in synovial sarcomas results in a fusion between the SYT gene on chromosome 18 and an SSX gene on the X chromosome. Although SYT-SSX fusion proteins appear to trigger synovial sarcoma development, little is known about the downstream targets of SYT-SSX. We found that the SYT-SSX fusion protein produces a dominant-negative function for SYT, which is a transcriptional coactivator. We then analyzed the gene expression profiles of SYT-SSX1-expressing HeLa cells using oligonucleotide microarrays and found that the SYT-SSX1 fusion protein directly down-regulated the expression of COM1, a regulator of cell proliferation. COM1 was found to be expressed at relatively low levels in synovial sarcoma tissues and cell lines. We then investigated the impact of conditional COM1 expression in the synovial sarcoma cell line. Increased COM1 expression resulted in induced apoptosis and in reduced cell growth and colony formation activity. Our results suggested that restoration of COM1 expression may be of therapeutic benefit in synovial sarcoma.

The Synovial Sarcoma–Associated SS18-SSX2 Fusion Protein Induces Epigenetic Gene (De)Regulation

Fusion of the SS18 and either one of the SSX genes is a hallmark of human synovial sarcoma. The SS18 and SSX genes encode nuclear proteins that exhibit opposite transcriptional activities. The SS18 protein functions as a transcriptional coactivator and is associated with the SWI/SNF complex, whereas the SSX proteins function as transcriptional corepressors and are associated with the polycomb complex. The domains involved in these opposite transcriptional activities are retained in the SS18-SSX fusion proteins. Here, we set out to determine the direct transcriptional consequences of conditional SS18-SSX2 fusion protein expression using complementary DNA microarray-based profiling. By doing so, we identified several clusters of SS18-SSX2-responsive genes, including a group of genes involved in cholesterol synthesis, which is a general characteristic of malignancy. In addition, we identified a group of SS18-SSX2-responsive genes known to be specifically deregulated in primary synovial sarcomas, including IGF2 and CD44. Furthermore, we observed an uncoupling of EGR1, JUNB, and WNT signaling in response to SS18-SSX2 expression, suggesting that the SWI/SNF-associated coactivation functions of the SS18 moiety are impaired. Finally, we found that SS18-SSX2 expression affects histone modifications in the CD44 and IGF2 promoters and DNA methylation levels in the IGF2 imprinting control region. Together, we conclude that the SS18-SSX2 fusion protein may act as a so-called transcriptional "activator-repressor," which induces downstream target gene deregulation through epigenetic mechanisms. Our results may have implications for both the development and clinical management of synovial sarcomas.

Targeted disruption of the synovial sarcoma-associated SS18 gene causes early embryonic lethality and affects PPARBP expression

The synovial sarcoma-associated protein SS18 (also known as SYT or SSXT) is thought to act as a transcriptional co-activator. This activity appears to be mediated through the SWI/SNF proteins BRG1 and INI1 and the histone acetyl transferase p300. Here, we report that disruption of the mouse Ss18 gene results in a recessive embryonic lethal phenotype, due to placental failure caused by impairment of placental vascularization and/or chorio-allantoic fusion. This phenotype resembles the p300 knockout phenotype, but is distinct from the Brg1 and Ini1 knockout phenotypes. Through expression profiling of knockout embryos, we observed altered expression of genes known to affect placental development, including the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-binding protein (Pparbp). Since Pparbp null mutant embryos display a similar, lethal phenotype with placental failure, we suggest that the functional and phenotypic co-linearities between Ss18 and p300 may also include the transcriptional co-activator Pparbp. Additional interbreeding of Ss18 and Ss18l1 (Crest) mutant mice indicates that these two functionally and structurally related genes may act synergistically during critical stages of embryonic development.

SYT-SSX1 and SYT-SSX2 Interfere with Repression of E-Cadherin by Snail and Slug: A Potential Mechanism for Aberrant Mesenchymal to Epithelial Transition in Human Synovial Sarcoma

Synovial sarcoma is a primitive mesenchymal neoplasm characterized in almost all cases by a t(X;18) fusing the SYT transcriptional coactivator gene with either SSX1 or SSX2, with the resulting fusion gene encoding an aberrant transcriptional regulator. A subset of synovial sarcoma, predominantly cases with the SYT-SSX1 fusion, shows foci of morphologic epithelial differentiation in the form of nests of glandular epithelium. The striking spontaneous mesenchymal to epithelial differentiation in this cancer is reminiscent of a developmental switch, but the only clue to its mechanistic basis has been the observation that most cases of synovial sarcoma with glandular epithelial differentiation (GED) contain SYT-SSX1 instead of SYT-SSX2. We report here that SYT-SSX1 and SYT-SSX2 interact preferentially with Snail or Slug, respectively, and prevent these transcriptional repressors from binding to the proximal E-cadherin promoter as shown by coimmunoprecipitation and chromatin immunoprecipitation. Luciferase reporter assays reveal that SYT-SSX1 and SYT-SSX2 can respectively overcome the Snail- or Slug-mediated repression of E-cadherin transcription. This provides a mechanism by which E-cadherin expression, a prerequisite of epithelial differentiation, is aberrantly derepressed in synovial sarcoma and may also explain the association of GED with the SYT-SSX1 fusion because it interferes with Snail, the stronger repressor of the E-cadherin promoter. Thus, our data provide a mechanistic basis for the observed heterogeneity in the acquisition of epithelial characteristics in synovial sarcoma and highlight the potential role of differential interactions with Snail or Slug in modulating this phenotypic transition.

Common origin of the human synovial sarcoma associated SS18 and SS18L1 gene loci

The highly conserved synovial sarcoma associated protein SS18 is thought to act as a transcriptional co-activator through interactions with various proteins involved in (epigenetic) gene regulation. The SS18 SNH domain appears to act as a major interface for these protein-protein interactions. Previously, we used this SNH domain to identify SS18 paralogs (SS18L1 and SS18L2) and orthologs in various species. The functional significance of these SS18-like proteins is embodied by the observations that SS18L1 and SS18L2 can replace SS18 in its various protein-protein interactions, and that SS18L1 may act as a fusion partner of SSX in synovial sarcoma. In the current study, we performed a comprehensive comparison of SNH-containing loci in several distinct species. By doing so, we found that the vertebrate SS18 and SS18L1 genes map within co-linear DNA segments that may have evolved through a relatively recent genomic duplication event. An additional phylogenetic study indicated that the more divergent SS18L2 gene is most likely derived from an earlier gene duplication event, again in the vertebrate lineage.

The Proto-oncoprotein SYT Interacts with SYT-interacting Protein/Co-activator Activator (SIP/CoAA), a Human Nuclear Receptor Co-activator with Similarity to EWS and TLS/FUS Family of Proteins

The proto-oncoprotein SYT is involved in the unique translocation t(X;18) found in synovial sarcoma SYT-SSX fusions. SYT has a conserved N-terminal domain (SNH domain) that interacts with the human paralog of Drosophila Brahma (hBRM) and Brahma-related gene 1 (BRG1) chromatin remodeling proteins and a C-terminal transactivating sequence rich in glutamine, proline, glycine, and tyrosine (QPGY domain). Here we reported the isolation of the ribonucleoprotein SYT-interacting protein/co-activator activator (SIP/CoAA), which specifically binds the QPGY domain of SYT and also the SYT-SSX2 translocation fusion. SIP/CoAA is a general nuclear co-activator and an RNA splicing modulator that contains two RNA recognition motifs and multiple hexapeptide repeats. We showed that the region consisting of the hexapeptide motif (YQ domain) is similar to the hexapeptide repeat domain found in EWS and in TLS/FUS family proteins. The YQ domain also resembles the QPGY region of SYT itself and like all these other domains acts as a transcriptional activator in reporter assays. Most interestingly, the last 84 amino acids adjacent to YQ down-modulate by 25-fold the YQ transactivation of the reporter gene, and both domains are important for SIP/CoAA binding to SYT. In addition, SYT acts together with SIP/CoAA in stimulating estrogen and glucocorticoid receptor-dependent transcriptional activation. Activation is hormone-dependent and requires functional hBRM and/or BRG1. The stimulation is strongly reduced if the N-terminal region of hBRM/BRG1 (amino acids 1-211) is deleted. This region encompasses the SNF11 binding domain (amino acids 156-211), which interacts specifically with SYT in vivo and in vitro.

Transcriptional co-activator activity of SYT is negatively regulated by BRM and Brg1

The t(X;18)(p11.2;q11.2) translocation found in synovial sarcomas results in the fusion of the SYT gene on chromosome 18 to the SSX gene on chromosome X. Although the SYT-SSX fusion proteins may trigger synovial sarcoma development, the biological functions of SYT, SSX and SYT-SSX genes are unclear. Transfections of Gal4 DNA binding domain fusion protein constructs demonstrate that SYT protein acts as a transcriptional co-activator at the C-terminal domain and that the activity is repressed through the N-terminus. The N-terminal 70 amino acids of SYT bind not only to BRM, but also to Brg1, both of which are subunits of SWI/SNF chromatin remodelling complexes. Here, we have investigated the functions of BRM and Brg1 on the repression of SYT activity. The negative regulation of SYT transcriptional co-activator activity is dependent on the ATP-hydrolysis of BRM and Brg1 in the protein complexes. This indicates that the SWI/SNF protein complexes regulate SYT activity using the chromatin remodelling activity.

The transcription factor AtGRF5 and the transcription coactivator AN3 regulate cell proliferation in leaf primordia of Arabidopsis thaliana

The development of the flat morphology of leaf blades is dependent on the control of cell proliferation as well as cell expansion. Each process has a polarity with respect to the longitudinal and transverse axes of the leaf blade. However, only a few regulatory components of these processes have been identified to date. We have characterized two genes from Arabidopsis thaliana: ANGUSTIFOLIA3 (AN3), which encodes a homolog of the human transcription coactivator SYT, and GROWTH-REGULATING FACTOR5 (AtGRF5), which encodes a putative transcription factor. AN3 is identical to GRF-INTERACTING FACTOR1 (AtGIF1). The an3 and atgrf5 mutants exhibit narrow-leaf phenotypes due to decreases in cell number. Conversely, cell proliferation in leaf primordia is enhanced and leaves grow larger than normal when AN3 or AtGRF5 is overexpressed. Both genes are expressed in leaf primordia, and in the yeast two-hybrid assay, the gene products were found to interact with each other through their N-terminal domains. These results suggest that AN3 and AtGRF5 act together and are required for the development of appropriate leaf size and shape through the promotion and/or maintenance of cell proliferation activity in leaf primordia.

Significant growth suppression of synovial sarcomas by the histone deacetylase inhibitor FK228 in vitro and in vivo

About 97% of synovial sarcomas harbor the SYT-SSX fusion gene by chromosomal translocation. We found that the histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor FK228 significantly suppressed the growth of synovial sarcoma cells as compared with that of osteosarcoma. The 50% growth inhibition IC50 value we obtained for FK228 was 0.02-0.2 nM, and it indicates that its suppression effect on synovial sarcoma cells is the highest of any of the HDAC inhibitors yet reported. It was not likely that the growth suppression of FK228 depends on the doubling time of these cells. Introduction of SYT-SSX cDNA into HEK293 cells enhanced the sensitivity of the cells for FK228. Immunostaining of the FK228-treated cells using an anti-acetyl-histone H3 antibody showed that FK228 inhibits deacetylation of histone. In a mice assay, the growth of synovial sarcoma cells was markedly inhibited by FK228 treatment, and the invasion of tumors into surrounding tissues was suppressed. These results suggest that FK228 may be useful in developing therapeutic strategies to treat synovial sarcoma.

The robotic mouse: unravelling the function of AF4 in the cerebellum

The devastating nature and lack of effective treatments associated with neurodegenerative diseases have stimulated a world-wide search for the elucidation of their molecular basis to which mouse models have made a major contribution. In combination with transgenic and knockout technologies, large-scale mouse mutagenesis is a powerful approach for the identification of new genes and associated signalling pathways controlling neuronal cell death and survival. Here we review the characterization of the robotic mouse, a novel model of autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxia isolated from an ENU-mutagenesis programme, which develops adult-onset region-specific Purkinje cell loss and cataracts, and displays defects in early T-cell maturation and general growth retardation. The mutated protein, Af4, is a member of the AF4/LAF4/FMR2 (ALF) family of putative transcription factors previously implicated in childhood leukaemia and FRAXE mental retardation. The mutation, which lies in a highly conserved region among the ALF family members, significantly reduces the binding affinity of Af4 to the E3 ubiquitin-ligase Siah-1a, isolated with Siah-2 as interacting proteins in the brain. This leads to a markedly slower turnover of mutant Af4 by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway and consequently to its abnormal accumulation in the robotic mouse. Importantly, the conservation of the Siah-binding domain of Af4 in all other family members reveals that Siah-mediated proteasomal degradation is a common regulatory mechanism that controls the levels, and thereby the function, of the ALF family. The robotic mouse represents a unique model in which to study the newly revealed role of Af4 in the maintenance of vital functions of Purkinje cells in the cerebellum and further the understanding of its implication in lymphopoeisis.

SYT, a partner of SYT-SSX oncoprotein in synovial sarcomas, interacts with mSin3A, a component of histone deacetylase complex

Synovial sarcomas are soft-tissue tumors predominantly affecting children and young adults. They are molecular-genetically characterized by the SYT-SSX fusion gene generated from chromosomal translocation t(X; 18) (p11.2; q11.2). When we screened new gene products that interact with SYT or SSX proteins by yeast two-hybrid assay, we found that mSin3A, a component of the histone deacetylase complex, interacts with SYT but not with SSX. These results were confirmed by mammalian two-hybrid and pull-down assays. Analyses with sequential truncated proteins revealed a main mSin3A-interaction region on the SYT amino-terminal 93 amino acids, and another one on the region between 187th amino acid and break point. In luciferase assay, mSin3A repressed the transcriptional activity of reporter promoter mediated by SYT and hBRM/BRG1. Our results suggest that the histone deacetylase complex containing mSin3A may regulate the transcriptional activation mediated by SYT.

Conserved SNH domain of the proto-oncoprotein SYT interacts with components of the human chromatin remodelling complexes, while the QPGY repeat domain forms homo-oligomers

Many studies have now established that the SWI/SNF chromatin remodelling complexes are involved in activation and repression of a variety of genes. In mammalian cells, these complexes contain the BRM and BRG1 helicase-like proteins that are thought to be responsible for nucleosome remodelling. The proto-oncoprotein SYT, involved in the unique translocation t(X;18) found in synovial sarcoma, is known to interact with human BRM (hBRM), thus providing a link between chromatin remodelling factors and human cancer. In this work, we address how SYT interacts with hBRM and BRG1. We demonstrate that the conserved N-terminal SNH domain of SYT, which is also present in the oncoproteins SYT-SSX, binds to both hBRM and BRG1. We have also found that in vivo the C-terminus transactivation QPGY region of SYT can interact with itself. This results in an amplified interaction with hBRM and highlights a possible regulatory function of this domain in cells.

MLL fusion partners AF4 and AF9 interact at subnuclear foci

The MLL gene is involved in translocations associated with both acute lymphoblastic and acute myelogenous leukemia. These translocations fuse MLL with one of over 30 partner genes. Collectively, the MLL partner genes do not share a common structural motif or biochemical function. We have identified a protein interaction between the two most common MLL fusion partners AF4 and AF9. This interaction is restricted to discrete nuclear foci we have named 'AF4 bodies'. The AF4 body is non-nucleolar and is not coincident with any known nuclear structures we have examined. The AF4-AF9 interaction is maintained by the MLL-AF4 fusion protein, and expression of the MLL-AF4 fusion can alter the subnuclear localization of AF9. In view of other research indicating that other MLL fusion partners also interact with one another, these results suggest that MLL fusion partners may participate in a web of protein interactions with a common functional goal. The disruption of this web of interactions by fusion with MLL may be important to leukemogenesis.

Splicing isoform of SYT-SSX fusion protein accelerates transcriptional activity and cell proliferation

The human SYT-SSX gene has two splicing isoforms (type N and I), the latter of which contains an additional insertion of 93 bases. In the present study, we found increased transcriptional activity of the SYT-SSX type I protein in luciferase assay. When the SYT-SSX cDNAs were transfected to NIH3T3 cells, the type I transformant grew faster than the type N transformant. Furthermore, we evaluated the isoform ratio of the SYT or SYT-SSX transcripts in various tissues. Our results suggest that the SYT-SSX type I protein plays a critical role in the tumorigenesis of synovial sarcomas through increased transcriptional activity.

Chromosomal translocations and sarcomas

This review examines how the identification of tumor-specific translocations and fusion proteins has advanced the basic scientific and clinical understanding of sarcomas. Recent genetic advances, including the ASPL-TFE3 fusion of alveolar soft part sarcoma, the JAZF1-JJAZ1 fusion of endometrial stromal sarcoma, and HMGIC fusions in liposarcoma, are discussed. Next, the review addresses the ways in which molecular genetic data have influenced diagnostic and prognostic paradigms. For example, recent studies describe the detection of occult tumor cells and the identification of primary renal neoplasms that are genetically related to alveolar soft part sarcoma. In addition, the review discusses potential therapies based on the targeting of sarcoma-specific fusion proteins. These reports describe the potential use of Gleevec (STI571) for dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans and the use of tumor-specific fusion proteins as potential targets for immunotherapy. Finally, basic scientific findings are reviewed that elucidate, for example, the aberrant functions of SYT-SSX in chromatin remodeling and of EWS-FLI1 in transcription and mRNA splicing. These and other emerging models of tumorigenesis will help identify new therapeutic targets.

The cancer-related protein SSX2 interacts with the human homologue of a Ras-like GTPase interactor, RAB3IP, and a novel nuclear protein, SSX2IP

The SSX gene family is composed of at least five functional and highly homologous members, SSX1 to SSX5, that are normally expressed in only the testis and thyroid. SSX1, SSX2, or SSX4 may be fused to the SYT gene as a result of the t(X;18) translocation in synovial sarcoma. In addition, the SSX1, SSX2, SSX4, and SSX5 genes were found to be aberrantly expressed in several other malignancies, including melanoma. The SSX proteins are localized in the nucleus and are diffusely distributed. In addition, they may be included in polycomb-group nuclear bodies. Other studies have indicated that the SSX proteins may act as transcriptional repressors. As a first step toward the elucidation of the cellular signaling networks in which the SSX proteins may act, we used the yeast two-hybrid system to identify SSX2-interacting proteins. By doing so, two novel human proteins were detected: RAB3IP, the human homolog of an interactor of the Ras-like GTPase Rab3A; and a novel protein, SSX2IP. RAB3IP did not interact with either SSX1, SSX3, or SSX4 in the yeast two-hybrid system, whereas SSX2IP interacted with SSX3 but not with either SSX1 or SSX4. Further analysis of deletion mutants showed that both RAB3IP and SSX2IP interact with the N-terminal moiety of the SSX2 protein. Immunofluorescence analyses of transfected cells revealed that the RAB3IP protein is normally localized in the cytoplasm. However, coexpression of both RAB3IP and SSX2 led to colocalization of both proteins in the nucleus. Likewise, the SSX2IP protein was found to be colocalizing with SSX2 in the nucleus. By performing glutathione-S-transferase pull-down assays, we found that both RAB3IP and SSX2IP interact directly with SSX2 in vitro. These newly observed protein/protein interactions may have important implications for the mechanisms underlying normal and malignant cellular growth.