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Legrand AJ, Choul-li S, Villeret V, Aumercier M. Poly(ADP-ribose) Polyremase-1 (PARP-1) Inhibition: A Promising Therapeutic Strategy for ETS-Expressing Tumours. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13454. [PMID: 37686260 PMCID: PMC10487777 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
ETS transcription factors are a highly conserved family of proteins involved in the progression of many cancers, such as breast and prostate carcinomas, Ewing's sarcoma, and leukaemias. This significant involvement can be explained by their roles at all stages of carcinogenesis progression. Generally, their expression in tumours is associated with a poor prognosis and an aggressive phenotype. Until now, no efficient therapeutic strategy had emerged to specifically target ETS-expressing tumours. Nevertheless, there is evidence that pharmacological inhibition of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1), a key DNA repair enzyme, specifically sensitises ETS-expressing cancer cells to DNA damage and limits tumour progression by leading some of the cancer cells to death. These effects result from a strong interplay between ETS transcription factors and the PARP-1 enzyme. This review summarises the existing knowledge of this molecular interaction and discusses the promising therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnaud J. Legrand
- CNRS, EMR9002 Integrative Structural Biology, F-59000 Lille, France; (A.J.L.); (V.V.)
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1167-RID-AGE-Risk Factors and Molecular Deter-minants of Aging-Related Diseases, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Souhaila Choul-li
- Département de Biologie, Faculté des Sciences, Université Chouaib Doukkali, BP-20, El Jadida 24000, Morocco;
| | - Vincent Villeret
- CNRS, EMR9002 Integrative Structural Biology, F-59000 Lille, France; (A.J.L.); (V.V.)
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1167-RID-AGE-Risk Factors and Molecular Deter-minants of Aging-Related Diseases, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Marc Aumercier
- CNRS, EMR9002 Integrative Structural Biology, F-59000 Lille, France; (A.J.L.); (V.V.)
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1167-RID-AGE-Risk Factors and Molecular Deter-minants of Aging-Related Diseases, F-59000 Lille, France
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Wang Y, Huang Z, Sun M, Huang W, Xia L. ETS transcription factors: Multifaceted players from cancer progression to tumor immunity. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188872. [PMID: 36841365 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188872] [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: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
The E26 transformation specific (ETS) family comprises 28 transcription factors, the majority of which are involved in tumor initiation and development. Serving as a group of functionally heterogeneous gene regulators, ETS factors possess a structurally conserved DNA-binding domain. As one of the most prominent families of transcription factors that control diverse cellular functions, ETS activation is modulated by multiple intracellular signaling pathways and post-translational modifications. Disturbances in ETS activity often lead to abnormal changes in oncogenicity, including cancer cell survival, growth, proliferation, metastasis, genetic instability, cell metabolism, and tumor immunity. This review systematically addresses the basics and advances in studying ETS factors, from their tumor relevance to clinical translational utility, with a particular focus on elucidating the role of ETS family in tumor immunity, aiming to decipher the vital role and clinical potential of regulation of ETS factors in the cancer field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufei Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Zhao Huang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Clinical Medicine Research Center for Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public Health, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Mengyu Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Wenjie Huang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Clinical Medicine Research Center for Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public Health, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China.
| | - Limin Xia
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China.
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Flores G, Grohar PJ. One oncogene, several vulnerabilities: EWS/FLI targeted therapies for Ewing sarcoma. J Bone Oncol 2021; 31:100404. [PMID: 34976713 PMCID: PMC8686064 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbo.2021.100404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
EWS/FLI is the defining mutation of Ewing sarcoma. This oncogene drives malignant transformation and progression and occurs in a genetic background characterized by few other recurrent cooperating mutations. In addition, the tumor is absolutely dependent on the continued expression of EWS/FLI to maintain the malignant phenotype. However, EWS/FLI is a transcription factor and therefore a challenging drug target. The difficulty of directly targeting EWS/FLI stems from unique features of this fusion protein as well as the network of interacting proteins required to execute the transcriptional program. This network includes interacting proteins as well as upstream and downstream effectors that together reprogram the epigenome and transcriptome. While the vast number of proteins involved in this process challenge the development of a highly specific inhibitors, they also yield numerous therapeutic opportunities. In this report, we will review how this vast EWS-FLI transcriptional network has been exploited over the last two decades to identify compounds that directly target EWS/FLI and/or associated vulnerabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Flores
- Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
- Michigan State University, College of Human Medicine, USA
| | - Patrick J Grohar
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, 3501 Civic Center Blvd., Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Fernández-Cortés M, Andrés-León E, Oliver FJ. The PARP Inhibitor Olaparib Modulates the Transcriptional Regulatory Networks of Long Non-Coding RNAs during Vasculogenic Mimicry. Cells 2020; 9:cells9122690. [PMID: 33333852 PMCID: PMC7765283 DOI: 10.3390/cells9122690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In highly metastatic tumors, vasculogenic mimicry (VM) involves the acquisition by tumor cells of endothelial-like traits. Poly-(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors are currently used against tumors displaying BRCA1/2-dependent deficient homologous recombination, and they may have antimetastatic activity. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as key species-specific regulators of cellular and disease processes. To evaluate the impact of olaparib treatment in the context of non-coding RNA, we have analyzed the expression of lncRNA after performing unbiased whole-transcriptome profiling of human uveal melanoma cells cultured to form VM. RNAseq revealed that the non-coding transcriptomic landscape differed between olaparib-treated and non-treated cells: olaparib significantly modulated the expression of 20 lncRNAs, 11 lncRNAs being upregulated, and 9 downregulated. We subjected the data to different bioinformatics tools and analysis in public databases. We found that copy-number variation alterations in some olaparib-modulated lncRNAs had a statistically significant correlation with alterations in some key tumor suppressor genes. Furthermore, the lncRNAs that were modulated by olaparib appeared to be regulated by common transcription factors: ETS1 had high-score binding sites in the promoters of all olaparib upregulated lncRNAs, while MZF1, RHOXF1 and NR2C2 had high-score binding sites in the promoters of all olaparib downregulated lncRNAs. Finally, we predicted that olaparib-modulated lncRNAs could further regulate several transcription factors and their subsequent target genes in melanoma, suggesting that olaparib may trigger a major shift in gene expression mediated by the regulation lncRNA. Globally, olaparib changed the lncRNA expression landscape during VM affecting angiogenesis-related genes.
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Precision medicine in Ewing sarcoma: a translational point of view. Clin Transl Oncol 2020; 22:1440-1454. [PMID: 32026343 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-020-02298-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma is a rare tumor that arises in bones of children and teenagers but, in 15% of the patients it is presented as a primary soft tissue tumor. Balanced reciprocal chimeric translocation t(11;22)(q24;q12), which encodes an oncogenic protein fusion (EWSR1/FLI1), is the most generalized and characteristic molecular event. Using conventional treatments, (chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy) long-term overall survival rate is 30% for patients with disseminated disease and 65-75% for patients with localized tumors. Urgent new effective drug development is a challenge. This review summarizes the preclinical and clinical investigational knowledge about prognostic and targetable biomarkers in Ewing sarcoma, finally suggesting a workflow for precision medicine committees.
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Shen N, Zhao J, Schipper JL, Zhang Y, Bepler T, Leehr D, Bradley J, Horton J, Lapp H, Gordan R. Divergence in DNA Specificity among Paralogous Transcription Factors Contributes to Their Differential In Vivo Binding. Cell Syst 2018; 6:470-483.e8. [PMID: 29605182 DOI: 10.1016/j.cels.2018.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Revised: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Paralogous transcription factors (TFs) are oftentimes reported to have identical DNA-binding motifs, despite the fact that they perform distinct regulatory functions. Differential genomic targeting by paralogous TFs is generally assumed to be due to interactions with protein co-factors or the chromatin environment. Using a computational-experimental framework called iMADS (integrative modeling and analysis of differential specificity), we show that, contrary to previous assumptions, paralogous TFs bind differently to genomic target sites even in vitro. We used iMADS to quantify, model, and analyze specificity differences between 11 TFs from 4 protein families. We found that paralogous TFs have diverged mainly at medium- and low-affinity sites, which are poorly captured by current motif models. We identify sequence and shape features differentially preferred by paralogous TFs, and we show that the intrinsic differences in specificity among paralogous TFs contribute to their differential in vivo binding. Thus, our study represents a step forward in deciphering the molecular mechanisms of differential specificity in TF families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Shen
- Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Jingkang Zhao
- Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA; Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Program in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Joshua L Schipper
- Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA; Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Yuning Zhang
- Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA; Program in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Tristan Bepler
- Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Dan Leehr
- Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - John Bradley
- Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - John Horton
- Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA; Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Hilmar Lapp
- Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Raluca Gordan
- Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA; Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Computer Science, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA; Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wassim Abida
- Wassim Abida, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY; and Charles L. Sawyers, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY; and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD
| | - Charles L Sawyers
- Wassim Abida, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY; and Charles L. Sawyers, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY; and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD
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Vormoor B, Schlosser YT, Blair H, Sharma A, Wilkinson S, Newell DR, Curtin N. Sensitizing Ewing sarcoma to chemo- and radiotherapy by inhibition of the DNA-repair enzymes DNA protein kinase (DNA-PK) and poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) 1/2. Oncotarget 2017; 8:113418-113430. [PMID: 29371919 PMCID: PMC5768336 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.21300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Accepted: 09/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background DNA-PK and PARP inhibitors sensitize cancer cells to chemo- and radiotherapy. ETS transcription factors (EWS-FLI1) have been described as biomarkers for PARP-inhibitor sensitivity. Sensitivity to single agent PARP inhibitors has so far been limited to homologous recombination repair (HRR) deficient tumors, exploiting synthetic lethality. Results In clonogenic assays, single agent rucaparib LD50 values for continuously exposed cells were similar to those observed in HRR-defective cells (CAPAN-1 cell line, BRCA2 defective); however, both ES cell lines (TC-71, CADO-ES1) had functional HRR. In vivo rucaparib administration (10 mg/kg daily) showed no responses. In clonogenic assays, rucaparib enhanced temozolomide, camptothecin and radiation cytotoxicity, which was most profound for temozolomide (15–29 fold enhancement). NU7441 increased the cytotoxicity of etoposide, doxorubicin and radiation. Materials and Methods We assessed PARP1/2 (rucaparib) and DNA-PK (NU7441) inhibitors in Ewing sarcoma (ES) cell lines by performing growth inhibition and clonogenic assays. HRR was measured by RAD51 focus formation. Single agent rucaparib was assessed in an in vivo orthotopic model. Conclusions Single agent rucaparib ES sensitivity in vitro was not replicated in vivo. DNA-PK and PARP inhibitors are good chemo-/radiosensitizers in ES. The future of these inhibitors lies in their combination with chemo-/radiotherapy, which needs to be evaluated in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Britta Vormoor
- Wolfson Childhood Cancer Research Centre, Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.,Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Haematology and Oncology, Great North Children's Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Yvonne T Schlosser
- German Cancer Research Center, DKFZ, Cell Cycle Control and Carcinogenesis, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Helen Blair
- Wolfson Childhood Cancer Research Centre, Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Abhishek Sharma
- NORLUX Neuro-Oncology Laboratory, Department of Oncology, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Sarah Wilkinson
- Northumbria University, Department of Health and Life Sciences, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - David R Newell
- Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Newcastle University, Paul O'Gorman Building, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Nicola Curtin
- Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Newcastle University, Paul O'Gorman Building, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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Wang ZQ, Faddaoui A, Bachvarova M, Plante M, Gregoire J, Renaud MC, Sebastianelli A, Guillemette C, Gobeil S, Macdonald E, Vanderhyden B, Bachvarov D. BCAT1 expression associates with ovarian cancer progression: possible implications in altered disease metabolism. Oncotarget 2016; 6:31522-43. [PMID: 26372729 PMCID: PMC4741622 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.5159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2015] [Accepted: 08/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Previously, we have identified the branched chain amino-acid transaminase 1 (BCAT1) gene as notably hypomethylated in low-malignant potential (LMP) and high-grade (HG) serous epithelial ovarian tumors, compared to normal ovarian tissues. Here we show that BCAT1 is strongly overexpressed in both LMP and HG serous epithelial ovarian tumors, which probably correlates with its hypomethylated status. Knockdown of the BCAT1 expression in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) cells led to sharp decrease of cell proliferation, migration and invasion and inhibited cell cycle progression. BCAT1 silencing was associated with the suppression of numerous genes and pathways known previously to be implicated in ovarian tumorigenesis, and the induction of some tumor suppressor genes (TSGs). Moreover, BCAT1 suppression resulted in downregulation of numerous genes implicated in lipid production and protein synthesis, suggesting its important role in controlling EOC metabolism. Further metabolomic analyses were indicative for significant depletion of most amino acids and different phospho- and sphingolipids following BCAT1 knockdown. Finally, BCAT1 suppression led to significantly prolonged survival time in xenograft model of advanced peritoneal EOC. Taken together, our findings provide new insights about the functional role of BCAT1 in ovarian carcinogenesis and identify this transaminase as a novel EOC biomarker and putative EOC therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Qiang Wang
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laval University, Québec PQ, Canada.,Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, L'Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, Québec PQ, Canada
| | - Adnen Faddaoui
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laval University, Québec PQ, Canada.,Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, L'Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, Québec PQ, Canada
| | | | - Marie Plante
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, L'Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, Québec PQ, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Laval University, Québec PQ, Canada
| | - Jean Gregoire
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, L'Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, Québec PQ, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Laval University, Québec PQ, Canada
| | - Marie-Claude Renaud
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, L'Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, Québec PQ, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Laval University, Québec PQ, Canada
| | - Alexandra Sebastianelli
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, L'Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, Québec PQ, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Laval University, Québec PQ, Canada
| | - Chantal Guillemette
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, CHUL, Québec PQ, Canada.,Faculty of Pharmacy, Laval University, Québec PQ, Canada
| | - Stéphane Gobeil
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laval University, Québec PQ, Canada.,Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, CHUL, Québec PQ, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Macdonald
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Barbara Vanderhyden
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Dimcho Bachvarov
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laval University, Québec PQ, Canada.,Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, L'Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, Québec PQ, Canada
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Rello-Varona S, Herrero-Martín D, Lagares-Tena L, López-Alemany R, Mulet-Margalef N, Huertas-Martínez J, Garcia-Monclús S, García Del Muro X, Muñoz-Pinedo C, Tirado OM. The importance of being dead: cell death mechanisms assessment in anti-sarcoma therapy. Front Oncol 2015; 5:82. [PMID: 25905041 PMCID: PMC4387920 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2015.00082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2015] [Accepted: 03/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell death can occur through different mechanisms, defined by their nature and physiological implications. Correct assessment of cell death is crucial for cancer therapy success. Sarcomas are a large and diverse group of neoplasias from mesenchymal origin. Among cell death types, apoptosis is by far the most studied in sarcomas. Albeit very promising in other fields, regulated necrosis and other cell death circumstances (as so-called "autophagic cell death" or "mitotic catastrophe") have not been yet properly addressed in sarcomas. Cell death is usually quantified in sarcomas by unspecific assays and in most cases the precise sequence of events remains poorly characterized. In this review, our main objective is to put into context the most recent sarcoma cell death findings in the more general landscape of different cell death modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Rello-Varona
- Sarcoma Research Group, Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat , Barcelona , Spain
| | - David Herrero-Martín
- Sarcoma Research Group, Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat , Barcelona , Spain
| | - Laura Lagares-Tena
- Sarcoma Research Group, Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat , Barcelona , Spain
| | - Roser López-Alemany
- Sarcoma Research Group, Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat , Barcelona , Spain
| | - Núria Mulet-Margalef
- Sarcoma Research Group, Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat , Barcelona , Spain
| | - Juan Huertas-Martínez
- Sarcoma Research Group, Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat , Barcelona , Spain
| | - Silvia Garcia-Monclús
- Sarcoma Research Group, Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat , Barcelona , Spain
| | - Xavier García Del Muro
- Sarcoma Research Group, Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat , Barcelona , Spain
| | - Cristina Muñoz-Pinedo
- Cell Death Regulation Group, Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat , Barcelona , Spain
| | - Oscar Martínez Tirado
- Sarcoma Research Group, Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat , Barcelona , Spain
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Kovar H. Blocking the road, stopping the engine or killing the driver? Advances in targeting EWS/FLI-1 fusion in Ewing sarcoma as novel therapy. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2014; 18:1315-28. [PMID: 25162919 DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2014.947963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ewing sarcoma (ES) represents the paradigm of an aberrant E-twenty-six (ETS) oncogene-driven cancer. It is characterized by specific rearrangements of one of five alternative ETS family member genes with EWSR1. There is experimental evidence that the resulting fusion proteins act as aberrant transcription factors driving ES pathogenesis. The transcriptional gene regulatory network driven by EWS-ETS proteins provides the oncogenic engine to the tumor. Therefore, EWS-ETS and their downstream machinery are considered ideal tumor-specific therapeutic targets. AREAS COVERED This review critically discusses the literature on the development of EWS-ETS-directed ES targeting strategies considering current knowledge of EWS-ETS biology and cellular context. It focuses on determinants of EWS-FLI1 function with an emphasis on interactions with chromatin structure. We speculate about the relevance of poorly investigated aspects in ES research such as chromatin remodeling and DNA damage repair for the development of targeted therapies. EXPERT OPINION This review questions the specificity of signature-based screening approaches to the identification of EWS-FLI1-targeted compounds. It challenges the view that targeting the downstream gene regulatory network carries potential for therapeutic breakthroughs because of resistance-inducing network rewiring. Instead, we propose to combine targeting of the fusion protein with epigenetic therapy as a future treatment strategy in ES.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heinrich Kovar
- Children´s Cancer Research Institute, St. Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, and Medical University Vienna, Department of Pediatrics , Zimmermannplatz 10, A1090 Vienna , Austria +43 1 40470 4092 ; +43 1 40470 64092 ;
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12
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Abstract
Ewing sarcoma is the second most common pediatric malignant bone tumor. Aggressive multimodality therapy has led to an improvement in outcomes, particularly in patients with localized disease. However, therapy-related toxicities are not trivial, and the prognosis for patients with relapsed and/or metastatic disease continues to be poor. In this article, we outline some of the promising therapies that have the potential to change the Ewing sarcoma therapeutic paradigm in the not-too-distant future: insulin-like growth factor receptor inhibitors, targeting of the fusion protein, epigenetic manipulation, PARP inhibitors, and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda I Arnaldez
- Authors' Affiliation: Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Lee J Helman
- Authors' Affiliation: Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
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13
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Peters HL, Yan Y, Nordgren TM, Cutucache CE, Joshi SS, Solheim JC. Amyloid precursor-like protein 2 suppresses irradiation-induced apoptosis in Ewing sarcoma cells and is elevated in immune-evasive Ewing sarcoma cells. Cancer Biol Ther 2013; 14:752-60. [PMID: 23792571 DOI: 10.4161/cbt.25183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy treatments, the children, adolescents, and young adults who are diagnosed with metastasized Ewing sarcoma face a dismal prognosis. Amyloid precursor-like protein 2 (APLP2) has recently been implicated in the survival of cancer cells and in our current study, APLP2's contribution to the survival of Ewing sarcoma cells was examined. APLP2 was readily detected in all Ewing sarcoma cell lines analyzed by western blotting, with the TC71 Ewing sarcoma cells expressing the lowest level of APLP2 among the lines. While irradiation induces apoptosis in TC71 Ewing sarcoma cells (as we determined by quantifying the proportion of cells in the sub-G 1 population), transfection of additional APLP2 into TC71 decreased irradiation-induced apoptosis. Consistent with these findings, in parallel studies, we noted that isolates of the TC71 cell line that survived co-culture with lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells (which kill by inducing apoptosis in target cells) displayed increased expression of APLP2, in addition to smaller sub-G 1 cell populations after irradiation. Together, these findings suggest that APLP2 lowers the sensitivity of Ewing sarcoma cells to radiotherapy-induced apoptosis and that APLP2 expression is increased in Ewing sarcoma cells able to survive exposure to cytotoxic immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haley L Peters
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE USA
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14
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Prospects and challenges for the development of new therapies for Ewing sarcoma. Pharmacol Ther 2012; 137:216-24. [PMID: 23085431 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2012.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2012] [Accepted: 10/02/2012] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The Ewing sarcoma family of tumors or Ewing sarcoma (ES) is the second most common malignant bone tumor of childhood. The prognosis for localized Ewing sarcoma has improved through the development of intense multimodal therapy over the past several decades. Unfortunately, patients with recurrent or metastatic disease continue to have a poor prognosis. Therefore, a number of complementary approaches are being developed in both the preclinical and clinical arenas to improve these outcomes. In this review, we will discuss efforts to directly target the biologic drivers of this disease and relate these efforts to the experience with several different agents both in the clinic and under development. We will review the data for compounds that have shown excellent activity in the clinic, such as the camptothecins, and summarize the biological data that supports this activity. In addition, we will review the clinical experience with IGF1 targeted agents, ET-743 and epigenetically targeted therapies, the substantial amount of literature that supports their activity in Ewing sarcoma and the challenges remaining translating these therapies to the clinic. Finally, we will highlight recent work aimed at directly targeting the EWS-FLI1 transcription factor with small molecules in Ewing tumors.
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15
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Tirado OM, Mateo-Lozano S, Villar J, Dettin LE, Llort A, Gallego S, Ban J, Kovar H, Notario V. Caveolin-1 (CAV1) is a target of EWS/FLI-1 and a key determinant of the oncogenic phenotype and tumorigenicity of Ewing's sarcoma cells. Cancer Res 2006; 66:9937-47. [PMID: 17047056 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-06-0927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Tumors of the Ewing's sarcoma family (ESFT), such as Ewing's sarcoma (EWS) and primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNET), are highly aggressive malignancies predominantly affecting children and young adults. ESFT express chimeric transcription factors encoded by hybrid genes fusing the EWS gene with several ETS genes, most commonly FLI-1. EWS/FLI-1 proteins are responsible for the malignant phenotype of ESFT, but only few of their transcriptional targets are known. Using antisense and short hairpin RNA-mediated gene expression knockdown, array analyses, chromatin immunoprecipitation methods, and reexpression studies, we show that caveolin-1 (CAV1) is a new direct target of EWS/FLI-1 that is overexpressed in ESFT cell lines and tumor specimens and is necessary for ESFT tumorigenesis. CAV1 knockdown led to up-regulation of Snail and the concomitant loss of E-cadherin expression. Consistently, loss of CAV1 expression inhibited the anchorage-independent growth of EWS cells and markedly reduced the growth of EWS cell-derived tumors in nude mice xenografts, indicating that CAV1 promotes the malignant phenotype in EWS carcinogenesis. Reexpression of CAV1 or E-cadherin in CAV1 knockdown EWS cells rescued the oncogenic phenotype of the original EWS cells, showing that the CAV1/Snail/E-cadherin pathway plays a central role in the expression of the oncogenic transformation functions of EWS/FLI-1. Overall, these data identify CAV1 as a key determinant of the tumorigenicity of ESFT and imply that targeting CAV1 may allow the development of new molecular therapeutic strategies for ESFT patients.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Cadherins/biosynthesis
- Cadherins/genetics
- Caveolin 1/antagonists & inhibitors
- Caveolin 1/genetics
- Caveolin 1/metabolism
- Caveolin 1/physiology
- Cell Adhesion/genetics
- Cell Growth Processes/genetics
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Chromatin Immunoprecipitation
- Down-Regulation
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- HT29 Cells
- Humans
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Nude
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/genetics
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/metabolism
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/physiology
- Proto-Oncogene Protein c-fli-1/genetics
- Proto-Oncogene Protein c-fli-1/metabolism
- Proto-Oncogene Protein c-fli-1/physiology
- RNA, Antisense/genetics
- RNA-Binding Protein EWS
- Sarcoma, Ewing/genetics
- Sarcoma, Ewing/metabolism
- Sarcoma, Ewing/pathology
- Snail Family Transcription Factors
- Transcription Factors/biosynthesis
- Transcription Factors/genetics
- Up-Regulation
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar M Tirado
- Laboratory of Experimental Carcinogenesis, Department of Radiation Medicine, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA
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16
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Matsunobu T, Tanaka K, Nakamura T, Nakatani F, Sakimura R, Hanada M, Li X, Okada T, Oda Y, Tsuneyoshi M, Iwamoto Y. The possible role of EWS-Fli1 in evasion of senescence in Ewing family tumors. Cancer Res 2006; 66:803-11. [PMID: 16424012 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-05-1972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The chromosomal translocation t(11;22) yields the EWS-Fli1 fusion gene and is associated with oncogenesis of Ewing family tumors (EFT). In this study, using the RNA interference method, we show that EWS-Fli1-targeting small interfering RNAs (siRNA) depleted EWS-Fli1 protein and caused growth inhibition in EFT cells with the accumulation of p27 protein and the down-regulation of Skp2 protein in dose-dependent, time-dependent, and sequence-specific manners. Depletion of EWS-Fli1 subacutely elicited a senescence-like phenotype, but not apoptosis, in EFT cells. Furthermore, not only the knockdown of p27, but also the forced expression of Skp2, reduced the expression levels of p27 protein and partially rescued senescence-like phenotype caused by EWS-Fli1-targeting siRNAs. The accumulation of p27 protein in EWS-Fli1-depleted cells inhibited cdk2 kinase activity and was related to the stability of p27 protein, which resulted from a decrease in Skp2 protein. Immunohistochemical analysis of p27 and Skp2 proteins in EFT samples revealed that there was an inverse relationship between the expression profiles of p27 and Skp2 proteins. These findings indicate an important role of EWS-Fli1 in the prevention of senescence, leading to the unlimited growth and oncogenesis of EFT cells through a decrease in the stability of p27 protein due to increased action of Skp2-mediated 26S proteasome degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoya Matsunobu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, 812-8582 Fukuoka, Japan
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17
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Xia SJ, Barr FG. Chromosome translocations in sarcomas and the emergence of oncogenic transcription factors. Eur J Cancer 2005; 41:2513-27. [PMID: 16213703 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2005.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
A subset of sarcomas is characterised by recurrent chromosome translocations that generate novel fusion oncoproteins. One or both of the genes involved in these translocations often encode transcription factors, and the resulting fusion proteins have aberrant transcriptional function compared to their wild-type counterparts. These fusion transcription factors disrupt multiple biological pathways by altering expression of target genes, and thereby result in a variety of altered cellular properties that contribute to the tumourigenic process. However, experimental data indicate that the fusion gene alone is not sufficient for transformation in primary cells (EWS-FLI1) or tumourigenesis in the mouse (PAX3-FKHR, FUS-CHOP), suggesting that additional collaborating genetic alterations are required. In addition to improving our understanding of the etiology of these tumours, this accumulating knowledge of the oncogenic properties of these fusion proteins, their downstream targets, and cooperating genetic alterations will permit the development of a variety of novel approaches to improve the therapy of these cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shujuan J Xia
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, 505C Stellar Chance Laboratories, 422 Curie Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6082, USA
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18
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Ramakrishnan R, Fujimura Y, Zou JP, Liu F, Lee L, Rao VN, Reddy ESP. Role of protein-protein interactions in the antiapoptotic function of EWS-Fli-1. Oncogene 2004; 23:7087-94. [PMID: 15273724 DOI: 10.1038/sj.onc.1207927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
In the majority of Ewing's family tumors, chromosomal translocation t(11;22) leads to aberrant fusion of RNA-binding protein EWS with DNA-binding ETS transcriptional factor Fli-1. EWS-Fli-1 has altered the transcriptional activity and modulating its downstream target genes through this transcriptional activity is thought to be responsible for this tumor. We have previously shown that both EWS-Fli-1 and Fli-1 have antiapoptotic activity against several apoptotic inducers. Here, we show that the transcriptional activity of EWS-Fli-1 and Fli-1 is not essential for its antiapoptotic activity. We also demonstrate that EWS-Fli-1 and Fli-1 interact with CBP through its amino-terminal region and inhibit the CBP-dependent transcriptional activity of RXR. This activity appears to be independent of DNA-binding activity of EWS-Fli-1. Introduction of the dominant-negative form of CBP into Ewing's sarcoma cells sensitizes these cells against genotoxic or retinoic-acid induced apoptosis. These results suggest that the ability of EWS-Fli-1/Fli-1 to target transcriptional cofactor(s) and modulate apoptotic pathways may be responsible for its antiapoptotic and tumorigenic activities.
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19
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Abstract
PARP-like zinc fingers are protein modules, initially described as nick-sensors of poly(ADP-ribosyl)-polymerases (PARPs), which are found at the N-terminus of different DNA repair enzymes. I chose to study the role of PARP-like fingers in AtZDP, a 3' DNA phosphoesterase, which is the only known enzyme provided with three such finger domains. Here I show that PARP-like fingers can maintain AtZDP onto damaged DNA sites without interfering with its DNA end repair functions. Damage recognition by AtZDP fingers, in fact, relies on the presence of flexible joints within double-strand DNA and does not entail DNA ends. A single AtZDP finger is already capable of specific recognition. Two fingers strengthen the binding and extend the contacts on the bound DNA. A third finger further enhances the specific binding to damaged DNA sites. Unexpectedly, gaps but not nicks are bound by AtZDP fingers, suggesting that nicks on a naked DNA template do not provide enough flexibility for the recognition. Altogether these results indicate that AtZDP PARP-like fingers, might have a role in positioning the enzyme at sites of enhanced helical flexibility, where single-strand DNA breaks are present or are prone to occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Petrucco
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 23/A, I-43100 Parma, Italy.
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20
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Kovar H. Ewing tumor biology: perspectives for innovative treatment approaches. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2004; 532:27-37. [PMID: 12908547 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4615-0081-0_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The Ewing's sarcoma family of tumors (EFT) is a group of malignancies affecting bone and soft tissue in adolescents. It is characterized by a unique gene rearrangement between the EWS gene and an ets transcription factor gene. EFT can be cured with conventional multi modal treatment, however, about 40% of patients still succumb to the disease. Relapses can be observed more than 5 years after the end of primary treatment suggesting persistence of minimal residual disease (MRD). Due to the still enigmatic nature of EFT histogenesis the phenotype of EFT stem cells and of dormant tumor cells remains unknown. The most frequent fusion product associated with EFT, EWS-FLI1, is the founding member of a whole class of similarly structured chimeric proteins associated with a variety of human sarcomas and also specific leukemias. The corresponding gene rearrangement constitutes a rate limiting step in oncogenesis as implied by the high association of EFT with EWS-ETS fusions, strong selective pressure for maintenance of a correct reading frame in the tumors, and by experimental data confirming the transforming and tumorigenic potential of EWS-FLI1. Understanding the biology of EWS-ETS gene fusions and its interplay with essential cellular pathways regulating cell growth, apoptosis, differentiation, genomic integrity, and treatment resistance may unravel specifically vulnerable sites for therapeutic targeting. This review summarizes the current knowledge about the EWS-FLI1 pathway in EFT and provides some ideas as to how this knowledge may be translated into innovative treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heinrich Kovar
- Children's Cancer Research Institute, St. Anna Kinderspital, Vienna, Austria
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21
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Matsui Y, Chansky HA, Barahmand-Pour F, Zielinska-Kwiatkowska A, Tsumaki N, Myoui A, Yoshikawa H, Yang L, Eyre DR. COL11A2 collagen gene transcription is differentially regulated by EWS/ERG sarcoma fusion protein and wild-type ERG. J Biol Chem 2003; 278:11369-75. [PMID: 12554743 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m300164200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
A specific t(21;22) chromosomal translocation creates the chimeric EWS/ERG gene in some cases of Ewing's sarcoma. In the resultant EWS/ERG fusion protein, the N-terminal part of the ETS family protein ERG is replaced by the N terminus of the RNA-binding protein EWS. We found that both the EWS/ERG and COL11A2 genes are expressed in the Ewing's sarcoma cell line, CADO-ES1. To investigate a potential role for EWS/ERG in COL11A2 gene expression, we characterized the COL11A2 promoter and tested the ability of wild-type ERG and EWS/ERG sarcoma fusion protein to transactivate COL11A2 promoter using a luciferase assay. We found that expression of EWS/ERG, but not wild-type ERG, transactivated the COL11A2 promoter and that this transactivation required not only the N-terminal region of EWS but also an intact DNA-binding domain from ERG. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay using COL11A2 promoter sequence showed involvement of EWS/ERG in the formation of DNA-protein complexes, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay revealed direct interaction between COL11A2 promoter and EWS/ERG fusion protein in vivo. EWS/ERG, but not wild-type ERG, bound to RNA polymerase II. Treatment of cells with the histone deacetylase inhibitor trichostatin A enabled ERG to transactivate the COL11A2 promoter, therefore abolishing the differential effects of EWS/ERG and ERG. Taken together, these findings indicate that the COL11A2 gene is regulated both by potential ERG association with a histone deacetylase complex and by direct EWS/ERG recruitment of RNA polymerase II.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshito Matsui
- Department of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington 98195-6500, USA
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