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Sun Y, Wu Y, Pang G, Huang J, Sheng M, Xie J, Chen P, Wang Y, Yin D, Zhao G, Bohlander SK, Huang J, Xu GL, Gao H, Zhou D, Shi Y. STING is crucial for the survival of RUNX1::RUNX1T1 leukemia cells. Leukemia 2024:10.1038/s41375-024-02383-8. [PMID: 39179670 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-024-02383-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 08/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024]
Abstract
Even though acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients with a RUNX1::RUNX1T1 (AE) fusion have a relatively favorable prognosis, approximately 50% relapse within 2.5 years and develop resistance to subsequent chemotherapy [1]. It is therefore imperative to identify novel therapeutic targets for AE leukemia to improve outcomes. In this study, we unveil that targeting STING effectively suppresses the growth of AE leukemia cells. Both genetic and pharmacological inhibition of STING lead to the diminish of AE leukemia cells. Importantly, in a mouse primary AE leukemia model, STING deletion significantly attenuates leukemogenesis and prolongs the animals' lifespan. Blocking the downstream inflammatory pathway of STING yields similar effects to STING inhibition in AE leukemia cells, highlighting the pivotal role of STING-dependent inflammatory responses in sustaining the survival of AE leukemia cells. Moreover, through a genome-wide CRISPR screen, we identified fatty acid desaturase 2 (FADS2) as a non-canonical factor downstream of STING inhibition that mediates cell death. Inhibition of STING releases FADS2 activity, consequently inducing the synthesis of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and triggering lipid peroxidation-associated cell death [2]. Taken together, these findings reveal a critical function of STING in the survival of AE-positive AML cells and suggest STING to be a potential therapeutic target for clinical intervention in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Sun
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (RU069) & Zhongshan-Xuhui Hospital, Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yushuang Wu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (RU069) & Zhongshan-Xuhui Hospital, Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Guozheng Pang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (RU069) & Zhongshan-Xuhui Hospital, Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jingru Huang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (RU069) & Zhongshan-Xuhui Hospital, Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Mengyao Sheng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (RU069) & Zhongshan-Xuhui Hospital, Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jiaying Xie
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (RU069) & Zhongshan-Xuhui Hospital, Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Pingyue Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (RU069) & Zhongshan-Xuhui Hospital, Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yin Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (RU069) & Zhongshan-Xuhui Hospital, Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Dongrui Yin
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (RU069) & Zhongshan-Xuhui Hospital, Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Guangjie Zhao
- Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200024, China
| | - Stefan K Bohlander
- Leukaemia & Blood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jian Huang
- Coriell Institute for Medical Research, Camden, NJ, 08103, USA
| | - Guo-Liang Xu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (RU069) & Zhongshan-Xuhui Hospital, Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Epigenetic Regulation and Intervention, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Hai Gao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (RU069) & Zhongshan-Xuhui Hospital, Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Dan Zhou
- Center for Medical Research and Innovation, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (RU069), Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, 201399, China.
| | - Yuheng Shi
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (RU069) & Zhongshan-Xuhui Hospital, Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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2
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Martinez TC, McNerney ME. Haploinsufficient Transcription Factors in Myeloid Neoplasms. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PATHOLOGY 2024; 19:571-598. [PMID: 37906947 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pathmechdis-051222-013421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Many transcription factors (TFs) function as tumor suppressor genes with heterozygous phenotypes, yet haploinsufficiency generally has an underappreciated role in neoplasia. This is no less true in myeloid cells, which are normally regulated by a delicately balanced and interconnected transcriptional network. Detailed understanding of TF dose in this circuitry sheds light on the leukemic transcriptome. In this review, we discuss the emerging features of haploinsufficient transcription factors (HITFs). We posit that: (a) monoallelic and biallelic losses can have distinct cellular outcomes; (b) the activity of a TF exists in a greater range than the traditional Mendelian genetic doses; and (c) how a TF is deleted or mutated impacts the cellular phenotype. The net effect of a HITF is a myeloid differentiation block and increased intercellular heterogeneity in the course of myeloid neoplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanner C Martinez
- Department of Pathology, Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology/Oncology, The University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA;
- Medical Scientist Training Program, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Megan E McNerney
- Department of Pathology, Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology/Oncology, The University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA;
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3
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Layden HM, Johnson AE, Hiebert SW. Chemical-genetics refines transcription factor regulatory circuits. Trends Cancer 2024; 10:65-75. [PMID: 37722945 PMCID: PMC10840957 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2023.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Transcriptional dysregulation is a key step in oncogenesis, but our understanding of transcriptional control has relied on genetic approaches that are slow and allow for compensation. Chemical-genetic approaches have shortened the time frame for the analysis of transcription factors from days or weeks to minutes. These studies show that while DNA-binding proteins bind to thousands of sites, they are directly required to regulate only a small cadre of genes. Moreover, these transcriptional control networks are far more distinct, with much less overlap and interconnectivity than predicted from DNA binding. The identified direct targets can then be used to dissect the mechanism of action of these factors, which could identify ways to therapeutically manipulate these oncogenic transcriptional control networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hillary M Layden
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Anna E Johnson
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Scott W Hiebert
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, TN 37027, USA.
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4
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Xie WQ, Yang X, Gu RX, Tian Z, Xing HY, Tang KJ, Rao Q, Qiu SW, Wang M, Wang JX. [Establishment of leukemia cell model with inducible AML1-ETO expression and its effect on fatty acid metabolism in leukemia cells]. ZHONGHUA XUE YE XUE ZA ZHI = ZHONGHUA XUEYEXUE ZAZHI 2023; 44:366-372. [PMID: 37550185 PMCID: PMC10440621 DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.issn.0253-2727.2023.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Objective: To investigate the effect of the AML1-ETO (AE) fusion gene on the biological function of U937 leukemia cells by establishing a leukemia cell model that induces AE fusion gene expression. Methods: The doxycycline (Dox) -dependent expression of the AE fusion gene in the U937 cell line (U937-AE) were established using a lentivirus vector system. The Cell Counting Kit 8 methods, including the PI and sidanilide induction, were used to detect cell proliferation, cell cycle-induced differentiation assays, respectively. The effect of the AE fusion gene on the biological function of U937-AE cells was preliminarily explored using transcriptome sequencing and metabonomic sequencing. Results: ①The Dox-dependent Tet-on regulatory system was successfully constructed to regulate the stable AE fusion gene expression in U937-AE cells. ②Cell proliferation slowed down and the cell proliferation rate with AE expression (3.47±0.07) was lower than AE non-expression (3.86 ± 0.05) after inducing the AE fusion gene expression for 24 h (P<0.05). The proportion of cells in the G(0)/G(1) phase in the cell cycle increased, with AE expression [ (63.45±3.10) %) ] was higher than AE non-expression [ (41.36± 9.56) %] (P<0.05). The proportion of cells expressing CD13 and CD14 decreased with the expression of AE. The AE negative group is significantly higher than the AE positive group (P<0.05). ③The enrichment analysis of the transcriptome sequencing gene set revealed significantly enriched quiescence, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells, interferon-α/γ, and other inflammatory response and immune regulation signals after AE expression. ④Disorder of fatty acid metabolism of U937-AE cells occurred under the influence of AE. The concentration of the medium and short-chain fatty acid acylcarnitine metabolites decreased in cells with AE expressing, propionyl L-carnitine, wherein those with AE expression (0.46±0.13) were lower than those with AE non-expression (1.00±0.27) (P<0.05). The metabolite concentration of some long-chain fatty acid acylcarnitine increased in cells with AE expressing tetradecanoyl carnitine, wherein those with AE expression (1.26±0.01) were higher than those with AE non-expression (1.00±0.05) (P<0.05) . Conclusion: This study successfully established a leukemia cell model that can induce AE expression. The AE expression blocked the cell cycle and inhibited cell differentiation. The gene sets related to the inflammatory reactions was significantly enriched in U937-AE cells that express AE, and fatty acid metabolism was disordered.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Q Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300020, China Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin 301600, China
| | - X Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300020, China Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin 301600, China
| | - R X Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300020, China Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin 301600, China
| | - Z Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300020, China Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin 301600, China
| | - H Y Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300020, China Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin 301600, China
| | - K J Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300020, China Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin 301600, China
| | - Q Rao
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300020, China Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin 301600, China
| | - S W Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300020, China Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin 301600, China
| | - M Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300020, China Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin 301600, China
| | - J X Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300020, China Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin 301600, China
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5
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Xu F, Wu L, Guo J, He Q, Zhang Z, Li X. Somatic mutations of activating signalling, transcription factor, and tumour suppressor are a precondition for leukaemia transformation in myelodysplastic syndromes. J Cell Mol Med 2022; 26:5901-5916. [DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Feng Xu
- Department of Hematology Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital Shanghai China
| | - Lin‐Yun Wu
- Department of Hematology Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital Shanghai China
| | - Juan Guo
- Department of Hematology Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital Shanghai China
| | - Qi He
- Department of Hematology Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital Shanghai China
| | - Zheng Zhang
- Department of Hematology Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital Shanghai China
| | - Xiao Li
- Department of Hematology Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital Shanghai China
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6
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Downregulation of Signal Regulatory Protein Alfa 1 in K562 Cells Results in the Aberrant Cell Growth in Low Serum Culture. J Mol Signal 2021. [DOI: 10.5334/1750-2187-15-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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7
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Rejeski K, Duque-Afonso J, Lübbert M. AML1/ETO and its function as a regulator of gene transcription via epigenetic mechanisms. Oncogene 2021; 40:5665-5676. [PMID: 34331016 PMCID: PMC8460439 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-01952-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The chromosomal translocation t(8;21) and the resulting oncofusion gene AML1/ETO have long served as a prototypical genetic lesion to model and understand leukemogenesis. In this review, we describe the wide-ranging role of AML1/ETO in AML leukemogenesis, with a particular focus on the aberrant epigenetic regulation of gene transcription driven by this AML-defining mutation. We begin by analyzing how structural changes secondary to distinct genomic breakpoints and splice changes, as well as posttranscriptional modifications, influence AML1/ETO protein function. Next, we characterize how AML1/ETO recruits chromatin-modifying enzymes to target genes and how the oncofusion protein alters chromatin marks, transcription factor binding, and gene expression. We explore the specific impact of these global changes in the epigenetic network facilitated by the AML1/ETO oncofusion on cellular processes and leukemic growth. Furthermore, we define the genetic landscape of AML1/ETO-positive AML, presenting the current literature concerning the incidence of cooperating mutations in genes such as KIT, FLT3, and NRAS. Finally, we outline how alterations in transcriptional regulation patterns create potential vulnerabilities that may be exploited by epigenetically active agents and other therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Rejeski
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital of the LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Freiburg Partner Site, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jesús Duque-Afonso
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Michael Lübbert
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany. .,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Freiburg Partner Site, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany. .,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
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8
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An update on the molecular pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targeting of AML with t(8;21)(q22;q22.1);RUNX1-RUNX1T1. Blood Adv 2021; 4:229-238. [PMID: 31935293 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2019000168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with t(8;21)(q22;q22.1);RUNX1-RUNX1T1, one of the core-binding factor leukemias, is one of the most common subtypes of AML with recurrent genetic abnormalities and is associated with a favorable outcome. The translocation leads to the formation of a pathological RUNX1-RUNX1T1 fusion that leads to the disruption of the normal function of the core-binding factor, namely, its role in hematopoietic differentiation and maturation. The consequences of this alteration include the recruitment of repressors of transcription, thus blocking the expression of genes involved in hematopoiesis, and impaired apoptosis. A number of concurrent and cooperating mutations clearly play a role in modulating the proliferative potential of cells, including mutations in KIT, FLT3, and possibly JAK2. RUNX1-RUNX1T1 also appears to interact with microRNAs during leukemogenesis. Epigenetic factors also play a role, especially with the recruitment of histone deacetylases. A better understanding of the concurrent mutations, activated pathways, and epigenetic modulation of the cellular processes paves the way for exploring a number of approaches to achieve cure. Potential approaches include the development of small molecules targeting the RUNX1-RUNX1T1 protein, the use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors such as dasatinib and FLT3 inhibitors to target mutations that lead to a proliferative advantage of the leukemic cells, and experimentation with epigenetic therapies. In this review, we unravel some of the recently described molecular pathways and explore potential therapeutic strategies.
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9
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Chen Z, Shao YL, Wang LL, Lin J, Zhang JB, Ding Y, Gao BB, Liu DH, Gao XN. YTHDF2 is a potential target of AML1/ETO-HIF1α loop-mediated cell proliferation in t(8;21) AML. Oncogene 2021; 40:3786-3798. [PMID: 33958724 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-01818-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The t(8;21) fusion product, AML1/ETO, and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF1α) form a feed-forward transcription loop that cooperatively transactivates the DNA methyltransferase 3a gene promoter that leads to DNA hypermethylation and drives leukemia cell growth. Suppression of the RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A)-reader enzyme YTH N6-methyladenosine RNA binding protein 2 (YTHDF2) specifically compromises cancer stem cells in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) but promotes hematopoietic stem cell expansion without derailing normal hematopoiesis. However, the relevance of expression between AML1/ETO-HIF1α loop and YTHDF2, and its functional relationship with t(8;21) AML have not been documented. Here, we show that YTHDF2 is highly expressed in t(8;21) AML patients and associated with a higher risk of relapse and inferior relapse-free survival. Knockdown of YTHDF2 in leukemia cells causes an impaired cell proliferation rate in vitro and in mice. Mechanistically, HIF1α is able to bind to the hypoxia-response elements of the 5'-untranslated region of the YTHDF2 gene and promotes the transactivity of the YTHDF2 promoter. Knockdown and overexpression of either AML1/ETO or HIF1α resulted in decreased and increased YTHDF2 protein and mRNA expression in t(8;21) AML cells. In particular, knockdown of YTHDF2 resulted in increased global mRNA m6A levels in t(8;21) AML cells, accompanied by increased TNF receptor superfamily member 1b (TNFRSF1b) mRNA and protein expression levels. Last, we demonstrated that the m6A methylation and expression levels of the TNFRSF1b gene were both negatively correlated with HIF1α expression levels. In conclusion, YTHDF2 is a downstream target of the AML1/ETO-HIF1α loop and promotes cell proliferation probably by modulating the global m6A methylation in t(8;21) AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ze Chen
- Department of Hematology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yang-Liu Shao
- Department of Hematology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Li-Li Wang
- Department of Hematology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ji Lin
- Department of Basic Medicine, Graduate School, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ji-Bin Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Ding
- Department of Hematology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Bin-Bin Gao
- Department of Hematology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Dai-Hong Liu
- Department of Hematology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.
| | - Xiao-Ning Gao
- Department of Hematology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.
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10
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Transcription Factor RBPJ as a Molecular Switch in Regulating the Notch Response. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1287:9-30. [PMID: 33034023 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-55031-8_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The Notch signal transduction cascade requires cell-to-cell contact and results in the proteolytic processing of the Notch receptor and subsequent assembly of a transcriptional coactivator complex containing the Notch intracellular domain (NICD) and transcription factor RBPJ. In the absence of a Notch signal, RBPJ remains at Notch target genes and dampens transcriptional output. Like in other signaling pathways, RBPJ is able to switch from activation to repression by associating with corepressor complexes containing several chromatin-modifying enzymes. Here, we focus on the recent advances concerning RBPJ-corepressor functions, especially in regard to chromatin regulation. We put this into the context of one of the best-studied model systems for Notch, blood cell development. Alterations in the RBPJ-corepressor functions can contribute to the development of leukemia, especially in the case of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The versatile role of transcription factor RBPJ in regulating pivotal target genes like c-MYC and HES1 may contribute to the better understanding of the development of leukemia.
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11
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Chin PS, Bonifer C. Modelling t(8;21) acute myeloid leukaemia - What have we learned? MedComm (Beijing) 2020; 1:260-269. [PMID: 34766123 PMCID: PMC8491201 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a heterogeneous haematopoietic malignancy caused by recurrent mutations in haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells that affect both the epigenetic regulatory machinery and signalling molecules. The t(8;21) or RUNX1‐RUNX1T1 translocation generates the RUNX1‐ETO chimeric transcription factor which primes haematopoietic stem cells for further oncogenic mutational events that in their sum cause overt disease. Significant progress has been made in generating both in vitro and in vivo model systems to recapitulate t(8;21) AML which are crucial for the understanding of the biology of the disease and the development of effective treatment. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the in vivo and in vitro model systems that were developed to gain insights into the molecular mechanisms of RUNX1‐ETO oncogenic activity and their contribution to the advancement of knowledge in the t(8;21) AML field. Such models include transgenic mice, patient‐derived xenografts, RUNX1‐ETO transduced human progenitor cells, cell lines and human embryonic stem cell model systems, making the t(8;21) as one of the well‐characterized sub‐type of AML at the molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulynn Suyin Chin
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences University of Birmingham Birmingham UK
| | - Constanze Bonifer
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences University of Birmingham Birmingham UK
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12
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Beghini A. Core Binding Factor Leukemia: Chromatin Remodeling Moves Towards Oncogenic Transcription. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:E1973. [PMID: 31817911 PMCID: PMC6966602 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11121973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML), the most common acute leukemia in adults, is a heterogeneous malignant clonal disorder arising from multipotent hematopoietic progenitor cells characterized by genetic and concerted epigenetic aberrations. Core binding factor-Leukemia (CBFL) is characterized by the recurrent reciprocal translocations t(8;21)(q22;q22) or inv(16)(p13;q22) that, expressing the distinctive RUNX1-RUNX1T1 (also known as Acute myeloid leukemia1-eight twenty-one, AML1-ETO or RUNX1/ETO) or CBFB-MYH11 (also known as CBFβ-ΣMMHX) translocation product respectively, disrupt the essential hematopoietic function of the CBF. In the past decade, remarkable progress has been achieved in understanding the structure, three-dimensional (3D) chromosomal topology, and disease-inducing genetic and epigenetic abnormalities of the fusion proteins that arise from disruption of the CBF subunit alpha and beta genes. Although CBFLs have a relatively good prognosis compared to other leukemia subtypes, 40-50% of patients still relapse, requiring intensive chemotherapy and allogenic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT). To provide a rationale for the CBFL-associated altered hematopoietic development, in this review, we summarize the current understanding on the various molecular mechanisms, including dysregulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling as an early event that triggers the translocations, playing a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of CBFL. Translation of these findings into the clinical setting is just beginning by improvement in risk stratification, MRD assessment, and development of targeted therapies.
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13
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Goldman SL, Hassan C, Khunte M, Soldatenko A, Jong Y, Afshinnekoo E, Mason CE. Epigenetic Modifications in Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Prognosis, Treatment, and Heterogeneity. Front Genet 2019; 10:133. [PMID: 30881380 PMCID: PMC6405641 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2018] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Leukemia, specifically acute myeloid leukemia (AML), is a common malignancy that can be differentiated into multiple subtypes based on leukemogenic history and etiology. Although genetic aberrations, particularly cytogenetic abnormalities and mutations in known oncogenes, play an integral role in AML development, epigenetic processes have been shown as a significant and sometimes independent dynamic in AML pathophysiology. Here, we summarize how tumors evolve and describe AML through an epigenetic lens, including discussions on recent discoveries that include prognostics from epialleles, changes in RNA function for hematopoietic stem cells and the epitranscriptome, and novel epigenetic treatment options. We further describe the limitations of treatment in the context of the high degree of heterogeneity that characterizes acute myeloid leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha L Goldman
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States.,The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States.,University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Ciaran Hassan
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States.,The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States.,Yale College, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Mihir Khunte
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States.,Yale College, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Arielle Soldatenko
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States.,Yale College, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Yunji Jong
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States.,Yale College, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Ebrahim Afshinnekoo
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States.,The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States.,The WorldQuant Initiative for Quantitative Prediction, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Christopher E Mason
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States.,The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States.,The WorldQuant Initiative for Quantitative Prediction, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States.,The Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
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14
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Chen G, Liu A, Xu Y, Gao L, Jiang M, Li Y, Lv N, Zhou L, Wang L, Yu L, Li Y. The RUNX1-ETO fusion protein trans-activates c-KIT expression by recruiting histone acetyltransferase P300 on its promoter. FEBS J 2019; 286:901-912. [PMID: 30637949 DOI: 10.1111/febs.14751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Revised: 12/02/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The oncoprotein RUNX1-ETO is the fusion product of t(8;21)(q22;q22) and constitutes one of the most common genetic alterations in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Abnormal c-KIT overexpression is considered an independent negative prognostic factor for relapse and survival in t(8;21) AML patients. However, the molecular mechanism of high c-KIT expression in t(8;21) AML remains unknown. In this study, we detected RUNX1-ETO and c-KIT gene expression in AML-M2 patients and verified the overexpression of c-KIT in t(8;21) AML patients. We also found that c-KIT overexpression was a poor prognostic indicator in RUNX1-ETO positive AML patients, but not in RUNX1-ETO negative AML patients. We used the dual-luciferase and ChIP assays to demonstrate that the RUNX1-ETO protein epigenetically trans-activates c-KIT by binding to the c-KIT promoter and recruiting the histone acetyltransferase P300 to the c-KIT promoter, elucidating the mechanism of the abnormally increased c-KIT expression in t(8;21) AML patients. Moreover, pharmacological studies revealed that C646, a P300 inhibitor, could inhibit proliferation, induce apoptosis and arrest the cell cycle more effectively in RUNX1-ETO positive cells than in negative ones. The levels of c-KIT and RUNX1-ETO proteins were also decreased with C646 treatment in RUNX1-ETO positive cells. These findings suggested that P300 could be a therapeutic target and that C646 could be used as a potential treatment for RUNX1-ETO positive AML patients. Interestingly, using the dual-luciferase assay, we also found that the binding capacity of RUNX1-ETO9a, a truncated RUNX1-ETO isoform, to the c-KIT promoter was stronger than that of RUNX1-ETO, suggesting RUNX1-ETO9a as another valuable therapeutic target in t(8;21) AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guofeng Chen
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Anqi Liu
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Beijing Electric Power Hospital, National Electric Net Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Yihan Xu
- Department of Hematology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Li Gao
- Department of Hematology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Mengmeng Jiang
- Department of Hematology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Hematology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.,Department of Hematology, Hainan Branch of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Sanya, China
| | - Na Lv
- Department of Hematology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.,Department of Hematology-Oncology, International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, China
| | - Lei Zhou
- Department of Hematology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.,Department of Hematology, No. 202 Hospital of PLA, Shenyang, China
| | - Lili Wang
- Department of Hematology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Li Yu
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Department of Hematology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.,Department of Hematology-Oncology, International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, China
| | - Yonghui Li
- Department of Hematology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.,Institute of Nephrology, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
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15
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Chen-Wichmann L, Shvartsman M, Preiss C, Hockings C, Windisch R, Redondo Monte E, Leubolt G, Spiekermann K, Lausen J, Brendel C, Grez M, Greif PA, Wichmann C. Compatibility of RUNX1/ETO fusion protein modules driving CD34+ human progenitor cell expansion. Oncogene 2018; 38:261-272. [PMID: 30093631 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-018-0441-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2017] [Revised: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Chromosomal translocations represent frequent events in leukemia. In t(8;21)+ acute myeloid leukemia, RUNX1 is fused to nearly the entire ETO protein, which contains four conserved nervy homology regions, NHR1-4. Furthermore RUNX1/ETO interacts with ETO-homologous proteins via NHR2, thereby multiplying NHR domain contacts. As shown recently, RUNX1/ETO retains oncogenic activity upon either deletion of the NHR3 + 4 N-CoR/SMRT interaction domain or substitution of the NHR2 tetramer domain. Thus, we aimed to clarify the specificities of the NHR domains. A C-terminally NHR3 + 4 truncated RUNX1/ETO containing a heterologous, structurally highly related non-NHR2 tetramer interface translocated into the nucleus and bound to RUNX1 consensus motifs. However, it failed to interact with ETO-homologues, repress RUNX1 targets, and transform progenitors. Surprisingly, transforming capacity was fully restored by C-terminal fusion with ETO's NHR4 zinc-finger or the repressor domain 3 of N-CoR, while other repression domains failed. With an inducible protein assembly system, we further demonstrated that NHR4 domain activity is critically required early in the establishment of progenitor cultures expressing the NHR2 exchanged truncated RUNX1/ETO. Together, we can show that NHR2 and NHR4 domains can be replaced by heterologous protein domains conferring tetramerization and repressor functions, thus showing that the NHR2 and NHR4 domain structures do not have irreplaceable functions concerning RUNX1/ETO activity for the establishment of human CD34+ cell expansion. We could resemble the function of RUNX1/ETO through modular recomposition with protein domains from RUNX1, ETO, BCR and N-CoR without any NHR2 and NHR4 sequences. As most transcriptional repressor proteins do not comprise tetramerization domains, our results provide a possible explanation as to the reason that RUNX1 is recurrently found translocated to ETO family members, which all contain tetramer together with transcriptional repressor moieties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linping Chen-Wichmann
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Cell Therapeutics and Hemostaseology, Ludwig-Maximilians University Hospital Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Marina Shvartsman
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Cell Therapeutics and Hemostaseology, Ludwig-Maximilians University Hospital Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Caro Preiss
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Cell Therapeutics and Hemostaseology, Ludwig-Maximilians University Hospital Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Colin Hockings
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Roland Windisch
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Cell Therapeutics and Hemostaseology, Ludwig-Maximilians University Hospital Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Enric Redondo Monte
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, Ludwig-Maximilians University Hospital Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Georg Leubolt
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, Ludwig-Maximilians University Hospital Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Karsten Spiekermann
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, Ludwig-Maximilians University Hospital Munich, Munich, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jörn Lausen
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Immunohematology, Johann-Wolfgang-Goethe University and German Red Cross Blood Service, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Christian Brendel
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Manuel Grez
- Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Georg-Speyer-Haus, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Philipp A Greif
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, Ludwig-Maximilians University Hospital Munich, Munich, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christian Wichmann
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Cell Therapeutics and Hemostaseology, Ludwig-Maximilians University Hospital Munich, Munich, Germany.
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16
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Hönes JM, Thivakaran A, Botezatu L, Patnana P, Castro SVDC, Al-Matary YS, Schütte J, Fischer KBI, Vassen L, Görgens A, Dührsen U, Giebel B, Khandanpour C. Enforced GFI1 expression impedes human and murine leukemic cell growth. Sci Rep 2017; 7:15720. [PMID: 29147018 PMCID: PMC5691148 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-15866-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2016] [Accepted: 11/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The differentiation of haematopoietic cells is regulated by a plethora of so-called transcription factors (TFs). Mutations in genes encoding TFs or graded reduction in their expression levels can induce the development of various malignant diseases such as acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). Growth Factor Independence 1 (GFI1) is a transcriptional repressor with key roles in haematopoiesis, including regulating self-renewal of haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) as well as myeloid and lymphoid differentiation. Analysis of AML patients and different AML mouse models with reduced GFI1 gene expression levels revealed a direct link between low GFI1 protein level and accelerated AML development and inferior prognosis. Here, we report that upregulated expression of GFI1 in several widely used leukemic cell lines inhibits their growth and decreases the ability to generate colonies in vitro. Similarly, elevated expression of GFI1 impedes the in vitro expansion of murine pre-leukemic cells. Using a humanized AML model, we demonstrate that upregulation of GFI1 expression leads to myeloid differentiation morphologically and immunophenotypically, increased level of apoptosis and reduction in number of cKit+ cells. These results suggest that increasing GFI1 level in leukemic cells with low GFI1 expression level could be a therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith M Hönes
- Department of Hematology, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.,Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Aniththa Thivakaran
- Department of Hematology, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Lacramioara Botezatu
- Department of Hematology, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Pradeep Patnana
- Department of Hematology, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Symone Vitoriano da Conceição Castro
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.,CAPES Foundation, Ministry of Education of Brazil, Brasilia, 70040-020, Brazil
| | - Yahya S Al-Matary
- Department of Hematology, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Judith Schütte
- Department of Hematology, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Karen B I Fischer
- Department of Hematology, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Lothar Vassen
- Department of Hematology, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - André Görgens
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ulrich Dührsen
- Department of Hematology, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Bernd Giebel
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Cyrus Khandanpour
- Department of Hematology, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
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17
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Distinct mechanisms of regulation of the ITGA6 and ITGB4 genes by RUNX1 in myeloid cells. J Cell Physiol 2017; 233:3439-3453. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.26197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2017] [Accepted: 09/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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18
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Thiel VN, Giaimo BD, Schwarz P, Soller K, Vas V, Bartkuhn M, Blätte TJ, Döhner K, Bullinger L, Borggrefe T, Geiger H, Oswald F. Heterodimerization of AML1/ETO with CBFβ is required for leukemogenesis but not for myeloproliferation. Leukemia 2017; 31:2491-2502. [PMID: 28360416 PMCID: PMC5668496 DOI: 10.1038/leu.2017.105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2016] [Revised: 02/18/2017] [Accepted: 03/13/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The AML1/Runx1 transcription factor and its heterodimerization partner CBFβ are essential regulators of myeloid differentiation. The chromosomal translocation t(8;21), fusing the DNA binding domain of AML1 to the corepressor eight-twenty-one (ETO), is frequently associated with acute myeloid leukemia and generates the AML1/ETO (AE) fusion protein. AE represses target genes usually activated by AML1 and also affects the endogenous repressive function of ETO at Notch target genes. In order to analyze the contribution of CBFβ in AE-mediated leukemogenesis and deregulation of Notch target genes, we introduced two point mutations in a leukemia-initiating version of AE in mice, called AE9a, that disrupt the AML1/CBFβ interaction (AE9aNT). We report that the AE9a/CBFβ interaction is not required for the AE9a-mediated aberrant expression of AML1 target genes, while upregulation/derepression of Notch target genes does require the interaction with CBFβ. Using retroviral transduction to express AE9a in murine adult bone marrow-derived hematopoietic progenitors, we observed that both AE9a and AE9aNT lead to increased myeloproliferation in vivo. However, both development of leukemia and long-term replating capacity are only observed with AE9a but not with AE9aNT. Thus, deregulation of both AML1 and Notch target genes is required for the development of AE9a-driven leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- V N Thiel
- University Medical Center Ulm, Center for Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine I, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - B D Giaimo
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - P Schwarz
- University Medical Center Ulm, Center for Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine I, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - K Soller
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - V Vas
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - M Bartkuhn
- Institute for Genetics, University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - T J Blätte
- University Medical Center Ulm, Center for Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine III, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - K Döhner
- University Medical Center Ulm, Center for Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine III, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - L Bullinger
- University Medical Center Ulm, Center for Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine III, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - T Borggrefe
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - H Geiger
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, CCHMC, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - F Oswald
- University Medical Center Ulm, Center for Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine I, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
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19
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Liu H, Xu Y, Zhang Q, Yang H, Shi W, Liu Z, Li K, Gong Z, Ning S, Li S, Chen Y. Prognostic significance of TBL1XR1 in predicting liver metastasis for early stage colorectal cancer. Surg Oncol 2017; 26:13-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.suronc.2016.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2016] [Revised: 10/14/2016] [Accepted: 12/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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20
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Gong D, Li W, Hu LD, Shen JL, Fang MY, Yang QM, Wang HX, Ke XY, Chen HR, Wang Z, Liu H, Liu F, Ma YG, Wang JW, Li HH, Wang QS, Jing Y, Gao XN, Dou LP, Li YH, Luo JM, Yu L. Comparison of Clinical Efficacy of Cytarabine with Different Regimens in Postremission Consolidation Therapy for Adult t(8;21) AML Patients: A Multicenter Retrospective Study in China. Acta Haematol 2016; 136:201-209. [PMID: 27640088 DOI: 10.1159/000448209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2016] [Accepted: 07/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The survival of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with t(8;21) was reported to be shorter in China than in other countries. PATIENTS We analyzed the correlation between different cytarabine (Ara-c) regimens and outcome in 255 t(8;21) AML patients in China who received postremission consolidation chemotherapy only. RESULTS The 5-year overall survival (OS) of the high-dose Ara-c group (HDAC; 2≤ Ara-c ≤3 g/m2), intermediate-dose Ara-c group (MDAC; 1.0≤ Ara-c <2.0 g/m2), low-dose Ara-c group (LDAC; 0.2< Ara-c <1.0 g/m2) and standard-dose Ara-c group (SDAC; 0.1≤ Ara-c ≤0.2 g/m2) were 65.3, 39.4, 25.2 and 27.9%, respectively (p = 0.003). In the HDAC group, but not in the MDAC group, the 5-year OS of patients who achieved 3-4 cycles of chemotherapy was superior to those who underwent 1-2 cycles (84.4 vs. 43.6%, p < 0.05), and the 3-year OS of patients who achieved an accumulated 36 g/m2 of Ara-c was significantly higher compared to those who did not (85.3 vs. 39.2%, p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis indicated that factors such as WBC >3.5 × 109/l, PLT ≤30 × 109/l, and extramedullary infiltration were associated with a poor prognosis. CONCLUSION The survival of t(8;21) AML patients treated with high-dose Ara-c (≥2 g/m2) was superior to other dose levels in postremission consolidation chemotherapy. Patient survival was improved by 3-4 cycles of chemotherapy with an accumulated concentration of 36 g/m2 of Ara-c. WBC >3.5 × 109/l, PLT ≤30 × 109/l and extramedullary infiltration could be indicative of a poor clinical prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Gong
- Department of Hematology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
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21
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New insights into transcriptional and leukemogenic mechanisms of AML1-ETO and E2A fusion proteins. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 11:285-304. [PMID: 28261265 DOI: 10.1007/s11515-016-1415-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nearly 15% of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cases are caused by aberrant expression of AML1-ETO, a fusion protein generated by the t(8;21) chromosomal translocation. Since its discovery, AML1-ETO has served as a prototype to understand how leukemia fusion proteins deregulate transcription to promote leukemogenesis. Another leukemia fusion protein, E2A-Pbx1, generated by the t(1;19) translocation, is involved in acute lymphoblastic leukemias (ALLs). While AML1-ETO and E2A-Pbx1 are structurally unrelated fusion proteins, we have recently shown that a common axis, the ETO/E-protein interaction, is involved in the regulation of both fusion proteins, underscoring the importance of studying protein-protein interactions in elucidating the mechanisms of leukemia fusion proteins. OBJECTIVE In this review, we aim to summarize these new developments while also providing a historic overview of the related early studies. METHODS A total of 218 publications were reviewed in this article, a majority of which were published after 2004.We also downloaded 3D structures of AML1-ETO domains from Protein Data Bank and provided a systematic summary of their structures. RESULTS By reviewing the literature, we summarized early and recent findings on AML1-ETO, including its protein-protein interactions, transcriptional and leukemogenic mechanisms, as well as the recently reported involvement of ETO family corepressors in regulating the function of E2A-Pbx1. CONCLUSION While the recent development in genomic and structural studies has clearly demonstrated that the fusion proteins function by directly regulating transcription, a further understanding of the underlying mechanisms, including crosstalk with other transcription factors and cofactors, and the protein-protein interactions in the context of native proteins, may be necessary for the development of highly targeted drugs for leukemia therapy.
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22
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Supraphysiologic levels of the AML1-ETO isoform AE9a are essential for transformation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2016; 113:9075-80. [PMID: 27457952 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1524225113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromosomal translocation 8;21 is found in 40% of the FAB M2 subtype of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The resultant in-frame fusion protein AML1-ETO (AE) acts as an initiating oncogene for leukemia development. AE immortalizes human CD34(+) cord blood cells in long-term culture. We assessed the transforming properties of the alternatively spliced AE isoform AE9a (or alternative splicing at exon 9), which is fully transforming in a murine retroviral model, in human cord blood cells. Full activity was realized only upon increased fusion protein expression. This effect was recapitulated in the AE9a murine AML model. Cotransduction of AE and AE9a resulted in a strong selective pressure for AE-expressing cells. In the context of AE, AE9a did not show selection for increased expression, affirming observations of human t(8;21) patient samples where full-length AE is the dominant protein detected. Mechanistically, AE9a showed defective transcriptional regulation of AE target genes that was partially corrected at high expression. Together, these results bring an additional perspective to our understanding of AE function and highlight the contribution of oncogene expression level in t(8;21) experimental models.
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23
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Shin TH, Brynczka C, Dayyani F, Rivera MN, Sweetser DA. TLE4 regulation of wnt-mediated inflammation underlies its role as a tumor suppressor in myeloid leukemia. Leuk Res 2016; 48:46-56. [PMID: 27486062 DOI: 10.1016/j.leukres.2016.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2016] [Revised: 06/07/2016] [Accepted: 07/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The presence of AML1-ETO (RUNX1-CBF2T1), a fusion oncoprotein resulting from a t(8;21) chromosomal translocation, has been implicated as a necessary but insufficient event in the development of a subset of acute myeloid leukemias (AML). While AML1-ETO prolongs survival and inhibits differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSC), other contributory events are needed for cell proliferation and leukemogenesis. We have postulated that specific tumor suppressor genes keep the leukemic potential of AML1-ETO in check. In studying del(9q), one of the most common concomitant chromosomal abnormalities with t(8;21), we identified the loss of an apparent tumor suppressor, TLE4, that appears to cooperate with AML1-ETO to confer a leukemic phenotype. This study sought to identify the molecular basis of this cooperation. We show that the loss of TLE4 confers proliferative advantage to leukemic cells, simultaneous with an upregulation of a pro- inflammatory signature mediated through aberrant increases in Wnt signaling activity. We further demonstrate that inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX) activity partly reverses the pro-leukemic phenotype due to TLE4 knockdown, pointing towards a novel therapeutic approach for myeloid leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas H Shin
- Department of Pediatrics, Divisions of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Medical Genetics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, United States; Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, United States
| | - Christopher Brynczka
- Department of Pediatrics, Divisions of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Medical Genetics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, United States
| | - Farshid Dayyani
- Department of Pediatrics, Divisions of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Medical Genetics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, United States
| | - Miguel N Rivera
- Department of Pathology, Molecular Pathology Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129, United States
| | - David A Sweetser
- Department of Pediatrics, Divisions of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Medical Genetics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, United States.
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Kohrs N, Kolodziej S, Kuvardina ON, Herglotz J, Yillah J, Herkt S, Piechatzek A, Salinas Riester G, Lingner T, Wichmann C, Bonig H, Seifried E, Platzbecker U, Medyouf H, Grez M, Lausen J. MiR144/451 Expression Is Repressed by RUNX1 During Megakaryopoiesis and Disturbed by RUNX1/ETO. PLoS Genet 2016; 12:e1005946. [PMID: 26990877 PMCID: PMC4798443 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1005946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2015] [Accepted: 03/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
A network of lineage-specific transcription factors and microRNAs tightly regulates differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells along the distinct lineages. Deregulation of this regulatory network contributes to impaired lineage fidelity and leukemogenesis. We found that the hematopoietic master regulator RUNX1 controls the expression of certain microRNAs, of importance during erythroid/megakaryocytic differentiation. In particular, we show that the erythorid miR144/451 cluster is epigenetically repressed by RUNX1 during megakaryopoiesis. Furthermore, the leukemogenic RUNX1/ETO fusion protein transcriptionally represses the miR144/451 pre-microRNA. Thus RUNX1/ETO contributes to increased expression of miR451 target genes and interferes with normal gene expression during differentiation. Furthermore, we observed that inhibition of RUNX1/ETO in Kasumi1 cells and in RUNX1/ETO positive primary acute myeloid leukemia patient samples leads to up-regulation of miR144/451. RUNX1 thus emerges as a key regulator of a microRNA network, driving differentiation at the megakaryocytic/erythroid branching point. The network is disturbed by the leukemogenic RUNX1/ETO fusion product.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Kohrs
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumorbiology and Experimental Therapy, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Stephan Kolodziej
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumorbiology and Experimental Therapy, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Olga N. Kuvardina
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumorbiology and Experimental Therapy, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Julia Herglotz
- Heinrich-Pette-Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jasmin Yillah
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumorbiology and Experimental Therapy, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Stefanie Herkt
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumorbiology and Experimental Therapy, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Alexander Piechatzek
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumorbiology and Experimental Therapy, Frankfurt, Germany
| | | | - Thomas Lingner
- Medical-University Goettingen, Transcriptome Analysis Laboratory, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Christian Wichmann
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Cell Therapeutics and Hemostaseology, Ludwig-Maximilian University Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Halvard Bonig
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Immunohematology, Johann-Wolfgang-Goethe University and German Red Cross Blood Service, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Erhard Seifried
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Immunohematology, Johann-Wolfgang-Goethe University and German Red Cross Blood Service, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Uwe Platzbecker
- Department of Hematology, Medical Clinic and Polyclinic I, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden, Germany
| | - Hind Medyouf
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumorbiology and Experimental Therapy, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Manuel Grez
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumorbiology and Experimental Therapy, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Jörn Lausen
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumorbiology and Experimental Therapy, Frankfurt, Germany
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Immunohematology, Johann-Wolfgang-Goethe University and German Red Cross Blood Service, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- * E-mail:
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25
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Chen M, Zhu N, Liu X, Laurent B, Tang Z, Eng R, Shi Y, Armstrong SA, Roeder RG. JMJD1C is required for the survival of acute myeloid leukemia by functioning as a coactivator for key transcription factors. Genes Dev 2016; 29:2123-39. [PMID: 26494788 PMCID: PMC4617977 DOI: 10.1101/gad.267278.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
RUNX1-RUNX1T1 (formerly AML1-ETO), a transcription factor generated by the t(8;21) translocation in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), dictates a leukemic program by increasing self-renewal and inhibiting differentiation. Here we demonstrate that the histone demethylase JMJD1C functions as a coactivator for RUNX1-RUNX1T1 and is required for its transcriptional program. JMJD1C is directly recruited by RUNX1-RUNX1T1 to its target genes and regulates their expression by maintaining low H3K9 dimethyl (H3K9me2) levels. Analyses in JMJD1C knockout mice also establish a JMJD1C requirement for RUNX1-RUNX1T1's ability to increase proliferation. We also show a critical role for JMJD1C in the survival of multiple human AML cell lines, suggesting that it is required for leukemic programs in different AML cell types through its association with key transcription factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mo Chen
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | - Nan Zhu
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | - Xiaochuan Liu
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry, and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey 07103, USA
| | - Benoit Laurent
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Epigenetics Program, Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA; Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Zhanyun Tang
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | - Rowena Eng
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | - Yang Shi
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Epigenetics Program, Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA; Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Scott A Armstrong
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | - Robert G Roeder
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York 10065, USA
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26
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Mouse models for core binding factor leukemia. Leukemia 2015; 29:1970-80. [PMID: 26165235 DOI: 10.1038/leu.2015.181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2014] [Revised: 06/03/2015] [Accepted: 06/18/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
RUNX1 and CBFB are among the most frequently mutated genes in human leukemias. Genetic alterations such as chromosomal translocations, copy number variations and point mutations have been widely reported to result in the malfunction of RUNX transcription factors. Leukemias arising from such alterations in RUNX family genes are collectively termed core binding factor (CBF) leukemias. Although adult CBF leukemias generally are considered a favorable risk group as compared with other forms of acute myeloid leukemia, the 5-year survival rate remains low. An improved understanding of the molecular mechanism for CBF leukemia is imperative to uncover novel treatment options. Over the years, retroviral transduction-transplantation assays and transgenic, knockin and knockout mouse models alone or in combination with mutagenesis have been used to study the roles of RUNX alterations in leukemogenesis. Although successful in inducing leukemia, the existing assays and models possess many inherent limitations. A CBF leukemia model which induces leukemia with complete penetrance and short latency would be ideal as a platform for drug discovery. Here, we summarize the currently available mouse models which have been utilized to study CBF leukemias, discuss the advantages and limitations of individual experimental systems, and propose suggestions for improvements of mouse models.
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27
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STAT activation status differentiates leukemogenic from non-leukemogenic stem cells in AML and is suppressed by arsenic in t(6;9)-positive AML. Genes Cancer 2015; 5:378-92. [PMID: 25568664 PMCID: PMC4279436 DOI: 10.18632/genesandcancer.39] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2014] [Accepted: 10/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is characterized by an aberrant self-renewal of hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) and a block in differentiation. The major therapeutic challenge is the characterization of the leukemic stem cell as a target for the eradication of the disease. Until now the biology of AML-associated fusion proteins (AAFPs), such as the t(15;17)-PML/RARα, t(8;21)-RUNX1/RUNX1T1 and t(6;9)-DEK/NUP214, all able to induce AML in mice, was investigated in different models and genetic backgrounds, not directly comparable to each other. To avoid the bias of different techniques and models we expressed these three AML-inducing oncogenes in an identical genetic background and compared their influence on the HSC compartment in vitro and in vivo. These AAFPs exerted differential effects on HSCs and PML/RARα, similar to DEK/NUP214, induced a leukemic phenotype from a small subpopulation of HSCs with a surface marker pattern of long-term HSC and characterized by activated STAT3 and 5. In contrast the established AML occurred from mature populations in the bone marrow. The activation of STAT5 by PML/RARα and DEK/NUP214 was confirmed in t(15;17)(PML/RARα) and t(6;9)(DEK/NUP214)-positive patients as compared to normal CD34+ cells. The activation of STAT5 was reduced upon the exposure to Arsenic which was accompanied by apoptosis in both PML/RARα- and DEK/NUP214-positive leukemic cells. These findings indicate that in AML the activation of STATs plays a decisive role in the biology of the leukemic stem cell. Furthermore we establish exposure to arsenic as a novel concept for the treatment of this high risk t(6;9)-positive AML.
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28
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Wong MM, Guo C, Zhang J. Nuclear receptor corepressor complexes in cancer: mechanism, function and regulation. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL UROLOGY 2014; 2:169-187. [PMID: 25374920 PMCID: PMC4219314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2014] [Accepted: 10/01/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Nuclear receptor corepressor (NCoR) and silencing mediator for retinoid and thyroid hormone receptors (SMRT) function as corepressors for diverse transcription factors including nuclear receptors such as estrogen receptors and androgen receptors. Deregulated functions of NCoR and SMRT have been observed in many types of cancers and leukemias. NCoR and SMRT directly bind to transcription factors and nucleate the formation of stable complexes that include histone deacetylase 3, transducin b-like protein 1/TBL1-related protein 1, and G-protein pathway suppressor 2. These NCoR/SMRT-interacting proteins also show deregulated functions in cancers. In this review, we summarize the literature on the mechanism, regulation, and function of the core components of NCoR/SMRT complexes in the context of their involvement in cancers and leukemias. While the current studies support the view that the corepressors are promising targets for cancer treatment, elucidation of the mechanisms of corepressors involved in individual types of cancers is likely required for effective therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeline M Wong
- Department of Pharmacological & Physiological Science, Saint Louis University School of Medicine St. Louis, Missouri 63104
| | - Chun Guo
- Department of Pharmacological & Physiological Science, Saint Louis University School of Medicine St. Louis, Missouri 63104
| | - Jinsong Zhang
- Department of Pharmacological & Physiological Science, Saint Louis University School of Medicine St. Louis, Missouri 63104
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29
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Milanovich S, Peterson J, Allred J, Stelloh C, Rajasekaran K, Fisher J, Duncan SA, Malarkannan S, Rao S. Sall4 overexpression blocks murine hematopoiesis in a dose-dependent manner. Exp Hematol 2014; 43:53-64.e1-8. [PMID: 25246269 DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2014.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2014] [Revised: 09/10/2014] [Accepted: 09/12/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Sal-like protein 4 (SALL4) is a transcription factor that exists in two splice isoforms, SALL4a and SALL4b, and regulates transcription in embryonic stem cells, hematopoiesis, and acute myeloid leukemia. Constitutive overexpression of SALL4 in mice induces acute myeloid leukemia. Interestingly, a potential benefit of using SALL4 to facilitate ex vivo hematopoietic stem cell expansion has been proposed. However, distinct roles for how SALL4 contributes to normal versus malignant processes remain undefined. Here we show that SALL4b is the predominant isoform in murine hematopoietic stem cells and progenitors. Overexpression of either SALL4 isoform in hematopoietic stem cells or progenitors impairs hematopoietic colony formation and expansion in vitro. Lineage-negative bone marrow overexpressing SALL4b fails to engraft and reconstitute hematopoiesis when transplanted. We found that both SALL4a and SALL4b overexpression impair hematopoiesis, in part through dose-dependent repression of BMI1. Additionally, we have identified the following potential novel SALL4 target genes in hematopoiesis: ARID5B (SALL4a and SALL4b), EZH2, and KLF2 (SALL4a). Lastly, we found that SALL4 expression is variable in acute myeloid leukemia, ranging from no expression to levels comparable to embryonic stem cells. These results show that SALL4 isoforms contribute to only a subset of acute myeloid leukemia and that overexpression of SALL4 isoforms impairs hematopoiesis through repression of BMI1. Together these data demonstrate the sensitivity of hematopoiesis to appropriately balanced SALL4 expression, highlighting the importance of regulating this dynamic in potential therapeutic applications such as ex vivo stem cell expansion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Milanovich
- Sanford Children's Health and Cancer Biology Research Centers, Sioux Falls, SD, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine, Sioux Falls, SD, USA.
| | - Jonathan Peterson
- Blood Research Institute, BloodCenter of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | | | - Cary Stelloh
- Blood Research Institute, BloodCenter of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | | | - Joseph Fisher
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Stephen A Duncan
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | | | - Sridhar Rao
- Blood Research Institute, BloodCenter of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA; Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA; Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and Blood and Marrow Transplant, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
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30
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Ponnusamy K, Chen-Wichmann L, Kuvardina ON, Lausen J, Henschler R, Wichmann C. The truncated RUNX1/ETO activates VLA-4-dependent adhesion and migration of hematopoietic progenitor cells. Haematologica 2014; 99:e253-6. [PMID: 25107889 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2014.106088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kanagaraju Ponnusamy
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Cell Therapeutics and Hemostaseology, Ludwig-Maximilian University Hospital, Munich; Institute of Transfusion Medicine and Immunohematology, Goethe University, Frankfurt; and
| | - Linping Chen-Wichmann
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Cell Therapeutics and Hemostaseology, Ludwig-Maximilian University Hospital, Munich; Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Georg-Speyer-Haus, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Olga N Kuvardina
- Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Georg-Speyer-Haus, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Jörn Lausen
- Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Georg-Speyer-Haus, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Reinhard Henschler
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Cell Therapeutics and Hemostaseology, Ludwig-Maximilian University Hospital, Munich; Institute of Transfusion Medicine and Immunohematology, Goethe University, Frankfurt; and
| | - Christian Wichmann
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Cell Therapeutics and Hemostaseology, Ludwig-Maximilian University Hospital, Munich; Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Georg-Speyer-Haus, Frankfurt, Germany
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31
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Activating c-KIT mutations confer oncogenic cooperativity and rescue RUNX1/ETO-induced DNA damage and apoptosis in human primary CD34+ hematopoietic progenitors. Leukemia 2014; 29:279-89. [PMID: 24897507 PMCID: PMC4320295 DOI: 10.1038/leu.2014.179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2014] [Revised: 05/08/2014] [Accepted: 06/02/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The RUNX1/ETO (RE) fusion protein, which originates from the t(8;21) chromosomal rearrangement, is one of the most frequent translocation products found in de novo acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In RE leukemias, activated forms of the c-KIT tyrosine kinase receptor are frequently found, thereby suggesting oncogenic cooperativity between these oncoproteins in the development and maintenance of t(8;21) malignancies. In this report, we show that activated c-KIT cooperates with a C-terminal truncated variant of RE, REtr, to expand human CD34+ hematopoietic progenitors ex vivo. CD34+ cells expressing both oncogenes resemble the AML-M2 myeloblastic cell phenotype, in contrast to REtr-expressing cells which largely undergo granulocytic differentiation. Oncogenic c-KIT amplifies REtr-depended clonogenic growth and protects cells from exhaustion. Activated c-KIT reverts REtr-induced DNA damage and apoptosis. In the presence of activated c-KIT, REtr-downregulated DNA-repair genes are re-expressed leading to an enhancement of DNA-repair efficiency via homologous recombination. Together, our results provide new mechanistic insight into REtr and c-KIT oncogenic cooperativity and suggest that augmented DNA repair accounts for the increased chemoresistance observed in t(8;21)-positive AML patients with activated c-KIT mutations. This cell-protective mechanism might represent a new therapeutic target, as REtr cells with activated c-KIT are highly sensitive to pharmacological inhibitors of DNA repair.
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32
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Kar A, Gutierrez-Hartmann A. Molecular mechanisms of ETS transcription factor-mediated tumorigenesis. Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol 2013; 48:522-43. [PMID: 24066765 DOI: 10.3109/10409238.2013.838202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The E26 transformation-specific (ETS) family of transcription factors is critical for development, differentiation, proliferation and also has a role in apoptosis and tissue remodeling. Changes in expression of ETS proteins therefore have a significant impact on normal physiology of the cell. Transcriptional consequences of ETS protein deregulation by overexpression, gene fusion, and modulation by RAS/MAPK signaling are linked to alterations in normal cell functions, and lead to unlimited increased proliferation, sustained angiogenesis, invasion and metastasis. Existing data show that ETS proteins control pathways in epithelial cells as well as stromal compartments, and the crosstalk between the two is essential for normal development and cancer. In this review, we have focused on ETS factors with a known contribution in cancer development. Instead of focusing on a prototype, we address cancer associated ETS proteins and have highlighted the diverse mechanisms by which they affect carcinogenesis. Finally, we discuss strategies for ETS factor targeting as a potential means for cancer therapeutics.
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33
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Gow CH, Guo C, Wang D, Hu Q, Zhang J. Differential involvement of E2A-corepressor interactions in distinct leukemogenic pathways. Nucleic Acids Res 2013; 42:137-52. [PMID: 24064250 PMCID: PMC3874172 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkt855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
E2A is a member of the E-protein family of transcription factors. Previous studies have reported context-dependent regulation of E2A-dependent transcription. For example, whereas the E2A portion of the E2A-Pbx1 leukemia fusion protein mediates robust transcriptional activation in t(1;19) acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the transcriptional activity of wild-type E2A is silenced by high levels of corepressors, such as the AML1-ETO fusion protein in t(8;21) acute myeloid leukemia and ETO-2 in hematopoietic cells. Here, we show that, unlike the HEB E-protein, the activation domain 1 (AD1) of E2A has specifically reduced corepressor interaction due to E2A-specific amino acid changes in the p300/CBP and ETO target motif. Replacing E2A-AD1 with HEB-AD1 abolished the ability of E2A-Pbx1 to activate target genes and to induce cell transformation. On the other hand, the weak E2A-AD1-corepressor interaction imposes a critical importance on another ETO-interacting domain, downstream ETO-interacting sequence (DES), for corepressor-mediated repression. Deletion of DES abrogates silencing of E2A activity by AML1-ETO in t(8;21) leukemia cells or by ETO-2 in normal hematopoietic cells. Our results reveal an E2A-specific mechanism important for its context-dependent activation and repression function, and provide the first evidence for the differential involvement of E2A-corepressor interactions in distinct leukemogenic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Hung Gow
- Department of Cancer Biology, Vontz Center for Molecular Studies, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0521, USA
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34
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Ben-Ami O, Friedman D, Leshkowitz D, Goldenberg D, Orlovsky K, Pencovich N, Lotem J, Tanay A, Groner Y. Addiction of t(8;21) and inv(16) acute myeloid leukemia to native RUNX1. Cell Rep 2013; 4:1131-43. [PMID: 24055056 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2013.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2013] [Revised: 07/03/2013] [Accepted: 08/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The t(8;21) and inv(16) chromosomal aberrations generate the oncoproteins AML1-ETO (A-E) and CBFβ-SMMHC (C-S). The role of these oncoproteins in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) etiology has been well studied. Conversely, the function of native RUNX1 in promoting A-E- and C-S-mediated leukemias has remained elusive. We show that wild-type RUNX1 is required for the survival of t(8;21)-Kasumi-1 and inv(16)-ME-1 leukemic cells. RUNX1 knockdown in Kasumi-1 cells (Kasumi-1(RX1-KD)) attenuates the cell-cycle mitotic checkpoint, leading to apoptosis, whereas knockdown of A-E in Kasumi-1(RX1-KD) rescues these cells. Mechanistically, a delicate RUNX1/A-E balance involving competition for common genomic sites that regulate RUNX1/A-E targets sustains the malignant cell phenotype. The broad medical significance of this leukemic cell addiction to native RUNX1 is underscored by clinical data showing that an active RUNX1 allele is usually preserved in both t(8;21) or inv(16) AML patients, whereas RUNX1 is frequently inactivated in other forms of leukemia. Thus, RUNX1 and its mitotic control targets are potential candidates for new therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oren Ben-Ami
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, 76100 Rehovot, Israel
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35
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JAK inhibitors suppress t(8;21) fusion protein-induced leukemia. Leukemia 2013; 27:2272-9. [PMID: 23812420 PMCID: PMC3987672 DOI: 10.1038/leu.2013.197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2013] [Revised: 06/14/2013] [Accepted: 06/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Oncogenic mutations in components of the JAK/STAT pathway, including those in cytokine receptors and JAKs, lead to increased activity of downstream signaling and are frequently found in leukemia and other hematological disorders. Thus, small-molecule inhibitors of this pathway have been the focus of targeted therapy in these hematological diseases. We previously showed that t(8;21) fusion protein AML1-ETO and its alternatively spliced variant AML1-ETO9a (AE9a) enhance the JAK/STAT pathway via down-regulation of CD45, a negative regulator of this pathway. To investigate the therapeutic potential of targeting JAK/STAT in t(8;21) leukemia, we examined the effects of a JAK2-selective inhibitor TG101209 and a JAK1/2-selective inhibitor INCB18424 on t(8;21) leukemia cells. TG101209 and INCB18424 inhibited proliferation and promoted apoptosis of these cells. Furthermore, TG101209 treatment in AE9a leukemia mice reduced tumor burden and significantly prolonged survival. TG101209 also significantly impaired the leukemia-initiating potential of AE9a leukemia cells in secondary recipient mice. These results demonstrate the potential therapeutic efficacy of JAK inhibitors in treating t(8;21) AML.
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36
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A role for RUNX1 in hematopoiesis and myeloid leukemia. Int J Hematol 2013; 97:726-34. [PMID: 23613270 DOI: 10.1007/s12185-013-1347-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2012] [Revised: 04/15/2013] [Accepted: 04/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Since its discovery from a translocation in leukemias, the runt-related transcription factor 1/acute myelogenous leukemia-1 (RUNX1/AML1), which is widely expressed in hematopoietic cells, has been extensively studied. Many lines of evidence have shown that RUNX1 plays a critical role in regulating the development and precise maintenance of mammalian hematopoiesis. Studies using knockout mice have shown the importance of RUNX1 in a wide variety of hematopoietic cells, including hematopoietic stem cells and megakaryocytes. Recently, target molecular processes of RUNX1 in normal and malignant hematopoiesis have been revealed. Although RUNX1 is not required for the maintenance of hematopoietic stem cells, it is required for the homeostasis of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, and expansion of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells due to RUNX1 deletion may be an important cause of human leukemias. Molecular abnormalities cooperating with loss of RUNX1 have also been identified. These findings may lead to a further understanding of human leukemias, and suggest novel molecular targeted therapies in the near future.
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37
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Attenuation of AML1-ETO cellular dysregulation correlates with increased leukemogenic potential. Blood 2013; 121:3714-7. [PMID: 23426948 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2012-11-465641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
AML1-ETO (RUNX1-ETO) fusion proteins are generated by the 8;21 translocation, commonly found in acute myeloid leukemia, which fuses the AML1 (RUNX1) and ETO (MTG8, RUNX1T1) genes. Previous studies have shown that AML1-ETO interferes with AML1 function but requires additional cooperating mutations to induce leukemia development. In mouse models, AML1-ETO forms lacking the C-terminus have been shown to have greatly enhanced leukemogenic potential. Here, we investigate the role of 2 AML1-ETO C-terminal-interacting proteins, N-CoR, a transcriptional corepressor, and SON, a splicing/transcription factor required for cell cycle progression, in AML1-ETO-induced leukemia development. AML1-ETO-W692A loses N-CoR binding at NHR4, displays attenuated transcriptional repression ability and decreased cellular dysregulation, and promotes leukemia in vivo. These results support the importance of the degree of dysregulation by AML1-ETO in cellular transformation and demonstrate that AML1-ETO-W692A can be used as an effective experimental model for determining which factors compromise the leukemogenic potential of AML1-ETO.
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38
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Chee LCY, Hendy J, Purton LE, McArthur GA. ATRA and the specific RARα agonist, NRX195183, have opposing effects on the clonogenicity of pre-leukemic murine AML1-ETO bone marrow cells. Leukemia 2012; 27:1369-80. [PMID: 23228968 DOI: 10.1038/leu.2012.362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) is used successfully in the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). ATRA enhances hematopoietic stem cell self-renewal through retinoic acid receptor (RAR)γ activation while promoting differentiation of committed myeloid progenitors through RARα activation. Its lack of success in the treatment of non-APL acute myeloid leukemia (AML) may be related to ATRA's non-selectivity for the RARα and RARγ isotypes, and specific RARα activation may be more beneficial in promoting myeloid differentiation. To investigate this hypothesis, the effects of ATRA and the specific RARα agonist NRX195183 was assessed in AML1-ETO (AE)-expressing murine bone marrow (BM) progenitors. ATRA potentiated the in vitro clonogenicity of these cells while NRX195183 had the opposite effect. Morphological and flow cytometric analysis confirmed a predominantly immature myeloid population in the ATRA-treated AE cells while the NRX195183-treated cells demonstrated an increase in the mature myeloid population. Similarly, NRX195183 treatment promoted myeloid differentiation in an AE9a in vivo murine model. In the ATRA-treated AE cells, gene expression analyses revealed functional networks involving SERPINE1 and bone morphogenetic protein 2; AKT phosphorylation was upregulated. Collectively, these findings confirm the contrasting roles of specific RARα and RARγ activation in the clonogenicity and differentiation of AE cells with potential significant implications in the treatment of non-APL AML using a specific RARα agonist.
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Affiliation(s)
- L C Y Chee
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Research Division, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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39
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The zebrafish as a tool in leukemia research. Leuk Res 2012; 36:1082-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.leukres.2012.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2011] [Revised: 05/14/2012] [Accepted: 06/06/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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40
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Schnerch D, Yalcintepe J, Schmidts A, Becker H, Follo M, Engelhardt M, Wäsch R. Cell cycle control in acute myeloid leukemia. Am J Cancer Res 2012; 2:508-528. [PMID: 22957304 PMCID: PMC3433102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2012] [Accepted: 07/27/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the result of a multistep transforming process of hematopoietic precursor cells (HPCs) which enables them to proceed through limitless numbers of cell cycles and to become resistant to cell death. Increased proliferation renders these cells vulnerable to acquiring mutations and may favor leukemic transformation. Here, we review how deregulated cell cycle control contributes to increased proliferation in AML and favors genomic instability, a prerequisite to confer selective advantages to particular clones in order to adapt and independently proliferate in the presence of a changing microenvironment. We discuss the connection between differentiation and proliferation with regard to leukemogenesis and outline the impact of specific alterations on response to therapy. Finally, we present examples, how a better understanding of cell cycle regulation and deregulation has already led to new promising therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Schnerch
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Medical Center Freiburg, Germany
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41
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Romanski A, Schwarz K, Keller M, Wietbrauk S, Vogel A, Roos J, Oancea C, Brill B, Krämer OH, Serve H, Ruthardt M, Bug G. Deacetylase inhibitors modulate proliferation and self-renewal properties of leukemic stem and progenitor cells. Cell Cycle 2012; 11:3219-26. [PMID: 22895185 DOI: 10.4161/cc.21565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a highly malignant disease that is not curable in the majority of patients. Numerous non-random genetic abnormalities are known, among which several translocations such as PLZF/RARα or AML1/ETO are known to aberrantly recruit histone deacetylases. Deacetylase inhibitors (DACi) are promising drugs leading to growth inhibition, cell cycle arrest, premature senescence and apoptosis in malignant cells. It is believed that DACi may have clinical efficacy by eradicating the most primitive population of leukemic stem and progenitor cells, possibly by interfering with self-renewal. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of DACi on leukemic stem and progenitor cells using murine transduction-transplantation models of hematopoietic cells harboring the leukemia-associated fusion proteins (LAFP) PLZF/RARα or a truncated AML1/ETO protein (AML1/ETO exon 9). We show that the self-renewal and short-term repopulation capacity of AML1/ETO- or PLZF/RARα-expressing Sca1+/lin- stem and progenitor cells are profoundly inhibited by clinically applicable concentrations of the DACi dacinostat and vorinostat. To further investigate the mechanisms underlying these effects, we examined the impact of DACi on the transcription factor c-MYC and the Polycomb group protein BMI1, which are induced by LAFP and involved in leukemic transformation. In AML1/ETO or PLZF/RARα-positive 32D cells, DACi-mediated antiproliferative effects were associated with downregulation of BMI1 and c-MYC protein levels. Similar effects were demonstrated in primary samples of cytogenetically defined high-risk AML patients. In conclusion, DACi may be effective as maintenance therapy by negatively interfering with signaling pathways that control survival and proliferation of leukemic stem and progenitor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annette Romanski
- Department of Medicine II, Hematology and Oncology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
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42
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Lo MC, Peterson LF, Yan M, Cong X, Jin F, Shia WJ, Matsuura S, Ahn EY, Komeno Y, Ly M, Ommen HB, Chen IM, Hokland P, Willman CL, Ren B, Zhang DE. Combined gene expression and DNA occupancy profiling identifies potential therapeutic targets of t(8;21) AML. Blood 2012; 120:1473-84. [PMID: 22740448 PMCID: PMC3423785 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2011-12-395335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2011] [Accepted: 06/16/2012] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromosome translocation 8q22;21q22 [t(8;21)] is commonly associated with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and the resulting AML1-ETO fusion proteins are involved in the pathogenesis of AML. To identify novel molecular and therapeutic targets, we performed combined gene expression microarray and promoter occupancy (ChIP-chip) profiling using Lin(-)/Sca1(-)/cKit(+) cells, the major leukemia cell population, from an AML mouse model induced by AML1-ETO9a (AE9a). Approximately 30% of the identified common targets of microarray and ChIP-chip assays overlap with the human t(8;21)-gene expression molecular signature. CD45, a protein tyrosine phosphatase and a negative regulator of cytokine/growth factor receptor and JAK/STAT signaling, is among those targets. Its expression is substantially down-regulated in leukemia cells. Consequently, JAK/STAT signaling is enhanced. Re-expression of CD45 suppresses JAK/STAT activation, delays leukemia development, and promotes apoptosis of t(8;21)-positive cells. This study demonstrates the benefit of combining gene expression and promoter occupancy profiling assays to identify molecular and potential therapeutic targets in human cancers and describes a previously unappreciated signaling pathway involving t(8;21) fusion proteins, CD45, and JAK/STAT, which could be a potential novel target for treating t(8;21) AML.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/genetics
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/pathology
- Chromatin Immunoprecipitation
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 21/genetics
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 8/genetics
- DNA, Neoplasm/metabolism
- Enzyme Activation
- Gene Expression Profiling
- Gene Expression Regulation, Leukemic
- Gene Regulatory Networks/genetics
- Genes, Neoplasm/genetics
- Humans
- Janus Kinases/metabolism
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/genetics
- Leukocyte Common Antigens/metabolism
- Mice
- Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis
- Promoter Regions, Genetic/genetics
- Reproducibility of Results
- STAT Transcription Factors/metabolism
- Signal Transduction/genetics
- Translocation, Genetic
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao-Chia Lo
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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43
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Hatlen MA, Wang L, Nimer SD. AML1-ETO driven acute leukemia: insights into pathogenesis and potential therapeutic approaches. Front Med 2012; 6:248-62. [PMID: 22875638 DOI: 10.1007/s11684-012-0206-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2012] [Accepted: 04/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The AML1-ETO fusion transcription factor is generated by the t(8;21) translocation, which is present in approximately 4%-12% of adult and 12%-30% of pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients. Both human and mouse models of AML have demonstrated that AML1-ETO is insufficient for leukemogenesis in the absence of secondary events. In this review, we discuss the pathogenetic insights that have been gained from identifying the various events that can cooperate with AML1-ETO to induce AML in vivo. We also discuss potential therapeutic strategies for t(8;21) positive AML that involve targeting the fusion protein itself, the proteins that bind to it, or the genes that it regulates. Recently published studies suggest that a targeted therapy for t(8;21) positive AML is feasible and may be coming sometime soon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan A Hatlen
- Molecular Pharmacology and Chemistry Program, Sloan-Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
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44
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Shia WJ, Okumura AJ, Yan M, Sarkeshik A, Lo MC, Matsuura S, Komeno Y, Zhao X, Nimer SD, Yates JR, Zhang DE. PRMT1 interacts with AML1-ETO to promote its transcriptional activation and progenitor cell proliferative potential. Blood 2012; 119:4953-62. [PMID: 22498736 PMCID: PMC3367897 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2011-04-347476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2011] [Accepted: 03/23/2012] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Fusion protein AML1-ETO, resulting from t(8;21) translocation, is highly related to leukemia development. It has been reported that full-length AML1-ETO blocks AML1 function and requires additional mutagenic events to promote leukemia. We have previously shown that the expression of AE9a, a splice isoform of AML1-ETO, can rapidly cause leukemia in mice. To understand how AML1-ETO is involved in leukemia development, we took advantage of our AE9a leukemia model and sought to identify its interacting proteins from primary leukemic cells. Here, we report the discovery of a novel AE9a binding partner PRMT1 (protein arginine methyltransferase 1). PRMT1 not only interacts with but also weakly methylates arginine 142 of AE9a. Knockdown of PRMT1 affects expression of a specific group of AE9a-activated genes. We also show that AE9a recruits PRMT1 to promoters of AE9a-activated genes, resulting in enrichment of H4 arginine 3 methylation, H3 Lys9/14 acetylation, and transcription activation. More importantly, knockdown of PRMT1 suppresses the self-renewal capability of AE9a, suggesting a potential role of PRMT1 in regulating leukemia development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Jong Shia
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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45
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Srinivasan M, Dunker AK. Proline rich motifs as drug targets in immune mediated disorders. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PEPTIDES 2012; 2012:634769. [PMID: 22666276 PMCID: PMC3362030 DOI: 10.1155/2012/634769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2011] [Accepted: 02/15/2012] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The current version of the human immunome network consists of nearly 1400 interactions involving approximately 600 proteins. Intermolecular interactions mediated by proline-rich motifs (PRMs) are observed in many facets of the immune response. The proline-rich regions are known to preferentially adopt a polyproline type II helical conformation, an extended structure that facilitates transient intermolecular interactions such as signal transduction, antigen recognition, cell-cell communication and cytoskeletal organization. The propensity of both the side chain and the backbone carbonyls of the polyproline type II helix to participate in the interface interaction makes it an excellent recognition motif. An advantage of such distinct chemical features is that the interactions can be discriminatory even in the absence of high affinities. Indeed, the immune response is mediated by well-orchestrated low-affinity short-duration intermolecular interactions. The proline-rich regions are predominantly localized in the solvent-exposed regions such as the loops, intrinsically disordered regions, or between domains that constitute the intermolecular interface. Peptide mimics of the PRM have been suggested as potential antagonists of intermolecular interactions. In this paper, we discuss novel PRM-mediated interactions in the human immunome that potentially serve as attractive targets for immunomodulation and drug development for inflammatory and autoimmune pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mythily Srinivasan
- Department of Oral Pathology, Medicine and Radiology, Indiana University School of Dentistry, Indiana University Purdue University at Indianapolis 1121 West Michigan Street, DS290, Indianapolis, IN 46268, USA
| | - A. Keith Dunker
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and School of Informatics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indiana University Purdue University at Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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46
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Myeloid translocation gene 16 is required for maintenance of haematopoietic stem cell quiescence. EMBO J 2012; 31:1494-505. [PMID: 22266796 DOI: 10.1038/emboj.2011.500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2011] [Accepted: 12/16/2011] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The t(8;21) and t(16;21) that are associated with acute myeloid leukaemia disrupt two closely related genes termed Myeloid Translocation Genes 8 (MTG8) and 16 (MTG16), respectively. Many of the transcription factors that recruit Mtg16 regulate haematopoietic stem and progenitor cell functions and are required to maintain stem cell self-renewal potential. Accordingly, we found that Mtg16-null bone marrow (BM) failed in BM transplant assays. Moreover, when removed from the animal, Mtg16-deficient stem cells continued to show defects in stem cell self-renewal assays, suggesting a requirement for Mtg16 in this process. Gene expression analysis indicated that Mtg16 was required to suppress the expression of several key cell-cycle regulators including E2F2, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays detected Mtg16 near an E2A binding site within the first intron of E2F2. BrdU incorporation assays indicated that in the absence of Mtg16 more long-term stem cells were in the S phase, even after competitive BM transplantation where normal stem and progenitor cells are present, suggesting that Mtg16 plays a role in the maintenance of stem cell quiescence.
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47
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Lam K, Zhang DE. RUNX1 and RUNX1-ETO: roles in hematopoiesis and leukemogenesis. Front Biosci (Landmark Ed) 2012; 17:1120-39. [PMID: 22201794 DOI: 10.2741/3977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
RUNX1 is a transcription factor that regulates critical processes in many aspects of hematopoiesis. RUNX1 is also integral in defining the definitive hematopoietic stem cell. In addition, many hematological diseases like myelodysplastic syndrome and myeloproliferative neoplasms have been associated with mutations in RUNX1. Located on chromosomal 21, the RUNX1 gene is involved in many forms of chromosomal translocations in leukemia. t(8;21) is one of the most common chromosomal translocations found in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), where it results in a fusion protein between RUNX1 and ETO. The RUNX1-ETO fusion protein is found in approximately 12% of all AML patients. In this review, we detail the structural features, functions, and models used to study both RUNX1 and RUNX1-ETO in hematopoiesis over the past two decades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kentson Lam
- Moores Cancer Center, Department of Pathology and Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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48
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Boyapati A, Ren B, Zhang DE. SERPINB13 is a novel RUNX1 target gene. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2011; 411:115-20. [PMID: 21723253 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2011.06.107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2011] [Accepted: 06/16/2011] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
RUNX1 is a critical transcription factor during embryogenesis and neoplastic disease. To identify novel transcriptional targets of RUNX1 in the context of chromatin, we performed genome wide location analysis (ChIP-on-chip). Here we report that SERPINB13, a gene downregulated in head and neck cancers, is a novel RUNX1transcriptional target. RUNX1 binds the SERPINB13 promoter in chromatin to repress its transcription. Mutation of either RUNX1 binding site in the SERPINB13 promoter increased the activity of the promoter. Finally, overexpression of RUNX1 and concomitant decrease in SERPINB13 expression led to increased activity of cathepsin K, an enzyme inhibited by SERPINB13. These data demonstrate that RUNX1 is an important regulator of SERPINB13 and cathepsin K activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Boyapati
- The Department of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States
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49
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Goyama S, Mulloy JC. Molecular pathogenesis of core binding factor leukemia: current knowledge and future prospects. Int J Hematol 2011; 94:126-133. [PMID: 21537931 DOI: 10.1007/s12185-011-0858-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2011] [Revised: 03/24/2011] [Accepted: 04/06/2011] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Core binding factor (CBF) acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most common cytogenetic subtype of AML, defined by the presence of t(8;21) or inv(16)/t(16;16). The chromosomal aberrations create AML1-ETO and CBFβ-MYH11 fusion genes that disrupt the functions of CBF, an essential transcription factor in hematopoiesis. Despite the relatively good outcome of patients with CBF-AML, only approximately half of the patients are cured with current therapy, indicating the need for improved therapeutic strategies. In this review, we summarize current knowledge regarding altered transcriptional regulation, aberrant signaling pathways, and cooperating genetic events in CBF leukemia, and discuss challenges ahead for translating these findings into the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susumu Goyama
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - James C Mulloy
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
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50
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Takahashi S. Downstream molecular pathways of FLT3 in the pathogenesis of acute myeloid leukemia: biology and therapeutic implications. J Hematol Oncol 2011; 4:13. [PMID: 21453545 PMCID: PMC3076284 DOI: 10.1186/1756-8722-4-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2011] [Accepted: 04/01/2011] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
FLT3 is a type III receptor tyrosine kinase. Mutations of FLT3 comprise one of the most frequently identified types of genetic alterations in acute myeloid leukemia. One-third of acute myeloid leukemia patients have mutations of this gene, and the majority of these mutations involve an internal tandem duplication in the juxtamembrane region of FLT3, leading to constitutive activation of downstream signaling pathways and aberrant cell growth. This review summarizes the current understanding of the effects of the downstream molecular signaling pathways after FLT3 activation, with a particular focus on the effects on transcription factors. Moreover, this review describes novel FLT3-targeted therapies, as well as efficient combination therapies for FLT3-mutated leukemia cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinichiro Takahashi
- The Division of Molecular Hematology, Kitasato University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minami-ku, Sagamihara 252-0373, Japan.
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