1
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LaRue-Nolan KC, Arul GLR, Sigafoos AN, Shi J, Fernandez-Zapico ME. Insights into the mechanisms driven by H3K4 KMTs in pancreatic cancer. Biochem J 2024; 481:983-997. [PMID: 39078225 PMCID: PMC11332384 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20230374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a malignancy arising from the endocrine or exocrine compartment of this organ. Tumors from exocrine origin comprise over 90% of all pancreatic cancers diagnosed. Of these, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most common histological subtype. The five-year survival rate for PDAC ranged between 5 and 9% for over four decades, and only recently saw a modest increase to ∼12-13%, making this a severe and lethal disease. Like other cancers, PDAC initiation stems from genetic changes. However, therapeutic targeting of PDAC genetic drivers has remained relatively unsuccessful, thus the focus in recent years has expanded to the non-genetic factors underlying the disease pathogenesis. Specifically, it has been proposed that dynamic changes in the epigenetic landscape promote tumor growth and metastasis. Emphasis has been given to the re-organization of enhancers, essential regulatory elements controlling oncogenic gene expression, commonly marked my histone 3 lysine 4 monomethylation (H3K4me1). H3K4me1 is typically deposited by histone lysine methyltransferases (KMTs). While well characterized as oncogenes in other cancer types, recent work has expanded the role of KMTs as tumor suppressor in pancreatic cancer. Here, we review the role and translational significance for PDAC development and therapeutics of KMTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla C. LaRue-Nolan
- Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Division of Oncology Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, U.S.A
- Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, U.S.A
| | | | - Ashley N. Sigafoos
- Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Division of Oncology Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, U.S.A
| | - Jiaqi Shi
- Department of Pathology and Clinical Labs, Rogel Cancer Center and Center for RNA Biomedicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, U.S.A
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2
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Wang J, Zheng P, Yu J, Yang X, Zhang J. Rational design of small-sized peptidomimetic inhibitors disrupting protein-protein interaction. RSC Med Chem 2024; 15:2212-2225. [PMID: 39026653 PMCID: PMC11253864 DOI: 10.1039/d4md00202d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Protein-protein interactions are fundamental to nearly all biological processes. Due to their structural flexibility, peptides have emerged as promising candidates for developing inhibitors targeting large and planar PPI interfaces. However, their limited drug-like properties pose challenges. Hence, rational modifications based on peptide structures are anticipated to expedite the innovation of peptide-based therapeutics. This review comprehensively examines the design strategies for developing small-sized peptidomimetic inhibitors targeting PPI interfaces, which predominantly encompass two primary categories: peptidomimetics with abbreviated sequences and low molecular weights and peptidomimetics mimicking secondary structural conformations. We have also meticulously detailed several instances of designing and optimizing small-sized peptidomimetics targeting PPIs, including MLL1-WDR5, PD-1/PD-L1, and Bak/Bcl-xL, among others, to elucidate the potential application prospects of these design strategies. Hopefully, this review will provide valuable insights and inspiration for the future development of PPI small-sized peptidomimetic inhibitors in pharmaceutical research endeavors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyuan Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University Yinchuan 750004 China
| | - Ping Zheng
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University Yinchuan 750004 China
| | - Jianqiang Yu
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University Yinchuan 750004 China
| | - Xiuyan Yang
- Medicinal Chemistry and Bioinformatics Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai 200025 China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Protection, Development and Utilization of Medicinal Resources in Liupanshan Area, Ministry of Education, Peptide & Protein Drug Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University Yinchuan 750004 China
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3
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Corleone G, Sorino C, Caforio M, Di Giovenale S, De Nicola F, Goeman F, Bertaina V, Pitisci A, Cortile C, Locatelli F, Folgiero V, Fanciulli M. Enhancer engagement sustains oncogenic transformation and progression of B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:179. [PMID: 38926853 PMCID: PMC11210131 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-03075-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Enhancer reprogramming plays a significant role in the heterogeneity of cancer. However, we have limited knowledge about the impact of chromatin remodeling in B-Cell Precursor Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (BCP-ALL) patients, and how it affects tumorigenesis and drug response. Our research focuses on investigating the role of enhancers in sustaining oncogenic transformation in children with BCP-ALL. METHODS We used ATAC-seq to study the accessibility of chromatin in pediatric BCP-ALL at three different stages-onset, remission, and relapse. Using a combination of computational and experimental methods, we were able to analyze the accessibility landscape and focus on the most significant cis-regulatory sites. These sites were then functionally validated through the use of Promoter capture Hi-C in a primary cell line model called LAL-B, followed by RNA-seq and genomic deletion of target sites using CRISPR-Cas9 editing. RESULTS We found that enhancer activity changes during cancer progression and is mediated by the production of enhancer RNAs (eRNAs). CRISPR-Cas9-mediated validation of previously unknown eRNA productive enhancers demonstrated their capability to control the oncogenic activities of the MYB and DCTD genes. CONCLUSIONS Our findings directly support the notion that productive enhancer engagement is a crucial determinant of the BCP-ALL and highlight the potential of enhancers as therapeutic targets in pediatric BCP-ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Corleone
- IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via Chianesi 53, Rome, 00144, Italy
| | - Cristina Sorino
- IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via Chianesi 53, Rome, 00144, Italy
| | - Matteo Caforio
- Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology and Cell and Gene Therapy, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Viale Di San Paolo 12, Rome, 00146, Italy
| | - Stefano Di Giovenale
- IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via Chianesi 53, Rome, 00144, Italy
- Department of Computer, Control, and Management, Engineering Antonio Ruberti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, 00161, Italy
| | - Francesca De Nicola
- IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via Chianesi 53, Rome, 00144, Italy
| | - Frauke Goeman
- IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via Chianesi 53, Rome, 00144, Italy
| | - Valentina Bertaina
- Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology and Cell and Gene Therapy, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Viale Di San Paolo 12, Rome, 00146, Italy
| | - Angela Pitisci
- Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology and Cell and Gene Therapy, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Viale Di San Paolo 12, Rome, 00146, Italy
| | - Clelia Cortile
- IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via Chianesi 53, Rome, 00144, Italy
| | - Franco Locatelli
- Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology and Cell and Gene Therapy, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Viale Di San Paolo 12, Rome, 00146, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Folgiero
- Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology and Cell and Gene Therapy, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Viale Di San Paolo 12, Rome, 00146, Italy.
| | - Maurizio Fanciulli
- IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via Chianesi 53, Rome, 00144, Italy.
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4
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Meyer C, Larghero P, Lopes BA, Marschalek R. The KMT2A/MLL consensus gene structure: a comprehensive update for research and diagnostic implications. Leukemia 2024; 38:1403-1406. [PMID: 38678092 PMCID: PMC11147768 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-024-02261-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- C Meyer
- Goethe-University, Institute of Pharm. Biology/DCAL, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - P Larghero
- Goethe-University, Institute of Pharm. Biology/DCAL, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - B A Lopes
- Goethe-University, Institute of Pharm. Biology/DCAL, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
- GenLAb/Program of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Instituto Nacional de Câncer (INCA), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - R Marschalek
- Goethe-University, Institute of Pharm. Biology/DCAL, Frankfurt/Main, Germany.
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5
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Wang T, Guo J, Liping Li, Jin Q, Zhang F, Hou B, Zhang Y, Zhou X. The histone lysine methyltransferase MLL1 regulates the activation and functional specialization of regulatory T cells. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114222. [PMID: 38735046 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The activation and specialization of regulatory T cells (Tregs) are crucial for maintaining immune self-tolerance; however, the regulation of these processes by histone modifications is not fully understood. Here, we show that T cell-specific deletion of the lysine methyltransferase MLL1 results in a spontaneous lymphocyte proliferation phenotype in aged mice without disturbing the development of conventional T cells and Tregs. Treg-specific MLL1 ablation leads to a systemic autoimmune disease associated with Treg dysfunction. Moreover, RNA sequencing demonstrates that the induction of multiple genes involved in Treg activation, functional specialization, and tissue immigration is defective in MLL1-deficient Tregs. This dysregulation is associated with defects in H3K4 trimethylation at these genes' transcription start sites. Finally, using a T-bet fate-mapping mouse system, we determine that MLL1 is required to establish stable Th1-type Tregs. Thus, MLL1 is essential in optimal Treg function by providing a coordinated chromatin context for activation and specialization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Science (CAS), Beijing 100101, China; Department of Savaid Medical School, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jie Guo
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Science (CAS), Beijing 100101, China
| | - Liping Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Science (CAS), Beijing 100101, China; Department of Savaid Medical School, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Qiuzhu Jin
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Science (CAS), Beijing 100101, China; Department of Savaid Medical School, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Fuping Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Science (CAS), Beijing 100101, China; Department of Savaid Medical School, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Baidong Hou
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xuyu Zhou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Science (CAS), Beijing 100101, China; Department of Savaid Medical School, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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6
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Yoshino S, Ishida E, Horiguchi K, Matsumoto S, Nakajima Y, Ozawa A, Yamada M, Yamada E. Mixed-Lineage Leukaemia Gene Regulates Glucose-Sensitive Gene Expression and Insulin Secretion in Pancreatic Beta Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4704. [PMID: 38731926 PMCID: PMC11082990 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The escalating prevalence of diabetes mellitus underscores the need for a comprehensive understanding of pancreatic beta cell function. Interest in glucose effectiveness has prompted the exploration of novel regulatory factors. The myeloid/lymphoid or mixed-lineage leukaemia gene (MLL) is widely recognised for its role in leukemogenesis and nuclear regulatory mechanisms through its histone methyltransferase activity in active chromatin. However, its function within pancreatic endocrine tissues remains elusive. Herein, we unveil a novel role of MLL in glucose metabolism and insulin secretion. MLL knockdown in βHC-9 pancreatic beta cells diminished insulin secretion in response to glucose loading, paralleled by the downregulation of the glucose-sensitive genes SLC2a1 and SLC2a2. Similar observations were made in MLL heterozygous knockout mice (MLL+/-), which exhibited impaired glucose tolerance and reduced insulin secretion without morphological anomalies in pancreatic endocrine cells. The reduction in insulin secretion was independent of changes in beta cell mass or insulin granule morphology, suggesting the regulatory role of MLL in glucose-sensitive gene expression. The current results suggest that MLL interacts with circadian-related complexes to modulate the expression of glucose transporter genes, thereby regulating glucose sensing and insulin secretion. Our findings shed light on insulin secretion control, providing potential avenues for therapeutics against diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Eijiro Yamada
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi 371-8511, Japan; (S.Y.); (K.H.); (S.M.); (Y.N.); (A.O.); (M.Y.)
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7
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Weinzapfel EN, Fedder-Semmes KN, Sun ZW, Keogh MC. Beyond the tail: the consequence of context in histone post-translational modification and chromatin research. Biochem J 2024; 481:219-244. [PMID: 38353483 PMCID: PMC10903488 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20230342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
The role of histone post-translational modifications (PTMs) in chromatin structure and genome function has been the subject of intense debate for more than 60 years. Though complex, the discourse can be summarized in two distinct - and deceptively simple - questions: What is the function of histone PTMs? And how should they be studied? Decades of research show these queries are intricately linked and far from straightforward. Here we provide a historical perspective, highlighting how the arrival of new technologies shaped discovery and insight. Despite their limitations, the tools available at each period had a profound impact on chromatin research, and provided essential clues that advanced our understanding of histone PTM function. Finally, we discuss recent advances in the application of defined nucleosome substrates, the study of multivalent chromatin interactions, and new technologies driving the next era of histone PTM research.
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8
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Johannessen JA, Formica M, Haukeland ALC, Bråthen NR, Al Outa A, Aarsund M, Therrien M, Enserink JM, Knævelsrud H. The human leukemic oncogene MLL-AF4 promotes hyperplastic growth of hematopoietic tissues in Drosophila larvae. iScience 2023; 26:107726. [PMID: 37720104 PMCID: PMC10504488 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
MLL-rearranged (MLL-r) leukemias are among the leukemic subtypes with poorest survival, and treatment options have barely improved over the last decades. Despite increasing molecular understanding of the mechanisms behind these hematopoietic malignancies, this knowledge has had poor translation into the clinic. Here, we report a Drosophila melanogaster model system to explore the pathways affected in MLL-r leukemia. We show that expression of the human leukemic oncogene MLL-AF4 in the Drosophila hematopoietic system resulted in increased levels of circulating hemocytes and an enlargement of the larval hematopoietic organ, the lymph gland. Strikingly, depletion of Drosophila orthologs of known interactors of MLL-AF4, such as DOT1L, rescued the leukemic phenotype. In agreement, treatment with small-molecule inhibitors of DOT1L also prevented the MLL-AF4-induced leukemia-like phenotype. Taken together, this model provides an in vivo system to unravel the genetic interactors involved in leukemogenesis and offers a system for improved biological understanding of MLL-r leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie A. Johannessen
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Cancer Cell Reprogramming, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Miriam Formica
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Cancer Cell Reprogramming, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Aina Louise C. Haukeland
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Cancer Cell Reprogramming, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Nora Rojahn Bråthen
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Cancer Cell Reprogramming, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Amani Al Outa
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Cancer Cell Reprogramming, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Miriam Aarsund
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Cancer Cell Reprogramming, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Marc Therrien
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Laboratory of Intracellular Signaling, Université de Montréal, C.P. 6128, Succursale Centre-Ville, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
- Département de pathologie et de biologie cellulaire, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Jorrit M. Enserink
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Cancer Cell Reprogramming, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Section for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Helene Knævelsrud
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Cancer Cell Reprogramming, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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9
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Choi J, Lee H. NFIB-MLL1 complex is required for the stemness and Dlx5-dependent osteogenic differentiation of C3H10T1/2 mesenchymal stem cells. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:105193. [PMID: 37633334 PMCID: PMC10519831 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite significant progress in our understanding of the molecular mechanism of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) differentiation, less is known about the factors maintaining the stemness and plasticity of MSCs. Here, we show that the NFIB-MLL1 complex plays key roles in osteogenic differentiation and stemness of C3H10T1/2 MSCs. We find that depletion of either NFIB or MLL1 results in a severely hampered osteogenic potential and failed activation of key osteogenic transcription factors, such as Dlx5, Runx2, and Osx, following osteogenic stimuli. In addition, the NFIB-MLL1 complex binds directly to the promoter of Dlx5, and exogenous expression of Myc-Dlx5, but not the activation of either the BMP- or the Wnt-signaling pathway, is sufficient to restore the osteogenic potential of cells depleted of NFIB or MLL1. Moreover, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and ChIP-sequencing analysis showed that the NFIB-MLL1 complex mediates the deposition of trimethylated histone H3K4 at both Dlx5 and Cebpa, key regulator genes that function at the early stages of osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation, respectively, in uncommitted C3H10T1/2 MSCs. Surprisingly, the depletion of either NFIB or MLL1 leads to decreased trimethylated histone H3K4 and results in elevated trimethylated histone H3K9 at those developmental genes. Furthermore, gene expression profiling and ChIP-sequencing analysis revealed lineage-specific changes in chromatin landscape and gene expression in response to osteogenic stimuli. Taken together, these data provide evidence for the hitherto unknown role of the NFIB-MLL1 complex in the maintenance and lineage-specific differentiation of C3H10T1/2 MSCs and support the epigenetic regulatory mechanism underlying the stemness and plasticity of MSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janghyun Choi
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Science, Inha University, Incheon, South Korea.
| | - Hansol Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Science, Inha University, Incheon, South Korea.
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10
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Noguera NI, Travaglini S, Scalea S, Catalanotto C, Reale A, Zampieri M, Zaza A, Ricciardi MR, Angelini DF, Tafuri A, Ottone T, Voso MT, Zardo G. YY1 Knockdown Relieves the Differentiation Block and Restores Apoptosis in AML Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4010. [PMID: 37568827 PMCID: PMC10417667 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15154010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study we analyzed the expression of Yin and Yang 1 protein (YY1), a member of the noncanonical PcG complexes, in AML patient samples and AML cell lines and the effect of YY1 downregulation on the AML differentiation block. Our results show that YY1 is significantly overexpressed in AML patient samples and AML cell lines and that YY1 knockdown relieves the differentiation block. YY1 downregulation in two AML cell lines (HL-60 and OCI-AML3) and one AML patient sample restored the expression of members of the CEBP protein family, increased the expression of extrinsic growth factors/receptors and surface antigenic markers, induced morphological cell characteristics typical of myeloid differentiation, and sensitized cells to retinoic acid treatment and to apoptosis. Overall, our data show that YY1 is not a secondary regulator of myeloid differentiation but that, if overexpressed, it can play a predominant role in myeloid differentiation block.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelida Ines Noguera
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University, 00133 Rome, Italy; (S.T.); (T.O.); (M.T.V.)
- Unit of Neuro-Oncoematologia, Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Serena Travaglini
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University, 00133 Rome, Italy; (S.T.); (T.O.); (M.T.V.)
- Unit of Neuro-Oncoematologia, Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Scalea
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Caterina Catalanotto
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (A.R.); (M.Z.)
| | - Anna Reale
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (A.R.); (M.Z.)
| | - Michele Zampieri
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (A.R.); (M.Z.)
| | - Alessandra Zaza
- Unit of Neuro-Oncoematologia, Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, 00143 Rome, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Ricciardi
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.R.R.); (A.T.)
| | | | - Agostino Tafuri
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.R.R.); (A.T.)
| | - Tiziana Ottone
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University, 00133 Rome, Italy; (S.T.); (T.O.); (M.T.V.)
- Unit of Neuro-Oncoematologia, Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Voso
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University, 00133 Rome, Italy; (S.T.); (T.O.); (M.T.V.)
- Unit of Neuro-Oncoematologia, Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Zardo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy;
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11
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Gurung R, Om D, Pun R, Hyun S, Shin D. Recent Progress in Modulation of WD40-Repeat Domain 5 Protein (WDR5): Inhibitors and Degraders. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3910. [PMID: 37568727 PMCID: PMC10417795 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15153910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
WD40-repeat (WDR) domain proteins play a crucial role in mediating protein-protein interactions that sustain oncogenesis in human cancers. One prominent example is the interaction between the transcription factor MYC and its chromatin co-factor, WD40-repeat domain protein 5 (WDR5), which is essential for oncogenic processes. The MYC family of proteins is frequently overexpressed in various cancers and has been validated as a promising target for anticancer therapies. The recruitment of MYC to chromatin is facilitated by WDR5, highlighting the significance of their interaction. Consequently, inhibiting the MYC-WDR5 interaction has been shown to induce the regression of malignant tumors, offering an alternative approach to targeting MYC in the development of anticancer drugs. WDR5 has two protein interaction sites, the "WDR5-binding motif" (WBM) site for MYC interaction and the histone methyltransferases SET1 recognition motif "WDR5-interacting" (WIN) site forming MLL complex. Significant efforts have been dedicated to the discovery of inhibitors that target the WDR5 protein. More recently, the successful application of targeted protein degradation technology has enabled the removal of WDR5. This breakthrough has opened up new avenues for inhibiting the interaction between WDR5 and the binding partners. In this review, we address the recent progress made in targeting WDR5 to inhibit MDR5-MYC and MDR5-MLL1 interactions, including its targeted protein degradation and their potential impact on anticancer drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raju Gurung
- College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, 191 Hambakmoe-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 21936, Republic of Korea; (R.G.); (D.O.); (R.P.)
| | - Darlami Om
- College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, 191 Hambakmoe-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 21936, Republic of Korea; (R.G.); (D.O.); (R.P.)
| | - Rabin Pun
- College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, 191 Hambakmoe-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 21936, Republic of Korea; (R.G.); (D.O.); (R.P.)
| | - Soonsil Hyun
- College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University, 194-31 Osongsaengmyeong 1-ro, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju-si 28160, Republic of Korea
| | - Dongyun Shin
- College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, 191 Hambakmoe-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 21936, Republic of Korea; (R.G.); (D.O.); (R.P.)
- Gachon Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Gachon University, 191 Hambakmoe-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 21936, Republic of Korea
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12
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Hu H, Muntean AG. The YEATS domain epigenetic reader proteins ENL and AF9 and their therapeutic value in leukemia. Exp Hematol 2023; 124:15-21. [PMID: 37295550 PMCID: PMC10527611 DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2023.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have uncovered similarities and differences between 2 highly homologous epigenetic reading proteins, namely, ENL (MLLT1) and AF9 (MLLT3) with therapeutic implications. The importance of these proteins has traditionally been exemplified by their involvement in chromosomal translocations with the mixed-lineage leukemia gene (MLL; aka KMT2a). MLL rearrangements occur in a subset of acute leukemias and generate potent oncogenic MLL-fusion proteins that impact epigenetic and transcriptional regulation. Leukemic patients with MLL rearrangements display intermediate-to-poor prognoses, necessitating further mechanistic research. Several protein complexes involved in regulating RNA polymerase II transcription and the epigenetic landscape are hijacked in MLL-r leukemia, which include ENL and AF9. Recent biochemical studies have defined a highly homologous YEATS domain in ENL and AF9 that binds acylated histones, which aids in the localization and retention of these proteins to transcriptional targets. In addition, detailed characterization of the homologous ANC-1 homology domain (AHD) on ENL and AF9 revealed differential association with transcriptional activating and repressing complexes. Importantly, CRISPR knockout screens have demonstrated a unique role for wild-type ENL in leukemic stem cell function, whereas AF9 appears important for normal hematopoietic stem cells. In this perspective, we examine the ENL and AF9 proteins with attention to recent work characterizing the epigenetic reading YEATS domains and AHD on both wild-type proteins and when fused to MLL. We summarized the drug development efforts and their therapeutic potential and assess ongoing research that has refined our understanding of how these proteins function, which continues to reveal new therapeutic avenues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsiangyu Hu
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Andrew G Muntean
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI.
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13
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Lomov NA, Viushkov VS, Rubtsov MA. Mechanisms of Secondary Leukemia Development Caused by Treatment with DNA Topoisomerase Inhibitors. BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2023; 88:892-911. [PMID: 37751862 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297923070040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Leukemia is a blood cancer originating in the blood and bone marrow. Therapy-related leukemia is associated with prior chemotherapy. Although cancer therapy with DNA topoisomerase II inhibitors is one of the most effective cancer treatments, its side effects include development of secondary leukemia characterized by the chromosomal rearrangements affecting AML1 or MLL genes. Recurrent chromosomal translocations in the therapy-related leukemia differ from chromosomal rearrangements associated with other neoplasias. Here, we reviewed the factors that drive chromosomal translocations induced by cancer treatment with DNA topoisomerase II inhibitors, such as mobility of ends of double-strand DNA breaks formed before the translocation and gain of function of fusion proteins generated as a result of translocation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolai A Lomov
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119234, Russia.
| | - Vladimir S Viushkov
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119234, Russia
| | - Mikhail A Rubtsov
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119234, Russia
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Industrial Technologies and Entrepreneurship Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, 119435, Russia
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14
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Blatter M, Meylan C, Cléry A, Giambruno R, Nikolaev Y, Heidecker M, Solanki JA, Diaz MO, Gabellini D, Allain FHT. RNA binding induces an allosteric switch in Cyp33 to repress MLL1-mediated transcription. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadf5330. [PMID: 37075125 PMCID: PMC10115415 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adf5330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Mixed-lineage leukemia 1 (MLL1) is a transcription activator of the HOX family, which binds to specific epigenetic marks on histone H3 through its third plant homeodomain (PHD3) domain. Through an unknown mechanism, MLL1 activity is repressed by cyclophilin 33 (Cyp33), which binds to MLL1 PHD3. We determined solution structures of Cyp33 RNA recognition motif (RRM) free, bound to RNA, to MLL1 PHD3, and to both MLL1 and the histone H3 lysine N6-trimethylated. We found that a conserved α helix, amino-terminal to the RRM domain, adopts three different positions facilitating a cascade of binding events. These conformational changes are triggered by Cyp33 RNA binding and ultimately lead to MLL1 release from the histone mark. Together, our mechanistic findings rationalize how Cyp33 binding to MLL1 can switch chromatin to a transcriptional repressive state triggered by RNA binding as a negative feedback loop.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Blatter
- Department of Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
- Corresponding author. (F.H.-T.A.); (M.B.)
| | - Charlotte Meylan
- Department of Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Antoine Cléry
- Department of Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Roberto Giambruno
- Gene Expression and Muscular Dystrophy Unit, Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Yaroslav Nikolaev
- Department of Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michel Heidecker
- Department of Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jessica Arvindbhai Solanki
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University of Chicago Medical Center, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Manuel O. Diaz
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University of Chicago Medical Center, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Davide Gabellini
- Gene Expression and Muscular Dystrophy Unit, Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Frédéric H.-T. Allain
- Department of Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
- Corresponding author. (F.H.-T.A.); (M.B.)
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15
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Górecki M, Kozioł I, Kopystecka A, Budzyńska J, Zawitkowska J, Lejman M. Updates in KMT2A Gene Rearrangement in Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11030821. [PMID: 36979800 PMCID: PMC10045821 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11030821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The KMT2A (formerly MLL) encodes the histone lysine-specific N-methyltransferase 2A and is mapped on chromosome 11q23. KMT2A is a frequent target for recurrent translocations in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), or mixed lineage (biphenotypic) leukemia (MLL). Over 90 KMT2A fusion partners have been identified until now, including the most recurring ones—AFF1, MLLT1, and MLLT3—which encode proteins regulating epigenetic mechanisms. The presence of distinct KMT2A rearrangements is an independent dismal prognostic factor, while very few KMT2A rearrangements display either a good or intermediate outcome. KMT2A-rearranged (KMT2A-r) ALL affects more than 70% of new ALL diagnoses in infants (<1 year of age), 5–6% of pediatric cases, and 15% of adult cases. KMT2A-rearranged (KMT2A-r) ALL is characterized by hyperleukocytosis, a relatively high incidence of central nervous system (CNS) involvement, an aggressive course with early relapse, and early relapses resulting in poor prognosis. The exact pathways of fusions and the effects on the final phenotypic activity of the disease are still subjects of much research. Future trials could consider the inclusion of targeted immunotherapeutic agents and prioritize the identification of prognostic factors, allowing for the less intensive treatment of some infants with KMT2A ALL. The aim of this review is to summarize our knowledge and present current insight into the mechanisms of KMT2A-r ALL, portray their characteristics, discuss the clinical outcome along with risk stratification, and present novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Górecki
- Student Scientific Society of Independent Laboratory of Genetic Diagnostics, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Ilona Kozioł
- Student Scientific Society of the Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Transplantology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Kopystecka
- Student Scientific Society of the Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Transplantology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Julia Budzyńska
- Student Scientific Society of the Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Transplantology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Joanna Zawitkowska
- Department of Paediatric Haematology, Oncology and Transplantology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Monika Lejman
- Independent Laboratory of Genetic Diagnostics, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
- Correspondence:
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16
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Yang L, Yan Y, Li J, Zhou C, Jin J, Zhang T, Wu H, Li X, Wang W, Yuan L, Zhang X, Gao J. (Tn5-)FISH-based imaging in the era of 3D/spatial genomics. BIOPHYSICS REPORTS 2023; 9:15-25. [PMID: 37426200 PMCID: PMC10323772 DOI: 10.52601/bpr.2023.220025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
3D genomics mainly focuses on the 3D position of single genes at the cell level, while spatial genomics focuses more on the tissue level. In this exciting new era of 3D/spatial genomics, half-century old FISH and its derivative methods, including Tn5-FISH, play important roles. In this review, we introduce the Tn5-FISH we developed recently, and present six different applications published by our collaborators and us, based on (Tn5-)FISH, which can be either general BAC clone-based FISH or Tn5-FISH. In these interesting cases, (Tn5-)FISH demonstrated its vigorous ability of targeting sub-chromosomal structures across different diseases and cell lines (leukemia, mESCs (mouse embryonic stem cells), and differentiation cell lines). Serving as an effective tool to image genomic structures at the kilobase level, Tn5-FISH holds great potential to detect chromosomal structures in a high-throughput manner, thus bringing the dawn for new discoveries in the great era of 3D/spatial genomics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liheng Yang
- Seaver College, Pepperdine University, CA 90263, USA
| | - Yan Yan
- Center for Synthetic & Systems Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Bioinformatics Division, BNRist, Department of Automation, Beijing 100084, China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Beijing 100084, China
| | - JunLin Li
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Cheng Zhou
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jinlan Jin
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Shenzhen Hospital (Futian) of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518034, China
| | - Tongmei Zhang
- Medical Oncology, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University & Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing 101149, China
| | - Haokaifeng Wu
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, HongKong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, HongKong SAR, China
- Key Laboratory of Biological Targeting Diagnosis, Therapy and Rehabilitation of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Xingang Li
- Centre for Precision Health, Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA 6027, Australia
| | - Wei Wang
- Centre for Precision Health, Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA 6027, Australia
| | - Li Yuan
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- Beijing Institute of Collaborative Innovation, Beijing 100094, China
| | - Juntao Gao
- Center for Synthetic & Systems Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Bioinformatics Division, BNRist, Department of Automation, Beijing 100084, China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Beijing 100084, China
- Institute for TCM-X, Beijing 100084, China
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17
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Yin PY, Wang RW, Jing R, Li X, Ma JH, Li KM, Wang H. Research progress on molecular biomarkers of acute myeloid leukemia. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1078556. [PMID: 36824144 PMCID: PMC9941555 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1078556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most common type of adult acute leukemia. The pathophysiology of the disease has been studied intensively at the cellular and molecular levels. At present, cytogenetic markers are an important basis for the early diagnosis, prognostic stratification and treatment of AML. However, with the emergence of new technologies, the detection of other molecular markers, such as gene mutations and epigenetic changes, began to play important roles in evaluating the occurrence and development of diseases. Recent evidence shows that identifying new AML biomarkers contributes to a better understanding of the molecular mechanism of the disease and is essential for AML screening, diagnosis, prognosis monitoring, and individualized treatment response. In this review, we summarized the promising AML biomarkers from four aspects, which contributing to a better understanding of the disease. Of course, it must be soberly aware that we have not listed all biomarkers of AML. Anyway, the biomarkers we mentioned are representative. For example, mutations in TP53, FLT3, and ASXL1 suggest poor prognosis, low remission rate, short survival period, and often require allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The CEBPA double mutation, NPM1 and CBF mutation suggest that the prognosis is good, the remission rate is high, the survival period is long, and the effect of chemotherapy or autotherapy is good. As for other mutations mentioned in the article, they usually predict a moderate prognosis. All in all, we hope it could provide a reference for the precise diagnosis and treatment of AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Yuan Yin
- Hematology Department, Yantai Affiliated Hospital, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China,Department of Blood Supply, Yantai Center Blood Station, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Rui-Wen Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Rui Jing
- Hematology Department, Yantai Affiliated Hospital, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Xing Li
- Department of Blood Supply, Yantai Center Blood Station, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Jing-Hua Ma
- Department of Science and Education, Yantai Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yantai, Shandong, China,*Correspondence: Hua Wang, ; Kai-Min Li, ; Jing-Hua Ma,
| | - Kai-Min Li
- Hematology Department, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong, China,*Correspondence: Hua Wang, ; Kai-Min Li, ; Jing-Hua Ma,
| | - Hua Wang
- Hematology Department, Yantai Affiliated Hospital, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China,*Correspondence: Hua Wang, ; Kai-Min Li, ; Jing-Hua Ma,
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18
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Namitz KEW, Tan S, Cosgrove MS. Hierarchical assembly of the MLL1 core complex regulates H3K4 methylation and is dependent on temperature and component concentration. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:102874. [PMID: 36623730 PMCID: PMC9939731 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.102874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Enzymes of the mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) family of histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4) methyltransferases are critical for cellular differentiation and development and are regulated by interaction with a conserved subcomplex consisting of WDR5, RbBP5, Ash2L, and DPY30. While pairwise interactions between complex subunits have been determined, the mechanisms regulating holocomplex assembly are unknown. In this investigation, we systematically characterized the biophysical properties of a reconstituted human MLL1 core complex and found that the MLL1-WDR5 heterodimer interacts with the RbBP5-Ash2L-DPY30 subcomplex in a hierarchical assembly pathway that is highly dependent on concentration and temperature. Surprisingly, we found that the disassembled state is favored at physiological temperature, where the enzyme rapidly becomes irreversibly inactivated, likely because of complex components becoming trapped in nonproductive conformations. Increased protein concentration partially overcomes this thermodynamic barrier for complex assembly, suggesting a potential regulatory mechanism for spatiotemporal control of H3K4 methylation. Together, these results are consistent with the hypothesis that regulated assembly of the MLL1 core complex underlies an important mechanism for establishing different H3K4 methylation states in mammalian genomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin E W Namitz
- State University of New York (SUNY) Upstate Medical University, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Song Tan
- Penn State University, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Michael S Cosgrove
- State University of New York (SUNY) Upstate Medical University, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Syracuse, NY, USA.
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19
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Stroynowska-Czerwinska AM, Klimczak M, Pastor M, Kazrani AA, Misztal K, Bochtler M. Clustered PHD domains in KMT2/MLL proteins are attracted by H3K4me3 and H3 acetylation-rich active promoters and enhancers. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:23. [PMID: 36598580 PMCID: PMC9813062 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04651-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Histone lysine-specific methyltransferase 2 (KMT2A-D) proteins, alternatively called mixed lineage leukemia (MLL1-4) proteins, mediate positive transcriptional memory. Acting as the catalytic subunits of human COMPASS-like complexes, KMT2A-D methylate H3K4 at promoters and enhancers. KMT2A-D contain understudied highly conserved triplets and a quartet of plant homeodomains (PHDs). Here, we show that all clustered (multiple) PHDs localize to the well-defined loci of H3K4me3 and H3 acetylation-rich active promoters and enhancers. Surprisingly, we observe little difference in binding pattern between PHDs from promoter-specific KMT2A-B and enhancer-specific KMT2C-D. Fusion of the KMT2A CXXC domain to the PHDs drastically enhances their preference for promoters over enhancers. Hence, the presence of CXXC domains in KMT2A-B, but not KMT2C-D, may explain the promoter/enhancer preferences of the full-length proteins. Importantly, targets of PHDs overlap with KMT2A targets and are enriched in genes involved in the cancer pathways. We also observe that PHDs of KMT2A-D are mutated in cancer, especially within conserved folding motifs (Cys4HisCys2Cys/His). The mutations cause a domain loss-of-function. Taken together, our data suggest that PHDs of KMT2A-D guide the full-length proteins to active promoters and enhancers, and thus play a role in positive transcriptional memory.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Magdalena Klimczak
- International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, 02-109, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michal Pastor
- International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, 02-109, Warsaw, Poland
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Asgar Abbas Kazrani
- International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, 02-109, Warsaw, Poland
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France
| | - Katarzyna Misztal
- International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, 02-109, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Matthias Bochtler
- International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, 02-109, Warsaw, Poland.
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106, Warsaw, Poland.
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20
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Zhang MY, Zhao Y, Zhang JH. t(4;11) translocation in hyperdiploid de novo adult acute myeloid leukemia: A case report. World J Clin Cases 2022; 10:11980-11986. [PMID: 36405254 PMCID: PMC9669862 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v10.i32.11980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND MLL gene rearrangement is a common genetic abnormality of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), which predicts poor prognosis and is important in clinical diagnosis. MLL rearrangement involves many chromosomes, among which, t(4;11) translocation is rare in AML. The present case was t(4;11) AML, accompanied by a hyperdiploid karyotype. Such cases have not been reported previously.
CASE SUMMARY An adult male with self-reported symptoms of fatigue, febrility and hyperleukocytosis was diagnosed with AML by morphology and confirmed by immunophenotype analysis. Uncommonly, chromosomal and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis showed a hyperdiploid karyotype with t(4;11) translocation and MLL rearrangement, and a negative MLL–AF4 fusion gene result. The patient died of respiratory and circulatory failure 5 days after diagnosis.
CONCLUSION t(4;11) AML with hyperdiploid karyotype has not been reported. In this case, t(4;11) was only detected by karyotype analysis and FISH, suggesting their importance in MLL rearrangement detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Yu Zhang
- Hematology Laboratory, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110022, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yue Zhao
- Hematology Laboratory, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110022, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Ji-Hong Zhang
- Hematology Laboratory, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110022, Liaoning Province, China
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21
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Shetty K, Yasaswi S, Dutt S, Yadav KS. Multifunctional nanocarriers for delivering siRNA and miRNA in glioblastoma therapy: advances in nanobiotechnology-based cancer therapy. 3 Biotech 2022; 12:301. [PMID: 36276454 PMCID: PMC9525514 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-022-03365-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most lethal cancer due to poor diagnosis and rapid resistance developed towards the drug. Genes associated to cancer-related overexpression of proteins, enzymes, and receptors can be suppressed using an RNA silencing technique. This assists in obtaining tumour targetability, resulting in less harm caused to the surrounding healthy cells. RNA interference (RNAi) has scientific basis for providing potential therapeutic applications in improving GBM treatment. However, the therapeutic application of RNAi is challenging due to its poor permeability across blood-brain barrier (BBB). Nanobiotechnology has evolved the use of nanocarriers such as liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles, dendrimers, quantum dots and other nanostructures in encasing the RNAi entities like siRNA and miRNA. The review highlights the role of these carriers in encasing siRNA and miRNA and promising therapy in delivering them to the glioma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karishma Shetty
- Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy and Technology Management, SVKM’S NMIMS (Deemed to be University), Mumbai, India
| | - Soma Yasaswi
- Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy and Technology Management, SVKM’S NMIMS (Deemed to be University), Mumbai, India
| | - Shilpee Dutt
- Shilpee Dutt Laboratory, Tata Memorial Centre, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer, Navi Mumbai, 410210 India
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Training School Complex, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai, 400085 India
| | - Khushwant S. Yadav
- Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy and Technology Management, SVKM’S NMIMS (Deemed to be University), Mumbai, India
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22
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Medina EA, Delma CR, Yang FC. ASXL1/2 mutations and myeloid malignancies. J Hematol Oncol 2022; 15:127. [PMID: 36068610 PMCID: PMC9450349 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-022-01336-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Myeloid malignancies develop through the accumulation of genetic and epigenetic alterations that dysregulate hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) self-renewal, stimulate HSC proliferation and result in differentiation defects. The polycomb group (PcG) and trithorax group (TrxG) of epigenetic regulators act antagonistically to regulate the expression of genes key to stem cell functions. The genes encoding these proteins, and the proteins that interact with them or affect their occupancy at chromatin, are frequently mutated in myeloid malignancies. PcG and TrxG proteins are regulated by Enhancers of Trithorax and Polycomb (ETP) proteins. ASXL1 and ASXL2 are ETP proteins that assemble chromatin modification complexes and transcription factors. ASXL1 mutations frequently occur in myeloid malignancies and are associated with a poor prognosis, whereas ASXL2 mutations frequently occur in AML with t(8;21)/RUNX1-RUNX1T1 and less frequently in other subtypes of myeloid malignancies. Herein, we review the role of ASXL1 and ASXL2 in normal and malignant hematopoiesis by summarizing the findings of mouse model systems and discussing their underlying molecular mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward A Medina
- Division of Hematopathology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX, 78229-3900, USA.
| | - Caroline R Delma
- Division of Hematopathology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX, 78229-3900, USA
| | - Feng-Chun Yang
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA.,Mays Cancer Center, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
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23
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Ma Q, Song C, Yin B, Shi Y, Ye L. The role of Trithorax family regulating osteogenic and Chondrogenic differentiation in mesenchymal stem cells. Cell Prolif 2022; 55:e13233. [PMID: 35481717 PMCID: PMC9136489 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) hold great promise and clinical efficacy in bone/cartilage regeneration. With a deeper understanding of stem cell biology over the past decade, epigenetics stands out as one of the most promising ways to control MSCs differentiation. Trithorax group (TrxG) proteins, including the COMPASS family, ASH1L, CBP/p300 as histone modifying factors, and the SWI/SNF complexes as chromatin remodelers, play an important role in gene expression regulation during the process of stem cell differentiation. This review summarises the components and functions of TrxG complexes. We provide an overview of the regulation mechanisms of TrxG in MSCs osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation, and discuss the prospects of epigenetic regulation mediated by TrxG in bone and cartilage regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingge Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chenghao Song
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Bei Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yu Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ling Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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24
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Alexandrova E, Salvati A, Pecoraro G, Lamberti J, Melone V, Sellitto A, Rizzo F, Giurato G, Tarallo R, Nassa G, Weisz A. Histone Methyltransferase DOT1L as a Promising Epigenetic Target for Treatment of Solid Tumors. Front Genet 2022; 13:864612. [PMID: 35495127 PMCID: PMC9043692 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.864612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The histone lysine methyltransferase DOT1L (DOT1-like histone lysine methyltransferase) is responsible for the epigenetic regulation of gene expression through specific methylation of lysine79 residue of histone H3 (H3K79) in actively transcribed genes. Its normal activity is crucial for embryonic development and adult tissues functions, whereas its aberrant functioning is known to contribute to leukemogenesis. DOT1L is the only lysine methyltransferase that does not contain a SET domain, which is a feature that allowed the development of selective DOT1L inhibitors that are currently investigated in Phase I clinical trials for cancer treatment. Recently, abnormal expression of this enzyme has been associated with poor survival and increased aggressiveness of several solid tumors. In this review evidences of aberrant DOT1L expression and activity in breast, ovarian, prostate, colon, and other solid tumors, and its relationships with biological and clinical behavior of the disease and response to therapies, are summarized. Current knowledge of the structural basis of DOT1L ability to regulate cell proliferation, invasion, plasticity and stemness, cell cycle progression, cell-to-cell signaling, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and chemoresistance, through cooperation with several molecular partners including noncoding RNAs, is also reviewed. Finally, available options for the treatment of therapeutically challenging solid tumors by targeting DOT1L are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Alexandrova
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
| | - Annamaria Salvati
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
- Medical Genomics Program and Division of Oncology, AOU “S. Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d’Aragona”, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Giovanni Pecoraro
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
| | - Jessica Lamberti
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
| | - Viola Melone
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
| | - Assunta Sellitto
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
| | - Francesca Rizzo
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
- Genome Research Center for Health—CRGS, Campus of Medicine of the University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
| | - Giorgio Giurato
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
- Genome Research Center for Health—CRGS, Campus of Medicine of the University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
| | - Roberta Tarallo
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
- Genome Research Center for Health—CRGS, Campus of Medicine of the University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
| | - Giovanni Nassa
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
- Genome Research Center for Health—CRGS, Campus of Medicine of the University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
- *Correspondence: Giovanni Nassa, ; Alessandro Weisz,
| | - Alessandro Weisz
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
- Medical Genomics Program and Division of Oncology, AOU “S. Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d’Aragona”, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
- Genome Research Center for Health—CRGS, Campus of Medicine of the University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
- *Correspondence: Giovanni Nassa, ; Alessandro Weisz,
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25
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Zhang ZL, Yu PF, Ling ZQ. The role of KMT2 gene in human tumors. Histol Histopathol 2022; 37:323-334. [PMID: 35233758 DOI: 10.14670/hh-18-447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Histone methylation plays a crucial role in the regulation of gene transcriptional expression, and aberration of methylation-modifying enzyme genes can lead to a variety of genetic diseases, including human cancers. The histone modified protein KMT2 (lysin methyltransferase) family are involved in cell proliferation, growth, development and differentiation through regulating gene expression, and are closely related with many blood cancers and solid tumors. In recent years, several studies have shown that mutations in the KMT2 gene occur frequently in a variety of human cancers and the mutation status of the KMT2 gene may be correlated with the occurrence, development and prognosis of some tumors. Research uncovering the clinical characteristics and molecular mechanisms of KMT2 mutation in human tumors will be helpful for early diagnosis and prognosis of tumors as well as drug development for targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Long Zhang
- Zhejiang Cancer Institute (Experimental Research Center), Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, PR China.,The Second Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medicine University, Hangzhou, PR China
| | - Peng-Fei Yu
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, PR China.
| | - Zhi-Qiang Ling
- Zhejiang Cancer Institute (Experimental Research Center), Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, PR China.
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26
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Menghrajani K, Gomez-Arteaga A, Madero-Marroquin R, Zhang MJ, Bo-Subait K, Sanchez J, Wang HL, Aljurf M, Assal A, Bacher VU, Badawy SM, Bejanyan N, Bhatt VR, Bredeson C, Byrne M, Castillo P, Cerny J, Chhabra S, Ciurea SO, DeFilipp Z, Farhadfar N, Gadalla S, Gale RP, Ganguly S, Gowda L, Grunwald MR, Hashmi S, Hildebrandt G, Kanakry CG, Kansagra A, Khimani F, Krem M, Lazarus H, Liu H, Martino R, Michelis FV, Nathan S, Nishihori T, Olsson R, Reshef R, Rizzieri D, Rowe JM, Savani BN, Seo S, Sharma A, Solh M, Ustun C, Verdonck LF, Hourigan C, Sandmaier B, Litzow M, Kebriaei P, Weisdorf D, Zhang Y, Tallman MS, Saber W. Risk classification at diagnosis predicts post-HCT outcomes in intermediate-, adverse-risk, and KMT2A-rearranged AML. Blood Adv 2022; 6:828-847. [PMID: 34551064 PMCID: PMC8945306 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2021004881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Little is known about whether risk classification at diagnosis predicts post-hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) outcomes in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We evaluated 8709 patients with AML from the CIBMTR database, and after selection and manual curation of the cytogenetics data, 3779 patients in first complete remission were included in the final analysis: 2384 with intermediate-risk, 969 with adverse-risk, and 426 with KMT2A-rearranged disease. An adjusted multivariable analysis detected an increased risk of relapse for patients with KMT2A-rearranged or adverse-risk AML as compared to those with intermediate-risk disease (hazards ratio [HR], 1.27; P = .01; HR, 1.71; P < .001, respectively). Leukemia-free survival was similar for patients with KMT2A rearrangement or adverse risk (HR, 1.26; P = .002, and HR, 1.47; P < .001), as was overall survival (HR, 1.32; P < .001, and HR, 1.45; P < .001). No differences in outcome were detected when patients were stratified by KMT2A fusion partner. This study is the largest conducted to date on post-HCT outcomes in AML, with manually curated cytogenetics used for risk stratification. Our work demonstrates that risk classification at diagnosis remains predictive of post-HCT outcomes in AML. It also highlights the critical need to develop novel treatment strategies for patients with KMT2A-rearranged and adverse-risk disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alexandra Gomez-Arteaga
- Adult Bone Marrow Transplant Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Rafael Madero-Marroquin
- Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai St Luke’s and Mount Sinai West, New York, NY
| | - Mei-Jie Zhang
- Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR), Department of Medicine and
- Division of Biostatistics, Institute for Health and Equity, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Khalid Bo-Subait
- Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR), Department of Medicine and
| | - Jonathan Sanchez
- Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR), Department of Medicine and
| | - Hai-Lin Wang
- Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR), Department of Medicine and
| | - Mahmoud Aljurf
- Department of Oncology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital Center and Research, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amer Assal
- Department of Medicine, Bone Marrow Transplant and Cell Therapy Program, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Vera Ulrike Bacher
- Department of Hematology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sherif M. Badawy
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplant, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Nelli Bejanyan
- Department of Blood and Marrow Transplant and Cellular Immunotherapy, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL
| | - Vijaya Raj Bhatt
- The Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE
| | - Christopher Bredeson
- The Ottawa Hospital Blood and Marrow Transplant Program, Ottawa ON, Canada
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Michael Byrne
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Paul Castillo
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, Department of Pediatrics in the College of Medicine, UF Health Shands Children's Hospital, Gainesville, FL
| | - Jan Cerny
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical Center, Worcester, MA
| | - Saurabh Chhabra
- Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR), Department of Medicine and
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Stefan Octavian Ciurea
- Division of Cancer Medicine, Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Zachariah DeFilipp
- Blood and Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Nosha Farhadfar
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL
| | - Shahinaz Gadalla
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute (NCI) Clinical Genetics Branch, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rockville, MD
| | - Robert Peter Gale
- Haematology Research Centre, Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Siddhartha Ganguly
- Division of Hematological Malignancy and Cellular Therapeutics, University of Kansas Health System, Kansas City, KS
| | - Lohith Gowda
- Section of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, Yale Comprehensive Cancer Center, Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT
| | - Michael R. Grunwald
- Department of Hematologic Oncology and Blood Disorders, Levine Cancer Institute, Atrium Health, Charlotte, NC
| | - Shahrukh Hashmi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
- Oncology Center, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Christopher G. Kanakry
- Experimental Transplantation and Immunology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, MD
| | - Ankit Kansagra
- UT Southwestern Medical Center, Blood and Marrow Transplant Program, Dallas, TX
| | - Farhad Khimani
- H Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL
| | - Maxwell Krem
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY
| | - Hillard Lazarus
- Department of Medicine, University Hospitals Case Medical Center and Seidman Cancer Center, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH
| | - Hongtao Liu
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Rodrigo Martino
- Division of Clinical Hematology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Fotios V. Michelis
- Allogeneic Blood and Marrow Transplant Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sunita Nathan
- Section of Bone Marrow Transplant and Cell Therapy, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
| | - Taiga Nishihori
- The Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE
| | - Richard Olsson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Centre for Clinical Research Sormland, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ran Reshef
- Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program and
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - David Rizzieri
- Division of Hematologic Malignancies and Cellular Therapy, Duke University, Durham, NC
| | - Jacob M. Rowe
- Department of Hematology, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Bipin N. Savani
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Sachiko Seo
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Dokkyo Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Akshay Sharma
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Melhem Solh
- The Blood and Marrow Transplant Group of Georgia, Northside Hospital, Atlanta, GA
| | - Celalettin Ustun
- Hematology, Oncology, and Cell Therapy, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
| | - Leo F. Verdonck
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Isala Clinic, Zwolle, The Netherlands
| | | | - Brenda Sandmaier
- Division of Medical Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Mark Litzow
- Division of Hematology and Transplant Center, Mayo Clinic Rochester, Rochester, MN
| | - Partow Kebriaei
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Daniel Weisdorf
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN; and
| | - Yanming Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Martin S. Tallman
- Leukemia Service and
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Wael Saber
- Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR), Department of Medicine and
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27
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Usher ET, Namitz KEW, Cosgrove MS, Showalter SA. Probing multiple enzymatic methylation events in real time with NMR spectroscopy. Biophys J 2021; 120:4710-4721. [PMID: 34592262 PMCID: PMC8595733 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2021.09.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-translational modification (PTM) of proteins is of critical importance to the regulation of many cellular processes in eukaryotic organisms. One of the most well-studied protein PTMs is methylation, wherein an enzyme catalyzes the transfer of a methyl group from a cofactor to a lysine or arginine side chain. Lysine methylation is especially abundant in the histone tails and is an important marker for denoting active or repressed genes. Given their relevance to transcriptional regulation, the study of methyltransferase function through in vitro experiments is an important stepping stone toward understanding the complex mechanisms of regulated gene expression. To date, most methyltransferase characterization strategies rely on the use of radioactive cofactors, detection of a methyl transfer byproduct, or discontinuous-type assays. Although such methods are suitable for some applications, information about multiple methylation events and kinetic intermediates is often lost. Herein, we describe the use of two-dimensional NMR to monitor mono-, di-, and trimethylation in a single reaction tube. To do so, we incorporated 13C into the donor methyl group of the enzyme cofactor S-adenosyl methionine. In this way, we may study enzymatic methylation by monitoring the appearance of distinct resonances corresponding to mono-, di-, or trimethyl lysine without the need to isotopically enrich the substrate. To demonstrate the capabilities of this method, we evaluated the activity of three lysine methyltransferases, Set7, MWRAD2 (MLL1 complex), and PRDM9, toward the histone H3 tail. We monitored mono- or multimethylation of histone H3 tail at lysine 4 through sequential short two-dimensional heteronuclear single quantum coherence experiments and fit the resulting progress curves to first-order kinetic models. In summary, NMR detection of PTMs in one-pot, real-time reaction using facile cofactor isotopic enrichment shows promise as a method toward understanding the intricate mechanisms of methyltransferases and other enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emery T Usher
- Center for Eukaryotic Gene Regulation, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
| | - Kevin E W Namitz
- Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - Michael S Cosgrove
- SUNY Upstate Medical University, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Syracuse, New York
| | - Scott A Showalter
- Center for Eukaryotic Gene Regulation, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania.
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28
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Kalushkova A, Nylund P, Párraga AA, Lennartsson A, Jernberg-Wiklund H. One Omics Approach Does Not Rule Them All: The Metabolome and the Epigenome Join Forces in Haematological Malignancies. EPIGENOMES 2021; 5:epigenomes5040022. [PMID: 34968247 PMCID: PMC8715477 DOI: 10.3390/epigenomes5040022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Aberrant DNA methylation, dysregulation of chromatin-modifying enzymes, and microRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in haematological malignancies. These epimutations, with an impact on chromatin accessibility and transcriptional output, are often associated with genomic instability and the emergence of drug resistance, disease progression, and poor survival. In order to exert their functions, epigenetic enzymes utilize cellular metabolites as co-factors and are highly dependent on their availability. By affecting the expression of metabolic enzymes, epigenetic modifiers may aid the generation of metabolite signatures that could be utilized as targets and biomarkers in cancer. This interdependency remains often neglected and poorly represented in studies, despite well-established methods to study the cellular metabolome. This review critically summarizes the current knowledge in the field to provide an integral picture of the interplay between epigenomic alterations and the cellular metabolome in haematological malignancies. Our recent findings defining a distinct metabolic signature upon response to enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) inhibition in multiple myeloma (MM) highlight how a shift of preferred metabolic pathways may potentiate novel treatments. The suggested link between the epigenome and the metabolome in haematopoietic tumours holds promise for the use of metabolic signatures as possible biomarkers of response to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Kalushkova
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, 75185 Uppsala, Sweden; (P.N.); (A.A.P.); (H.J.-W.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Patrick Nylund
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, 75185 Uppsala, Sweden; (P.N.); (A.A.P.); (H.J.-W.)
| | - Alba Atienza Párraga
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, 75185 Uppsala, Sweden; (P.N.); (A.A.P.); (H.J.-W.)
| | - Andreas Lennartsson
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, NEO, Karolinska Institutet, 14157 Huddinge, Sweden;
| | - Helena Jernberg-Wiklund
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, 75185 Uppsala, Sweden; (P.N.); (A.A.P.); (H.J.-W.)
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29
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Therapeutic implications of menin inhibition in acute leukemias. Leukemia 2021; 35:2482-2495. [PMID: 34131281 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-021-01309-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Menin inhibitors are novel targeted agents currently in clinical development for the treatment of genetically defined subsets of acute leukemia. Menin has a tumor suppressor function in endocrine glands. Germline mutations in the gene encoding menin cause the multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) syndrome, a hereditary condition associated with tumors of the endocrine glands. However, menin is also critical for leukemogenesis in subsets driven by rearrangement of the Lysine Methyltransferase 2A (KMT2A) gene, previously known as mixed-lineage leukemia (MLL), which encodes an epigenetic modifier. These seemingly opposing functions of menin can be explained by its various roles in gene regulation. Therefore, leukemias with rearrangement of KMT2A are predicted to respond to menin inhibition with early clinical data validating this proof-of-concept. These leukemias affect infants, children and adults, and lead to adverse outcomes with current standard therapies. Recent studies have identified novel targets in acute leukemia that are susceptible to menin inhibition, such as mutated Nucleophosmin 1 (NPM1), the most common genetic alteration in adult acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In addition to these alterations, other leukemia subsets with similar transcriptional dependency could be targeted through menin inhibition. This led to rationally designed clinical studies, investigating small-molecule oral menin inhibitors in relapsed acute leukemias with promising early results. Herein, we discuss the physiologic and malignant biology of menin, the mechanisms of leukemia in these susceptible subsets, and future therapeutic strategies using these inhibitors in acute leukemia.
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30
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Mukherjee S, Heng HH, Frenkel-Morgenstern M. Emerging Role of Chimeric RNAs in Cell Plasticity and Adaptive Evolution of Cancer Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4328. [PMID: 34503137 PMCID: PMC8431553 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13174328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene fusions can give rise to somatic alterations in cancers. Fusion genes have the potential to create chimeric RNAs, which can generate the phenotypic diversity of cancer cells, and could be associated with novel molecular functions related to cancer cell survival and proliferation. The expression of chimeric RNAs in cancer cells might impact diverse cancer-related functions, including loss of apoptosis and cancer cell plasticity, and promote oncogenesis. Due to their recurrence in cancers and functional association with oncogenic processes, chimeric RNAs are considered biomarkers for cancer diagnosis. Several recent studies demonstrated that chimeric RNAs could lead to the generation of new functionality for the resistance of cancer cells against drug therapy. Therefore, targeting chimeric RNAs in drug resistance cancer could be useful for developing precision medicine. So, understanding the functional impact of chimeric RNAs in cancer cells from an evolutionary perspective will be helpful to elucidate cancer evolution, which could provide a new insight to design more effective therapies for cancer patients in a personalized manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumit Mukherjee
- Cancer Genomics and BioComputing of Complex Diseases Lab, Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed 1311502, Israel;
| | - Henry H. Heng
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA;
- Department of Pathology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Milana Frenkel-Morgenstern
- Cancer Genomics and BioComputing of Complex Diseases Lab, Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed 1311502, Israel;
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31
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Boyson SP, Gao C, Quinn K, Boyd J, Paculova H, Frietze S, Glass KC. Functional Roles of Bromodomain Proteins in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3606. [PMID: 34298819 PMCID: PMC8303718 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13143606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Histone acetylation is generally associated with an open chromatin configuration that facilitates many cellular processes including gene transcription, DNA repair, and DNA replication. Aberrant levels of histone lysine acetylation are associated with the development of cancer. Bromodomains represent a family of structurally well-characterized effector domains that recognize acetylated lysines in chromatin. As part of their fundamental reader activity, bromodomain-containing proteins play versatile roles in epigenetic regulation, and additional functional modules are often present in the same protein, or through the assembly of larger enzymatic complexes. Dysregulated gene expression, chromosomal translocations, and/or mutations in bromodomain-containing proteins have been correlated with poor patient outcomes in cancer. Thus, bromodomains have emerged as a highly tractable class of epigenetic targets due to their well-defined structural domains, and the increasing ease of designing or screening for molecules that modulate the reading process. Recent developments in pharmacological agents that target specific bromodomains has helped to understand the diverse mechanisms that bromodomains play with their interaction partners in a variety of chromatin processes, and provide the promise of applying bromodomain inhibitors into the clinical field of cancer treatment. In this review, we explore the expression and protein interactome profiles of bromodomain-containing proteins and discuss them in terms of functional groups. Furthermore, we highlight our current understanding of the roles of bromodomain-containing proteins in cancer, as well as emerging strategies to specifically target bromodomains, including combination therapies using bromodomain inhibitors alongside traditional therapeutic approaches designed to re-program tumorigenesis and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel P. Boyson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Colchester, VT 05446, USA;
- Department of Pharmacology, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA;
| | - Cong Gao
- Department of Biomedical and Health Sciences, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA; (C.G.); (J.B.); (H.P.)
| | - Kathleen Quinn
- Department of Pharmacology, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA;
- Department of Biomedical and Health Sciences, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA; (C.G.); (J.B.); (H.P.)
| | - Joseph Boyd
- Department of Biomedical and Health Sciences, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA; (C.G.); (J.B.); (H.P.)
| | - Hana Paculova
- Department of Biomedical and Health Sciences, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA; (C.G.); (J.B.); (H.P.)
| | - Seth Frietze
- Department of Biomedical and Health Sciences, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA; (C.G.); (J.B.); (H.P.)
- University of Vermont Cancer Center, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
| | - Karen C. Glass
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Colchester, VT 05446, USA;
- Department of Pharmacology, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA;
- University of Vermont Cancer Center, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
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Yokoyama A. Leukemogenesis via aberrant self-renewal by the MLL/AEP-mediated transcriptional activation system. Cancer Sci 2021; 112:3935-3944. [PMID: 34251718 PMCID: PMC8486200 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Revised: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Homeostasis of the hematopoietic system is achieved in a hierarchy, with hematopoietic stem cells at the pinnacle. Because only hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) can self-renew, the size of the hematopoietic system is strictly controlled. In hematopoietic reconstitution experiments, 1 HSC can reconstitute the entire hematopoietic system, whereas 50 multipotent progenitors cannot. This indicates that only HSCs self-renew, whereas non-HSC hematopoietic progenitors are programmed to differentiate or senesce. Oncogenic mutations of the mixed lineage leukemia gene (MLL) overcome this "programmed differentiation" by conferring the self-renewing ability to non-HSC hematopoietic progenitors. In leukemia, mutated MLL proteins constitutively activate a broad range of previously transcribed CpG-rich promoters by an MLL-mediated transcriptional activation system. This system promotes self-renewal by replicating an expression profile similar to that of the mother cell in its daughter cells. In this transcriptional activation system, MLL binds to unmethylated CpG-rich promoters and recruits RNA polymerase II. MLL recruits p300/CBP through its transcriptional activation domain, which acetylates histone H3 at lysines 9, 18, and 27. The AF4 family/ENL family/P-TEFb complex (AEP) binds to acetylated H3K9/18/27 to activate transcription. Gene rearrangements of MLL with AEP- or CBP/p300-complex components generate constitutively active transcriptional machinery of this transcriptional activation system, which causes aberrant self-renewal of leukemia stem cells. Inhibitors of the components of this system effectively decrease their leukemogenic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akihiko Yokoyama
- Tsuruoka Metabolomics Laboratory, National Cancer Center, Tsuruoka, Japan.,National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
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Histone H3K4 Methyltransferases as Targets for Drug-Resistant Cancers. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10070581. [PMID: 34201935 PMCID: PMC8301125 DOI: 10.3390/biology10070581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The KMT2 (MLL) family of proteins, including the major histone H3K4 methyltransferase found in mammals, exists as large complexes with common subunit proteins and exhibits enzymatic activity. SMYD, another H3K4 methyltransferase, and SET7/9 proteins catalyze the methylation of several non-histone targets, in addition to histone H3K4 residues. Despite these structural and functional commonalities, H3K4 methyltransferase proteins have specificity for their target genes and play a role in the development of various cancers as well as in drug resistance. In this review, we examine the overall role of histone H3K4 methyltransferase in the development of various cancers and in the progression of drug resistance. Compounds that inhibit protein-protein interactions between KMT2 family proteins and their common subunits or the activity of SMYD and SET7/9 are continuously being developed for the treatment of acute leukemia, triple-negative breast cancer, and castration-resistant prostate cancer. These H3K4 methyltransferase inhibitors, either alone or in combination with other drugs, are expected to play a role in overcoming drug resistance in leukemia and various solid cancers.
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Liu Z, Zheng M, Lei B, Zhou Z, Huang Y, Li W, Chen Q, Li P, Deng Y. Whole-exome sequencing identifies somatic mutations associated with lung cancer metastasis to the brain. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2021; 9:694. [PMID: 33987392 PMCID: PMC8106079 DOI: 10.21037/atm-21-1555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Background Lung cancer is the most aggressive cancer, resulting in one-quarter of all cancer-related deaths, and its metastatic spread accounts for >70% of these deaths, especially metastasis to the brain. Metastasis-associated mutations are important biomarkers for metastasis prediction and outcome improvement. Methods In this study, we applied whole-exome sequencing (WES) to identify potential metastasis-related mutations in 12 paired lung cancer and brain metastasis samples. Results We identified 1,702 single nucleotide variants (SNVs) and 6,131 mutation events among 1,220 genes. Furthermore, we identified several lung cancer metastases associated genes (KMT2C, AHNAK2). A mean of 3.1 driver gene mutation events per tumor with the dN/dS (non-synonymous substitution rate/synonymous substitution rate) of 2.13 indicating a significant enrichment for cancer driver gene mutations. Mutation spectrum analysis found lung-brain metastasis samples have a more similar Ti/Tv (transition/transversion) profile with brain cancer in which C to T transitions are more frequent while lung cancer has more C to A transversion. We also found the most important tumor onset and metastasis pathways, such as chronic myeloid leukemia, ErbB signaling pathway, and glioma pathway. Finally, we identified a significant survival associated mutation gene ERF in both The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) (P=0.01) and our dataset (P=0.012). Conclusions In summary, we conducted a pairwise lung-brain metastasis based exome-wide sequencing and identified some novel metastasis-related mutations which provided potential biomarkers for prognosis and targeted therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenghao Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Meiguang Zheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bingxi Lei
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiwei Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yutao Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenpeng Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qinbiao Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Pengcheng Li
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Cancer Center of Wuhan Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuefei Deng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Wei S, Liu W, Sun N, Wu Y, Song H, Wang C, Wang S, Zou R, Lin L, Zeng K, Zhou B, Wang M, Luan R, Yang F, Zhao Y. MOF upregulates the estrogen receptor α signaling pathway by its acetylase activity in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Sci 2021; 112:1865-1877. [PMID: 33544437 PMCID: PMC8088912 DOI: 10.1111/cas.14836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The histone acetyltransferase MOF (KAT8) is mainly involved in the acetylation of histone H4 at lysine 16 (H4K16) and some non‐histone proteins. The MOF expression level is significantly reduced in many cancers, however the biological function of MOF and its underlying mechanism are still elusive in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Estrogen receptor α (ERα) has been considered as a tumor suppressor in HCC. Here, we demonstrated that MOF expression is significantly reduced in HCC samples, and is positively correlated with that of ERα. MOF interacts with ERα, and participates in acetylation of ERα at K266, K268, K299, thereby inhibiting ERα ubiquitination to maintain the stability of ERα. In addition, MOF participates in the upregulation of ERα‐mediated transactivation. Depletion of MOF significantly promotes cell growth, migration, and invasion in HCC cell lines. Taken together, our results provide new insights to understand the mechanism underlying the modulation function of MOF on ERα action in HCC, suggesting that MOF might be a potential therapeutic target for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Wei
- Department of Cell Biology, Key laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Key laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Cell Biology, Key laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Key laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ning Sun
- Department of Cell Biology, Key laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Key laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yi Wu
- Department of Cell Biology, Key laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Key laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Department of Pathogenic Biology, Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, China
| | - Huijuan Song
- Department of Cell Biology, Key laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Key laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Chunyu Wang
- Department of Cell Biology, Key laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Key laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Shengli Wang
- Department of Cell Biology, Key laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Key laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Renlong Zou
- Department of Cell Biology, Key laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Key laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Lin Lin
- Department of Cell Biology, Key laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Key laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Kai Zeng
- Department of Cell Biology, Key laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Key laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Baosheng Zhou
- Department of Cell Biology, Key laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Key laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Manlin Wang
- Department of Cell Biology, Key laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Key laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ruina Luan
- Department of Cell Biology, Key laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Key laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Cell Biology, Key laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Key laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yue Zhao
- Department of Cell Biology, Key laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Department of Molecular Oncology, Liao Ning Tumor Hospital, Shenyang, China
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O’Garro C, Igbineweka L, Ali Z, Mezei M, Mujtaba S. The Biological Significance of Targeting Acetylation-Mediated Gene Regulation for Designing New Mechanistic Tools and Potential Therapeutics. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11030455. [PMID: 33803759 PMCID: PMC8003229 DOI: 10.3390/biom11030455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The molecular interplay between nucleosomal packaging and the chromatin landscape regulates the transcriptional programming and biological outcomes of downstream genes. An array of epigenetic modifications plays a pivotal role in shaping the chromatin architecture, which controls DNA access to the transcriptional machinery. Acetylation of the amino acid lysine is a widespread epigenetic modification that serves as a marker for gene activation, which intertwines the maintenance of cellular homeostasis and the regulation of signaling during stress. The biochemical horizon of acetylation ranges from orchestrating the stability and cellular localization of proteins that engage in the cell cycle to DNA repair and metabolism. Furthermore, lysine acetyltransferases (KATs) modulate the functions of transcription factors that govern cellular response to microbial infections, genotoxic stress, and inflammation. Due to their central role in many biological processes, mutations in KATs cause developmental and intellectual challenges and metabolic disorders. Despite the availability of tools for detecting acetylation, the mechanistic knowledge of acetylation-mediated cellular processes remains limited. This review aims to integrate molecular and structural bases of KAT functions, which would help design highly selective tools for understanding the biology of KATs toward developing new disease treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenise O’Garro
- Department of Biology, Medgar Evers College, City University of New York, Brooklyn, NY 11225, USA; (C.O.); (L.I.); (Z.A.)
| | - Loveth Igbineweka
- Department of Biology, Medgar Evers College, City University of New York, Brooklyn, NY 11225, USA; (C.O.); (L.I.); (Z.A.)
| | - Zonaira Ali
- Department of Biology, Medgar Evers College, City University of New York, Brooklyn, NY 11225, USA; (C.O.); (L.I.); (Z.A.)
| | - Mihaly Mezei
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA;
| | - Shiraz Mujtaba
- Department of Biology, Medgar Evers College, City University of New York, Brooklyn, NY 11225, USA; (C.O.); (L.I.); (Z.A.)
- Correspondence:
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37
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da Silva LS, Doonan LB, Pessoa A, de Oliveira MA, Long PF. Structural and functional diversity of asparaginases: Overview and recommendations for a revised nomenclature. Biotechnol Appl Biochem 2021; 69:503-513. [PMID: 33624365 DOI: 10.1002/bab.2127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Asparaginases (ASNases) are a large and structurally diverse group of enzymes ubiquitous amongst archaea, bacteria and eukaryotes, that catalyze hydrolysis of asparagine to aspartate and ammonia. Bacterial ASNases are important biopharmaceuticals for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia, although some patients experience adverse allergic side effects during treatment with these protein therapeutics. ASNases are currently divided into three families: plant-type ASNases, Rhizobium etli-type ASNases and bacterial-type ASNases. This system is outdated as both bacterial-type and plant-type families also include archaeal, bacterial and eukaryotic enzymes, each with their own distinct characteristics. Herein, phylogenetic studies allied to tertiary structural analyses are described with the aim of proposing a revised and more robust classification system that considers the biochemical diversity of ASNases. Accordingly, based on distinct peptide domains, phylogenetic data, structural analysis and functional characteristics, we recommend that ASNases now be divided into three new distinct classes containing subgroups according to structural and functional aspects. Using this new classification scheme, 25 ASNases were identified as candidates for future new lead discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Schultz da Silva
- Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), São Vicente, São Paulo, Brazil.,Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, UK
| | - Liam B Doonan
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, UK
| | - Adalberto Pessoa
- Departamento de Tecnologia Tecnologia Bioquímico-Farmacêuticas, Faculdade de Ciencias Farmaceuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Paul F Long
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, UK.,Departamento de Tecnologia Tecnologia Bioquímico-Farmacêuticas, Faculdade de Ciencias Farmaceuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Agarwal M, Seth R, Chatterjee T. Recent Advances in Molecular Diagnosis and Prognosis of Childhood B Cell Lineage Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (B-ALL). Indian J Hematol Blood Transfus 2021; 37:10-20. [PMID: 33707831 PMCID: PMC7900311 DOI: 10.1007/s12288-020-01295-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
B cell lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia is the most common leukemia occurring in children and young adults and is the leading cause of cancer related deaths. The 5 year overall survival outcome in children with B-ALL has improved significantly in the last few decades. In the past, the discovery of various genetic alterations and targeted therapy have played a major role in decreasing disease-related deaths. In addition, numerous advances in the pathogenesis of B-ALL have been found which have provided better understanding of the genes involved in disease biology with respect to diagnostic and prognostic implications. Present review will summarize current understanding of risk stratification, genetic factors including cytogenetics in diagnosis and prognosis of B-ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manisha Agarwal
- Department of Laboratory Sciences and Molecular Medicine, Army Hospital (R&R), New Delhi, India
| | - Rachna Seth
- Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Tathagata Chatterjee
- Department of Laboratory Sciences and Molecular Medicine, Army Hospital (R&R), New Delhi, India
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Rearrangements of the histone lysine [K]-MethylTransferase 2A gene (KMT2A) gene on chromosome 11q23, formerly known as the mixed-lineage leukemia (MLL) gene, are found in 10% and 5% of adult and children ALL cases, respectively. The most common translocated genes are AFF1 (formerly AF4), MLLT3 (formerly AF9), and MLLT1 (formerly ENL). The bimodal incidence of MLL-r-ALL usually peaks in infants in their first 2 years of life and then declines thereafter during the pediatric/young adult phase until it increases again with age. MLL-rearranged ALL (MLL-r-ALL) is characterized by hyperleukocytosis, aggressive behavior with early relapse, relatively high incidence of central nervous system (CNS) involvement, and poor prognosis. RECENT FINDINGS MLL-r-ALL cells are characterized by relative resistance to corticosteroids (due to Src kinase-induced phosphorylation of annexin A2) and L-asparaginase therapy, but they are sensitive to cytarabine chemotherapy (due to increased levels of hENT1 expression). Potential therapeutic targets include FLT3 inhibitors, MEK inhibitors, HDAC inhibitors, BCL-2 inhibitors, MCL-1 inhibitors, proteasome inhibitors, hypomethylating agents, Dot1L inhibitors, and CDK inhibitors. In this review, we discuss MLL-r-ALL focusing on clinical presentation, risk stratification, drug resistance, and treatment strategies, including potential novel therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Firas El Chaer
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, 1215 Lee Street, Charlottesville, VA, 22903, USA
| | - Michael Keng
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, 1215 Lee Street, Charlottesville, VA, 22903, USA
| | - Karen K Ballen
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, 1215 Lee Street, Charlottesville, VA, 22903, USA.
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Targeting Chromatin Complexes in Myeloid Malignancies and Beyond: From Basic Mechanisms to Clinical Innovation. Cells 2020; 9:cells9122721. [PMID: 33371192 PMCID: PMC7767226 DOI: 10.3390/cells9122721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The aberrant function of chromatin regulatory networks (epigenetics) is a hallmark of cancer promoting oncogenic gene expression. A growing body of evidence suggests that the disruption of specific chromatin-associated protein complexes has therapeutic potential in malignant conditions, particularly those that are driven by aberrant chromatin modifiers. Of note, a number of enzymatic inhibitors that block the catalytic function of histone modifying enzymes have been established and entered clinical trials. Unfortunately, many of these molecules do not have potent single-agent activity. One potential explanation for this phenomenon is the fact that those drugs do not profoundly disrupt the integrity of the aberrant network of multiprotein complexes on chromatin. Recent advances in drug development have led to the establishment of novel inhibitors of protein–protein interactions as well as targeted protein degraders that may provide inroads to longstanding effort to physically disrupt oncogenic multiprotein complexes on chromatin. In this review, we summarize some of the current concepts on the role epigenetic modifiers in malignant chromatin states with a specific focus on myeloid malignancies and recent advances in early-phase clinical trials.
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Aberrant Activity of Histone-Lysine N-Methyltransferase 2 (KMT2) Complexes in Oncogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21249340. [PMID: 33302406 PMCID: PMC7762615 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
KMT2 (histone-lysine N-methyltransferase subclass 2) complexes methylate lysine 4 on the histone H3 tail at gene promoters and gene enhancers and, thus, control the process of gene transcription. These complexes not only play an essential role in normal development but have also been described as involved in the aberrant growth of tissues. KMT2 mutations resulting from the rearrangements of the KMT2A (MLL1) gene at 11q23 are associated with pediatric mixed-lineage leukemias, and recent studies demonstrate that KMT2 genes are frequently mutated in many types of human cancers. Moreover, other components of the KMT2 complexes have been reported to contribute to oncogenesis. This review summarizes the recent advances in our knowledge of the role of KMT2 complexes in cell transformation. In addition, it discusses the therapeutic targeting of different components of the KMT2 complexes.
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Lomov N, Zerkalenkova E, Lebedeva S, Viushkov V, Rubtsov MA. Cytogenetic and molecular genetic methods for chromosomal translocations detection with reference to the KMT2A/MLL gene. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci 2020; 58:180-206. [PMID: 33205680 DOI: 10.1080/10408363.2020.1844135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Acute leukemias (ALs) are often associated with chromosomal translocations, in particular, KMT2A/MLL gene rearrangements. Identification or confirmation of these translocations is carried out by a number of genetic and molecular methods, some of which are routinely used in clinical practice, while others are primarily used for research purposes. In the clinic, these methods serve to clarify diagnoses and monitor the course of disease and therapy. On the other hand, the identification of new translocations and the confirmation of known translocations are of key importance in the study of disease mechanisms and further molecular classification. There are multiple methods for the detection of rearrangements that differ in their principle of operation, the type of problem being solved, and the cost-result ratio. This review is intended to help researchers and clinicians studying AL and related chromosomal translocations to navigate this variety of methods. All methods considered in the review are grouped by their principle of action and include karyotyping, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with probes for whole chromosomes or individual loci, PCR and reverse transcription-based methods, and high-throughput sequencing. Another characteristic of the described methods is the type of problem being solved. This can be the discovery of new rearrangements, the determination of unknown partner genes participating in the rearrangement, or the confirmation of the proposed rearrangement between the two genes. We consider the specifics of the application, the basic principle of each method, and its pros and cons. To illustrate the application, examples of studying the rearrangements of the KMT2A/MLL gene, one of the genes that are often rearranged in AL, are mentioned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolai Lomov
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Elena Zerkalenkova
- Laboratory of Cytogenetics and Molecular Genetics Dmitry Rogachev National Medical Research Center of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Svetlana Lebedeva
- Laboratory of Cytogenetics and Molecular Genetics Dmitry Rogachev National Medical Research Center of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir Viushkov
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Mikhail A Rubtsov
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia.,Department of Biochemistry, Institute for Translational Medicine and Biotechnology, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
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The MLL family of proteins in normal development and disease. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2020; 1863:194648. [PMID: 33157274 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2020.194648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Menghrajani K, Zhang Y, Famulare C, Devlin SM, Tallman MS. Acute myeloid leukemia with 11q23 rearrangements: A study of therapy-related disease and therapeutic outcomes. Leuk Res 2020; 98:106453. [PMID: 33059120 DOI: 10.1016/j.leukres.2020.106453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
We described the clinical features and outcomes for 63 adult patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with a translocation involving the 11q23 locus (MLL) who were treated at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK). The population included 40 female (63 %) and 23 male (37 %) patients, with a median age of 51 years old (range 18-82 years). Of the 31 patients who had had an antecedent malignancy, 14 (45 %) had had breast cancer or DCIS and 22 (71 %) had received anthracycline-based systemic chemotherapy. The translocation partner for the 11q23 rearrangement was identified in 60 of the 63 patients (95 %) studied. The distribution of translocation partners differed for those who had previously received cytotoxic chemotherapy. Most patients with therapy-related disease had a 9p22 or 19p13 partner, as compared to those with de novo disease (95 % vs. 68 %, p = 0.023). Of the 30 patients who received all therapy under observation, 15 (50 %) patients had de novo disease and 15 (50 %) had received antecedent chemotherapy. No significant difference in survival was observed between groups (p = 0.44). Twenty-two patients received induction as up-front therapy, of whom 11 (50 %) achieved CR / CRi. The achievement of CR / CRi with one course of induction was associated with improved OS, with a 6-month OS of 73 % as compared to 23 % for those who did not (p = 0.018). The achievement of CR / CRi with a single course of induction may be a marker of favorable survival in this subtype of high-risk AML. KEY POINT: Response to a single induction was associated with favorable survival in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Y Zhang
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, USA
| | - C Famulare
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, USA
| | - S M Devlin
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, USA
| | - M S Tallman
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, USA; Weill-Cornell Medical College, USA
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Matsukawa T, Aplan PD. Clinical and molecular consequences of fusion genes in myeloid malignancies. Stem Cells 2020; 38:1366-1374. [PMID: 32745287 DOI: 10.1002/stem.3263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Leukemias are heterogeneous diseases characterized by aberrant hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). Oncogenic fusion genes and proteins, produced via gross chromosomal rearrangements, such as chromosomal translocation, insertion, and inversion, play important roles in hematologic malignancies. These oncoproteins alter fundamental cellular properties, such as self-renewal, differentiation, and proliferation, and confer leukemogenic potential to HSPCs. In addition to providing fundamental insights into the process of leukemic transformation, these fusion genes provide targets for treatment and monitoring of myeloid leukemias. Furthermore, new technologies such as next-generation sequencing have allowed additional insights into the nature of leukemic fusion genes. In this review, we discuss the history, biologic effect, and clinical impact of fusion genes in the field of myeloid leukemias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshihiro Matsukawa
- Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Peter D Aplan
- Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Rugo HS, Jacobs I, Sharma S, Scappaticci F, Paul TA, Jensen-Pergakes K, Malouf GG. The Promise for Histone Methyltransferase Inhibitors for Epigenetic Therapy in Clinical Oncology: A Narrative Review. Adv Ther 2020; 37:3059-3082. [PMID: 32445185 PMCID: PMC7467409 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-020-01379-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic processes are essential for normal development and the maintenance of tissue-specific gene expression in mammals. Changes in gene expression and malignant cellular transformation can result from disruption of epigenetic mechanisms, and global disruption in the epigenetic landscape is a key feature of cancer. The study of epigenetics in cancer has revealed that human cancer cells harbor both genetic alterations and epigenetic abnormalities that interplay at all stages of cancer development. Unlike genetic mutations, epigenetic aberrations are potentially reversible through epigenetic therapy, providing a therapeutically relevant treatment option. Histone methyltransferase inhibitors are emerging as an epigenetic therapy approach with great promise in the field of clinical oncology. The recent accelerated approval of the enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2; also known as histone-lysine N-methyltransferase EZH2) inhibitor tazemetostat for metastatic or locally advanced epithelioid sarcoma marks the first approval of such a compound for the treatment of cancer. Many other histone methyltransferase inhibitors are currently in development, some of which are being tested in clinical studies. This review focuses on histone methyltransferase inhibitors, highlighting their potential in the treatment of cancer. We also discuss the role for such epigenetic drugs in overcoming epigenetically driven drug resistance mechanisms, and their value in combination with other therapeutic approaches such as immunotherapy.
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Banday S, Farooq Z, Ganai SA, Altaf M. Therapeutic strategies against hDOT1L as a potential drug target in MLL-rearranged leukemias. Clin Epigenetics 2020; 12:73. [PMID: 32450905 PMCID: PMC7249331 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-020-00860-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic intervention of proteins participating in chromatin-mediated signaling with small-molecules is a novel option to reprogram expression networks for restraining disease states. Protein methyltransferases form the prominent family of such proteins regulating gene expression via epigenetic mechanisms thereby representing novel targets for pharmacological intervention. Disruptor of telomeric silencing, hDot1L is the only non-SET domain containing histone methyltransferase that methylates histone H3 at lysine 79. H3K79 methylation mediated by hDot1L plays a crucial role in mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) pathosis. MLL fusion protein mediated mistargeting of DOT1L to aberrant gene locations results in ectopic H3K79 methylation culminating in aberrant expression of leukemogenic genes like HOXA9 and MEIS1. hDOT1L has thus been proposed as a potential target for therapeutic intervention in MLL. This review presents the general overview of hDOT1L and its functional role in distinct biological processes. Furthermore, we discuss various therapeutic strategies against hDOT1L as a promising drug target to vanquish therapeutically challenging MLL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahid Banday
- Chromatin and Epigenetics Lab, Department of Biotechnology, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal, Srinagar, 190006, India
| | - Zeenat Farooq
- Chromatin and Epigenetics Lab, Department of Biotechnology, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal, Srinagar, 190006, India
| | - Shabir Ahmad Ganai
- Chromatin and Epigenetics Lab, Department of Biotechnology, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal, Srinagar, 190006, India.,Present Address: Division of Basic Sciences and Humanities, Faculty of Agriculture, SKUAST-Kashmir, Wadura, Sopore, Jammu and Kashmir, 193201, India
| | - Mohammad Altaf
- Chromatin and Epigenetics Lab, Department of Biotechnology, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal, Srinagar, 190006, India. .,Centre for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovations, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal, Srinagar, 190006, India.
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Itskovich SS, Gurunathan A, Clark J, Burwinkel M, Wunderlich M, Berger MR, Kulkarni A, Chetal K, Venkatasubramanian M, Salomonis N, Kumar AR, Lee LH. MBNL1 regulates essential alternative RNA splicing patterns in MLL-rearranged leukemia. Nat Commun 2020; 11:2369. [PMID: 32398749 PMCID: PMC7217953 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-15733-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite growing awareness of the biologic features underlying MLL-rearranged leukemia, targeted therapies for this leukemia have remained elusive and clinical outcomes remain dismal. MBNL1, a protein involved in alternative splicing, is consistently overexpressed in MLL-rearranged leukemias. We found that MBNL1 loss significantly impairs propagation of murine and human MLL-rearranged leukemia in vitro and in vivo. Through transcriptomic profiling of our experimental systems, we show that in leukemic cells, MBNL1 regulates alternative splicing (predominantly intron exclusion) of several genes including those essential for MLL-rearranged leukemogenesis, such as DOT1L and SETD1A. We finally show that selective leukemic cell death is achievable with a small molecule inhibitor of MBNL1. These findings provide the basis for a new therapeutic target in MLL-rearranged leukemia and act as further validation of a burgeoning paradigm in targeted therapy, namely the disruption of cancer-specific splicing programs through the targeting of selectively essential RNA binding proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana S Itskovich
- Division of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Immune Deficiency, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Arun Gurunathan
- Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Jason Clark
- Division of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Immune Deficiency, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Matthew Burwinkel
- Division of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Immune Deficiency, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Mark Wunderlich
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Mikaela R Berger
- College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA
| | - Aishwarya Kulkarni
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, 45221, USA
- Division of Biomedical Informatics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Kashish Chetal
- Division of Biomedical Informatics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Meenakshi Venkatasubramanian
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, 45221, USA
- Division of Biomedical Informatics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Nathan Salomonis
- Division of Biomedical Informatics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Ashish R Kumar
- Division of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Immune Deficiency, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Lynn H Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA.
- Division of Oncology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA.
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The reciprocal world of MLL fusions: A personal view. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2020; 1863:194547. [PMID: 32294539 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2020.194547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Over the last 15 years the Diagnostic Center of Acute Leukemia (DCAL) at the Frankfurt University has diagnosed and elucidated the Mixed Lineage Leukemia (MLL) recombinome with >100 MLL fusion partners. When analyzing all these different events, balanced chromosomal translocations were found to comprise the majority of these cases (~70%), while other types of genetic rearrangements (3-way-translocations, spliced fusions, 11q inversions, interstitial deletions or insertion of chromosomal fragments into other chromosomes) account for about 30%. In nearly all those complex cases, functional fusion proteins can be produced by transcription, splicing and translation. With a few exceptions (10 out of 102 fusion genes which were per se out-of-frame), all these genetic rearrangements produced a direct MLL fusion gene, and in 94% of cases an additional reciprocal fusion gene. So far, 114 patients (out of 2454 = ~5%) have been diagnosed only with the reciprocal fusion allele, displaying no MLL-X allele. The fact that so many MLL rearrangements bear at least two fusion alleles, but also our findings that several direct MLL fusions were either out-of-frame fusions or missing, raises the question about the function and importance of reciprocal MLL fusions. Recent findings also demonstrate the presence of reciprocal MLL fusions in sarcoma patients. Here, we want to discuss the role of reciprocal MLL fusion proteins for leukemogenesis and beyond.
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Kaur J, Daoud A, Eblen ST. Targeting Chromatin Remodeling for Cancer Therapy. Curr Mol Pharmacol 2020; 12:215-229. [PMID: 30767757 PMCID: PMC6875867 DOI: 10.2174/1874467212666190215112915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Revised: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Background: Epigenetic alterations comprise key regulatory events that dynamically alter gene expression and their deregulation is commonly linked to the pathogenesis of various diseases, including cancer. Unlike DNA mutations, epigenetic alterations involve modifications to proteins and nucleic acids that regulate chromatin structure without affecting the underlying DNA sequence, altering the accessibility of the transcriptional machinery to the DNA, thus modulating gene expression. In cancer cells, this often involves the silencing of tumor suppressor genes or the increased expression of genes involved in oncogenesis. Advances in laboratory medicine have made it possible to map critical epigenetic events, including histone modifications and DNA methylation, on a genome-wide scale. Like the identification of genetic mutations, mapping of changes to the epigenetic landscape has increased our understanding of cancer progression. However, in contrast to irreversible genetic mutations, epigenetic modifications are flexible and dynamic, thereby making them promising therapeutic targets. Ongoing studies are evaluating the use of epigenetic drugs in chemotherapy sensitization and immune system modulation. With the preclinical success of drugs that modify epigenetics, along with the FDA approval of epigenetic drugs including the DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) inhibitor 5-azacitidine and the histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor vorinostat, there has been a rise in the number of drugs that target epigenetic modulators over recent years. Conclusion: We provide an overview of epigenetic modulations, particularly those involved in cancer, and discuss the recent advances in drug development that target these chromatin-modifying events, primarily focusing on novel strategies to regulate the epigenome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine Kaur
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, United States
| | - Abdelkader Daoud
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, United States
| | - Scott T Eblen
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, United States
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