1
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Buteyn NJ, Burke CG, Sartori VJ, Deering-Gardner E, DeBruine ZJ, Kamarudin D, Chandler DP, Monovich AC, Perez MW, Yi JS, Ries RE, Alonzo TA, Ryan RJ, Meshinchi S, Triche TJ. EZH2-driven immune evasion defines high-risk pediatric AML with t(16;21) FUS::ERG gene fusion. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.14.594150. [PMID: 38798454 PMCID: PMC11118270 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.14.594150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Despite decades of research, acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains a remarkably lethal malignancy. While pediatric AML (pAML) carries a more favorable prognosis than adult AML, the past 25 years of large clinical trials have produced few improvements in pAML survival. Nowhere is this more evident than in patients carrying a t(16;21)(p11;q22) translocation, which yields the FUS::ERG fusion transcript. Patients with FUS::ERG-positive AML are often primary refractory, and most responders quickly relapse. In COG clinical trials, allogeneic stem cell transplantation was of no benefit to FUS::ERG pAML patients; 100% of transplanted patients succumbed to their disease. Expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I & II and costimulatory molecules is absent at diagnosis in FUS::ERG AML, mirroring the epigenetic mechanism of post-transplant relapse seen in adult AML and its associated dismal outcomes. Here we show that this class-defining immune-repressive phenotype is driven by overexpression of the EZH2 histone lysine methyltransferase in vitro and in multiple clinical cohorts. We show that treatment with the FDA-approved EZH2 inhibitor tazemetostat along with IFN-γ reverses this phenotype, re-establishes MHC presentation, and severely impairs the viability of FUS::ERG AML cells. EZH2 inhibitors may thus provide the first targeted therapeutic option for patients with this high-risk subtype of pAML, with particular benefit as a bridge to successful allogeneic stem cell transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathaniel J Buteyn
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI
| | - Connor G Burke
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI
| | - Vincent J Sartori
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI
| | | | - Zachary J DeBruine
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI
| | - Dahlya Kamarudin
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI
| | - Darrell P Chandler
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI
| | | | - Monika W Perez
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Joanna S Yi
- Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Centers, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Rhonda E Ries
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Todd A Alonzo
- Children's Oncology Group, Monrovia, CA
- Department of Translational Genomics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Russell Jh Ryan
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Soheil Meshinchi
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
- Children's Oncology Group, Monrovia, CA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Timothy J Triche
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI
- Department of Translational Genomics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
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Alfahed A, Ebili HO, Almoammar NE, Alasiri G, AlKhamees OA, Aldali JA, Al Othaim A, Hakami ZH, Abdulwahed AM, Waggiallah HA. Prognostic Values of Gene Copy Number Alterations in Prostate Cancer. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14050956. [PMID: 37239316 DOI: 10.3390/genes14050956] [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: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Whilst risk prediction for individual prostate cancer (PCa) cases is of a high priority, the current risk stratification indices for PCa management have severe limitations. This study aimed to identify gene copy number alterations (CNAs) with prognostic values and to determine if any combination of gene CNAs could have risk stratification potentials. Clinical and genomic data of 500 PCa cases from the Cancer Genome Atlas stable were retrieved from the Genomic Data Commons and cBioPortal databases. The CNA statuses of a total of 52 genetic markers, including 21 novel markers and 31 previously identified potential prognostic markers, were tested for prognostic significance. The CNA statuses of a total of 51/52 genetic markers were significantly associated with advanced disease at an odds ratio threshold of ≥1.5 or ≤0.667. Moreover, a Kaplan-Meier test identified 27/52 marker CNAs which correlated with disease progression. A Cox Regression analysis showed that the amplification of MIR602 and deletions of MIR602, ZNF267, MROH1, PARP8, and HCN1 correlated with a progression-free survival independent of the disease stage and Gleason prognostic group grade. Furthermore, a binary logistic regression analysis identified twenty-two panels of markers with risk stratification potentials. The best model of 7/52 genetic CNAs, which included the SPOP alteration, SPP1 alteration, CCND1 amplification, PTEN deletion, CDKN1B deletion, PARP8 deletion, and NKX3.1 deletion, stratified the PCa cases into a localised and advanced disease with an accuracy of 70.0%, sensitivity of 85.4%, specificity of 44.9%, positive predictive value of 71.67%, and negative predictive value of 65.35%. This study validated prognostic gene level CNAs identified in previous studies, as well as identified new genetic markers with CNAs that could potentially impact risk stratification in PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulaziz Alfahed
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Alkharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Henry Okuchukwu Ebili
- Department of Morbid Anatomy and Histopathology, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye P.M.B. 2002, Nigeria
| | - Nasser Eissa Almoammar
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Alkharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Glowi Alasiri
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud University, Riyadh 13317, Saudi Arabia
| | - Osama A AlKhamees
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh 13317, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jehad A Aldali
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh 13317, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ayoub Al Othaim
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Majmaah University, Al-Majmaah 11952, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zaki H Hakami
- Medical Laboratory Technology Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan 82817, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulhadi M Abdulwahed
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11362, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hisham Ali Waggiallah
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Alkharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
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3
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Huang W, Zhang W, Zeng L, Liao S, Liu F, Li L. ERG Expression is Helpful in Differentiating T-Lymphoblastic Lymphoma from Thymoma. Int J Surg Pathol 2023; 31:137-141. [PMID: 35435050 DOI: 10.1177/10668969221095165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
ETS-related gene (ERG) is the member of ETS-family of transcription factors and is commonly expressed in Ewing sarcoma. Recently, we found that ERG can also be expressed in lymphoblastic lymphoma. The aim of this article is to explore the expression patterns of ERG in T-lymphoblastic lymphoma, and to evaluate its diagnostic value for differentiating T-lymphoblastic lymphoma and nonneoplastic T-precursor cells in thymoma via immunohistochemistry. In this study, we explored the expression pattern of ERG in T-lymphoblastic lymphoma and thymoma specimens via immunohistochemistry. Sixteen T-lymphoblastic lymphoma and 18 thymoma specimens were evaluated for the expression of ERG. Our findings showed that ERG was expressed in 10 of the 16 (63%) T-lymphoblastic lymphoma specimens, and in only 1 of the 18 (6%) thymoma specimens. The positive and negative predictive value of ERG in T-lymphoblastic lymphoma was 91% and 74%, respectively. ERG is a helpful marker for the diagnosis of T-lymphoblastic lymphoma and is a promising new method to differentiate T-lymphoblastic lymphoma and the nonneoplastic T-precursor cells in thymoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyong Huang
- Department of Pathology, 196534The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Wen Zhang
- Department of Pathology, 196534The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Lei Zeng
- Department of Pathology, 196534The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Shousheng Liao
- Department of Pathology, 196534The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Fanrong Liu
- Department of Pathology, 196534The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Lixiang Li
- Department of Pathology, 196534The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
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4
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von Danwitz M, Klümper N, Bernhardt M, Cox A, Krausewitz P, Alajati A, Kristiansen G, Ritter M, Ellinger J, Stein J. Identification of F-Box/SPRY Domain-Containing Protein 1 (FBXO45) as a Prognostic Biomarker for TMPRSS2-ERG-Positive Primary Prostate Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15061890. [PMID: 36980776 PMCID: PMC10046786 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15061890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND F-box/SPRY domain-containing protein 1 (FBXO45) plays a crucial role in the regulation of apoptosis via the ubiquitylation and degradation of specific targets. Recent studies indicate the prognostic potential of FBXO45 in several cancers. However, its specific role in prostate carcinoma remains unclear. METHODS A systematic analysis of FBXO45 mRNA expression in PCA was performed using The Cancer Genome Atlas database and a publicly available Gene Expression Omnibus progression PCA cohort. Subsequently, FBXO45 protein expression was assessed via immunohistochemical analysis of a comprehensive tissue microarray cohort. The expression data were correlated with the clinicopathological parameters and biochemical-free survival. The immunohistochemical analyses were stratified according to the TMPRSS2-ERG rearrangement status. To assess the impact of FBXO45 knockdown on the tumour proliferation capacity of cells and metastatic potential, transfection with antisense-oligonucleotides was conducted within a cell culture model. RESULTS FBXO45 mRNA expression was associated with adverse clinicopathological parameters in the TCGA cohort and was enhanced throughout progression to distant metastasis. FBXO45 was associated with shortened biochemical-free survival, which was pronounced for the TMPRSS2-ERG-positive tumours. In vitro, FBXO45 knockdown led to a significant reduction in migration capacity in the PC3, DU145 and LNCaP cell cultures. CONCLUSIONS Comprehensive expression analysis and functional data suggest FBXO45 as a prognostic biomarker in PCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marthe von Danwitz
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
- Center for Integrated Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Niklas Klümper
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
- Center for Integrated Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
- Institute of Experimental Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Marit Bernhardt
- Center for Integrated Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Alexander Cox
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
- Center for Integrated Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Philipp Krausewitz
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
- Center for Integrated Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Abdullah Alajati
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
- Center for Integrated Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Glen Kristiansen
- Center for Integrated Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Manuel Ritter
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
- Center for Integrated Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Jörg Ellinger
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
- Center for Integrated Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Johannes Stein
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
- Center for Integrated Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
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5
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PANAGOPOULOS IOANNIS, HEIM SVERRE. Neoplasia-associated Chromosome Translocations Resulting in Gene Truncation. Cancer Genomics Proteomics 2022; 19:647-672. [PMID: 36316036 PMCID: PMC9620447 DOI: 10.21873/cgp.20349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromosomal translocations in cancer as well as benign neoplasias typically lead to the formation of fusion genes. Such genes may encode chimeric proteins when two protein-coding regions fuse in-frame, or they may result in deregulation of genes via promoter swapping or translocation of the gene into the vicinity of a highly active regulatory element. A less studied consequence of chromosomal translocations is the fusion of two breakpoint genes resulting in an out-of-frame chimera. The breaks then occur in one or both protein-coding regions forming a stop codon in the chimeric transcript shortly after the fusion point. Though the latter genetic events and mechanisms at first awoke little research interest, careful investigations have established them as neither rare nor inconsequential. In the present work, we review and discuss the truncation of genes in neoplastic cells resulting from chromosomal rearrangements, especially from seemingly balanced translocations.
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Affiliation(s)
- IOANNIS PANAGOPOULOS
- Section for Cancer Cytogenetics, Institute for Cancer Genetics and Informatics, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - SVERRE HEIM
- Section for Cancer Cytogenetics, Institute for Cancer Genetics and Informatics, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway,Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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6
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PGC1 alpha coactivates ERG fusion to drive antioxidant target genes under metabolic stress. Commun Biol 2022; 5:416. [PMID: 35508713 PMCID: PMC9068611 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03385-x] [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: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The presence of ERG gene fusion; from developing prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) lesions to hormone resistant high grade prostate cancer (PCa) dictates disease progression, altered androgen metabolism, proliferation and metastasis1–3. ERG driven transcriptional landscape may provide pro-tumorigenic cues in overcoming various strains like hypoxia, nutrient deprivation, inflammation and oxidative stress. However, insights on the androgen independent regulation and function of ERG during stress are limited. Here, we identify PGC1α as a coactivator of ERG fusion under various metabolic stress. Deacetylase SIRT1 is necessary for PGC1α-ERG interaction and function. We reveal that ERG drives the expression of antioxidant genes; SOD1 and TXN, benefitting PCa growth. We observe increased expression of these antioxidant genes in patients with high ERG expression correlates with poor survival. Inhibition of PGC1α-ERG axis driven transcriptional program results in apoptosis and reduction in PCa xenografts. Here we report a function of ERG under metabolic stress which warrants further studies as a therapeutic target for ERG fusion positive PCa. PGC1α acts as a co-activator of the ERG transcription factor during metabolic stress resulting in antioxidant functionsand inhibition of the PGC1α-ERG driven transcriptional program reduces prostate cancer growth by inducing ROS mediated apoptosis.
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7
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Lorenzin F, Demichelis F. Past, Current, and Future Strategies to Target ERG Fusion-Positive Prostate Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14051118. [PMID: 35267426 PMCID: PMC8909394 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14051118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In addition to its role in development and in the vascular and hematopoietic systems, ERG plays a central role in prostate cancer. Approximately 40–50% of prostate cancer cases are characterized by ERG gene fusions, which lead to ERG overexpression. Importantly, inhibition of ERG activity in prostate cancer cells decreases their viability. Therefore, inhibiting ERG might represent an important step to improve treatment efficacy for patients with ERG-positive prostate tumors. Here, we summarize the attempts made over the past years to repress ERG activity, the current use of ERG fusion detection and the strategies that might be utilized in the future to treat ERG fusion-positive tumors. Abstract The ETS family member ERG is a transcription factor with physiological roles during development and in the vascular and hematopoietic systems. ERG oncogenic activity characterizes several malignancies, including Ewing’s sarcoma, leukemia and prostate cancer (PCa). In PCa, ERG rearrangements with androgen-regulated genes—mostly TMPRSS2—characterize a large subset of patients across disease progression and result in androgen receptor (AR)-mediated overexpression of ERG in the prostate cells. Importantly, PCa cells overexpressing ERG are dependent on ERG activity for survival, further highlighting its therapeutic potential. Here, we review the current understanding of the role of ERG and its partners in PCa. We discuss the strategies developed in recent years to inhibit ERG activity, the current therapeutic utility of ERG fusion detection in PCa patients, and the possible future approaches to target ERG fusion-positive tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Lorenzin
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology, CIBIO, University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy
- Correspondence: (F.L.); (F.D.)
| | - Francesca Demichelis
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology, CIBIO, University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy
- The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10021, USA
- The Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
- Correspondence: (F.L.); (F.D.)
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8
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Li S, Huang W, Wu Y, Xu X, Liao C, Tang Y. Rare and favorable prognosis of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia with TLS-ERG fusion gene: Case report with long-term follow-up and review of literature. Cancer Genet 2021; 256-257:51-56. [PMID: 33894645 DOI: 10.1016/j.cancergen.2021.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
In the study of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), TLS-ERG (also called FUS-ERG or TLS/FUS-ERG) was found to be closely associated with extramedullary disease (EMD), with very poor prognosis. However, the occurrence of TLS-ERG in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is very rare. Till date, only 20 cases of ALL with TLS-ERG gene have been reported, of which six are children. Therefore, many clinical aspects of ALL with TLS-ERG gene remain unknown. The aim of this study was to report the clinical features and outcomes of four TLS-ERG-positive pediatric ALL cases. The results showed that all four pediatric patients with this fusion gene achieved an excellent outcome even with a very short-term induction chemotherapy of less than two months. These findings indicated that children with TLS-ERG-positive ALL have very low risk of leukemia, and can be treated and cured with less intensive chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sisi Li
- Department/Center of Hematology-oncology, Diagnostic and Treatment Center for Childhood Leukemia of Zhejiang Province, Children's Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Medical Research Center for Child Health, #57 Zhuganxiang Road, Yan-an Street, Hangzhou 310003, China; School of Medicine, Zhejiang University City College, China
| | - Wei Huang
- Department/Center of Hematology-oncology, Diagnostic and Treatment Center for Childhood Leukemia of Zhejiang Province, Children's Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Medical Research Center for Child Health, #57 Zhuganxiang Road, Yan-an Street, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wu
- Department/Center of Hematology-oncology, Diagnostic and Treatment Center for Childhood Leukemia of Zhejiang Province, Children's Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Medical Research Center for Child Health, #57 Zhuganxiang Road, Yan-an Street, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Xiaojun Xu
- Department/Center of Hematology-oncology, Diagnostic and Treatment Center for Childhood Leukemia of Zhejiang Province, Children's Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Medical Research Center for Child Health, #57 Zhuganxiang Road, Yan-an Street, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Chan Liao
- Department/Center of Hematology-oncology, Diagnostic and Treatment Center for Childhood Leukemia of Zhejiang Province, Children's Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Medical Research Center for Child Health, #57 Zhuganxiang Road, Yan-an Street, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Yongmin Tang
- Department/Center of Hematology-oncology, Diagnostic and Treatment Center for Childhood Leukemia of Zhejiang Province, Children's Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Medical Research Center for Child Health, #57 Zhuganxiang Road, Yan-an Street, Hangzhou 310003, China.
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9
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Nicholas TR, Strittmatter BG, Hollenhorst PC. Oncogenic ETS Factors in Prostate Cancer. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1210:409-436. [PMID: 31900919 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-32656-2_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Prostate cancer is unique among carcinomas in that a fusion gene created by a chromosomal rearrangement is a common driver of the disease. The TMPRSS2/ERG rearrangement drives aberrant expression of the ETS family transcription factor ERG in 50% of prostate tumors. Similar rearrangements promote aberrant expression of the ETS family transcription factors ETV1 and ETV4 in another 10% of cases. Together, these three ETS factors are thought to promote tumorigenesis in the majority of prostate cancers. A goal of precision medicine is to be able to apply targeted therapeutics that are specific to disease subtypes. ETS gene rearrangement positive tumors represent the largest molecular subtype of prostate cancer, but to date there is no treatment specific to this marker. In this chapter we will review the latest findings regarding the molecular mechanisms of ETS factor function in the prostate. These molecular details may provide a path towards new therapeutic targets for this subtype of prostate cancer. Further, we will describe efforts to target the oncogenic functions of ETS family transcription factors directly as well as indirectly.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brady G Strittmatter
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Peter C Hollenhorst
- Medical Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Bloomington, IN, USA.
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10
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Sharma R, Gangwar SP, Saxena AK. Comparative structure analysis of the ETSi domain of ERG3 and its complex with the E74 promoter DNA sequence. Acta Crystallogr F Struct Biol Commun 2018; 74:656-663. [PMID: 30279318 PMCID: PMC6168766 DOI: 10.1107/s2053230x1801110x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2018] [Accepted: 08/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
ERG3 (ETS-related gene) is a member of the ETS (erythroblast transformation-specific) family of transcription factors, which contain a highly conserved DNA-binding domain. The ETS family of transcription factors differ in their binding to promoter DNA sequences, and the mechanism of their DNA-sequence discrimination is little known. In the current study, crystals of the ETSi domain (the ETS domain of ERG3 containing a CID motif) in space group P41212 and of its complex with the E74 DNA sequence (DNA9) in space group C2221 were obtained and their structures were determined. Comparative structure analysis of the ETSi domain and its complex with DNA9 with previously determined structures of the ERGi domain (the ETS domain of ERG containing inhibitory motifs) in space group P65212 and of the ERGi-DNA12 complex in space group P41212 were performed. The ETSi domain is observed as a homodimer in solution as well as in the crystallographic asymmetric unit. Superposition of the structure of the ETSi domain on that of the ERGi domain showed a major conformational change at the C-terminal DNA-binding autoinhibitory (CID) motif, while minor changes are observed in the loop regions of the ETSi-domain structure. The ETSi-DNA9 complex in space group C2221 forms a structure that is quite similar to that of the ERG-DNA12 complex in space group P41212. Upon superposition of the complexes, major conformational changes are observed at the 5' and 3' ends of DNA9, while the conformation of the core GGA nucleotides was quite conserved. Comparison of the ETSi-DNA9 structure with known structures of ETS class 1 protein-DNA complexes shows the similarities and differences in the promoter DNA binding and specificity of the class 1 ETS proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruby Sharma
- Structural Biology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110 067, India
| | - Shanti P. Gangwar
- Structural Biology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110 067, India
| | - Ajay K. Saxena
- Structural Biology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110 067, India
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11
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Lambert M, Jambon S, Depauw S, David-Cordonnier MH. Targeting Transcription Factors for Cancer Treatment. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23061479. [PMID: 29921764 PMCID: PMC6100431 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23061479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 229] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Revised: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcription factors are involved in a large number of human diseases such as cancers for which they account for about 20% of all oncogenes identified so far. For long time, with the exception of ligand-inducible nuclear receptors, transcription factors were considered as “undruggable” targets. Advances knowledge of these transcription factors, in terms of structure, function (expression, degradation, interaction with co-factors and other proteins) and the dynamics of their mode of binding to DNA has changed this postulate and paved the way for new therapies targeted against transcription factors. Here, we discuss various ways to target transcription factors in cancer models: by modulating their expression or degradation, by blocking protein/protein interactions, by targeting the transcription factor itself to prevent its DNA binding either through a binding pocket or at the DNA-interacting site, some of these inhibitors being currently used or evaluated for cancer treatment. Such different targeting of transcription factors by small molecules is facilitated by modern chemistry developing a wide variety of original molecules designed to specifically abort transcription factor and by an increased knowledge of their pathological implication through the use of new technologies in order to make it possible to improve therapeutic control of transcription factor oncogenic functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie Lambert
- INSERM UMR-S1172-JPARC (Jean-Pierre Aubert Research Center), Lille University and Hospital Center (CHU-Lille), Institut pour la Recherche sur le Cancer de Lille (IRCL), Place de Verdun, F-59045 Lille, France.
| | - Samy Jambon
- INSERM UMR-S1172-JPARC (Jean-Pierre Aubert Research Center), Lille University and Hospital Center (CHU-Lille), Institut pour la Recherche sur le Cancer de Lille (IRCL), Place de Verdun, F-59045 Lille, France.
| | - Sabine Depauw
- INSERM UMR-S1172-JPARC (Jean-Pierre Aubert Research Center), Lille University and Hospital Center (CHU-Lille), Institut pour la Recherche sur le Cancer de Lille (IRCL), Place de Verdun, F-59045 Lille, France.
| | - Marie-Hélène David-Cordonnier
- INSERM UMR-S1172-JPARC (Jean-Pierre Aubert Research Center), Lille University and Hospital Center (CHU-Lille), Institut pour la Recherche sur le Cancer de Lille (IRCL), Place de Verdun, F-59045 Lille, France.
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12
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A DNA Contact Map for the Mouse Runx1 Gene Identifies Novel Haematopoietic Enhancers. Sci Rep 2017; 7:13347. [PMID: 29042628 PMCID: PMC5645309 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-13748-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor Runx1 is essential for definitive haematopoiesis, and the RUNX1 gene is frequently translocated or mutated in leukaemia. Runx1 is transcribed from two promoters, P1 and P2, to give rise to different protein isoforms. Although the expression of Runx1 must be tightly regulated for normal blood development, the mechanisms that regulate Runx1 isoform expression during haematopoiesis remain poorly understood. Gene regulatory elements located in non-coding DNA are likely to be important for Runx1 transcription. Here we use circular chromosome conformation capture sequencing to identify DNA interactions with the P1 and P2 promoters of Runx1, and the previously identified +24 enhancer, in the mouse multipotent haematopoietic progenitor cell line HPC-7. The active promoter, P1, interacts with nine non-coding regions that are occupied by transcription factors within a 1 Mb topologically associated domain. Eight of nine regions function as blood-specific enhancers in zebrafish, of which two were previously shown to harbour blood-specific enhancer activity in mice. Interestingly, the +24 enhancer interacted with multiple distant regions on chromosome 16, suggesting it may regulate the expression of additional genes. The Runx1 DNA contact map identifies connections with multiple novel and known haematopoietic enhancers that are likely to be involved in regulating Runx1 expression in haematopoietic progenitor cells.
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13
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Lopez CK, Malinge S, Gaudry M, Bernard OA, Mercher T. Pediatric Acute Megakaryoblastic Leukemia: Multitasking Fusion Proteins and Oncogenic Cooperations. Trends Cancer 2017; 3:631-642. [PMID: 28867167 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2017.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Revised: 07/10/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Pediatric leukemia presents specific clinical and genetic features from adult leukemia but the underpinning mechanisms of transformation are still unclear. Acute megakaryoblastic leukemia (AMKL) is the malignant accumulation of progenitors of the megakaryocyte lineage that normally produce blood platelets. AMKL is diagnosed de novo, in patients showing a poor prognosis, or in Down syndrome (DS) patients with a better prognosis. Recent data show that de novo AMKL is primarily associated with chromosomal alterations leading to the expression of fusions between transcriptional regulators. This review highlights the most recurrent genetic events found in de novo pediatric AMKL patients and, based on recent functional analyses, proposes a mechanism of leukemogenesis common to de novo and DS-AMKL.
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MESH Headings
- Age Factors
- Animals
- Carcinogenesis/genetics
- Carcinogenesis/metabolism
- Cell Differentiation/genetics
- Cell Lineage/genetics
- Child
- Gene Expression Regulation, Leukemic
- Humans
- Leukemia, Megakaryoblastic, Acute/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Megakaryoblastic, Acute/etiology
- Leukemia, Megakaryoblastic, Acute/metabolism
- Leukemia, Megakaryoblastic, Acute/pathology
- Megakaryocytes/metabolism
- Megakaryocytes/pathology
- Molecular Targeted Therapy
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/genetics
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/metabolism
- Signal Transduction
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Affiliation(s)
- Cécile K Lopez
- INSERM U1170, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, 94800 Villejuif, France; Gustave Roussy, 94800 Villejuif, France; Université Paris-Sud, 91405 Orsay, France
| | - Sébastien Malinge
- INSERM U1170, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, 94800 Villejuif, France; Gustave Roussy, 94800 Villejuif, France; Université Paris Diderot, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Muriel Gaudry
- INSERM U1170, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, 94800 Villejuif, France; Gustave Roussy, 94800 Villejuif, France; Université Paris-Sud, 91405 Orsay, France
| | - Olivier A Bernard
- INSERM U1170, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, 94800 Villejuif, France; Gustave Roussy, 94800 Villejuif, France; Université Paris-Sud, 91405 Orsay, France
| | - Thomas Mercher
- INSERM U1170, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, 94800 Villejuif, France; Gustave Roussy, 94800 Villejuif, France; Université Paris-Sud, 91405 Orsay, France; Université Paris Diderot, 75013 Paris, France.
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14
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Kapeli K, Martinez FJ, Yeo GW. Genetic mutations in RNA-binding proteins and their roles in ALS. Hum Genet 2017; 136:1193-1214. [PMID: 28762175 PMCID: PMC5602095 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-017-1830-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in genes that encode RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) have emerged as critical determinants of neurological diseases, especially motor neuron disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). RBPs are involved in all aspects of RNA processing, controlling the life cycle of RNAs from synthesis to degradation. Hallmark features of RBPs in neuron dysfunction include misregulation of RNA processing, mislocalization of RBPs to the cytoplasm, and abnormal aggregation of RBPs. Much progress has been made in understanding how ALS-associated mutations in RBPs drive pathogenesis. Here, we focus on several key RBPs involved in ALS—TDP-43, HNRNP A2/B1, HNRNP A1, FUS, EWSR1, and TAF15—and review our current understanding of how mutations in these proteins cause disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katannya Kapeli
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117593, Singapore
| | - Fernando J Martinez
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Stem Cell Program and Institute for Genomic Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Gene W Yeo
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117593, Singapore.
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Stem Cell Program and Institute for Genomic Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
- Molecular Engineering Laboratory, A*STAR, Singapore, 138673, Singapore.
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15
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Sizemore GM, Pitarresi JR, Balakrishnan S, Ostrowski MC. The ETS family of oncogenic transcription factors in solid tumours. Nat Rev Cancer 2017; 17:337-351. [PMID: 28450705 DOI: 10.1038/nrc.2017.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 212] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Findings over the past decade have identified aberrant activation of the ETS transcription factor family throughout all stages of tumorigenesis. Specifically in solid tumours, gene rearrangement and amplification, feed-forward growth factor signalling loops, formation of gain-of-function co-regulatory complexes and novel cis-acting mutations in ETS target gene promoters can result in increased ETS activity. In turn, pro-oncogenic ETS signalling enhances tumorigenesis through a broad mechanistic toolbox that includes lineage specification and self-renewal, DNA damage and genome instability, epigenetics and metabolism. This Review discusses these different mechanisms of ETS activation and subsequent oncogenic implications, as well as the clinical utility of ETS factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gina M Sizemore
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, The Ohio State University, 598 Biomedical Research Tower, 460 W. 12th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA
| | - Jason R Pitarresi
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, The Ohio State University, 598 Biomedical Research Tower, 460 W. 12th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA
| | - Subhasree Balakrishnan
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, The Ohio State University, 598 Biomedical Research Tower, 460 W. 12th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA
| | - Michael C Ostrowski
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, The Ohio State University, 598 Biomedical Research Tower, 460 W. 12th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA
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16
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Xie Y, Koch ML, Zhang X, Hamblen MJ, Godinho FJ, Fujiwara Y, Xie H, Klusmann JH, Orkin SH, Li Z. Reduced Erg Dosage Impairs Survival of Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells. Stem Cells 2017; 35:1773-1785. [PMID: 28436588 DOI: 10.1002/stem.2627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
ERG, an ETS family transcription factor frequently overexpressed in human leukemia, has been implicated as a key regulator of hematopoietic stem cells. However, how ERG controls normal hematopoiesis, particularly at the stem and progenitor cell level, and how it contributes to leukemogenesis remain incompletely understood. Using homologous recombination, we generated an Erg knockdown allele (Ergkd ) in which Erg expression can be conditionally restored by Cre recombinase. Ergkd/kd animals die at E10.5-E11.5 due to defects in endothelial and hematopoietic cells, but can be completely rescued by Tie2-Cre-mediated restoration of Erg in these cells. In Ergkd/+ mice, ∼40% reduction in Erg dosage perturbs both fetal liver and bone marrow hematopoiesis by reducing the numbers of Lin- Sca-1+ c-Kit+ (LSK) hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) and megakaryocytic progenitors. By genetic mosaic analysis, we find that Erg-restored HSPCs outcompete Ergkd/+ HSPCs for contribution to adult hematopoiesis in vivo. This defect is in part due to increased apoptosis of HSPCs with reduced Erg dosage, a phenotype that becomes more drastic during 5-FU-induced stress hematopoiesis. Expression analysis reveals that reduced Erg expression leads to changes in expression of a subset of ERG target genes involved in regulating survival of HSPCs, including increased expression of a pro-apoptotic regulator Bcl2l11 (Bim) and reduced expression of Jun. Collectively, our data demonstrate that ERG controls survival of HSPCs, a property that may be used by leukemic cells. Stem Cells 2017;35:1773-1785.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Xie
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mia Lee Koch
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Xin Zhang
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Melanie J Hamblen
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Frank J Godinho
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yuko Fujiwara
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Huafeng Xie
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jan-Henning Klusmann
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Stuart H Orkin
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Zhe Li
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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17
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18
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Soliman A, Aal AA, Afify R, Ibrahim N. BAALC and ERG Expression in Egyptian Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, Relation to Survival and Response to Treatment. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2016; 4:264-70. [PMID: 27335598 PMCID: PMC4908743 DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2016.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2016] [Revised: 04/16/2016] [Accepted: 05/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM: Aim was to detect Brain and Acute Leukemia, Cytoplasmic (BAALC) and ETS-related gene (ERG) expression in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) as well as to study their biologic and prognostic impact on the disease outcome and survival. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The current study was carried out on 44 patients with denovo acute myeloid leukemia, as well as 44 age and sex matched controls. The quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay was performed for estimation of BAALC and ERG expression. RESULTS: The current study was carried out on 44 patients with denovo acute myeloid leukemia, as well as 44 age and sex matched controls. The quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay was performed for estimation of BAALC and ERG expression. BAALC was expressed in 36 (81.82%) of AML cases versus 10 (22.72%) of the control group which was highly statistically significant (P < 0.001). While ERG was positive in 39(88.64%) of cases and 8(18.18 %) of controls and that was also highly statistically significant (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Further researches still needed to clarify the role of BAALC and ERG in the pathogenesis of leukemia and their importance as targets for treatment of AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aml Soliman
- Cairo University, Clinical Pathology, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Reham Afify
- Cairo University, Clinical Pathology, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Noha Ibrahim
- Cairo University, Clinical Pathology, Cairo, Egypt
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19
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Shah AV, Birdsey GM, Randi AM. Regulation of endothelial homeostasis, vascular development and angiogenesis by the transcription factor ERG. Vascul Pharmacol 2016; 86:3-13. [PMID: 27208692 PMCID: PMC5404112 DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2016.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2016] [Revised: 04/08/2016] [Accepted: 05/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Over the last few years, the ETS transcription factor ERG has emerged as a major regulator of endothelial function. Multiple studies have shown that ERG plays a crucial role in promoting angiogenesis and vascular stability during development and after birth. In the mature vasculature ERG also functions to maintain endothelial homeostasis, by transactivating genes involved in key endothelial functions, while repressing expression of pro-inflammatory genes. Its homeostatic role is lineage-specific, since ectopic expression of ERG in non-endothelial tissues such as prostate is detrimental and contributes to oncogenesis. This review summarises the main roles and pathways controlled by ERG in the vascular endothelium, its transcriptional targets and its functional partners and the emerging evidence on the pathways regulating ERG's activity and expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aarti V Shah
- Vascular Sciences, Imperial Centre for Translational and Experimental Medicine, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Graeme M Birdsey
- Vascular Sciences, Imperial Centre for Translational and Experimental Medicine, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anna M Randi
- Vascular Sciences, Imperial Centre for Translational and Experimental Medicine, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.
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20
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ERG expression in prostate cancer: biological relevance and clinical implication. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2015; 142:1781-93. [DOI: 10.1007/s00432-015-2096-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2015] [Accepted: 12/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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21
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Minas TZ, Han J, Javaheri T, Hong SH, Schlederer M, Saygideğer-Kont Y, Çelik H, Mueller KM, Temel I, Özdemirli M, Kovar H, Erkizan HV, Toretsky J, Kenner L, Moriggl R, Üren A. YK-4-279 effectively antagonizes EWS-FLI1 induced leukemia in a transgenic mouse model. Oncotarget 2015; 6:37678-94. [PMID: 26462019 PMCID: PMC4741957 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.5520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma is an aggressive tumor of bone and soft tissue affecting predominantly children and young adults. Tumor-specific chromosomal translocations create EWS-FLI1 and similar aberrant ETS fusion proteins that drive sarcoma development in patients. ETS family fusion proteins and over-expressed ETS proteins are also found in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients. Transgenic expression of EWS-FLI1 in mice promotes high penetrance erythroid leukemia with dense hepatic and splenic infiltrations. We identified a small molecule, YK-4-279, that directly binds to EWS-FLI1 and inhibits its oncogenic activity in Ewing sarcoma cell lines and xenograft mouse models. Herein, we tested in vivo therapeutic efficacy and potential side effects of YK-4-279 in the transgenic mouse model with EWS-FLI1 induced leukemia. A two-week course of treatment with YK-4-279 significantly reduced white blood cell count, nucleated erythroblasts in the peripheral blood, splenomegaly, and hepatomegaly of erythroleukemic mice. YK-4-279 inhibited EWS-FLI1 target gene expression in neoplastic cells. Treated animals showed significantly better overall survival compared to control mice that rapidly succumbed to leukemia. YK-4-279 treated mice did not show overt toxicity in liver, spleen, or bone marrow. In conclusion, this in vivo study highlights the efficacy of YK-4-279 to treat EWS-FLI1 expressing neoplasms and support its therapeutic potential for patients with Ewing sarcoma and other ETS-driven malignancies.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Blotting, Western
- Chromatin Immunoprecipitation
- Disease Models, Animal
- Flow Cytometry
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic/drug effects
- Humans
- Immunoenzyme Techniques
- Indoles/pharmacology
- Leukemia, Erythroblastic, Acute/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Erythroblastic, Acute/etiology
- Leukemia, Erythroblastic, Acute/pathology
- Mice
- Mice, Transgenic
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/administration & dosage
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/antagonists & inhibitors
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/toxicity
- Proto-Oncogene Protein c-fli-1/administration & dosage
- Proto-Oncogene Protein c-fli-1/antagonists & inhibitors
- Proto-Oncogene Protein c-fli-1/toxicity
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA-Binding Protein EWS/administration & dosage
- RNA-Binding Protein EWS/antagonists & inhibitors
- RNA-Binding Protein EWS/toxicity
- Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Surface Plasmon Resonance
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsion Zewdu Minas
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Jenny Han
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Sung-Hyeok Hong
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Michaela Schlederer
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cancer Research, Vienna, Austria
- Clinical Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Haydar Çelik
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Kristina M. Mueller
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Idil Temel
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Metin Özdemirli
- Department of Pathology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Heinrich Kovar
- Children's Cancer Research Institute, St. Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Jeffrey Toretsky
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Lukas Kenner
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cancer Research, Vienna, Austria
- Clinical Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Unit of Pathology of Laboratory Animals, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Richard Moriggl
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cancer Research, Vienna, Austria
- Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Aykut Üren
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
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22
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The biology of pediatric acute megakaryoblastic leukemia. Blood 2015; 126:943-9. [PMID: 26186939 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2015-05-567859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2015] [Accepted: 07/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute megakaryoblastic leukemia (AMKL) comprises between 4% and 15% of newly diagnosed pediatric acute myeloid leukemia patients. AMKL in children with Down syndrome (DS) is characterized by a founding GATA1 mutation that cooperates with trisomy 21, followed by the acquisition of additional somatic mutations. In contrast, non-DS-AMKL is characterized by chimeric oncogenes consisting of genes known to play a role in normal hematopoiesis. CBFA2T3-GLIS2 is the most frequent chimeric oncogene identified to date in this subset of patients and confers a poor prognosis.
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23
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Siripin D, Kheolamai P, U-Pratya Y, Supokawej A, Wattanapanitch M, Klincumhom N, Laowtammathron C, Issaragrisil S. Transdifferentiation of erythroblasts to megakaryocytes using FLI1 and ERG transcription factors. Thromb Haemost 2015; 114:593-602. [PMID: 26063314 DOI: 10.1160/th14-12-1090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2014] [Accepted: 04/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Platelet transfusion has been widely used to prevent and treat life-threatening thrombocytopenia; however, preparation of a unit of concentrated platelet for transfusion requires at least 4-6 units of whole blood. At present, a platelet unit from a single donor can be prepared using apheresis, but lack of donors is still a major problem. Several approaches to produce platelets from other sources, such as haematopoietic stem cells and pluripotent stem cells, have been attempted but the system is extremely complicated, time-consuming and expensive. We now report a novel and simpler technology to obtain platelets using transdifferentiation of human bone marrow erythroblasts to megakaryocytes with overexpression of the FLI1 and ERG genes. The obtained transdifferentiated erythroblasts (both from CD71+ and GPA+ erythroblast subpopulations) exhibit typical features of megakaryocytes including morphology, expression of specific genes (cMPL and TUBB1) and a marker protein (CD41). They also have the ability to generate megakaryocytic CFU in culture and produce functional platelets, which aggregate with normal human platelets to form a normal-looking clot. Overexpression of FLI1 and ERG genes is sufficient to transdifferentiate erythroblasts to megakaryocytes that can produce functional platelets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Surapol Issaragrisil
- Prof. Surapol Issaragrisil, Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand, Tel.: +662 419 4448 50, Fax: +662 411 2012, E-mail:
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24
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The oncogene ERG: a key factor in prostate cancer. Oncogene 2015; 35:403-14. [PMID: 25915839 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2015.109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2014] [Revised: 03/05/2015] [Accepted: 03/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
ETS-related gene (ERG) is a member of the E-26 transformation-specific (ETS) family of transcription factors with roles in development that include vasculogenesis, angiogenesis, haematopoiesis and bone development. ERG's oncogenic potential is well known because of its involvement in Ewing's sarcoma and leukaemia. However, in the past decade ERG has become highly associated with prostate cancer development, particularly as a result of a gene fusion with the promoter region of the androgen-induced TMPRRSS2 gene. We review ERG's structure and function, and its role in prostate cancer. We discuss potential new therapies that are based on targeting ERG.
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25
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Feng FY, Brenner JC, Hussain M, Chinnaiyan AM. Molecular pathways: targeting ETS gene fusions in cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2014; 20:4442-8. [PMID: 24958807 PMCID: PMC4155001 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-13-0275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Rearrangements, or gene fusions, involving the ETS family of transcription factors are common driving events in both prostate cancer and Ewing sarcoma. These rearrangements result in pathogenic expression of the ETS genes and trigger activation of transcriptional programs enriched for invasion and other oncogenic features. Although ETS gene fusions represent intriguing therapeutic targets, transcription factors, such as those comprising the ETS family, have been notoriously difficult to target. Recently, preclinical studies have demonstrated an association between ETS gene fusions and components of the DNA damage response pathway, such as PARP1, the catalytic subunit of DNA protein kinase (DNAPK), and histone deactylase 1 (HDAC1), and have suggested that ETS fusions may confer sensitivity to inhibitors of these DNA repair proteins. In this review, we discuss the role of ETS fusions in cancer, the preclinical rationale for targeting ETS fusions with inhibitors of PARP1, DNAPK, and HDAC1, as well as ongoing clinical trials targeting ETS gene fusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Y Feng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - J Chad Brenner
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Department of Otolaryngology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Maha Hussain
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Department of Urology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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Egan JB, Barrett MT, Champion MD, Middha S, Lenkiewicz E, Evers L, Francis P, Schmidt J, Shi CX, Van Wier S, Badar S, Ahmann G, Kortuem KM, Boczek NJ, Fonseca R, Craig DW, Carpten JD, Borad MJ, Stewart AK. Whole genome analyses of a well-differentiated liposarcoma reveals novel SYT1 and DDR2 rearrangements. PLoS One 2014; 9:e87113. [PMID: 24505276 PMCID: PMC3914808 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0087113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2013] [Accepted: 12/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Liposarcoma is the most common soft tissue sarcoma, but little is known about the genomic basis of this disease. Given the low cell content of this tumor type, we utilized flow cytometry to isolate the diploid normal and aneuploid tumor populations from a well-differentiated liposarcoma prior to array comparative genomic hybridization and whole genome sequencing. This work revealed massive highly focal amplifications throughout the aneuploid tumor genome including MDM2, a gene that has previously been found to be amplified in well-differentiated liposarcoma. Structural analysis revealed massive rearrangement of chromosome 12 and 11 gene fusions, some of which may be part of double minute chromosomes commonly present in well-differentiated liposarcoma. We identified a hotspot of genomic instability localized to a region of chromosome 12 that includes a highly conserved, putative L1 retrotransposon element, LOC100507498 which resides within a gene cluster (NAV3, SYT1, PAWR) where 6 of the 11 fusion events occurred. Interestingly, a potential gene fusion was also identified in amplified DDR2, which is a potential therapeutic target of kinase inhibitors such as dastinib, that are not routinely used in the treatment of patients with liposarcoma. Furthermore, 7 somatic, damaging single nucleotide variants have also been identified, including D125N in the PTPRQ protein. In conclusion, this work is the first to report the entire genome of a well-differentiated liposarcoma with novel chromosomal rearrangements associated with amplification of therapeutically targetable genes such as MDM2 and DDR2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan B. Egan
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Michael T. Barrett
- Clinical Translational Research Division, Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Mia D. Champion
- Department of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona, United States of America
- Center for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Sumit Middha
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth Lenkiewicz
- Clinical Translational Research Division, Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Lisa Evers
- Clinical Translational Research Division, Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Princy Francis
- Research, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Jessica Schmidt
- Research, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Chang-Xin Shi
- Research, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Scott Van Wier
- Research, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Sandra Badar
- Research, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Gregory Ahmann
- Research, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona, United States of America
| | - K. Martin Kortuem
- Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Nicole J. Boczek
- Mayo Graduate School, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Rafael Fonseca
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona, United States of America
- Division of Hematology/Oncology Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona, United States of America
| | - David W. Craig
- Neurogenomics Division, Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, Arizona, United States of America
| | - John D. Carpten
- Integrated Cancer Genomics Division, Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Mitesh J. Borad
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona, United States of America
- Division of Hematology/Oncology Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona, United States of America
| | - A. Keith Stewart
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona, United States of America
- Division of Hematology/Oncology Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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27
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Myxochondroid metaplasia of the plantar foot: a distinctive pseudoneoplastic lesion resembling nuchal fibrocartilaginous pseudotumor and the equine digital cushion. Mod Pathol 2013; 26:1561-7. [PMID: 23765248 DOI: 10.1038/modpathol.2013.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2013] [Revised: 05/17/2013] [Accepted: 05/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Cartilaginous tumors of soft tissue are uncommon, with benign chondromas of soft parts greatly outnumbering rare soft-tissue chondrosarcomas. Over the past several years, we have seen in consultation a distinctive, benign-appearing chondroid soft-tissue lesion of the plantar foot that differs in a number of respects from chondroma of soft parts. Herein we report our experience with this distinctive lesion. A retrospective review of all cases from the foot in our soft-tissue consultation and institutional surgical pathology archives identified 9 similar cases, most often previously coded as 'fibroconnective tissue with chondroid metaplasia'. Six cases were submitted in consultation due to concern for a neoplastic process, in particular chondroma of soft parts or fibro-osseous pseudotumor of the digits. The patients were 4 young males (age range 8-16 years, mean 11.5 years) and 5 older patients, including 4 women and 1 man (age range 34-78 years, mean 56.4 years). All cases occurred in the subcutaneous plantar soft tissues of the feet, including four cases confined to the toes, and presented as non-specific, variably painful masses. Radiographic studies, available in six cases, did not show any evidence of bone involvement. Histologically, the lesions were characterized by a partially circumscribed, variably cellular proliferation of bland fibroblastic cells in a fibromyxoid background in areas showing distinct stromal basophilia and a chondroid appearance. Small foci of true cartilaginous metaplasia with lacuna formation were occasionally seen. Cartilaginous differentiation was confirmed in three cases with immunohistochemistry for S100 and ERG proteins. Intralesional cystic change was common, as were a variety of other reactive-appearing changes in the surrounding connective tissue. Characteristic morphological features of chondroma of soft parts and/or fibro-osseous pseudotumor of the digits were absent. Clinical follow-up (7 patients, 2-115 months, median 38 months) showed all patients to be without recurrent disease. We have identified a morphologically distinctive lesion of the foot that appears to represent a reactive, metaplastic process, presumably secondary to chronic mechanical stress. The morphological features of myxochondroid metaplasia of the plantar foot are reminiscent of those of nuchal fibrocartilaginous pseudotumor and the equine digital cushion, further suggesting a reactive/reparative etiology. Awareness of the unique features of this lesion should allow its ready distinction from other neoplastic and pseudoneoplastic (osteo) cartilaginous lesions of the feet.
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Clappier E, Auclerc MF, Rapion J, Bakkus M, Caye A, Khemiri A, Giroux C, Hernandez L, Kabongo E, Savola S, Leblanc T, Yakouben K, Plat G, Costa V, Ferster A, Girard S, Fenneteau O, Cayuela JM, Sigaux F, Dastugue N, Suciu S, Benoit Y, Bertrand Y, Soulier J, Cavé H. An intragenic ERG deletion is a marker of an oncogenic subtype of B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia with a favorable outcome despite frequent IKZF1 deletions. Leukemia 2013; 28:70-7. [PMID: 24064621 DOI: 10.1038/leu.2013.277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2013] [Revised: 09/13/2013] [Accepted: 09/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Oncogenic subtypes in childhood B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL) are used for risk stratification. However, a significant number of BCP-ALL patients are still genetically unassigned. Using array-comparative genomic hybridization in a selected BCP-ALL cohort, we characterized a recurrent V(D)J-mediated intragenic deletion of the ERG gene (ERG(del)). A breakpoint-specific PCR assay was designed and used to screen an independent non-selected cohort of 897 children aged 1-17 years treated for BCP-ALL in the EORTC-CLG 58951 trial. ERG(del) was found in 29/897 patients (3.2%) and was mutually exclusive of known classifying genetic lesions, suggesting that it characterized a distinct leukemia entity. ERG(del) was associated with higher age (median 7.0 vs. 4.0 years, P=0.004), aberrant CD2 expression (43.5% vs. 3.7%, P<0.001) and frequent IKZF1 Δ4-7 deletions (37.9% vs. 5.3%, P<0.001). However, ERG(del) patients had a very good outcome, with an 8-year event-free survival (8-y EFS) and an 8-year overall survival of 86.4% and 95.6%, respectively, suggesting that the IKZF1 deletion had no impact on prognosis in this genetic subtype. Accordingly, within patients with an IKZF1 Δ4-7 deletion, those with ERG(del) had a better outcome (8-y EFS: 85.7% vs. 51.3%; hazard ratio: 0.16; 95% confidence interval: 0.02-1.20; P=0.04). These findings have implications for further stratification including IKZF1 status.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Clappier
- 1] U944 INSERM and Hematology laboratory, St-Louis Hospital, APHP, Paris, France [2] Department of Genetics, Robert Debré Hospital, APHP, Paris, France [3] Hematology University Institute, University Paris-Diderot, Paris, France
| | - M F Auclerc
- 1] U944 INSERM and Hematology laboratory, St-Louis Hospital, APHP, Paris, France [2] Department of Pediatric Hematology, St-Louis Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
| | - J Rapion
- EORTC Headquarters, Brussels, Belgium
| | - M Bakkus
- Molecular Hematology Laboratory, UZ Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
| | - A Caye
- Department of Genetics, Robert Debré Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
| | - A Khemiri
- Department of Genetics, Robert Debré Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
| | - C Giroux
- Department of Genetics, Robert Debré Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
| | - L Hernandez
- U944 INSERM and Hematology laboratory, St-Louis Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
| | - E Kabongo
- Molecular Hematology Laboratory, UZ Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
| | - S Savola
- MRC-Holland, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - T Leblanc
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, St-Louis Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
| | - K Yakouben
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Robert-Debré Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
| | - G Plat
- Department of Pediatric Onco-Hematology, University Hospital Purpan, Toulouse, France
| | - V Costa
- Department of Pediatrics, Portuguese Oncology Institute, Porto, Portugal
| | - A Ferster
- Department of Pediatric Onco-Hematology, Children's University Hospital Reine Fabiola, Brussels, Belgium
| | - S Girard
- Hematology Laboratory, IHOP, Lyon, France
| | - O Fenneteau
- Hematology Laboratory, Robert Debré Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
| | - J M Cayuela
- 1] U944 INSERM and Hematology laboratory, St-Louis Hospital, APHP, Paris, France [2] Hematology University Institute, University Paris-Diderot, Paris, France
| | - F Sigaux
- 1] U944 INSERM and Hematology laboratory, St-Louis Hospital, APHP, Paris, France [2] Hematology University Institute, University Paris-Diderot, Paris, France
| | - N Dastugue
- Hematology Laboratory, University Hospital Purpan, Toulouse, France
| | - S Suciu
- EORTC Headquarters, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Y Benoit
- Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Y Bertrand
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, IHOP and Claude Bernard University, Lyon, France
| | - J Soulier
- 1] U944 INSERM and Hematology laboratory, St-Louis Hospital, APHP, Paris, France [2] Hematology University Institute, University Paris-Diderot, Paris, France
| | - H Cavé
- 1] Department of Genetics, Robert Debré Hospital, APHP, Paris, France [2] Hematology University Institute, University Paris-Diderot, Paris, France
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Panagopoulos I, Gorunova L, Zeller B, Tierens A, Heim S. Cryptic FUS-ERG fusion identified by RNA-sequencing in childhood acute myeloid leukemia. Oncol Rep 2013; 30:2587-92. [PMID: 24068373 PMCID: PMC3839954 DOI: 10.3892/or.2013.2751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2013] [Accepted: 08/09/2013] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Sequential combination of cytogenetics and RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq) has been shown to be an efficient approach to detect pathogenetically important fusion genes in neoplasms carrying only one or a few chromosomal rearrangements. We performed RNA-Seq on an acute myeloid leukemia in a 2-year-old girl with the karyotype 46,XX,add(1)(p36), der(2)t(2;3)(q21;q21),del(3)(q21),der(10)t(1;10)(q32;q24),der(16)(2qter-->2q21::16p11-->16q24::16p11-->16pter)[13]/46,XX[2] and identified a cryptic FUS/ERG fusion gene. PCR and direct sequencing verified the presence of the FUS-ERG chimeric transcript in which exon 7 of FUS from 16p11 (nt 904 in sequence with accession number NM_004960 version 3) was fused in frame to exon 8 of ERG from sub-band 21q22.2 (nt 967 in NM_004449 version 4). The FUS-ERG transcript found here has been reported in only two other cases of childhood leukemia, in a 1-year-old boy and an 8-month-old boy, both diagnosed with precursor B cell ALL. The fusion transcript codes for a 497 amino acid residues FUS-ERG protein and, similar to other AML-related FUS-ERG fusion proteins, contains both functional domains (TR1 and TR2) of the transactivation domain of FUS and the ETS domain of ERG. The clinical significance, if any, of the amino acid residues which are coded by the exons 8, 9 and 10 of ERG in the fusion FUS-ERG proteins, remains unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Panagopoulos
- Section for Cancer Cytogenetics, Institute for Medical Informatics, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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30
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Perturbation of fetal hematopoiesis in a mouse model of Down syndrome's transient myeloproliferative disorder. Blood 2013; 122:988-98. [PMID: 23719302 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2012-10-460998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Children with Down syndrome develop a unique congenital clonal megakaryocytic proliferation disorder (transient myeloproliferative disorder [TMD]). It is caused by an expansion of fetal megakaryocyte-erythroid progenitors (MEPs) triggered by trisomy of chromosome 21 and is further enhanced by the somatic acquisition of a mutation in GATA1. These mutations result in the expression of a short-isoform GATA1s lacking the N-terminal domain. To examine the hypothesis that the Hsa21 ETS transcription factor ERG cooperates with GATA1s in this process, we generated double-transgenic mice expressing hERG and Gata1s. We show that increased expression of ERG by itself is sufficient to induce expansion of MEPs in fetal livers. Gata1s expression synergizes with ERG in enhancing the expansion of fetal MEPs and megakaryocytic precursors, resulting in hepatic fibrosis, transient postnatal thrombocytosis, anemia, a gene expression profile that is similar to that of human TMD and progression to progenitor myeloid leukemia by 3 months of age. This ERG/Gata1s transgenic mouse model also uncovers an essential role for the N terminus of Gata1 in erythropoiesis and the antagonistic role of ERG in fetal erythroid differentiation and survival. The human relevance of this finding is underscored by the recent discovery of similar mutations in GATA1 in patients with Diamond-Blackfan anemia.
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Gangwar SP, Meena SR, Saxena AK. Purification, crystallization and preliminary X-ray crystallographic analysis of the ETS domain of human Ergp55 in complex with the cfos promoter DNA sequence. Acta Crystallogr Sect F Struct Biol Cryst Commun 2012; 68:1333-6. [PMID: 23143243 PMCID: PMC3515375 DOI: 10.1107/s1744309112038675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2012] [Accepted: 09/09/2012] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The Ergp55 protein belongs to the Ets family of transciption factors. The Ets transcription factors are involved in various developmental processes and the regulation of cancer metabolism. They contain a highly similar DNA-binding domain known as the ETS domain and have diverse functions in oncogenesis and physiology. The Ets transcription factors differ in their DNA-binding preference at the ETS site and the mechanisms by which they target genes are not clearly understood. To understand its DNA-binding mechanism, the ETS domain of Ergp55 was expressed and purified. The ETS domain was crystallized in the native form and in complex forms with DNA sequences from the E74 and cfos promoters. An X-ray diffraction data set was collected from an ETS-cfos DNA complex crystal at a wavelength of 0.9725 Å on the BM14 synchrotron beamline at the ESRF, France. The ETS-cfos DNA complex crystal belonged to space group C222(1), with four molecules in the asymmetric unit. For structure analysis, initial phases for the ETS-cfos DNA complex were obtained by the molecular-replacement technique with Phaser in the CCP4 suite using the coordinates of Fli-1 protein (PDB entry 1fli) and cfos DNA (PDB entry 1bc7) as search models. Structure analysis of the ETS-cfos DNA complex may possibly explain the DNA-binding specificity and its mechanism of interaction with the ETS domain of Ergp55.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanti P. Gangwar
- Structural Biology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110 067, India
| | - Sita R. Meena
- Structural Biology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110 067, India
| | - Ajay K. Saxena
- Structural Biology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110 067, India
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Tijchon E, Havinga J, van Leeuwen FN, Scheijen B. B-lineage transcription factors and cooperating gene lesions required for leukemia development. Leukemia 2012; 27:541-52. [PMID: 23047478 DOI: 10.1038/leu.2012.293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells into B lymphocytes requires the concerted action of specific transcription factors, such as RUNX1, IKZF1, E2A, EBF1 and PAX5. As key determinants of normal B-cell development, B-lineage transcription factors are frequently deregulated in hematological malignancies, such as B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL), and affected by either chromosomal translocations, gene deletions or point mutations. However, genetic aberrations in this developmental pathway are generally insufficient to induce BCP-ALL, and often complemented by genetic defects in cytokine receptors and tyrosine kinases (IL-7Rα, CRLF2, JAK2 and c-ABL1), transcriptional cofactors (TBL1XR1, CBP and BTG1), as well as the regulatory pathways that mediate cell-cycle control (pRB and INK4A/B). Here we provide a detailed overview of the genetic pathways that interact with these B-lineage specification factors, and describe how mutations affecting these master regulators together with cooperating lesions drive leukemia development.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Tijchon
- Nijmegen Centre for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Gangwar SP, Dey S, Saxena AK. Structural modeling and DNA binding autoinhibition analysis of Ergp55, a critical transcription factor in prostate cancer. PLoS One 2012; 7:e39850. [PMID: 22761914 PMCID: PMC3386182 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0039850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2012] [Accepted: 05/31/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Ergp55 protein belongs to Ets family of transcription factor. The Ets proteins are highly conserved in their DNA binding domain and involved in various development processes and regulation of cancer metabolism. To study the structure and DNA binding autoinhibition mechanism of Ergp55 protein, we have produced full length and smaller polypeptides of Ergp55 protein in E. coli and characterized using various biophysical techniques. RESULTS The Ergp55 polypeptides contain large amount of α-helix and random coil structures as measured by circular dichorism spectroscopy. The full length Ergp55 forms a flexible and elongated molecule as revealed by molecular modeling, dynamics simulation and structural prediction algorithms. The binding analyses of Ergp55 polypeptides with target DNA sequences of E74 and cfos promoters indicate that longer fragments of Ergp55 (beyond the Ets domain) showed the evidence of auto-inhibition. This study also revealed the parts of Ergp55 protein that mediate auto-inhibition. SIGNIFICANCE The current study will aid in designing the compounds that stabilize the inhibited form of Ergp55 and inhibit its binding to promoter DNA. It will contribute in the development of drugs targeting Ergp55 for the prostate cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanti P. Gangwar
- Structural Biology Lab, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Sharmistha Dey
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institutes of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Ajay K. Saxena
- Structural Biology Lab, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
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34
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Minner S, Luebke AM, Kluth M, Bokemeyer C, Jänicke F, Izbicki J, Schlomm T, Sauter G, Wilczak W. High level of Ets-related gene expression has high specificity for prostate cancer: a tissue microarray study of 11 483 cancers. Histopathology 2012; 61:445-53. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2559.2012.04240.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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35
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Magistroni V, Mologni L, Sanselicio S, Reid JF, Redaelli S, Piazza R, Viltadi M, Bovo G, Strada G, Grasso M, Gariboldi M, Gambacorti-Passerini C. ERG deregulation induces PIM1 over-expression and aneuploidy in prostate epithelial cells. PLoS One 2011; 6:e28162. [PMID: 22140532 PMCID: PMC3227636 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0028162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2011] [Accepted: 11/02/2011] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The ERG gene belongs to the ETS family of transcription factors and has been found to be involved in atypical chromosomal rearrangements in several cancers. To gain insight into the oncogenic activity of ERG, we compared the gene expression profile of NIH-3T3 cells stably expressing the coding regions of the three main ERG oncogenic fusions: TMPRSS2/ERG (tERG), EWS/ERG and FUS/ERG. We found that all three ERG fusions significantly up-regulate PIM1 expression in the NIH-3T3 cell line. PIM1 is a serine/threonine kinase frequently over-expressed in cancers of haematological and epithelial origin. We show here that tERG expression induces PIM1 in the non-malignant prostate cell line RWPE-1, strengthening the relation between tERG and PIM1 up-regulation in the initial stages of prostate carcinogenesis. Silencing of tERG reversed PIM1 induction. A significant association between ERG and PIM1 expression in clinical prostate carcinoma specimens was found, suggesting that such a mechanism may be relevant in vivo. Chromatin Immunoprecipitation experiments showed that tERG directly binds to PIM1 promoter in the RWPE-1 prostate cell line, suggesting that tERG could be a direct regulator of PIM1 expression. The up-regulation of PIM1 induced by tERG over-expression significantly modified Cyclin B1 levels and increased the percentage of aneuploid cells in the RWPE-1 cell line after taxane-based treatment. Here we provide the first evidence for an ERG-mediated PIM1 up-regulation in prostate cells in vitro and in vivo, suggesting a direct effect of ERG transcriptional activity in the alteration of genetic stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Magistroni
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy.
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36
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Marques RB, Dits NF, Erkens-Schulze S, van IJcken WFJ, van Weerden WM, Jenster G. Modulation of androgen receptor signaling in hormonal therapy-resistant prostate cancer cell lines. PLoS One 2011; 6:e23144. [PMID: 21829708 PMCID: PMC3150397 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0023144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2010] [Accepted: 07/13/2011] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prostate epithelial cells depend on androgens for survival and function. In (early) prostate cancer (PCa) androgens also regulate tumor growth, which is exploited by hormonal therapies in metastatic disease. The aim of the present study was to characterize the androgen receptor (AR) response in hormonal therapy-resistant PC346 cells and identify potential disease markers. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Human 19K oligoarrays were used to establish the androgen-regulated expression profile of androgen-responsive PC346C cells and its derivative therapy-resistant sublines: PC346DCC (vestigial AR levels), PC346Flu1 (AR overexpression) and PC346Flu2 (T877A AR mutation). In total, 107 transcripts were differentially-expressed in PC346C and derivatives after R1881 or hydroxyflutamide stimulations. The AR-regulated expression profiles reflected the AR modifications of respective therapy-resistant sublines: AR overexpression resulted in stronger and broader transcriptional response to R1881 stimulation, AR down-regulation correlated with deficient response of AR-target genes and the T877A mutation resulted in transcriptional response to both R1881 and hydroxyflutamide. This AR-target signature was linked to multiple publicly available cell line and tumor derived PCa databases, revealing that distinct functional clusters were differentially modulated during PCa progression. Differentiation and secretory functions were up-regulated in primary PCa but repressed in metastasis, whereas proliferation, cytoskeletal remodeling and adhesion were overexpressed in metastasis. Finally, the androgen-regulated genes ENDOD1, MCCC2 and ACSL3 were selected as potential disease markers for RT-PCR quantification in a distinct set of human prostate specimens. ENDOD1 and ACSL3 showed down-regulation in high-grade and metastatic PCa, while MCCC2 was overexpressed in low-grade PCa. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE AR modifications altered the transcriptional response to (anti)androgens in therapy-resistant cells. Furthermore, selective down-regulation of genes involved in differentiation and up-regulation of genes promoting proliferation and invasion suggest a disturbed balance between the growth and differentiation functions of the AR pathway during PCa progression. These findings may have implications in the current treatment and development of novel therapeutical approaches for metastatic PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rute B. Marques
- Department of Urology, Josephine Nefkens Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Natasja F. Dits
- Department of Urology, Josephine Nefkens Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Guido Jenster
- Department of Urology, Josephine Nefkens Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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ERG promotes T-acute lymphoblastic leukemia and is transcriptionally regulated in leukemic cells by a stem cell enhancer. Blood 2011; 117:7079-89. [PMID: 21536859 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2010-12-317990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The Ets-related gene (ERG) is an Ets-transcription factor required for normal blood stem cell development. ERG expression is down-regulated during early T-lymphopoiesis but maintained in T-acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL), where it is recognized as an independent risk factor for adverse outcome. However, it is unclear whether ERG is directly involved in the pathogenesis of T-ALL and how its expression is regulated. Here we demonstrate that transgenic expression of ERG causes T-ALL in mice and that its knockdown reduces the proliferation of human MOLT4 T-ALL cells. We further demonstrate that ERG expression in primary human T-ALL cells is mediated by the binding of other T-cell oncogenes SCL/TAL1, LMO2, and LYL1 in concert with ERG, FLI1, and GATA3 to the ERG +85 enhancer. This enhancer is not active in normal T cells but in transgenic mice targets expression to fetal liver c-kit(+) cells, adult bone marrow stem/progenitors and early CD4(-)CD8(-) double-negative thymic progenitors. Taken together, these data illustrate that ERG promotes T-ALL and that failure to extinguish activity of stem cell enhancers associated with regulatory transcription factors such as ERG can contribute to the development of leukemia.
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FET family proto-oncogene Fus contributes to self-renewal of hematopoietic stem cells. Exp Hematol 2010; 38:696-706. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2010.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2010] [Revised: 04/07/2010] [Accepted: 04/13/2010] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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Abstract
Ebp1, an ErbB3 receptor-binding protein, inhibits cell proliferation and acts as a putative tumor suppressor. Ebp1 translocates into the nucleus and functions as a transcription corepressor for E2F-1. Here, we show that Ebp1 p42 isoform can be sumoylated on both K93 and K298 residues, which mediate its nuclear translocation and is required for its anti-proliferative activity. We find that TLS/FUS, an RNA-binding nuclear protein that is involved in pre- mRNA processing and nucleocytoplasmic shuttling, has Sumo1 E3 ligase activity for Ebp1 p42. Ebp1 directly binds TLS/FUS, which is regulated by genotoxic stress-triggered phosphorylation on Ebp1. Ebp1 sumoylation facilitates its nucleolar distribution and protein stability. Overexpression of TLS enhances Ebp1 sumoylation, while depletion of TLS abolishes Ebp1 sumoylation. Moreover, Unsumoylated Ebp1 mutants fail to suppress E2F-1- regulated transcription, resulting in loss of its anti-proliferation activity. Hence, TLS-mediated sumoylation is required for Ebp1 transcription repressive activity.
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Luedeke M, Linnert CM, Hofer MD, Surowy HM, Rinckleb AE, Hoegel J, Kuefer R, Rubin MA, Vogel W, Maier C. Predisposition for TMPRSS2-ERG fusion in prostate cancer by variants in DNA repair genes. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009; 18:3030-5. [PMID: 19861517 DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-09-0772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The somatic fusion of TMPRSS2 to ETS oncogenes is a common event in prostate cancer (PCa). We hypothesized that defects in DNA repair may lead to an increase of chromosomal rearrangements and thus to the occurrence of ETS oncogene fusion. We have previously conducted a genome-wide linkage analysis in TMPRSS2-ERG fusion-positive PCa families, revealing potential susceptibility loci on chromosomes 5q14, 9q21, 10q26, 11q24, 12q15, 13q12, 18q, and Xq27. In the present study, nine candidate genes from these regions were selected from the context of DNA repair and screened for mutations in TMPRSS2-ERG fusion-positive families. Thirteen nonsynonymous variants, 5 of which had a minor allele frequency of <0.05, were genotyped in 210 familial cases, 47 of which with a known TMPRSS2-ERG status, 329 sporadic cases, and 512 controls. Significant association of TMPRSS2-ERG fusion-positive PCa was found with rare variants in the genes for POLI [variant F532S: P = 0.0011; odds ratios (OR), 4.62; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.84-11.56] and ESCO1 (variant N191S: P = 0.0034; OR, 4.27; 95% CI, 1.62-11.28). Additional findings, regardless of TMPRSS2-ERG status, were the overrepresentation of a rare BRCA2 variant (V2728I: P = 0.03; OR, 6.16; 95% CI, 1.19-32.00) in familial PCa and of a common allele of RMI1 (variant N455S: P = 0.02; OR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.04-1.70) in unselected PCa cases. The DNA repair genes POLI and ESCO1 are proposed as susceptibility genes for TMPRSS2-ERG fusion-positive PCa that warrant further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Luedeke
- 1Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany
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Detection of FUS–ERG chimeric transcript in two cases of acute myeloid leukemia with t(16;21)(p11.2;q22) with unusual characteristics. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 194:111-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cancergencyto.2009.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2009] [Accepted: 06/14/2009] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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42
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Chang WR, Park IJ, Lee HW, Park JS, Kim HC, Kim HJ, Han JH, Cho SR. Two Cases of Acute Myeloid Leukemia with t(16;21)(p11;q22) and TLS/FUS-ERG Fusion Transcripts. Ann Lab Med 2009; 29:390-5. [DOI: 10.3343/kjlm.2009.29.5.390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Woong Rin Chang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Il Joong Park
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Hyun Woo Lee
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Joon Seong Park
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Hugh Chul Kim
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Hyon Joo Kim
- Department of Medical Genetics, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Jae Ho Han
- Department of Pathology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Sung Ran Cho
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
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Dual requirement for the ETS transcription factors Fli-1 and Erg in hematopoietic stem cells and the megakaryocyte lineage. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2009; 106:13814-9. [PMID: 19666492 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0906556106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Fli-1 and Erg are closely related members of the Ets family of transcription factors. Both genes are translocated in human cancers, including Ewing's sarcoma, leukemia, and in the case of Erg, more than half of all prostate cancers. Although evidence from mice and humans suggests that Fli-1 is required for megakaryopoiesis, and that Erg is required for normal adult hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) regulation, their precise physiological roles remain to be defined. To elucidate the relationship between Fli-1 and Erg in hematopoiesis, we conducted an analysis of mice carrying mutations in both genes. Our results demonstrate that there is a profound genetic interaction between Fli-1 and Erg. Double heterozygotes displayed phenotypes more dramatic than single heterozygotes: severe thrombocytopenia, with a significant deficit in megakaryocyte numbers and evidence of megakaryocyte dysmorphogenesis, and loss of HSCs accompanied by a reduction in the number of committed hematopoietic progenitor cells. These results illustrate an indispensable requirement for both Fli-1 and Erg in normal HSC and megakaryocyte homeostasis, and suggest these transcription factors may coregulate common target genes.
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Salek-Ardakani S, Smooha G, de Boer J, Sebire NJ, Morrow M, Rainis L, Lee S, Williams O, Izraeli S, Brady HJM. ERG is a megakaryocytic oncogene. Cancer Res 2009; 69:4665-73. [PMID: 19487285 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-09-0075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Ets-related gene (ERG) is a member of the ETS transcription factor gene family located on Hsa21. ERG is known to have a crucial role in establishing definitive hematopoiesis and is required for normal megakaryopoiesis. Truncated forms of ERG are associated with multiple cancers such as Ewing's sarcoma, prostate cancer, and leukemia as part of oncogenic fusion translocations. Increased expression of ERG is highly indicative of poor prognosis in acute myeloid leukemia and ERG is expressed in acute megakaryoblastic leukemia (AMKL); however, it is unclear if expression of ERG per se has a leukemogenic activity. We show that ectopic expression of ERG in fetal hematopoietic progenitors promotes megakaryopoiesis and that ERG alone acts as a potent oncogene in vivo leading to rapid onset of leukemia in mice. We observe that the endogenous ERG is required for the proliferation and maintenance of AMKL cell lines. ERG also strongly cooperates with the GATA1s mutated protein, found in Down syndrome AMKL, to immortalize megakaryocyte progenitors, suggesting that the additional copy of ERG in trisomy 21 may have a role in Down syndrome AMKL. These data suggest that ERG is a hematopoietic oncogene that may play a direct role in myeloid leukemia pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samira Salek-Ardakani
- Molecular Haematology and Cancer Biology Unit, University College London Institute of Child Health and Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, United Kingdom
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Kanazawa T, Ogawa C, Taketani T, Taki T, Hayashi Y, Morikawa A. TLS/FUS-ERGfusion gene in acute lymphoblastic leukemia with t(16;21)(p11;q22) and monitoring of minimal residual disease. Leuk Lymphoma 2009; 46:1833-5. [PMID: 16263589 DOI: 10.1080/10428190500162203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
This study reports a 1-year-old boy with precursor B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) carrying t(16;21)(p11;q22). Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and direct sequence analysis showed TLS/FUS-ERG chimeric mRNA with a novel junctional pattern of exon 7 of TLS/FUS and exon 6 of ERG. He did not respond to ALL-oriented therapy. Complete remission (CR) was achieved by chemotherapy oriented for acute myeloid leukemia. Allogenic bone marrow transplantation was done and he has been in CR for 24 months. TLS/FUS-ERG chimeric mRNA was not detected after CR. This is the first report of an ALL patient with a TLS/FUS-ERG fusion transcript.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Kanazawa
- Department of Pediatrics and Developmental Medicine, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Gunma, Japan.
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46
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Sloan KA, Marquez HA, Li J, Cao Y, Hinds A, O'Hara CJ, Kathuria S, Ramirez MI, Williams MC, Kathuria H. Increased PEA3/E1AF and decreased Net/Elk-3, both ETS proteins, characterize human NSCLC progression and regulate caveolin-1 transcription in Calu-1 and NCI-H23 NSCLC cell lines. Carcinogenesis 2009; 30:1433-42. [PMID: 19483189 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgp129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Caveolin-1 protein has been called a 'conditional tumor suppressor' because it can either suppress or enhance tumor progression depending on cellular context. Caveolin-1 levels are dynamic in non-small-cell lung cancer, with increased levels in metastatic tumor cells. We have shown previously that transactivation of an erythroblastosis virus-transforming sequence (ETS) cis-element enhances caveolin-1 expression in a murine lung epithelial cell line. Based on high sequence homology between the murine and human caveolin-1 promoters, we proposed that ETS proteins might regulate caveolin-1 expression in human lung tumorigenesis. We confirm that caveolin-1 is not detected in well-differentiated primary lung tumors. Polyoma virus enhancer activator 3 (PEA3), a pro-metastatic ETS protein in breast cancer, is expressed at low levels in well-differentiated tumors and high levels in poorly differentiated tumors. Conversely, Net, a known ETS repressor, is expressed at high levels in the nucleus of well-differentiated primary tumor cells. In tumor cells in metastatic lymph node sites, caveolin-1 and PEA3 are highly expressed, whereas Net is now expressed in the cytoplasm. We studied transcriptional regulation of caveolin-1 in two human lung cancer cell lines, Calu-1 (high caveolin-1 expressing) and NCI-H23 (low caveolin-1 expressing). Chromatin immunoprecipitation-binding assays and small interfering RNA experiments show that PEA3 is a transcriptional activator in Calu-1 cells and that Net is a transcriptional repressor in NCI-H23 cells. These results suggest that Net may suppress caveolin-1 transcription in primary lung tumors and that PEA3 may activate caveolin-1 transcription in metastatic lymph nodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin A Sloan
- Pulmonary Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA.
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47
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Lobato MN, Metzler M, Drynan L, Forster A, Pannell R, Rabbitts TH. Modeling chromosomal translocations using conditional alleles to recapitulate initiating events in human leukemias. J Natl Cancer Inst Monogr 2008:58-63. [PMID: 18648005 DOI: 10.1093/jncimonographs/lgn022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Recurrent reciprocal chromosomal translocations are present in more than 50% of leukemias. A deeper understanding of how they affect cancer initiation is essential for evaluating the origins of cancer and the potential for therapy based on the translocation products. Mouse models of chromosomal translocations are required for this. Here we summarize three methodologies developed in our laboratory to model chromosomal translocations (knock-in, translocator, and invertor methods). We have used these models to study leukemias caused by fusions of the mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) gene and the Ews-ERG fusion gene to evaluate oncogenicity and elucidate some general principles about translocation products. We show that MLL fusions have the capacity to cause hematopoietic tumors only if expressed in permissive cells and that the Mll-Enl fusion can cause lineage reassignment if the chromosomal translocation occurs in lineage noncommitted progenitors. The leukemia-initiating cells generated by Mll fusions or by Ews-ERG fusion can be committed cells within the hematopoietic pathway. Our translocation mimic models are applicable to any human reciprocal chromosomal translocation.
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Loughran SJ, Kruse EA, Hacking DF, de Graaf CA, Hyland CD, Willson TA, Henley KJ, Ellis S, Voss AK, Metcalf D, Hilton DJ, Alexander WS, Kile BT. The transcription factor Erg is essential for definitive hematopoiesis and the function of adult hematopoietic stem cells. Nat Immunol 2008; 9:810-9. [PMID: 18500345 DOI: 10.1038/ni.1617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 207] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2007] [Accepted: 04/23/2008] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Ets-related gene (ERG), which encodes a member of the Ets family of transcription factors, is a potent oncogene. Chromosomal rearrangements involving ERG are found in acute myeloid leukemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, Ewing's sarcoma and more than half of all prostate cancers; however, the normal physiological function of Erg is unknown. We did a sensitized genetic screen of the mouse for regulators of hematopoietic stem cell function and report here a germline mutation of Erg. We show that Erg is required for definitive hematopoiesis, adult hematopoietic stem cell function and the maintenance of normal peripheral blood platelet numbers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J Loughran
- Division of Molecular Medicine, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria 3050, Australia
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Riggi N, Cironi L, Suvà ML, Stamenkovic I. Sarcomas: genetics, signalling, and cellular origins. Part 1: The fellowship of TET. J Pathol 2007; 213:4-20. [PMID: 17691072 DOI: 10.1002/path.2209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Sarcomas comprise some of the most aggressive solid tumours that, for the most part, respond poorly to chemo- and radiation therapy and are associated with a sombre prognosis when surgical removal cannot be performed or is incomplete. Partly because of their lower frequency, sarcomas have not been studied as intensively as carcinomas and haematopoietic malignancies, and the molecular mechanisms that underlie their pathogenesis are only beginning to be understood. Even more enigmatic is the identity of the primary cells from which these tumours originate. Over the past 25 years, however, several non-random chromosomal translocations have been found to be associated with defined sarcomas. Each of these translocations generates a fusion gene believed to be directly related to the pathogenesis of the sarcoma in which it is expressed. The corresponding fusion proteins provide a unique tool not only to study the process of sarcoma development, but also to identify cells that are permissive for their putative oncogenic properties. This is the first of two reviews that cover the mechanisms whereby specific fusion/mutant gene products participate in sarcoma development and the cellular context that may provide the necessary permissiveness for their expression and oncogenicity. Part 1 of the review focuses on sarcomas that express fusion genes containing TET gene family products, including EWSR1, TLS/FUS, and TAFII68. Part 2 (J Pathol 2007; DOI: 10.1002/path.2008) summarizes our current understanding of the genetic and cellular origins of sarcomas expressing fusion genes exclusive of TET family members; it also covers soft tissue malignancies harbouring specific mutations in RTK-encoding genes, the prototype of which are gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST).
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Affiliation(s)
- N Riggi
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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50
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Iwamoto M, Tamamura Y, Koyama E, Komori T, Takeshita N, Williams JA, Nakamura T, Enomoto-Iwamoto M, Pacifici M. Transcription factor ERG and joint and articular cartilage formation during mouse limb and spine skeletogenesis. Dev Biol 2007; 305:40-51. [PMID: 17336282 PMCID: PMC2104487 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2007.01.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2006] [Revised: 01/26/2007] [Accepted: 01/29/2007] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Articular cartilage and synovial joints are critical for skeletal function, but the mechanisms regulating their development are largely unknown. In previous studies we found that the ets transcription factor ERG and its alternatively-spliced variant C-1-1 have roles in joint formation in chick. Here, we extended our studies to mouse. We found that ERG is also expressed in developing mouse limb joints. To test regulation of ERG expression, beads coated with the joint master regulator protein GDF-5 were implanted close to incipient joints in mouse limb explants; this led to rapid and strong ectopic ERG expression. We cloned and characterized several mammalian ERG variants and expressed a human C-1-1 counterpart (hERG3Delta81) throughout the cartilaginous skeleton of transgenic mice, using Col2a1 gene promoter/enhancer sequences. The skeletal phenotype was severe and neonatal lethal, and the transgenic mice were smaller than wild type littermates and their skeletons were largely cartilaginous. Limb long bone anlagen were entirely composed of chondrocytes actively expressing collagen IX and aggrecan as well as articular markers such as tenascin-C. Typical growth plates were absent and there was very low expression of maturation and hypertrophy markers, including Indian hedgehog, collagen X and MMP-13. The results suggest that ERG is part of molecular mechanisms leading chondrocytes into a permanent developmental path and become joint forming cells, and may do so by acting downstream of GDF-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahiro Iwamoto
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.
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