EEN encodes for a member of a new family of proteins containing an Src homology 3 domain and is the third gene located on chromosome 19p13 that fuses to MLL in human leukemia

Autoantibodies against Endophilin A2 as a novel biomarker are beneficial to early diagnosis of breast cancer

BACKGROUND

Due to the lack of early symptoms, breast cancer is frequently overlooked, leading to distant metastases and multi-organ lesions that directly threaten patients' lives. We have identified a novel tumor marker, antibodies to endophilin A2 (EA2), to improve early diagnosis of breast cancer.

METHODS

Antibody levels of EA2 were analyzed in sera of patients with cancers of different origins and stages by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Diagnostic accuracy and reference range were determined by the area under the receiver operating curve and distribution curve. The levels of EA2 antigen in sera were determined by sandwich ELISA.

RESULTS

The levels of antibodies against EA2 were higher in sera of patients with breast cancer (P < 0.0001), liver cancer (P = 0.0005), gastric cancer (P = 0.0026), and colon cancer (P = 0.0349) than those in healthy controls, but not in patients with rectal cancer (P = 0.1151), leukemia (P = 0.7508), or lung cancer (P = 0.2247). The highest diagnostic value was for breast cancer, particularly in early cases (AUC = 0.8014) and those with distant metastases (AUC = 0.7885). The titers of EA2 antibodies in sera were correlated with levels of EA2 antigen in breast cancer patients.

CONCLUSION

Antibodies to EA2 are novel blood biomarkers for early diagnosis of breast cancer that warrants further study in larger-scale cohort studies.

Biology of endophilin and it's role in disease

Endophilin is an evolutionarily conserved family of protein that involves in a range of intracellular membrane dynamics. This family consists of five isoforms, which are distributed in various tissues. Recent studies have shown that Endophilin regulates diseases pathogenesis, including neurodegenerative diseases, tumors, cardiovascular diseases, and autoimmune diseases. In vivo, it regulates different biological functions such as vesicle endocytosis, mitochondrial morphological changes, apoptosis and autophagosome formation. Functional studies confirmed the role of Endophilin in development and progression of these diseases. In this study, we have comprehensively discussed the complex function of Endophilin and how the family contributes to diseases development. It is hoped that this study will provide new ideas for targeting Endophilin in diseases.

Endocytosis in cancer and cancer therapy

Endocytosis is a complex process whereby cell surface proteins, lipids and fluid from the extracellular environment are packaged, sorted and internalized into cells. Endocytosis is also a mechanism of drug internalization into cells. There are multiple routes of endocytosis that determine the fate of molecules, from degradation in the lysosomes to recycling back to the plasma membrane. The overall rates of endocytosis and temporal regulation of molecules transiting through endocytic pathways are also intricately linked with signalling outcomes. This process relies on an array of factors, such as intrinsic amino acid motifs and post-translational modifications. Endocytosis is frequently disrupted in cancer. These disruptions lead to inappropriate retention of receptor tyrosine kinases on the tumour cell membrane, changes in the recycling of oncogenic molecules, defective signalling feedback loops and loss of cell polarity. In the past decade, endocytosis has emerged as a pivotal regulator of nutrient scavenging, response to and regulation of immune surveillance and tumour immune evasion, tumour metastasis and therapeutic drug delivery. This Review summarizes and integrates these advances into the understanding of endocytosis in cancer. The potential to regulate these pathways in the clinic to improve cancer therapy is also discussed.

Endophilin A2-mediated alleviation of endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced cardiac injury involves the suppression of ERO1α/IP3R signaling pathway

Cardiac injury upon myocardial infarction (MI) is the leading cause of heart failure. The present study aims to investigate the role of EndoA2 in ischemia-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis and cardiac injury. In vivo, we established an MI mouse model by ligating the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery, and intramyocardial injection of adenoviral EndoA2 (Ad-EndoA2) was used to overexpress EndoA2. In vitro, we used the siRNA and Ad-EndoA2 transfection strategies. Here, we reported that EndoA2 expression was remarkably elevated in the infarct border zone of MI mouse hearts and neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs) stimulated with oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) which mimicked ischemia. We showed that intramyocardial injection of Ad-EndoA2 attenuated cardiomyocyte apoptosis and reduced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in response to MI injury. Using siRNA for knockdown and Ad-EndoA2 for overexpression, we validated that knockdown of EndoA2 in NRCMs exacerbated OGD-induced NRCM apoptosis, whereas overexpression of EndoA2 attenuates OGD-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Mechanistically, knockdown of EndoA2 activated ER stress response, which increases ER oxidoreductase 1α (ERO1α) and inositol 1, 4, 5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3R) activity, thus led to increased intracellular Ca2+ accumulation, followed by elevated calcineurin activity and nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT) dephosphorylation. Pretreatment with the IP3R inhibitor 2-Aminoethoxydiphenylborate (2-APB) attenuated intracellular Ca2+ accumulation, and pretreatment with the Ca2+ chelator 1,2-bis(o-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA) or the calcineurin inhibitor Cyclosporin A (CsA) inhibited EndoA2-knockdown-induced NRCM apoptosis. Overexpression of EndoA2 led to the opposite effects by suppressing ER-stress-mediated ERO1α/IP3R signaling pathway. This study demonstrated that EndoA2 protected cardiac function in response to MI via attenuating ER-stress-mediated ERO1α/IP3R signaling pathway. Targeting EndoA2 is a potential therapeutic strategy for the prevention of postinfarction-induced cardiac injury and heart failure.

Rare KMT2A-ELL and Novel ZNF56-KMT2A Fusion Genes in Pediatric T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

BACKGROUND/AIM

Previous reports have associated the KMT2A-ELL fusion gene, generated by t(11;19)(q23;p13.1), with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We herein report a KMT2A-ELL and a novel ZNF56-KMT2A fusion genes in a pediatric T-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Genetic investigations were performed on bone marrow of a 13-year-old boy diagnosed with T-ALL.

RESULTS

A KMT2A-ELL and a novel ZNF56-KMT2A fusion genes were generated on der(11)t(11;19)(q23;p13.1) and der(19)t(11;19)(q23;p13.1), respectively. Exon 20 of KMT2A fused to exon 2 of ELL in KMT2A-ELL chimeric transcript whereas exon 1 of ZNF56 fused to exon 21 of KMT2A in ZNF56-KMT2A transcript. A literature search revealed four more T-ALL patients carrying a KMT2A-ELL fusion. All of them were males aged 11, 11, 17, and 20 years.

CONCLUSION

KMT2A-ELL fusion is a rare recurrent genetic event in T-ALL with uncertain prognostic implications. The frequency and impact of ZNF56-KMT2A in T-ALL are unknown.

Endophilin A2 deficiency protects rodents from autoimmune arthritis by modulating T cell activation

The introduction of the CTLA-4 recombinant fusion protein has demonstrated therapeutic effects by selectively modulating T-cell activation in rheumatoid arthritis. Here we show, using a forward genetic approach, that a mutation in the SH3gl1 gene encoding the endocytic protein Endophilin A2 is associated with the development of arthritis in rodents. Defective expression of SH3gl1 affects T cell effector functions and alters the activation threshold of autoreactive T cells, thereby leading to complete protection from chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease in both mice and rats. We further show that SH3GL1 regulates human T cell signaling and T cell receptor internalization, and its expression is upregulated in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Collectively our data identify SH3GL1 as a key regulator of T cell activation, and as a potential target for treatment of autoimmune diseases.

The autoimmune disorder, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), has been associated with multiple pathophysiological factors. Here the authors show that deficiency in endophilin A2 in rodents protects them from experimental arthritis by altering T cell activation threshold and effector functions, thereby hinting a potential target for RA therapy.

Molecular mechanism of Fast Endophilin-Mediated Endocytosis

Endocytosis mediates the cellular uptake of micronutrients and cell surface proteins. Clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME) is the housekeeping pathway in resting cells but additional Clathrin-independent endocytic (CIE) routes, including Fast Endophilin-Mediated Endocytosis (FEME), internalize specific cargoes and support diverse cellular functions. FEME is part of the Dynamin-dependent subgroup of CIE pathways. Here, we review our current understanding of the molecular mechanism of FEME. Key steps are: (i) priming, (ii) cargo selection, (iii) membrane curvature and carrier formation, (iv) membrane scission and (v) cytosolic transport. All steps are controlled by regulatory mechanisms mediated by phosphoinositides and by kinases such as Src, LRRK2, Cdk5 and GSK3β. A key feature of FEME is that it is not constitutively active but triggered upon the stimulation of selected cell surface receptors by their ligands. In resting cells, there is a priming cycle that concentrates Endophilin into clusters on discrete locations of the plasma membrane. In the absence of receptor activation, the patches quickly abort and new cycles are initiated nearby, constantly priming the plasma membrane for FEME. Upon activation, receptors are swiftly sorted into pre-existing Endophilin clusters, which then bud to form FEME carriers within 10 s. We summarize the hallmarks of FEME and the techniques and assays required to identify it. Next, we review similarities and differences with other CIE pathways and proposed cargoes that may use FEME to enter cells. Finally, we submit pending questions and future milestones and discuss the exciting perspectives that targeting FEME may boost treatments against cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.

Endophilin A2 attenuates cardiac hypertrophy induced by isoproterenol through the activation of autophagy

Decreased autophagy has been reported to contribute to the progression of cardiac hypertrophy. Our previous research has demonstrated that endophilin A2 (EndoA2) attenuates H₂O₂-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis by strengthening autophagy. However, the role of EndoA2 in the regulation of autophagy in cardiac hypertrophy is unknown. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that EndoA2 suppresses cardiac hypertrophy induced by isoproterenol (ISO) by activating autophagy. In vivo, we established a cardiac hypertrophy model by subcutaneous injection of ISO and used intramyocardial delivery of adenovirus vector harboring EndoA2 cDNA (Ad-EndoA2) to overexpress EndoA2. The cardiac hypertrophic response and autophagy level were measured. EndoA2 overexpression suppressed pathological cardiac hypertrophy and enhanced autophagy in rat hearts. In addition, the effects of EndoA2 on cardiac hypertrophy and autophagy were observed in cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs) with gain- and loss-of-function approaches to regulate EndoA2 expression. The results were consistent with those of the in vivo study. Furthermore, the involvement of EndoA2-mediated autophagy in the attenuation of ISO-induced cardiac hypertrophy was explored by pharmaceutical inhibition of autophagy. Pretreatment with 3-methyladenine (3-MA) clearly diminished the anti-hypertrophic effects of EndoA2 in ISO-treated NRCMs. The results presented here provide the first evidence that EndoA2 is involved in ISO-induced cardiac hypertrophy. The anti-hypertrophic effects of EndoA2 can be partially attributed to its regulation of autophagy.

Rare MLL-ELL fusion transcripts in childhood acute myeloid leukemia-association with young age and myeloid sarcomas?

BACKGROUND

The chromosomal translocation t(11;19)(q23;p13) with a breakpoint within subband 19p13.1 is found mainly in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and results in the MLL-ELL fusion gene. Variations in the structure of MLL-ELL seem to influence the leukemogenic potency of the fusion in vivo and may lie behind differences in clinical features. The number of cases reported so far is very limited and the addition of more information about MLL-ELL variants is essential if the possible clinical significance of rare fusions is to be determined.

CASE PRESENTATION

Cytogenetic and molecular genetic analyses were done on the bone marrow cells of a 20-month-old boy with an unusual form of myelomonocytic AML with multiple myeloid sarcomas infiltrating bone and soft tissues. The G-banding analysis together with FISH yielded the karyotype 47,XY, +6,t(8;19;11)(q24;p13;q23). FISH analysis also demonstrated that MLL was split. RNA-sequencing showed that the translocation had generated an MLL-ELL chimera in which exon 9 of MLL (nt 4241 in sequence with accession number NM_005933.3) was fused to exon 6 of ELL (nt 817 in sequence with accession number NM_006532.3). RT-PCR together with Sanger sequencing verified the presence of the above-mentioned fusion transcript.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on our findings and information on a few previously reported patients, we speculate that young age, myelomonoblastic AML, and the presence of extramedullary disease may be typical of children with rare MLL-ELL fusion transcripts.

Endocytosis and cancer

Endocytosis entails selective packaging of cell-surface proteins, such as receptors for cytokines and adhesion components, in cytoplasmic vesicles (endosomes). The series of sorting events that determines the fate of internalized proteins, either degradation in lysosomes or recycling back to the plasma membrane, relies on intrinsic sequence motifs, posttranslational modifications (e.g., phosphorylation and ubiquitination), and transient assemblies of both Rab GTPases and phosphoinositide-binding proteins. This multicomponent process is enhanced and skewed in cancer cells; we review mechanisms enabling both major drivers of cancer, p53 and Ras, to bias recycling of integrins and receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs). Likewise, cadherins and other junctional proteins of cancer cells are constantly removed from the cell surface, thereby disrupting tissue polarity and instigating motile phenotypes. Mutant forms of RTKs able to evade Cbl-mediated ubiquitination, along with overexpression of the wild-type forms and a variety of defective feedback regulatory loops, are frequently detected in tumors. Finally, we describe pharmacological attempts to harness the peculiar endocytic system of cancer, in favor of effective patient treatment.

Deletion of MAP2K2/MEK2: a novel mechanism for a RASopathy?

RASopathies are a class of genetic syndromes caused by germline mutations in genes encoding Ras/mitogen-activated protein kinase (Ras/MAPK) pathway components. Cardio-facio-cutaneous (CFC) syndrome is a RASopathy characterized by distinctive craniofacial features, skin and hair abnormalities, and congenital heart defects caused by activating mutations of BRAF, MEK1, MEK2, and KRAS. We define the phenotype of seven patients with de novo deletions of chromosome 19p13.3 including MEK2; they present with a distinct phenotype but have overlapping features with CFC syndrome. Phenotypic features of all seven patients include tall forehead, thick nasal tip, underdeveloped cheekbones, long midface, sinuous upper vermilion border, tall chin, angular jaw, and facial asymmetry. Patients also have developmental delay, hypotonia, heart abnormalities, failure to thrive, obstructive sleep apnea, gastroesophageal reflux and integument abnormalities. Analysis of epidermal growth factor-stimulated fibroblasts revealed that P-MEK1/2 was ∼50% less abundant in cells carrying the MEK2 deletion compared to the control. Significant differences in total MEK2 and Sprouty1 abundance were also observed. Our cohort of seven individuals with MEK2 deletions has overlapping features associated with RASopathies. This is the first report suggesting that, in addition to activating mutations, MEK2 haploinsufficiency can lead to dysregulation of the MAPK pathway.

Autologous antibody to src-homology 3-domain GRB2-like 1 specifically increases in the sera of patients with low-grade gliomas

Background

Glioma is the most common primary malignant central nervous system tumor in adult, and is usually not curable in spite of various therapeutic approaches. Clarification of the oncogenic process in its early stage is important for the diagnosis and effective therapy.

Methods

In the present study, we used the serological identification of antigens by recombinant cDNA expression cloning (SEREX) to explore the subtle changes of the protein expression in low-grade glioma. The levels of serum autoantibodies to the SEREX-identified glioma-related antigens were analyzed by ELISA, and the epitope site was identified using deletion mutants and overlap peptide array. Changes in the serum autoantibody levels were examined in the rat glioma model using C6 and 9 L glioma cell lines.

Results

We identified 31 glioma-related antigens by SEREX. Among them, the serum level of autoantibody to src-homology 3-domain GRB2-like 1 (SH3GL1) was significantly higher in patients with low-grade glioma than healthy volunteers or high-grade gliomas. The 10 amino-acids at the C-terminal were identified as the epitope site by the overlap peptide array and the ELISA using deletion mutants. The tissue expression of SH3GL1 protein increased in proportion to glioma progression. The rat glioma models confirmed the increase of anti-SH3GL1 autoantibody level in the early stage and the suppression in the late stage.

Conclusion

SH3GL1 may be involved in the oncogenic process of gliomas and effectively elicit an autologous antibody response in low-grade gliomas. The immunological reaction to SH3GL1 would contribute to the establishment of a novel diagnostic and therapeutic target for gliomas.

Literature and patent analysis of the cloning and identification of human functional genes in China

The Human Genome Project was launched at the end of the 1980s. Since then, the cloning and identification of functional genes has been a major focus of research across the world. In China too, the potentially profound impact of such studies on the life sciences and on human health was realized, and relevant studies were initiated in the 1990s. To advance China's involvement in the Human Genome Project, in the mid-1990s, Committee of Experts in Biology from National High Technology Research and Development Program of China (863 Program) proposed the "two 1%" goal. This goal envisaged China contributing 1% of the total sequencing work, and cloning and identifying 1% of the total human functional genes. Over the past 20 years, tremendous achievement has been accomplished by Chinese scientists. It is well known that scientists in China finished the 1% of sequencing work of the Human Genome Project, whereas, there is no comprehensive report about "whether China had finished cloning and identifying 1% of human functional genes". In the present study, the GenBank database at the National Center of Biotechnology Information, the PubMed search tool, and the patent database of the State Intellectual Property Office, China, were used to retrieve entries based on two screening standards: (i) Were the newly cloned and identified genes first reported by Chinese scientists? (ii) Were the Chinese scientists awarded the gene sequence patent? Entries were retrieved from the databases up to the cut-off date of 30 June 2011 and the obtained data were analyzed further. The results showed that 589 new human functional genes were first reported by Chinese scientists and 159 gene sequences were patented (http://gene.fudan.sh.cn/introduction/database/chinagene/chinagene.html). This study systematically summarizes China's contributions to human functional genomics research and answers the question "has China finished cloning and identifying 1% of human functional genes?" in the affirmative.

The RNA-binding protein Sam68 is a multifunctional player in human cancer

Src associated in mitosis, of 68 kDa (Sam68) is a KH domain RNA-binding protein that belongs to the signal transduction and activation of RNA family. Although ubiquitously expressed, Sam68 plays very specialized roles in different cellular environments. In most cells, Sam68 resides in the nucleus and is involved in several steps of mRNA processing, from transcription, to alternative splicing, to nuclear export. In addition, Sam68 translocates to the cytoplasm upon cell stimulation, cell cycle transitions or viral infections, where it takes part to signaling complexes and associates with the mRNA translation machinery. Recent evidence has linked Sam68 function to the onset and progression of endocrine tumors, such as prostate and breast carcinomas. Notably, all the biochemical activities reported for Sam68 seem to be implicated in carcinogenesis. Herein, we review the recent advancement in the knowledge of Sam68 function and regulation and discuss it in the frame of its participation to neoplastic transformation and tumor progression.

Activation of Ras-dependent Elk-1 activity by MLL-AF4 family fusion oncoproteins

OBJECTIVE

Mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) gene rearrangement is commonly observed in human leukemias. Many of the resultant MLL fusion proteins are found correlated with Ras signaling. Nevertheless, Ras mutations have only been reported in a small subset of MLL-rearranged leukemia. With the potential of developing new therapeutic regimens targeting Ras signaling pathway, we studied the role of MLL-AF4 family fusions and MLL-septin family fusions in the activation of Ras signaling in leukemogenesis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Elk-1-driven luciferase reporter system was used to study the role of MLL-AF4, MLL-AF5q31, MLL-LAF4, MLL-CDCrel, MLL-MSF, and MLL-Septin 6 in the activation of Ras signaling. Dominant negative Ras S17N mutant and mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase (MEK) inhibitor U0126 were employed to demonstrate the involvement of Ras and MEK in this transactivation event. The activation of endogenous Ras/MEK signaling pathway by MLL fusion proteins in leukemia cell lines was also addressed by immunoblot analysis and small interfering RNA knockdown approach.

RESULTS

We demonstrated that MLL-AF4, MLL-AF5q31, and MLL-LAF4 activated Elk-1 transcription factor, one of the major downstream effectors of Ras. This activation was abolished in the presence of dominant negative Ras or MEK inhibitor U0126, indicating the requirements of Ras and MEK. We further showed that endogenous MEK is phosphorylated in a MLL-AF4-expressing leukemia cell line, whereas depletion of MLL-AF4 by small interfering RNA reduced the phospho-MEK level.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that MLL-AF4 family fusion oncoproteins can activate Elk-1 through Ras/MEK/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway and strongly support the role of Ras signaling in the pathogenesis of MLL-rearranged leukemia.

Inhibition of RhoA pathway rescues the endocytosis defects in Oligophrenin1 mouse model of mental retardation

The patho-physiological hypothesis of mental retardation caused by the deficiency of the RhoGAP Oligophrenin1 (OPHN1), relies on the well-known functions of Rho GTPases on neuronal morphology, i.e. dendritic spine structure. Here, we describe a new function of this Bin/Amphiphysin/Rvs domain containing protein in the control of clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME). Through interactions with Src homology 3 domain containing proteins involved in CME, OPHN1 is concentrated to endocytic sites where it down-regulates the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway and represses the inhibitory function of ROCK on endocytosis. Indeed disruption of Ophn1 in mice reduces the endocytosis of synaptic vesicles and the post-synaptic alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoazol-4-propionate (AMPA) receptor internalization, resulting in almost a complete loss of long-term depression in the hippocampus. Finally, pharmacological inhibition of this pathway by ROCK inhibitors fully rescued not only the CME deficit in OPHN1 null cells but also synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus from Ophn1 null model. Altogether, we uncovered a new patho-physiological mechanism for intellectual disabilities associated to mutations in RhoGTPases linked genes and also opened new directions for therapeutic approaches of congenital mental retardation.

Protein arginine methylation in health and disease

Protein arginine methylation is a rapidly growing field of biomedical research that holds great promise for extending our understanding of developmental and pathological processes. Less than ten years ago, fewer than two dozen proteins were verified to contain methylarginine. Currently, however, hundreds of methylarginine proteins have been detected and many have been confirmed by mass spectrometry and other proteomic and molecular techniques. Several of these proteins are products of disease genes or are implicated in disease processes by recent experimental or clinical observations. The purpose of this chapter is twofold; (1) to re-examine the role of protein arginine methylation placed within the context of cell growth and differentiation, as well as within the rich variety of cellular metabolic methylation pathways and (2) to review the implications of recent advances in protein methylarginine detection and the analysis of protein methylarginine function for our understanding of human disease.

Aberrant dendritic cell differentiation initiated by theMll-Eenfusion gene does not require leukemic transformation

Dendritic cells (DCs), as specialized APCs, play a key role in the induction of anti-tumor immunity. They originate from bone marrow (BM) progenitors, which are frequently the targets of chromosomal translocations leading to development of leukemia. Aberrant DC differentiation and functions have been observed and are widely reported in patients with leukemia. It is not clear, however, whether such defects are a direct effect of a leukemic fusion gene or simply an outcome of the clinical disease. In this study, we demonstrate for the first time that knockin of the Mll-Een fusion gene can affect myeloid DC differentiation and functions directly, independent of the leukemic disease activities. We showed that the Mll-Een-expressing BM cells [enhanced green fluorescent protein+ (EGFP+)] from leukemic and nonleukemic mice had similarly impaired DC differentiation capacities with functional abnormalities. In contrast, BM cells without Mll-Een expression (EGFP(-)) showed normal DC differentiation and functions. A reduction in the frequency of CD11c+ DCs was also observed within the EGFP+ population in spleen and lymph nodes, and these cells were dysfunctional. Taken together, our findings suggest that the Mll-Een fusion gene can affect myeloid DC differentiation directly and functions in a cell-autonomous manner, where fully leukemic transformation of the hematopoietic progenitors is not required exclusively. Therefore, the study provides evidence for a direct causal relationship between leukemic gene fusion and abnormal DC differentiation, possibly contributing to the development of leukemia.

Protein arginine-methyltransferase-dependent oncogenesis

Enzymes that mediate reversible epigenetic modifications have not only been recognized as key in regulating gene expression and oncogenesis, but also provide potential targets for molecular therapy. Although the methylation of arginine 3 of histone 4 (H4R3) by protein arginine methyltransferase 1 (PRMT1) is a critical modification for active chromatin and prevention of heterochromatin spread, there has been no direct evidence of any role of PRMTs in cancer. Here, we show that PRMT1 is an essential component of a novel Mixed Lineage Leukaemia (MLL) oncogenic transcriptional complex with both histone acetylation and H4R3 methylation activities, which also correlate with the expression of critical MLL downstream targets. Direct fusion of MLL with PRMT1 or Sam68, a bridging molecule in the complex for PRMT1 interaction, could enhance self-renewal of primary haematopoietic cells. Conversely, specific knockdown of PRMT1 or Sam68 expression suppressed MLL-mediated transformation. This study not only functionally dissects the oncogenic transcriptional machinery associated with an MLL fusion complex, but also uncovers--for the first time--an essential function of PRMTs in oncogenesis and reveals their potential as novel therapeutic targets in human cancer.

Analysis of phenotype-genotype connection: the story of dissecting disease pathogenesis in genomic era in China, and beyond

DNA is the ultimate depository of biological complexity. Thus, in order to understand life and gain insights into disease pathogenesis, genetic information embedded in the sequence of DNA base pairs comprising chromosomes should be deciphered. The stories of investigating the association between phenotype and genotype in China and other countries further demonstrate that genomics can serve as a probe for disease biology. We now know that in Mendelian disorders, one gene is not only a dictator of one phenotype but also a dictator of two or more distinct disorders. Dissecting genetic abnormalities of complex diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, mental diseases, coronary heart disease and cancer, may unravel the complicated networks and crosstalks, and help to simplify the complexity of the disease. The transcriptome and proteomic analysis for medicine not only deepen our understanding of disease pathogenesis, but also provide novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Taken together, genomic research offers a new opportunity for determining how diseases occur, by taking advantage of experiments of nature and a growing array of sophisticated research tools to identify the molecular abnormalities underlying disease processes. We should be ready for the advent of genomic medicine, and put the genome into the doctors' bag, so that we can help patients to conquer diseases.

Cancer genetics of epigenetic genes

The cancer epigenome is characterised by specific DNA methylation and chromatin modification patterns. The proteins that mediate these changes are encoded by the epigenetics genes here defined as: DNA methyltransferases (DNMT), methyl-CpG-binding domain (MBD) proteins, histone acetyltransferases (HAT), histone deacetylases (HDAC), histone methyltransferases (HMT) and histone demethylases. We review the evidence that these genes can be targeted by mutations and expression changes in human cancers.

Aberrant transcriptional regulation of the MLL fusion partner EEN by AML1-ETO and its implication in leukemogenesis

The EEN (extra eleven nineteen) gene, located on chromosome 19p13, was cloned as a fusion with MLL from a patient with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with translocation t(11;19)(q23;p13). In this study, we characterized the genomic structure of the EEN gene, including its 5′ regulatory region and transcription start site (TSS). We found that Sp1 could bind to the guanine-cytosine (GC)–stretch of the EEN promoter and was critical for the normal EEN expression, whereas the leukemia-associated fusion protein AML1-ETO could aberrantly transactivate the EEN gene through an AML1 binding site. Of note, overexpressed EEN showed oncogenic properties, such as transforming potential in NIH3T3 cells, stimulating cell proliferation, and increasing the activity of transcriptional factor AP-1. Retroviral transduction of EEN increased self-renewal and proliferation of murine hematopoietic progenitor cells. Moreover, Kasumi-1 and HL60-cell growth was inhibited with down-regulation of EEN by RNAi. These findings demonstrate that EEN might be a common target in 2 major types of AML associated with MLL or AML1 translocations, and overexpression of EEN may play an essential role in leukemogenesis.

The Mll-Een knockin fusion gene enhances proliferation of myeloid progenitors derived from mouse embryonic stem cells and causes myeloid leukaemia in chimeric mice

Rearrangement of the mixed lineage leukaemia (MLL) gene with extra eleven nineteen (EEN) was previously identified in an infant with acute myeloid leukaemia. Using homologous recombination, we have created a mouse equivalent of the human MLL-EEN allele and showed that when Mll(Een/+) embryonic stem (ES) cells were induced to differentiate in vitro into haemopoietic cells, there was increased proliferation of myeloid progenitors with self-renewal property. We also generated Mll(Een/+) chimeric mice, which developed leukaemia displaying enlarged livers, spleens, thymuses and lymph nodes owing to infiltration of Mll(Een/+)-expressing leukemic cells. Immunophenotyping of cells from enlarged organs and bone marrow (BM) of the Mll(Een/+) chimeras revealed an accumulation of Mac-1+/Gr-1- immature myeloid cells and a reduction in normal B- and T-cell populations. We observed differential regulation of Hox genes between myeloid cells derived from Mll(Een/+) ES cells and mouse BM leukemic cells which suggested different waves of Hox expression may be activated by MLL fusion proteins for initiation (in ES cells) and maintenance (in leukemic cells) of the disease. We believe studies of MLL fusion proteins in ES cells combined with in vivo animal models offer new approaches to the dissection of molecular events in multistep pathogenesis of leukaemia.

Pediatric T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia with aberrations of both MLL loci

Translocations involving the MLL gene at 11q23 have been implicated in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), as well as acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Such translocations result in gain of function fusion proteins that drive cell proliferation. Except in cases of T-cell ALL, MLL rearrangement is typically associated with a poor prognosis. We report a case of T-cell ALL with a t(11;19)(q23;p13.3) and deletion of the other chromosome 11 homolog at band q23. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analyses confirmed involvement of the MLL loci in both the translocation and deletion. This case is unique in that deletions of 11q23 reported in ALL generally do not involve MLL. We are unaware of a previous report showing rearrangement of the MLL loci on both chromosome 11 homologues.

SEPT2 is a new fusion partner of MLL in acute myeloid leukemia with t(2;11)(q37;q23)

We have identified a new mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) gene fusion partner in a patient with treatment-related acute myeloid leukemia (AML) presenting a t(2;11)(q37;q23) as the only cytogenetic abnormality. Fluorescence in situ hybridization demonstrated a rearrangement of the MLL gene and molecular genetic analyses identified a septin family gene, SEPT2, located on chromosome 2q37, as the fusion partner of MLL. RNA and DNA analyses showed the existence of an in-frame fusion of MLL exon 7 with SEPT2 exon 3, with the genomic breakpoints located in intron 7 and 2 of MLL and SEPT2, respectively. Search for DNA sequence motifs revealed the existence of two sequences with 94.4% homology with the topoisomerase II consensus cleavage site in MLL intron 7 and SEPT2 intron 2. SEPT2 is the fifth septin family gene fused with MLL, making this gene family the most frequently involved in MLL-related AML (about 10% of all known fusion partners). The protein encoded by SEPT2 is highly homologous to septins 1, 4 and 5 and is involved in the coordination of several key steps of mitosis. Further studies are warranted to understand why the septin protein family is particularly involved in the pathogenesis of MLL-associated leukemia.

Identification ofNUP98 abnormalities in acute leukemia:JARID1A (12p13) as a new partner gene

Chromosome rearrangements are found in many acute leukemias. As a result, genes at the breakpoints can be disrupted, forming fusion genes. One of the genes involved in several chromosome aberrations in hematological malignancies is NUP98 (11p15). As NUP98 is close to the 11p telomere, small translocations might easily be missed. Using a NUP98-specific split-signal fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) probe combination, we analyzed 84 patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), acute lymphoblastic leukemia, or myelodysplastic syndrome with either normal karyotypes or 11p abnormalities to investigate whether there are unidentified 11p15 rearrangements. Neither NUP98 translocations nor deletions were identified in cases with normal karyotypes, indicating these aberrations may be very rare in this group. However, NUP98 deletions were observed in four cases with unbalanced 11p aberrations, indicating that the breakpoint is centromeric of NUP98. Rearrangements of NUP98 were identified in two patients, both showing 11p abnormalities in the diagnostic karyotype: a t(4;11)(q1?3;p15) with expression of the NUP98-RAP1GDS1 fusion product detected in a 60-year-old woman with AML-M0, and an add(11)(p15) with a der(21)t(11;21)(p15;p13) observed cytogenetically in a 1-year-old boy with AML-M7. JARID1A was identified as the fusion partner of NUP98 using 3' RACE, RT-PCR, and FISH. JARID1A, at 12p13, codes for retinoblastoma binding protein 2, a protein implicated in transcriptional regulation. This is the first report of JARID1A as a partner gene in leukemia.

Three-way translocation involvesMLL,MLLT3, and a novel cell cycle control gene,FLJ10374, in the pathogenesis of acute myeloid leukemia with t(9;11;19)(p22;q23;p13.3)

The MLL gene, at 11q23, undergoes chromosomal translocation with a large number of partner genes in both acute lymphoblastic and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We report a novel t(9;11;19)(p22;q23;p13.3) disrupting MLL in an infant AML patient. The 5' end of MLL fused to chromosome 9 sequences on the der(11), whereas the 3' end was translocated to chromosome 19. We developed long-distance inverse-polymerase chain reaction assays to investigate the localization of the breakpoints on der(11) and der(19). We found that intron 5 of MLL was fused to intron 5 of MLLT3 at the der(11) genomic breakpoint, resulting in a novel in-frame MLL exon 5-MLLT3 exon 6 fusion transcript. On the der(19), a novel gene annotated as FLJ10374 was disrupted by the breakpoint. Using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis, we showed that FLJ10374 is ubiquitously expressed in human cells. Transfection of the FLJ10374 protein in different cell lines revealed that it localized exclusively to the nucleus. In serum-starved NIH-3T3 cells, the expression of FLJ10374 decreased the rate of the G1-to-S transition of the cell cycle, whereas the suppression of FLJ10374 through short interfering RNA increased cell proliferation. These results indicate that FLJ10374 negatively regulates cell cycle progression and proliferation. Thus, a single chromosomal rearrangement resulting in formation of the MLL-MLLT3 fusion gene and haplo-insufficiency of FLJ10374 may have cooperated to promote leukemogenesis in AML with t(9;11;19).

Chromatin modifier enzymes, the histone code and cancer

In all organisms, cell proliferation is orchestrated by coordinated patterns of gene expression. Transcription results from the activity of the RNA polymerase machinery and depends on the ability of transcription activators and repressors to access chromatin at specific promoters. During the last decades, increasing evidence supports aberrant transcription regulation as contributing to the development of human cancers. In fact, transcription regulatory proteins are often identified in oncogenic chromosomal rearrangements and are overexpressed in a variety of malignancies. Most transcription regulators are large proteins, containing multiple structural and functional domains some with enzymatic activity. These activities modify the structure of the chromatin, occluding certain DNA regions and exposing others for interaction with the transcription machinery. Thus, chromatin modifiers represent an additional level of transcription regulation. In this review we focus on several families of transcription activators and repressors that catalyse histone post-translational modifications (acetylation, methylation, phosphorylation, ubiquitination and SUMOylation); and how these enzymatic activities might alter the correct cell proliferation program, leading to cancer.

A COMPASS in the voyage of defining the role of trithorax/MLL-containing complexes: linking leukemogensis to covalent modifications of chromatin

Chromosomal rearrangements and translocations play a major role in the pathogenesis of hematological malignancies. The trithorax-related mixed lineage leukemia (Mll) gene located on chromosome 11 is rearranged in a variety of aggressive human B and T lymphoid tumors as well as acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in both children and adults. It was first demonstrated for the yeast MLL homolog complex, Set1/COMPASS, and now for the MLL complex itself, that these complexes are histone methyltransferases capable of methylating the fourth lysine of histone H3. The post-translational modifications of histones by methylation have emerged as a key regulatory mechanism for both repression and activation of gene expression. Studies from several laboratories during the past few years have brought about a watershed of information defining the molecular machinery and factors involved in the recognition and modification of nucleosomal histones by methylation. In this review, we will discuss the recent findings regarding the molecular mechanism and consequences of histone modification by the MLL related protein containing complex COMPASS.

Ataxin-2 and huntingtin interact with endophilin-A complexes to function in plastin-associated pathways

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 is an inherited neurodegenerative disorder that is caused by an expanded trinucleotide repeat in the SCA2 gene, encoding a polyglutamine stretch in the gene product ataxin-2. Although evidence has been provided that ataxin-2 is involved in RNA metabolism, the physiological function of ataxin-2 remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that ataxin-2 interacts with two members of the endophilin family, endophilin-A1 and endophilin-A3. To elucidate the physiological implications of these interactions, we exploited yeast as a model system and discovered that expression of ataxin-2 as well as both endophilin proteins is toxic for yeast lacking the SAC6 gene product fimbrin, a protein involved in actin filament organization and endocytotic processes. Intriguingly, expression of huntingtin, another polyglutamine protein interacting with endophilin-A3, was also toxic in Deltasac6 yeast. These effects can be suppressed by simultaneous expression of one of the two human fimbrin orthologs, L- or T-plastin. Moreover, we have discovered that ataxin-2 associates with L- and T-plastin and that overexpression of ataxin-2 leads to accumulation of T-plastin in mammalian cells. Thus, our findings suggest an interplay between ataxin-2, endophilin proteins and huntingtin in plastin-associated cellular pathways.

The MYO1F, unconventional myosin type 1F, gene is fused to MLL in infant acute monocytic leukemia with a complex translocation involving chromosomes 7, 11, 19 and 22

We analysed a complex translocation involving chromosomes 7, 11, 19 and 22 in infant acute monocytic leukemia, and identified that the MLL gene on 11q23 was fused to the unconventional myosin type 1F, MYO1F, gene on 19p13.2-13.3. MYO1F consists of at least 28 exons and was predicted to encode a 1098-amino-acid with an N-terminal head domain containing both ATP-binding and actin-binding sequences, a neck domain with a single IQ motif, and a tail with TH1, TH2 and SH3 domains. Northern blot analysis of RNAs prepared from multiple tissues showed that the expression of approximately 4-kb transcripts appeared constant in most tissues examined. However, MYO1F was expressed in only three of 22 leukemic cell lines. The MLL-MYO1F fusion protein contains almost the entire MYO1F, however, C-terminal MYO1F has neither the transactivation domain nor the dimerization domain found in various MLL fusion partners. Further analysis of this novel type of MLL fusion protein would provide new insights into leukemogenesis. MYO1F is the fourth partner gene of MLL on 19p13. At the cytogenetic level, it may be difficult to distinguish MLL-ENL, MLL-ELL, MLL-EEN and MLL-MYO1F fusions created by t(11;19)(q23;p13), and it is likely that cases of t(11;19) lacking a known fusion gene may result in this gene fusion.

Prevalence estimates of recurrent balanced cytogenetic aberrations and gene fusions in unselected patients with neoplastic disorders

Chromosome abnormalities have been reported in more than 46,000 benign and malignant neoplastic disorders, leading to the identification of numerous recurrent abnormalities. A substantial number of recurrent balanced aberrations (RBAs), in particular, reciprocal translocations, occur with remarkable specificity in association with clinical and tumor characteristics. This information has become increasingly important both in basic cancer research, as a means to identify pathogenetically important genes, and clinically, as a diagnostic and prognostic instrument. Knowledge of the frequencies of such aberrations thus is of theoretical as well as practical value. However, it is unknown to what extent the data available in the literature reflect reality. A large proportion of the published cases, at least 40%, are biased, in the sense that they were reported because of a specific or unusual karyotypic feature. We have systematically ascertained all RBAs and present data on the frequencies of these abnormalities and their molecular genetic consequences among unselected patients, that is, those studied as part of investigations of consecutive series of individuals with a particular neoplastic disorder. The salient features of the present study are: (1) published data clearly overestimate the prevalence of individual RBAs in most tumor types as well as the proportion of patients having such aberrations. In fact, several well-known published RBAs are not recurrent or have not even been seen among unselected patients, and in no tumor entity, except for chronic myeloid leukemia, does the frequency of unselected cytogenetically abnormal neoplasms with RBAs exceed 35%; (2) the proportions of unselected cases characterized by RBAs among those tumor entities in which at least one RBA has been identified vary considerably both within and among hematologic malignancies, malignant lymphomas, and solid tumors; and (3) the molecular consequences of a substantial proportion, ranging from 19% in hematologic malignancies to 65% in epithelial tumors, of the most common RBAs in unselected patients remain to be clarified.

Activation of EGF receptor endocytosis and ERK1/2 signaling by BPGAP1 requires direct interaction with EEN/endophilin II and a functional RhoGAP domain

Rho GTPases are important regulators for cell dynamics. They are activated by guanine nucleotide exchange factors and inactivated by GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs). We recently identified a novel RhoGAP, BPGAP1, that uses the BNIP-2 and Cdc42GAP homology (BCH) domain, RhoGAP domain and proline-rich region to regulate cell morphology and migration. To further explore its roles in intracellular signaling, we employed protein precipitations and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass-spectrometry and identified EEN/endophilin II as a novel partner of BPGAP1. EEN is a member of the endocytic endophilin family but its function in regulating endocytosis remains unclear. Pull-down and co-immunoprecipitation studies with deletion mutants confirmed that EEN interacted directly with BPGAP1 via its Src homology 3 (SH3) domain binding to the proline-rich region 182-PPPRPPLP-189 of BPGAP1, with prolines 184 and 186 being indispensable for this interaction. Overexpression of EEN or BPGAP1 alone induced EGF-stimulated receptor endocytosis and ERK1/2 phosphorylation. These processes were further enhanced when EEN was present together with the wildtype but not with the non-interactive proline mutant of BPGAP1. However, EEN lacking the SH3 domain served as a dominant negative mutant that completely inhibited these effects. Furthermore, BPGAP1 with a catalytically inactive GAP domain also blocked the effect of EEN and/or BPGAP1 in EGF receptor endocytosis and concomitantly reduced their level of augmentation for ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Our findings reveal a concomitant activation of endocytosis and ERK signaling by BPGAP1 via the coupling of its proline-rich region, which targets EEN and its functional GAP domain. BPGAP1 could therefore provide an important link between cytoskeletal network, endocytic trafficking and Ras/MAPK signaling.

A der(19)t(12;19)(q12;p13.3) in a case of pediatric acute leukemia with unusual immunophenotype

We describe a case of acute leukemia in a child with an unusual immunophenotype and a novel cytogenetic abnormality. The leukemia blasts expressed myeloid, natural killer and B-lineage associated antigens. Cytogenetics showed the presence of a novel unbalanced chromosomal translocation, der(19)t(12;19)(q12;p13.3). The patient achieved and maintained remission with myeloid-directed chemotherapy. The differential diagnosis of the immunophenotype and the potential fusion genes are discussed.

Oncogenic breakdowns in endocytic adaptor proteins

Endocytosis is a versatile tool to regulate the intensity, localization, half-life and function of signaling complexes (signalosomes) that form in cells upon binding of growth factors, cytokines and morphogens to their cognate receptors. Endocytic adaptors are non-catalytic proteins that assemble effectors and structural components of the endocytic machinery around the trafficking cargo and serve as scaffolds for signalosomes, which in turn modify their location and activity by various post-translational modifications. We discuss how breakdowns in the function of endocytic adaptors might facilitate impairment of tissue homeostasis and consequent tumor development.

Subcellular localization of EEN/endophilin A2, a fusion partner gene in leukaemia

EEN (extra eleven nineteen), also known as EA2 (endophilin A2), a fusion partner of the MLL (mixed-lineage leukaemia) gene in human acute leukaemia, is a member of the endophilin A family, involved in the formation of endocytic vesicles. We present evidence to show that EEN/EA2 is localized predominantly in nuclei of various cell lines of haemopoietic, fibroblast and epithelial origin, in contrast with its reported cytoplasmic localization in neurons and osteoclasts, and that EEN/EA2 exhibits nucleocytoplasmic shuttling. During the cell cycle, EEN/EA2 shows dynamic localization: it is perichromosomal in prometaphase, co-localizes with the bipolar spindle in metaphase and anaphase and redistributes to the midzone and midbody in telophase. This pattern of distribution coincides with changes in protein levels of EEN/EA2, with the highest levels being observed in G2/M-phase. Our results suggest that distinct subcellular localization of the endophilin A family members probably underpins their diverse cellular functions and indicates a role for EEN/EA2 in the cell cycle.

The biological and clinical significance of MLL abnormalities in haematological malignancies

The MLL (Mixed Lineage Leukaemia or Myeloid/Lymphoid Leukaemia) gene on chromosome 11q23 is frequently involved in chromosomal translocations associated with human acute leukaemias. These translocations lead to fusion genes generally resulting in novel chimeric proteins containing the amino terminus of MLL fused in-frame to one of about 30 distinct partner proteins. Abnormalities involving the MLL gene are observed in leukaemias of either lymphoid or myeloid lineage derivation, as well as in poorly differentiated or biphenotypic leukaemias. They are frequently seen in infant patients, and patients with therapy-related secondary AML following treatment with inhibitors of topoisomerase II (epipodophyllotoxins). In the majority of cases, abnormalities involving the MLL gene are associated with a very poor prognostic outcome. In this review, we will discuss some of the recent advances in MLL research resulting from biological as well as clinical studies.

Characterization of rtSH3p13 gene encoding a development protein involved in vesicular traffic in spermiogenesis

A cDNA, designated as rtSH3p13, was isolated from a rat testis cDNA library. It consists of 1463 bp nuclear acids, which encodes a protein of 312 amino acids and was assigned the GenBank accession number AF227439. The deduced rtSH3p13 protein is a truncated isoform of SH3p13 as a result of mRNA alternative splicing. It is mainly expressed in the rat testis, detected in spermatids at the steps 8-19 of spermiogenesis, and found around the acrosome. During postnatal development, rtSH3p13 appears on day 18 and reaches maximum on day 60. Further experimental results suggested that rtSH3p13 forms a complex with activated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and interacts with synaptojanin I. Surprisingly, similar to SH3 domain, the V region of rtSH3p13 also inhibits endocytosis in CHO cells. Our results reveal a link between an rtSH3p13-synaptojanin-clathrin complex-mediated formation of pits and the process of spermiogenesis.

FLJ10849, a septin family gene, fuses MLL in a novel leukemia cell line CNLBC1 derived from chronic neutrophilic leukemia in transformation with t(4;11)(q21;q23)

A t(4;11)(q21;q23) has been described in 50-70% of cases of infant acute lymphoblastic leukemia and, less frequently, in cases of pediatric and adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In t(4;11)(q21;q23) leukemias, the AF4 gene has been cloned as a fusion partner of the MLL gene. A human myeloid leukemia cell line, chronic neutrophilic leukemia (CNL)BC1, was established from a peripheral blood specimen of a patient with CNL in leukemic transformation. As with the original leukemia cells, the established line had a t(4;11)(q21;q23). We showed that the MLL gene on 11q23 was fused to the FLJ10849 gene on 4q21. The protein encoded by FLJ10849 belongs to the septin family, sharing highest homology with human SEPT6, which is one of the fusion partners of MLL in t(X;11)(q13;q23) AML. Our results suggest that FLJ10849 might define a new septin family particularly involved in the pathogenesis of 11q23-associated leukemia. The established cell line, CNLBC1, could provide a useful model for analyzing the pathogenesis of MLL-septin leukemias and chronic neutrophilic leukemia.

Identification of a novel RAS GTPase-activating protein (RASGAP) gene at 9q34 as an MLL fusion partner in a patient with de novo acute myeloid leukemia

The t(9;11) has been described in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and two genes [AF9 (at 9p21) and FBP17 (at 9q34)] have been cloned as fusion partners of the MLL gene. From an AML-M5 with a t(9;11)(q34;q23), we identified a novel MLL fusion partner, AF9Q34. The AF9Q34 protein shows high homology with nGAP, a RAS GTPase-activating protein (RASGAP), and contains the highly conserved GRD and FLR motifs characteristic of RASGAPs. Recently, the rat homologue (DAB2IP) also was identified and reported to act as a RASGAP both in vivo and in vitro. RASGAPs negatively regulate the activity of RAS proteins that modulate diverse cellular processes by cycling between an inactive GDP-bound and an active GTP-bound state. In addition, the NH(2) terminus harbors an amino acid stretch with homology to the pleckstrin homology (PH) domain implicated in regulating the interaction between RAS and the catalytic domain of RASGAP. As a result of the breakpoint in the AF9Q34-MLL fusion protein, this PH domain is disrupted. This suggests that because of the translocation, the normal function of the AF9Q34 gene is aborted. Thus, AF9Q34 encodes a novel RASGAP gene that appears to be deregulated as a result of the translocation. The identification of this RASGAP protein in a novel MLL fusion implies that an indirect RAS-deregulating mechanism could be involved in leukemic transformation.

Functional contribution of EEN to leukemogenic transformation by MLL-EEN fusion protein

The EEN (extra eleven nineteen) gene was originally cloned from a case of acute myeloid leukemia M5 subtype with translocation t (11; 19)(q23; p13), in which EEN was fused with MLL. To explore the involvement of EEN in leukemogenesis caused by MLL-EEN, we studied the transformation potential of the MLL-EEN fusion protein. MLL-EEN had oncogenic features, while, as a control, MLLDelta, the truncated form of MLL lacking the EEN moiety, did not show any oncogenic potential. MLL-EEN exerted a dominant-negative effect over wild-type EEN in terms of subcellular localization. Normally, EEN was found in the cytoplasm, but the MLL-EEN fusion protein was located in the nucleus, and EEN could be delocalized by MLL-EEN. This interaction is via a coiled-coil dimerization domain of EEN, which is reserved in the fusion protein. In addition, MLL-EEN might act as a potential transcriptional factor with the MLL part providing the DNA-binding domain and the EEN part providing the transcription activation domain, though EEN seems to have no direct role in transcriptional regulation. As an aberrant transcriptional factor, MLL-EEN could transactivate the promoter of HoxA7, a potential target gene of MLL.

Identification and characterization of EBP, a novel EEN binding protein that inhibits Ras signaling and is recruited into the nucleus by the MLL-EEN fusion protein

The chimeric MLL-EEN fusion protein is created as a result of chromosomal translocation t(11;19)(q23;p13). EEN, an Src homology 3 (SH3) domain–containing protein in the endophilin family, has been implicated in endocytosis, although little is known about its role in leukemogenesis mediated by the MLL-EEN fusion protein. In this study, we have identified and characterized EBP, a novel EEN binding protein that interacts with the SH3 domain of EEN through a proline-rich motif PPERP. EBP is a ubiquitous protein that is normally expressed in the cytoplasm but is recruited to the nucleus by MLL-EEN with a punctate localization pattern characteristic of the MLL chimeric proteins. EBP interacts simultaneously with EEN and Sos, a guanine-nucleotide exchange factor for Ras. Coexpressoin of EBP with EEN leads to suppression of Ras-induced cellular transformation and Ras-mediated activation of Elk-1. Taken together, our findings suggest a new mechanism for MLL-EEN–mediated leukemogenesis in which MLL-EEN interferes with the Ras-suppressing activities of EBP through direct interaction.

Endophilins interact with Moloney murine leukemia virus Gag and modulate virion production

BACKGROUND

The retroviral Gag protein is the central player in the process of virion assembly at the plasma membrane, and is sufficient to induce the formation and release of virus-like particles. Recent evidence suggests that Gag may co-opt the host cell's endocytic machinery to facilitate retroviral assembly and release.

RESULTS

A search for novel partners interacting with the Gag protein of the Moloney murine leukemia virus (Mo-MuLV) via the yeast two-hybrid protein-protein interaction assay resulted in the identification of endophilin 2, a component of the machinery involved in clathrin-mediated endocytosis. We demonstrate that endophilin interacts with the matrix or MA domain of the Gag protein of Mo-MuLV, but not of human immunodeficiency virus, HIV. Both exogenously expressed and endogenous endophilin are incorporated into Mo-MuLV viral particles. Titration experiments suggest that the binding sites for inclusion of endophilin into viral particles are limited and saturable. Knock-down of endophilin with small interfering RNA (siRNA) had no effect on virion production, but overexpression of endophilin and, to a lesser extent, of several fragments of the protein, result in inhibition of Mo-MuLV virion production, but not of HIV virion production.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that endophilins interact with Mo-MuLV Gag and affect virion production. The findings imply that endophilin is another component of the large complex that is hijacked by retroviruses to promote virion production.

Dimerization contributes to oncogenic activation of MLL chimeras in acute leukemias

MLL is a histone methyltransferase that can be converted into an oncoprotein by acquisition of transcriptional effector domains following heterologous protein fusions with a variety of nuclear transcription factors, cofactors, or chromatin remodeling proteins in acute leukemias. Here we demonstrate an alternative mechanism for activation of MLL following fusions with proteins (AF1p/Eps15 and GAS7) that normally reside in the cytoplasm. The coiled-coil oligomerization domains of these proteins are necessary and sufficient for leukemogenic transformation induced by the respective MLL fusion proteins. Furthermore, homodimerization of MLL by synthetic dimerization modules mimics bona fide MLL fusion proteins resulting in Hox gene activation and enhanced self-renewal of hematopoietic progenitors. Our studies support an oligomerization-dependent mechanism for oncogenic conversion of MLL, presumably in part by recruitment of accessory factors through the dimerized MLL moiety of the chimeric protein.

Receptor-mediated chicken oocyte growth: differential expression of endophilin isoforms in developing follicles

Receptor-mediated endocytosis of yolk precursors via clathrin-coated structures is the key mechanism underlying rapid chicken oocyte growth. In defining oocyte-specific components of clathrin-mediated events, we have to date identified oocyte-specific yolk transport receptors, but little is known about the oocytes' supporting endocytic machinery. Important proteins implicated in clathrin-mediated endocytosis and recycling are the endophilins, which thus far have been studied primarily in synaptic vesicle formation; in the present study, as a different highly active endocytic system, we exploit rapidly growing chicken oocytes. Molecular characterization of the chicken endophilins I, II, and III revealed that their mammalian counterparts have been highly conserved. All chicken endophilins interact via their SH3 domain with the avian dynamin and synaptojanin homologues and, thus, share key functional properties of mammalian endophilins. The genes show different expression patterns: As in mammals, expression is low to undetectable in the liver and high in the brain; in ovarian follicles harboring oocytes that are rapidly growing via receptor-mediated endocytosis, levels of endophilins II and III, but not of endophilin I, are high. Immunohistochemical analysis of follicles demonstrated that endophilin II is mainly present in the theca interna but that endophilin III predominates within the oocyte proper. Moreover, in a chicken strain with impaired oocyte growth and absence of egg-laying because of a genetic defect in the receptor for yolk endocytosis, endophilin III is diminished in oocytes, whereas endophilin III levels in the brain and endophilin II localization to theca cells are unaltered. Thus, the present study reveals that the endophilins differentially contribute to oocyte endocytosis and development.

A novel chromosomal inversion at 11q23 in infant acute myeloid leukemia fuses MLL to CALM, a gene that encodes a clathrin assembly protein

Rearrangements involving the MLL gene at chromosome band 11q23 are common in infant acute myeloid leukemias (AMLs). We recently encountered an infant patient with rapidly progressive AML whose leukemic cells harbored a previously undescribed MLL rearrangement involving an inversion of 11q [inv(11)(q14q23)]. We used panhandle PCR to determine that this rearrangement juxtaposed the MLL (Mixed-Lineage Leukemia) gene to the CALM (Clathrin Assembly Lymphoid Myeloid leukemia) gene at 11q14-q21. The CALM protein participates in recruitment of clathrin to internal membrane surfaces, thereby regulating vesicle formation in both endocytosis and intracellular protein transport. Intriguingly, CALM has been identified in other cases of AML as a translocation partner for the AF10 gene, which has independently been found to be an MLL partner in AML. We identified the MLL-CALM fusion transcript (but not the reciprocal CALM-MLL transcript) in leukemia cell RNA by RT-PCR. The predicted 1803 amino acid MLL-CALM fusion protein includes amino-terminal MLL domains involved in transcriptional repression, and carboxy-terminal CALM-derived clathrin-binding domains. The genomic breakpoint in MLL is in the 7th intron (within the breakpoint cluster region); the corresponding CALM breakpoint is in the 7th CALM intron. In contrast, breakpoints in CALM-AF10 translocations lie in the 17th-19th CALM introns (30 kb downstream); also, in these translocations, CALM provides the 5' end of the fusion transcript. Together with its previously recognized association with AF10 in AML, the identification of CALM as an MLL fusion partner suggests that interference with clathrin-mediated trafficking pathways may be an underappreciated mechanism in leukemogenesis.