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Kreissig S, Windisch R, Wichmann C. Deciphering Acute Myeloid Leukemia Associated Transcription Factors in Human Primary CD34+ Hematopoietic Stem/Progenitor Cells. Cells 2023; 13:78. [PMID: 38201282 PMCID: PMC10777941 DOI: 10.3390/cells13010078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Hemato-oncological diseases account for nearly 10% of all malignancies and can be classified into leukemia, lymphoma, myeloproliferative diseases, and myelodysplastic syndromes. The causes and prognosis of these disease entities are highly variable. Most entities are not permanently controllable and ultimately lead to the patient's death. At the molecular level, recurrent mutations including chromosomal translocations initiate the transformation from normal stem-/progenitor cells into malignant blasts finally floating the patient's bone marrow and blood system. In acute myeloid leukemia (AML), the so-called master transcription factors such as RUNX1, KMT2A, and HOX are frequently disrupted by chromosomal translocations, resulting in neomorphic oncogenic fusion genes. Triggering ex vivo expansion of primary human CD34+ stem/progenitor cells represents a distinct characteristic of such chimeric AML transcription factors. Regarding oncogenic mechanisms of AML, most studies focus on murine models. However, due to biological differences between mice and humans, findings are only partly transferable. This review focuses on the genetic manipulation of human CD34+ primary hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells derived from healthy donors to model acute myeloid leukemia cell growth. Analysis of defined single- or multi-hit human cellular AML models will elucidate molecular mechanisms of the development, maintenance, and potential molecular intervention strategies to counteract malignant human AML blast cell growth.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Christian Wichmann
- Division of Transfusion Medicine, Cell Therapeutics and Haemostaseology, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany; (S.K.)
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2
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An update on the molecular pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targeting of AML with t(8;21)(q22;q22.1);RUNX1-RUNX1T1. Blood Adv 2021; 4:229-238. [PMID: 31935293 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2019000168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with t(8;21)(q22;q22.1);RUNX1-RUNX1T1, one of the core-binding factor leukemias, is one of the most common subtypes of AML with recurrent genetic abnormalities and is associated with a favorable outcome. The translocation leads to the formation of a pathological RUNX1-RUNX1T1 fusion that leads to the disruption of the normal function of the core-binding factor, namely, its role in hematopoietic differentiation and maturation. The consequences of this alteration include the recruitment of repressors of transcription, thus blocking the expression of genes involved in hematopoiesis, and impaired apoptosis. A number of concurrent and cooperating mutations clearly play a role in modulating the proliferative potential of cells, including mutations in KIT, FLT3, and possibly JAK2. RUNX1-RUNX1T1 also appears to interact with microRNAs during leukemogenesis. Epigenetic factors also play a role, especially with the recruitment of histone deacetylases. A better understanding of the concurrent mutations, activated pathways, and epigenetic modulation of the cellular processes paves the way for exploring a number of approaches to achieve cure. Potential approaches include the development of small molecules targeting the RUNX1-RUNX1T1 protein, the use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors such as dasatinib and FLT3 inhibitors to target mutations that lead to a proliferative advantage of the leukemic cells, and experimentation with epigenetic therapies. In this review, we unravel some of the recently described molecular pathways and explore potential therapeutic strategies.
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3
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Chin PS, Bonifer C. Modelling t(8;21) acute myeloid leukaemia - What have we learned? MedComm (Beijing) 2020; 1:260-269. [PMID: 34766123 PMCID: PMC8491201 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a heterogeneous haematopoietic malignancy caused by recurrent mutations in haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells that affect both the epigenetic regulatory machinery and signalling molecules. The t(8;21) or RUNX1‐RUNX1T1 translocation generates the RUNX1‐ETO chimeric transcription factor which primes haematopoietic stem cells for further oncogenic mutational events that in their sum cause overt disease. Significant progress has been made in generating both in vitro and in vivo model systems to recapitulate t(8;21) AML which are crucial for the understanding of the biology of the disease and the development of effective treatment. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the in vivo and in vitro model systems that were developed to gain insights into the molecular mechanisms of RUNX1‐ETO oncogenic activity and their contribution to the advancement of knowledge in the t(8;21) AML field. Such models include transgenic mice, patient‐derived xenografts, RUNX1‐ETO transduced human progenitor cells, cell lines and human embryonic stem cell model systems, making the t(8;21) as one of the well‐characterized sub‐type of AML at the molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulynn Suyin Chin
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences University of Birmingham Birmingham UK
| | - Constanze Bonifer
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences University of Birmingham Birmingham UK
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4
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Martignoles JA, Delhommeau F, Hirsch P. Genetic Hierarchy of Acute Myeloid Leukemia: From Clonal Hematopoiesis to Molecular Residual Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:E3850. [PMID: 30513905 PMCID: PMC6321602 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19123850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Revised: 11/25/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in the field of cancer genome analysis revolutionized the picture we have of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Pan-genomic studies, using either single nucleotide polymorphism arrays or whole genome/exome next generation sequencing, uncovered alterations in dozens of new genes or pathways, intimately connected with the development of leukemia. From a simple two-hit model in the late nineties, we are now building clonal stories that involve multiple unexpected cellular functions, leading to full-blown AML. In this review, we will address several seminal concepts that result from these new findings. We will describe the genetic landscape of AML, the association and order of events that define multiple sub-entities, both in terms of pathogenesis and in terms of clinical practice. Finally, we will discuss the use of this knowledge in the settings of new strategies for the evaluation of measurable residual diseases (MRD), using clone-specific multiple molecular targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Alain Martignoles
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, CRSA, AP-HP, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Hématologie Biologique, F-75012 Paris, France.
| | - François Delhommeau
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, CRSA, AP-HP, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Hématologie Biologique, F-75012 Paris, France.
| | - Pierre Hirsch
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, CRSA, AP-HP, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Hématologie Biologique, F-75012 Paris, France.
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5
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Uenishi GI, Jung HS, Kumar A, Park MA, Hadland BK, McLeod E, Raymond M, Moskvin O, Zimmerman CE, Theisen DJ, Swanson S, J Tamplin O, Zon LI, Thomson JA, Bernstein ID, Slukvin II. NOTCH signaling specifies arterial-type definitive hemogenic endothelium from human pluripotent stem cells. Nat Commun 2018; 9:1828. [PMID: 29739946 PMCID: PMC5940870 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-04134-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2017] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
NOTCH signaling is required for the arterial specification and formation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and lympho-myeloid progenitors in the embryonic aorta-gonad-mesonephros region and extraembryonic vasculature from a distinct lineage of vascular endothelial cells with hemogenic potential. However, the role of NOTCH signaling in hemogenic endothelium (HE) specification from human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) has not been studied. Here, using a chemically defined hPSC differentiation system combined with the use of DLL1-Fc and DAPT to manipulate NOTCH, we discover that NOTCH activation in hPSC-derived immature HE progenitors leads to formation of CD144+CD43−CD73−DLL4+Runx1 + 23-GFP+ arterial-type HE, which requires NOTCH signaling to undergo endothelial-to-hematopoietic transition and produce definitive lympho-myeloid and erythroid cells. These findings demonstrate that NOTCH-mediated arterialization of HE is an essential prerequisite for establishing definitive lympho-myeloid program and suggest that exploring molecular pathways that lead to arterial specification may aid in vitro approaches to enhance definitive hematopoiesis from hPSCs. It is unclear whether arterial specification is required for hematopoietic stem cell formation. Here, the authors use a chemically defined human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) differentiation system to show the role of NOTCH signaling in forming arterial-type hemogenic endothelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gene I Uenishi
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53715, USA.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, 53792, USA
| | - Ho Sun Jung
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53715, USA
| | - Akhilesh Kumar
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53715, USA
| | - Mi Ae Park
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53715, USA
| | - Brandon K Hadland
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA.,Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Ethan McLeod
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53715, USA
| | - Matthew Raymond
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53715, USA.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Oleg Moskvin
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53715, USA
| | - Catherine E Zimmerman
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53715, USA
| | - Derek J Theisen
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53715, USA
| | - Scott Swanson
- Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, WI, 53715, USA
| | - Owen J Tamplin
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Leonard I Zon
- Stem Cell Program and Division of Hematology/Oncology, Children's Hospital Boston, Harvard Medical School and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - James A Thomson
- Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, WI, 53715, USA.,Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, 53707, USA.,Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA
| | - Irwin D Bernstein
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA.,Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Igor I Slukvin
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53715, USA. .,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, 53792, USA. .,Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, 53707, USA.
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6
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Hirsch P, Zhang Y, Tang R, Joulin V, Boutroux H, Pronier E, Moatti H, Flandrin P, Marzac C, Bories D, Fava F, Mokrani H, Betems A, Lorre F, Favier R, Féger F, Mohty M, Douay L, Legrand O, Bilhou-Nabera C, Louache F, Delhommeau F. Genetic hierarchy and temporal variegation in the clonal history of acute myeloid leukaemia. Nat Commun 2016; 7:12475. [PMID: 27534895 PMCID: PMC4992157 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms12475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2016] [Accepted: 07/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) initiating pre-leukaemic lesions can be identified through three major hallmarks: their early occurrence in the clone, their persistence at relapse and their ability to initiate multilineage haematopoietic repopulation and leukaemia in vivo. Here we analyse the clonal composition of a series of AML through these characteristics. We find that not only DNMT3A mutations, but also TET2, ASXL1 mutations, core-binding factor and MLL translocations, as well as del(20q) mostly fulfil these criteria. When not eradicated by AML treatments, pre-leukaemic cells with these lesions can re-initiate the leukaemic process at various stages until relapse, with a time-dependent increase in clonal variegation. Based on the nature, order and association of lesions, we delineate recurrent genetic hierarchies of AML. Our data indicate that first lesions, variegation and treatment selection pressure govern the expansion and adaptive behaviour of the malignant clone, shaping AML in a time-dependent manner. Pre-leukaemic clones, together with the propensity to cause disease in mice, are characterized by appearing early in myeloid leukaemia and being found at relapse. Here, the authors identify clones in human samples and find that they are characterized by hierarchically organized genetic lesions, which can be used to track evolution of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Hirsch
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR_S 938, CDR Saint-Antoine, F-75012 Paris, France.,INSERM, UMR_S 938, CDR Saint-Antoine, F-75012 Paris, France.,Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, GRC n°7, Groupe de Recherche Clinique sur les Myéloproliférations Aiguës et Chroniques MYPAC, F-75012 Paris, France.,AP-HP, Hôpital St Antoine, Service d'Hématologie clinique et de thérapie cellulaire, F-75012 Paris, France
| | - Yanyan Zhang
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), UMRS 1170, CNRS GDR 3697 Micronit, 94805 Villejuif, France.,Institut Gustave Roussy, Univ Paris-Sud, Université Paris Saclay, 94805 Villejuif, France
| | - Ruoping Tang
- AP-HP, Hôpital St Antoine, Service d'Hématologie clinique et de thérapie cellulaire, F-75012 Paris, France
| | - Virginie Joulin
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), UMRS 1170, CNRS GDR 3697 Micronit, 94805 Villejuif, France.,Institut Gustave Roussy, Univ Paris-Sud, Université Paris Saclay, 94805 Villejuif, France
| | - Hélène Boutroux
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR_S 938, CDR Saint-Antoine, F-75012 Paris, France.,INSERM, UMR_S 938, CDR Saint-Antoine, F-75012 Paris, France.,Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, GRC n°7, Groupe de Recherche Clinique sur les Myéloproliférations Aiguës et Chroniques MYPAC, F-75012 Paris, France.,Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, AP-HP, Hôpital Armand-Trousseau, F-75012 Paris, France
| | - Elodie Pronier
- Institut Gustave Roussy, Univ Paris-Sud, Université Paris Saclay, 94805 Villejuif, France
| | - Hannah Moatti
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR_S 938, CDR Saint-Antoine, F-75012 Paris, France.,INSERM, UMR_S 938, CDR Saint-Antoine, F-75012 Paris, France.,Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, GRC n°7, Groupe de Recherche Clinique sur les Myéloproliférations Aiguës et Chroniques MYPAC, F-75012 Paris, France
| | - Pascale Flandrin
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR_S 938, CDR Saint-Antoine, F-75012 Paris, France.,INSERM, UMR_S 938, CDR Saint-Antoine, F-75012 Paris, France.,Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, GRC n°7, Groupe de Recherche Clinique sur les Myéloproliférations Aiguës et Chroniques MYPAC, F-75012 Paris, France
| | - Christophe Marzac
- AP-HP, Hôpital Saint-Antoine &Hôpital Armand-Trousseau, Service d'hématologie biologique, F-75012 Paris, France
| | - Dominique Bories
- AP-HP, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Unité d'Hématologie Moléculaire, F-94010 Créteil, France
| | - Fanny Fava
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR_S 938, CDR Saint-Antoine, F-75012 Paris, France
| | - Hayat Mokrani
- Institut Gustave Roussy, Univ Paris-Sud, Université Paris Saclay, 94805 Villejuif, France
| | - Aline Betems
- Institut Gustave Roussy, Univ Paris-Sud, Université Paris Saclay, 94805 Villejuif, France
| | - Florence Lorre
- AP-HP, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Laboratoire commun de biologie et génétique moléculaires, F-75012 Paris, France
| | - Rémi Favier
- AP-HP, Hôpital Saint-Antoine &Hôpital Armand-Trousseau, Service d'hématologie biologique, F-75012 Paris, France
| | - Frédéric Féger
- AP-HP, Hôpital Saint-Antoine &Hôpital Armand-Trousseau, Service d'hématologie biologique, F-75012 Paris, France
| | - Mohamad Mohty
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR_S 938, CDR Saint-Antoine, F-75012 Paris, France.,Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, GRC n°7, Groupe de Recherche Clinique sur les Myéloproliférations Aiguës et Chroniques MYPAC, F-75012 Paris, France
| | - Luc Douay
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR_S 938, CDR Saint-Antoine, F-75012 Paris, France.,INSERM, UMR_S 938, CDR Saint-Antoine, F-75012 Paris, France.,AP-HP, Hôpital Saint-Antoine &Hôpital Armand-Trousseau, Service d'hématologie biologique, F-75012 Paris, France
| | - Ollivier Legrand
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR_S 938, CDR Saint-Antoine, F-75012 Paris, France.,INSERM, UMR_S 938, CDR Saint-Antoine, F-75012 Paris, France.,Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, GRC n°7, Groupe de Recherche Clinique sur les Myéloproliférations Aiguës et Chroniques MYPAC, F-75012 Paris, France.,AP-HP, Hôpital St Antoine, Service d'Hématologie clinique et de thérapie cellulaire, F-75012 Paris, France
| | - Chrystèle Bilhou-Nabera
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR_S 938, CDR Saint-Antoine, F-75012 Paris, France.,INSERM, UMR_S 938, CDR Saint-Antoine, F-75012 Paris, France.,Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, GRC n°7, Groupe de Recherche Clinique sur les Myéloproliférations Aiguës et Chroniques MYPAC, F-75012 Paris, France.,AP-HP, Hôpital Saint-Antoine &Hôpital Armand-Trousseau, Service d'hématologie biologique, F-75012 Paris, France
| | - Fawzia Louache
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), UMRS 1170, CNRS GDR 3697 Micronit, 94805 Villejuif, France.,Institut Gustave Roussy, Univ Paris-Sud, Université Paris Saclay, 94805 Villejuif, France
| | - François Delhommeau
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR_S 938, CDR Saint-Antoine, F-75012 Paris, France.,INSERM, UMR_S 938, CDR Saint-Antoine, F-75012 Paris, France.,Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, GRC n°7, Groupe de Recherche Clinique sur les Myéloproliférations Aiguës et Chroniques MYPAC, F-75012 Paris, France.,AP-HP, Hôpital Saint-Antoine &Hôpital Armand-Trousseau, Service d'hématologie biologique, F-75012 Paris, France
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7
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Shin TH, Brynczka C, Dayyani F, Rivera MN, Sweetser DA. TLE4 regulation of wnt-mediated inflammation underlies its role as a tumor suppressor in myeloid leukemia. Leuk Res 2016; 48:46-56. [PMID: 27486062 DOI: 10.1016/j.leukres.2016.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2016] [Revised: 06/07/2016] [Accepted: 07/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The presence of AML1-ETO (RUNX1-CBF2T1), a fusion oncoprotein resulting from a t(8;21) chromosomal translocation, has been implicated as a necessary but insufficient event in the development of a subset of acute myeloid leukemias (AML). While AML1-ETO prolongs survival and inhibits differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSC), other contributory events are needed for cell proliferation and leukemogenesis. We have postulated that specific tumor suppressor genes keep the leukemic potential of AML1-ETO in check. In studying del(9q), one of the most common concomitant chromosomal abnormalities with t(8;21), we identified the loss of an apparent tumor suppressor, TLE4, that appears to cooperate with AML1-ETO to confer a leukemic phenotype. This study sought to identify the molecular basis of this cooperation. We show that the loss of TLE4 confers proliferative advantage to leukemic cells, simultaneous with an upregulation of a pro- inflammatory signature mediated through aberrant increases in Wnt signaling activity. We further demonstrate that inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX) activity partly reverses the pro-leukemic phenotype due to TLE4 knockdown, pointing towards a novel therapeutic approach for myeloid leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas H Shin
- Department of Pediatrics, Divisions of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Medical Genetics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, United States; Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, United States
| | - Christopher Brynczka
- Department of Pediatrics, Divisions of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Medical Genetics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, United States
| | - Farshid Dayyani
- Department of Pediatrics, Divisions of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Medical Genetics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, United States
| | - Miguel N Rivera
- Department of Pathology, Molecular Pathology Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129, United States
| | - David A Sweetser
- Department of Pediatrics, Divisions of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Medical Genetics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, United States.
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8
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Kohrs N, Kolodziej S, Kuvardina ON, Herglotz J, Yillah J, Herkt S, Piechatzek A, Salinas Riester G, Lingner T, Wichmann C, Bonig H, Seifried E, Platzbecker U, Medyouf H, Grez M, Lausen J. MiR144/451 Expression Is Repressed by RUNX1 During Megakaryopoiesis and Disturbed by RUNX1/ETO. PLoS Genet 2016; 12:e1005946. [PMID: 26990877 PMCID: PMC4798443 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1005946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2015] [Accepted: 03/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
A network of lineage-specific transcription factors and microRNAs tightly regulates differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells along the distinct lineages. Deregulation of this regulatory network contributes to impaired lineage fidelity and leukemogenesis. We found that the hematopoietic master regulator RUNX1 controls the expression of certain microRNAs, of importance during erythroid/megakaryocytic differentiation. In particular, we show that the erythorid miR144/451 cluster is epigenetically repressed by RUNX1 during megakaryopoiesis. Furthermore, the leukemogenic RUNX1/ETO fusion protein transcriptionally represses the miR144/451 pre-microRNA. Thus RUNX1/ETO contributes to increased expression of miR451 target genes and interferes with normal gene expression during differentiation. Furthermore, we observed that inhibition of RUNX1/ETO in Kasumi1 cells and in RUNX1/ETO positive primary acute myeloid leukemia patient samples leads to up-regulation of miR144/451. RUNX1 thus emerges as a key regulator of a microRNA network, driving differentiation at the megakaryocytic/erythroid branching point. The network is disturbed by the leukemogenic RUNX1/ETO fusion product.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Kohrs
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumorbiology and Experimental Therapy, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Stephan Kolodziej
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumorbiology and Experimental Therapy, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Olga N. Kuvardina
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumorbiology and Experimental Therapy, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Julia Herglotz
- Heinrich-Pette-Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jasmin Yillah
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumorbiology and Experimental Therapy, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Stefanie Herkt
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumorbiology and Experimental Therapy, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Alexander Piechatzek
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumorbiology and Experimental Therapy, Frankfurt, Germany
| | | | - Thomas Lingner
- Medical-University Goettingen, Transcriptome Analysis Laboratory, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Christian Wichmann
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Cell Therapeutics and Hemostaseology, Ludwig-Maximilian University Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Halvard Bonig
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Immunohematology, Johann-Wolfgang-Goethe University and German Red Cross Blood Service, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Erhard Seifried
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Immunohematology, Johann-Wolfgang-Goethe University and German Red Cross Blood Service, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Uwe Platzbecker
- Department of Hematology, Medical Clinic and Polyclinic I, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden, Germany
| | - Hind Medyouf
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumorbiology and Experimental Therapy, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Manuel Grez
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumorbiology and Experimental Therapy, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Jörn Lausen
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumorbiology and Experimental Therapy, Frankfurt, Germany
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Immunohematology, Johann-Wolfgang-Goethe University and German Red Cross Blood Service, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- * E-mail:
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9
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Mouse models for core binding factor leukemia. Leukemia 2015; 29:1970-80. [PMID: 26165235 DOI: 10.1038/leu.2015.181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2014] [Revised: 06/03/2015] [Accepted: 06/18/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
RUNX1 and CBFB are among the most frequently mutated genes in human leukemias. Genetic alterations such as chromosomal translocations, copy number variations and point mutations have been widely reported to result in the malfunction of RUNX transcription factors. Leukemias arising from such alterations in RUNX family genes are collectively termed core binding factor (CBF) leukemias. Although adult CBF leukemias generally are considered a favorable risk group as compared with other forms of acute myeloid leukemia, the 5-year survival rate remains low. An improved understanding of the molecular mechanism for CBF leukemia is imperative to uncover novel treatment options. Over the years, retroviral transduction-transplantation assays and transgenic, knockin and knockout mouse models alone or in combination with mutagenesis have been used to study the roles of RUNX alterations in leukemogenesis. Although successful in inducing leukemia, the existing assays and models possess many inherent limitations. A CBF leukemia model which induces leukemia with complete penetrance and short latency would be ideal as a platform for drug discovery. Here, we summarize the currently available mouse models which have been utilized to study CBF leukemias, discuss the advantages and limitations of individual experimental systems, and propose suggestions for improvements of mouse models.
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10
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Hatlen MA, Wang L, Nimer SD. AML1-ETO driven acute leukemia: insights into pathogenesis and potential therapeutic approaches. Front Med 2012; 6:248-62. [PMID: 22875638 DOI: 10.1007/s11684-012-0206-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2012] [Accepted: 04/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The AML1-ETO fusion transcription factor is generated by the t(8;21) translocation, which is present in approximately 4%-12% of adult and 12%-30% of pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients. Both human and mouse models of AML have demonstrated that AML1-ETO is insufficient for leukemogenesis in the absence of secondary events. In this review, we discuss the pathogenetic insights that have been gained from identifying the various events that can cooperate with AML1-ETO to induce AML in vivo. We also discuss potential therapeutic strategies for t(8;21) positive AML that involve targeting the fusion protein itself, the proteins that bind to it, or the genes that it regulates. Recently published studies suggest that a targeted therapy for t(8;21) positive AML is feasible and may be coming sometime soon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan A Hatlen
- Molecular Pharmacology and Chemistry Program, Sloan-Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
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11
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Rapid generation of human B-cell lymphomas via combined expression of Myc and Bcl2 and their use as a preclinical model for biological therapies. Oncogene 2012; 32:1066-1072. [PMID: 22484426 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2012.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Although numerous mouse models of B-cell malignancy have been developed via the enforced expression of defined oncogenic lesions, the feasibility of generating lineage-defined human B-cell malignancies using mice reconstituted with modified human hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) remains unclear. In fact, whether human cells can be transformed as readily as murine cells by simple oncogene combinations is a subject of considerable debate. Here, we describe the development of humanized mouse model of MYC/BCL2-driven 'double-hit' lymphoma. By engrafting human HSCs transduced with the oncogene combination into immunodeficient mice, we generate a fatal B malignancy with complete penetrance. This humanized-MYC/BCL2-model (hMB) accurately recapitulates the histopathological and clinical aspects of steroid-, chemotherapy- and rituximab-resistant human 'double-hit' lymphomas that involve the MYC and BCL2 loci. Notably, this model can serve as a platform for the evaluation of antibody-based therapeutics. As a proof of principle, we used this model to show that the anti-CD52 antibody alemtuzumab effectively eliminates lymphoma cells from the spleen, liver and peripheral blood, but not from the brain. The hMB humanized mouse model underscores the synergy of MYC and BCL2 in 'double-hit' lymphomas in human patients. Additionally, our findings highlight the utility of humanized mouse models in interrogating therapeutic approaches, particularly human-specific monoclonal antibodies.
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12
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Abstract
The t(8;21)(q22;q22) is common in adult acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The RUNX1-ETO fusion protein that is expressed by this translocation is poorly leukemogenic and requires additional mutations for transformation. Loss of sex chromosome (LOS) is frequently observed in t(8;21) AML. In the present study, to evaluate whether LOS cooperates with t(8;21) in leukemogenesis, we first used a retroviral transduction/transplantation model to express RUNX1-ETO in hematopoietic cells from XO mice. The low frequency of leukemia in these mice suggests that the potentially critical gene for suppression of t(8;21) leukemia in humans is not conserved on mouse sex chromosomes. The gene encoding the GM-CSF receptor α subunit (CSF2RA) is located on X and Y chromosomes in humans but on chromosome 19 in mice. GM-CSF promotes myeloid cell survival, proliferation, and differentiation. To determine whether GM-CSF signaling affects RUNX1-ETO leukemogenesis, hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells that lack GM-CSF signaling were used to express RUNX1-ETO and transplanted into lethally irradiated mice, and a high penetrance of AML was observed in recipients. Furthermore, GM-CSF reduced the replating ability of RUNX1-ETO-expressing cells. These results suggest a possible tumor-suppressor role of GM-CSF in RUNX1-ETO leukemia. Loss of the CSF2RA gene may be a critical mutation explaining the high incidence of LOS associated with the t(8;21)(q22;q22) translocation.
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13
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Lam K, Zhang DE. RUNX1 and RUNX1-ETO: roles in hematopoiesis and leukemogenesis. Front Biosci (Landmark Ed) 2012; 17:1120-39. [PMID: 22201794 DOI: 10.2741/3977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
RUNX1 is a transcription factor that regulates critical processes in many aspects of hematopoiesis. RUNX1 is also integral in defining the definitive hematopoietic stem cell. In addition, many hematological diseases like myelodysplastic syndrome and myeloproliferative neoplasms have been associated with mutations in RUNX1. Located on chromosomal 21, the RUNX1 gene is involved in many forms of chromosomal translocations in leukemia. t(8;21) is one of the most common chromosomal translocations found in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), where it results in a fusion protein between RUNX1 and ETO. The RUNX1-ETO fusion protein is found in approximately 12% of all AML patients. In this review, we detail the structural features, functions, and models used to study both RUNX1 and RUNX1-ETO in hematopoiesis over the past two decades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kentson Lam
- Moores Cancer Center, Department of Pathology and Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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14
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Rulina AV, Spirin PV, Prassolov VS. Activated leukemic oncogenes AML1-ETO and c-kit: role in development of acute myeloid leukemia and current approaches for their inhibition. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2011; 75:1650-66. [PMID: 21417999 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297910130092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a malignant blood disease caused by different mutations that enhance the proliferative activity and survival of blood cells and affect their differentiation and apoptosis. The most frequent disorders in AML are translocations between chromosomes 21 and 8 leading to production of a chimeric oncogene, AML1-ETO, and hyperexpression of the receptor tyrosine kinase KIT. Mutations in these genes often occur jointly. The presence in cells of two activated oncogenes is likely to trigger their malignization. The current approaches for treatment of oncologic diseases (bone marrow transplantation, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy) have significant shortcomings, and thus many laboratories are intensively developing new approaches against leukemias. Inhibiting expression of activated leukemic oncogenes based on the principle of RNA interference seems to be a promising approach in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- A V Rulina
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.
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15
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AML1/ETO induces self-renewal in hematopoietic progenitor cells via the Groucho-related amino-terminal AES protein. Blood 2011; 117:4328-37. [DOI: 10.1182/blood-2009-09-242545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
The most frequent translocation t(8;21) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) generates the chimeric AML1/ETO protein, which blocks differentiation and induces self-renewal in hematopoietic progenitor cells. The underlying mechanisms mediating AML1/ETO-induced self-renewal are largely unknown. Using expression microarray analysis, we identified the Groucho-related amino-terminal enhancer of split (AES) as a consistently up-regulated AML1/ETO target. Elevated levels of AES mRNA and protein were confirmed in AML1/ETO-expressing leukemia cells, as well as in other AML specimens. High expression of AES mRNA or protein was associated with improved survival of AML patients, even in the absence of t(8;21). On a functional level, knockdown of AES by RNAi in AML1/ETO-expressing cell lines inhibited colony formation. Similarly, self-renewal induced by AML1/ETO in primary murine progenitors was inhibited when AES was decreased or absent. High levels of AES expression enhanced formation of immature colonies, serial replating capacity of primary cells, and colony formation in colony-forming unit-spleen assays. These findings establish AES as a novel AML1/ETO-induced target gene that plays an important role in the self-renewal phenotype of t(8;21)-positive AML.
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16
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N-Ras(G12D) induces features of stepwise transformation in preleukemic human umbilical cord blood cultures expressing the AML1-ETO fusion gene. Blood 2011; 117:2237-40. [PMID: 21200020 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2010-01-264119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
AML1-ETO (AE) is a fusion product of t(8;21) observed in 40% French-American-British M2 type of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Clinical data suggest that Ras mutation is a frequent cooperating event in t(8;21) AML. Whether constitutively active Ras promotes leukemogenesis on the t(8;21) background has not been demonstrated experimentally. Here, we retrovirally expressed N-Ras(G12D) in AE-expressing human hematopoietic cells to investigate cooperativity. The AE/N-Ras(G12D) cultures were cytokine-independent, enriched for CD34 positivity, and possessed increased colony-forming and replating abilities. N-Ras(G12D) expression led to Bcl-2 up-regulation and reduced apoptosis. Ectopic Bcl-2 expression also resulted in enhanced colony-forming and replating abilities but was insufficient to sustain cytokine independence. AE/N-Ras(G12D) cells were more sensitive to Bcl-2 inhibition with ABT-737 than parent AE cells. Enhanced engraftment of AE/N-Ras(G12D) cells was observed on intrafemoral injection into immunodeficient mice, presumably because of improved survival in the bone marrow microenvironment. N-Ras(G12D) promotes progression toward transformation in AE-expressing cells, partially through up-regulating Bcl-2.
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17
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Baskaran D, Spirin PV, Prassolov VS. Activated leukemic oncogenes responsible for neoplastic transformation of hematopoietic cells. Mol Biol 2010. [DOI: 10.1134/s0026893310030039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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18
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Thoms KM, Baesecke J, Emmert B, Hermann J, Roedling T, Laspe P, Leibeling D, Truemper L, Emmert S. Functional DNA repair system analysis in haematopoietic progenitor cells using host cell reactivation. Scandinavian Journal of Clinical and Laboratory Investigation 2009; 67:580-8. [PMID: 17852814 DOI: 10.1080/00365510701230481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Deficiencies in individual DNA repair systems are involved in both de novo and therapy-related acute myeloid leukaemia (t-AML), as indicated by genetic markers involving nucleotide excision repair (NER gene polymorphisms), double-strand-break (DSB) or mismatch repair (microsatellite instability (MSI)). We modified a host cell reactivation (HCR) assay for functional DNA repair system analysis of living primary haematopoietic cells; 2 x 10(5) normal peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) and cord blood CD34+ progenitor cells were cryopreserved, thawed and transfected with 75-250 ng luciferase reporter plasmid (pCMVLuc) using DEAE-dextran (0.1 mg/mL) in a transfection volume of 250 microL. We obtained luciferase activities of approximately 300-fold above background in CD34+ progenitor cells and approximately 2000-fold in PBLs, thus rendering these cells applicable for DNA repair analysis. We then evaluated the NER (UV-irradiated pCMVLuc) and DSB repair capacity (linearized pCMVLuc) of normal lymphocytes and several leukaemic cell lineages. Kasumi-1 and HL-60 AML cells exhibited a reduced NER capacity compared to normal GM03715 lymphocytes, PBLs and CD34+ progenitor cells (6.2 +/- 0.9%, 6.5 +/- 0.9% vs. 12.3 +/- 1.8%, 13.5 +/- 0.7% and 13.5 +/- 2.0%, respectively). Kasumi-1 AML tells exhibited a reduced DSB repair capacity compared to AG10107 and GM03715 normal lymphocytes as well as CEM acute T-cell lymphoblastic leukaemia cells (6.4 +/- 0.8% vs. 10.8 +/- 0.7%, 27.3 +/- 1.1% and 20.5 +/- 1.6%, respectively). The modified HCR assay can be used for functional DNA repair analysis in living cells of patients with pre- and post-leukaemic conditions as well as in leukaemic blasts to elucidate the role of DNA repair in de novo and t-AML leukaemogenesis and to determine the individual susceptibility to t-AML prior to chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- K M Thoms
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Georg-August-University Goettingen, Germany
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19
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Kennedy JA, Barabé F. Investigating human leukemogenesis: from cell lines to in vivo models of human leukemia. Leukemia 2008; 22:2029-40. [DOI: 10.1038/leu.2008.206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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20
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Loss of TLE1 and TLE4 from the del(9q) commonly deleted region in AML cooperates with AML1-ETO to affect myeloid cell proliferation and survival. Blood 2008; 111:4338-47. [PMID: 18258796 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2007-07-103291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Deletions on chromosome 9q are seen in a subset of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cases and are specifically associated with t(8;21) AML. We previously defined the commonly deleted region in del(9q) AML and characterized the genes in this interval. To determine the critical lost gene(s) that might cooperate with the AML1-ETO fusion gene produced by t(8;21), we developed a set of shRNAs directed against each gene in this region. Within this library, shRNAs to TLE1 and TLE4 were the only shRNAs capable of rescuing AML1-ETO expressing U937T-A/E cells from AML1-ETO-induced cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis. Knockdown of TLE1 or TLE4 levels increased the rate of cell division of the AML1-ETO-expressing Kasumi-1 cell line, whereas forced expression of either TLE1 or TLE4 caused apoptosis and cell death. Knockdown of Gro3, a TLE homolog in zebrafish, cooperated with AML1-ETO to cause an accumulation of noncirculating hematopoietic blast cells. Our data are consistent with a model in which haploinsufficiency of these TLEs overcomes the negative survival and antiproliferative effects of AML1-ETO on myeloid progenitors, allowing preleukemic stem cells to expand into AML. This study is the first to implicate the TLEs as potential tumor suppressor genes in myeloid leukemia.
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21
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p53 signaling in response to increased DNA damage sensitizes AML1-ETO cells to stress-induced death. Blood 2007; 111:2190-9. [PMID: 17975013 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2007-06-093682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromosomal translocation (8;21) is present in 10% to 15% of patients with acute myeloid leukemia. Expression of the AML1-ETO (AE) fusion protein alone is not sufficient to induce leukemia, but the nature of the additional genetic alterations is unknown. It is unclear whether AE facilitates acquisition of these cooperating events. We show that AE down-regulates genes involved in multiple DNA repair pathways, potentially through a mechanism involving direct binding at promoter elements, and increases the mutation frequency in vivo. AE cells display increased DNA damage in vitro and have an activated p53 pathway. This results in increased basal apoptosis and enhanced sensitivity to DNA damaging agents. Intriguingly, microarray data indicate that t(8;21) patient samples exhibit decreased expression of DNA repair genes and increased expression of p53 response genes compared with other acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patient samples. Inhibition of the p53 pathway by RNAi increases the resistance of AE cells to DNA damage. We thus speculate that AML1-ETO may facilitate accumulation of genetic alterations by suppressing endogenous DNA repair. It is possible that the superior outcome of t(8;21) patients is partly due to an activated p53 pathway, and that loss of the p53 response pathway is associated with disease progression.
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22
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Gatekeeper function of the RUNX1 transcription factor in acute leukemia. Blood Cells Mol Dis 2007; 40:211-8. [PMID: 17920312 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcmd.2007.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2007] [Accepted: 07/24/2007] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The RUNX1 gene encodes the alpha subunit of the core binding factor (CBF) and is a common target of genetic mutations in acute leukemia. We propose that RUNX1 is a gatekeeper gene, the disruption of which leads to the exodus of a subset of hematopoietic progenitors with increased self-renewal potential from the normal environmental controls of homeostasis. This pool of "escaped" cells is the target of secondary mutations, accumulating over time to induce the aggressive manifestation of acute leukemia. Evidence from patient and animal studies supports the concept that RUNX1 mutations are the initiating event in different leukemia subtypes, but also suggests that diverse mechanisms are used to subvert RUNX1 function. One common result is the inhibition of differentiation-but its effect impinges on different lineages and stages of differentiation, depending on the mutation or fusion partner. A number of different approaches have led to the identification of secondary events that lead to the overt acute phase; however, the majority is unknown. Finally, the concept of the "leukemia stem cell" and its therapeutic importance is discussed in light of the RUNX1 gatekeeper function.
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23
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Elagib KE, Goldfarb AN. Oncogenic pathways of AML1-ETO in acute myeloid leukemia: multifaceted manipulation of marrow maturation. Cancer Lett 2006; 251:179-86. [PMID: 17125917 PMCID: PMC1931834 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2006.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2006] [Revised: 09/06/2006] [Accepted: 10/17/2006] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The leukemic fusion protein AML1-ETO occurs frequently in human acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and has received much attention over the past decade. An initial model for its pathogenetic effects emphasized the conversion of a hematopoietic transcriptional activator, RUNX1 (or AML1), into a leukemogenic repressor which blocked myeloid differentiation at the level of target gene regulation. This view has been absorbed into a larger picture of AML1-ETO pathogenesis, encompassing dysregulation of hematopoietic stem cell homeostasis at several mechanistic levels. Recent reports have highlighted a multifaceted capacity of AML1-ETO directly to inhibit key hematopoietic transcription factors that function as tumor suppressors at several nodal points during hematopoietic differentiation. A new model is presented in which AML1-ETO coordinates expansion of the stem cell compartment with diminished lineage commitment and with genome instability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamaleldin E Elagib
- Department of Pathology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, P.O. Box 800904, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
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24
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Kennedy JA, Barabé F, Patterson BJ, Bayani J, Squire JA, Barber DL, Dick JE. Expression of TEL-JAK2 in primary human hematopoietic cells drives erythropoietin-independent erythropoiesis and induces myelofibrosis in vivo. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2006; 103:16930-5. [PMID: 17077140 PMCID: PMC1629449 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0604902103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Activation of JAK2 by chromosomal translocation or point mutation is a recurrent event in hematopoietic malignancies, including acute leukemias and myeloproliferative disorders. Although the effects of activated JAK2 signaling have been examined in cell lines and murine models, the functional consequences of deregulated JAK2 in the context of human hematopoietic cells are currently unknown. Here we report that expression of TEL-JAK2, a constitutively active variant of the JAK2 kinase, in lineage-depleted human umbilical cord blood cells results in erythropoietin-independent erythroid differentiation in vitro and induces the rapid development of myelofibrosis in an in vivo NOD/SCID xenotransplantation assay. These studies provide functional evidence that activated JAK2 signaling in primitive human hematopoietic cells is sufficient to drive key processes implicated in the pathophysiology of polycythemia vera and idiopathic myelofibrosis. Furthermore, they describe an in vivo model of myelofibrosis initiated with primary cells, highlighting the utility of the NOD/SCID xenotransplant system for the development of experimental models of human hematopoietic malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. A. Kennedy
- Division of Cell and Molecular Biology and
- Departments of Molecular and Medical Genetics and
| | - F. Barabé
- Division of Cell and Molecular Biology and
| | - B. J. Patterson
- Department of Pathology, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada M5G 1L7
| | - J. Bayani
- Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada M5S 1A8; and
- Divisions of Applied Molecular Oncology and
| | - J. A. Squire
- Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada M5S 1A8; and
- Divisions of Applied Molecular Oncology and
| | - D. L. Barber
- Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada M5S 1A8; and
- Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Ontario Cancer Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada M5G 2M9
| | - J. E. Dick
- Division of Cell and Molecular Biology and
- Departments of Molecular and Medical Genetics and
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail:
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25
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Yan M, Kanbe E, Peterson LF, Boyapati A, Miao Y, Wang Y, Chen IM, Chen Z, Rowley JD, Willman CL, Zhang DE. A previously unidentified alternatively spliced isoform of t(8;21) transcript promotes leukemogenesis. Nat Med 2006; 12:945-9. [PMID: 16892037 DOI: 10.1038/nm1443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 215] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2006] [Accepted: 06/12/2006] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The t(8;21)(q22;q22) translocation is one of the most common genetic abnormalities in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), identified in 15% of all cases of AML, including 40-50% of FAB M2 subtype and rare cases of M0, M1 and M4 subtypes. The most commonly known AML1-ETO fusion protein (full-length AML1-ETO) from this translocation has 752 amino acids and contains the N-terminal portion of RUNX1 (also known as AML1, CBFalpha2 or PEBP2alphaB), including its DNA binding domain, and almost the entire RUNX1T1 (also known as MTG8 or ETO) protein. Although alterations of gene expression and hematopoietic cell proliferation have been reported in the presence of AML1-ETO, its expression does not lead to the development of leukemia. Here, we report the identification of a previously unknown alternatively spliced isoform of the AML1-ETO transcript, AML1-ETO9a, that includes an extra exon, exon 9a, of the ETO gene. AML1-ETO9a encodes a C-terminally truncated AML1-ETO protein of 575 amino acids. Expression of AML1-ETO9a leads to rapid development of leukemia in a mouse retroviral transduction-transplantation model. More importantly, coexpression of AML1-ETO and AML1-ETO9a results in the substantially earlier onset of AML and blocks myeloid cell differentiation at a more immature stage. These results indicate that fusion proteins from alternatively spliced isoforms of a chromosomal translocation may work together to induce cancer development.
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MESH Headings
- Alternative Splicing
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Animals
- Cell Line
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 21
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 8
- Core Binding Factor Alpha 2 Subunit/analysis
- Core Binding Factor Alpha 2 Subunit/chemistry
- Core Binding Factor Alpha 2 Subunit/genetics
- Core Binding Factor Alpha 2 Subunit/metabolism
- Disease Models, Animal
- Exons
- Humans
- Jurkat Cells
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/genetics
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Inbred Strains
- Mice, Transgenic
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Neoplasm Transplantation
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/analysis
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/chemistry
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/genetics
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/metabolism
- Protein Isoforms/genetics
- Protein Isoforms/metabolism
- Protein Structure, Tertiary
- RUNX1 Translocation Partner 1 Protein
- Retroviridae/genetics
- Translocation, Genetic
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Yan
- Department of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, MEM-L51, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, USA
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26
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Wunderlich M, Krejci O, Wei J, Mulloy JC. Human CD34+ cells expressing the inv(16) fusion protein exhibit a myelomonocytic phenotype with greatly enhanced proliferative ability. Blood 2006; 108:1690-7. [PMID: 16670269 PMCID: PMC1586104 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2005-12-012773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The t(16:16) and inv(16) are associated with FAB M4Eo myeloid leukemias and result in fusion of the CBFB gene to the MYH11 gene (encoding smooth muscle myosin heavy chain [SMMHC]). Knockout of CBFbeta causes embryonic lethality due to lack of definitive hematopoiesis. Although knock-in of CBFB-MYH11 is not sufficient to cause disease, expression increases the incidence of leukemia when combined with cooperating events. Although mouse models are valuable tools in the study of leukemogenesis, little is known about the contribution of CBFbeta-SMMHC to human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell self-renewal. We introduced the CBFbeta-MYH11 cDNA into human CD34+ cells via retroviral transduction. Transduced cells displayed an initial repression of progenitor activity but eventually dominated the culture, resulting in the proliferation of clonal populations for up to 7 months. Long-term cultures displayed a myelomonocytic morphology while retaining multilineage progenitor activity and engraftment in NOD/SCID-B2M-/- mice. Progenitor cells from long-term cultures showed altered expression of genes defining inv(16) identified in microarray studies of human patient samples. This system will be useful in examining the effects of CBFbeta-SMMHC on gene expression in the human preleukemic cell, in characterizing the effect of this oncogene on human stem cell biology, and in defining its contribution to the development of leukemia.
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MESH Headings
- Antigens, CD/physiology
- Antigens, CD34/physiology
- B-Lymphocytes/immunology
- Cell Differentiation
- Cell Division
- Chromosome Inversion
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 16
- Colony-Forming Units Assay
- Gene Deletion
- Humans
- Leukemia, Myeloid/genetics
- Leukemia, Myeloid/immunology
- Leukemia, Myelomonocytic, Acute/genetics
- Leukemia, Myelomonocytic, Acute/immunology
- Leukemia, Myelomonocytic, Acute/pathology
- Leukemia, Myelomonocytic, Chronic/genetics
- Leukemia, Myelomonocytic, Chronic/immunology
- Leukemia, Myelomonocytic, Chronic/pathology
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/deficiency
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/genetics
- Transduction, Genetic
- Tumor Cells, Cultured
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Wunderlich
- Division of Experimental Hematology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45226, USA
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Dunne J, Cullmann C, Ritter M, Soria NM, Drescher B, Debernardi S, Skoulakis S, Hartmann O, Krause M, Krauter J, Neubauer A, Young BD, Heidenreich O. siRNA-mediated AML1/MTG8 depletion affects differentiation and proliferation-associated gene expression in t(8;21)-positive cell lines and primary AML blasts. Oncogene 2006; 25:6067-78. [PMID: 16652140 DOI: 10.1038/sj.onc.1209638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The chromosomal translocation t(8;21) is associated with 10-15% of all cases of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). The resultant fusion protein AML1/MTG8 interferes with haematopoietic gene expression and is an important regulator of leukaemogenesis. We studied the effects of small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated AML1/MTG8 depletion on global gene expression in t(8;21)-positive leukaemic cell lines and in primary AML blasts using cDNA arrays, oligonucleotide arrays and real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Suppression of AML1/MTG8 results in the increased expression of genes associated with myeloid differentiation, such as AZU1, BPI, CTSG, LYZ and RNASE2 as well as of antiproliferative genes such as IGFBP7, MS4A3 and SLA both in blasts and in cell lines. Furthermore, expression levels of several genes affiliated with drug resistance or indicative of poor prognosis AML (BAALC, CD34, PRG2, TSPAN7) are affected by AML1/MTG8 depletion. In conclusion, siRNA-mediated suppression of AML1/MTG8 cause very similar changes in gene expression pattern in t(8;21)-positive cell lines and in primary AML blasts. Furthermore, the results suggest that the specific targeting of AML1/MTG8 function may be a promising approach for complementing existing treatment strategies.
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MESH Headings
- Acute Disease
- Base Sequence
- Cell Differentiation/genetics
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Proliferation
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 21
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 8
- Core Binding Factor Alpha 2 Subunit/genetics
- Core Binding Factor Alpha 2 Subunit/physiology
- DNA Primers
- DNA-Binding Proteins/genetics
- DNA-Binding Proteins/physiology
- Gene Expression Profiling
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic/physiology
- Humans
- Leukemia, Myeloid/genetics
- Leukemia, Myeloid/pathology
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins/genetics
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins/physiology
- RNA, Small Interfering/physiology
- RUNX1 Translocation Partner 1 Protein
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Transcription Factors/genetics
- Transcription Factors/physiology
- Translocation, Genetic
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Affiliation(s)
- J Dunne
- Cancer Research UK Medical Oncology Laboratory, Barts and the London School of Medicine, London, UK
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