1
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Meyers PA, Federman N, Daw N, Anderson PM, Davis LE, Kim A, Macy ME, Pietrofeso A, Ratan R, Riedel RF, Trucco M, Breitmeyer JB, Toretsky JA, Ludwig JA. Open-Label, Multicenter, Phase I/II, First-in-Human Trial of TK216: A First-Generation EWS::FLI1 Fusion Protein Antagonist in Ewing Sarcoma. J Clin Oncol 2024:JCO2400020. [PMID: 38954782 DOI: 10.1200/jco.24.00020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Ewing Sarcoma (ES), a rare cancer with a pathognomonic translocation resulting in the Ewing sarcoma gene (EWS)::FLI1 oncoprotein, has a poor prognosis in the relapsed/refractory (R/R) setting. Tokalas (TK)216 was designed to bind EWS::FLI1 proteins directly, disrupt protein-protein interactions, and inhibit transcription factor function. TK216 plus vincristine showed synergistic activity in preclinical tumor models. To our knowledge, we report the results of a first-in-class, first-in-human phase I/II trial of TK216 in R/R ES. PATIENTS AND METHODS TK216 was administered intravenously as a continuous infusion to patients with R/R ES in 11 cohorts. The dosing duration of 7 days was later extended to 10, 14, and 28 days. Vincristine could be added on day 1 after cycle 2, per investigators' choice. The trial used a 3 + 3 design with an expansion cohort at the recommended phase II dose (RP2D). RESULTS A total of 85 patients with a median age of 27 years (range, 11-77) were enrolled. The maximum tolerated dose for the 14-day infusion of TK216, 200 mg/m2 once daily, was determined in cohort 9 and selected as the RP2D. The median previous number of systemic therapies regimens was three (range, 1-10). The most frequent-related adverse events in patients treated at the RP2D included neutropenia (44.7%), anemia (29.4%), leukopenia (29.4%), febrile neutropenia (15.3%), thrombocytopenia (11.8%), and infections (17.6%). In cohorts 9 and 10, two patients had a complete response, one had a partial response, and 14 had stable disease; the 6-month progression-free survival was 11.9%. There were no responses among the eight patients in cohort 11. CONCLUSION TK216 administered as 14-day continuous infusion with or without vincristine was well tolerated and showed limited activity at the RP2D in R/R ES.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul A Meyers
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Noah Federman
- University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Najat Daw
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | | | - Lara E Davis
- Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR
| | - AeRang Kim
- Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC
| | - Margaret E Macy
- University of Colorado School of Medicine and Children's Hospital Colorado, Denver, CO
| | | | - Ravin Ratan
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | | | | | | | | | - Joseph A Ludwig
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
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2
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Rask GC, Taslim C, Bayanjargal A, Cannon MV, Selich-Anderson J, Crow JC, Duncan A, Theisen ER. Seclidemstat blocks the transcriptional function of multiple FET-fusion oncoproteins. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.19.594897. [PMID: 38826330 PMCID: PMC11142045 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.19.594897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Genes encoding the RNA-binding proteins FUS, EWSR1, and TAF15 (FET proteins) are involved in chromosomal translocations in rare sarcomas. FET-rearranged sarcomas are often aggressive malignancies affecting patients of all ages. New therapies are needed. These translocations fuse the 5' portion of the FET gene with a 3' partner gene encoding a transcription factor (TF). The resulting fusion proteins are oncogenic TFs with a FET protein low complexity domain (LCD) and a DNA binding domain. FET fusion proteins have proven stubbornly difficult to target directly and promising strategies target critical co-regulators. One candidate is lysine specific demethylase 1 (LSD1). LSD1 is recruited by multiple FET fusions, including EWSR1::FLI1. LSD1 promotes EWSR1::FLI1 activity and treatment with the noncompetitive inhibitor SP-2509 blocks EWSR1::FLI1 transcriptional function. A similar molecule, seclidemstat (SP-2577), is currently in clinical trials for FET-rearranged sarcomas (NCT03600649). However, whether seclidemstat has pharmacological activity against FET fusions has not been demonstrated. Here, we evaluate the in vitro potency of seclidemstat against multiple FET-rearranged sarcoma cell lines, including Ewing sarcoma, desmoplastic small round cell tumor, clear cell sarcoma, and myxoid liposarcoma. We also define the transcriptomic effects of seclidemstat treatment and evaluated the activity of seclidemstat against FET fusion transcriptional regulation. Seclidemstat showed potent activity in cell viability assays across FET-rearranged sarcomas and disrupted the transcriptional function of all tested fusions. Though epigenetic and targeted inhibitors are unlikely to be effective as a single agents in the clinic, these data suggest seclidemstat remains a promising new treatment strategy for patients with FET-rearranged sarcomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galen C. Rask
- Center for Childhood Cancer Research, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, 43215, USA
| | - Cenny Taslim
- Center for Childhood Cancer Research, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, 43215, USA
| | - Ariunaa Bayanjargal
- Center for Childhood Cancer Research, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, 43215, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Matthew V. Cannon
- Center for Childhood Cancer Research, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, 43215, USA
| | - Julia Selich-Anderson
- Center for Childhood Cancer Research, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, 43215, USA
| | - Jesse C. Crow
- Center for Childhood Cancer Research, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, 43215, USA
| | | | - Emily R. Theisen
- Center for Childhood Cancer Research, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, 43215, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
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3
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Chellini L, Scarfò M, Bonvissuto D, Sette C, Paronetto MP. The DNA/RNA helicase DHX9 orchestrates the KDM2B-mediated transcriptional regulation of YAP1 in Ewing sarcoma. Oncogene 2024; 43:225-234. [PMID: 38017132 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02894-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Ewing sarcomas (ES) are aggressive paediatric tumours of bone and soft tissues. Resistance to chemotherapy and high propensity to metastasize remain the main causes of treatment failure. Thus, identifying novel targets for alternative therapeutic approaches is urgently needed. DNA/RNA helicases are emerging as crucial regulators of many cellular processes often deregulated in cancer. Among them, DHX9 is up-regulated in ES and collaborates with EWS-FLI1 in ES transformation. We report that DHX9 silencing profoundly impacts on the oncogenic properties of ES cells. Transcriptome profiling combined to bioinformatic analyses disclosed a gene signature commonly regulated by DHX9 and the Lysine Demethylase KDM2B, with the Hippo pathway regulator YAP1 as a prominent target. Mechanistically, we found that DHX9 enhances H3K9 chromatin demethylation by KDM2B and favours RNA Polymerase II recruitment, thus promoting YAP1 expression. Conversely, EWS-FLI1 binding to the promoter represses YAP1 expression. These findings identify the DHX9/KDM2B complex as a new druggable target to counteract ES malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Chellini
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy.
| | - Marzia Scarfò
- Plaisant Polo Tecnologico s.r.l, Castel Romano, Rome, Italy
| | - Davide Bonvissuto
- Section of Human Anatomy, Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Sette
- Section of Human Anatomy, Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- GSTeP-Organoids Core Facility, Fondazione Policlinico Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Paola Paronetto
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy.
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Rome, Italy.
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4
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Nakazawa K, Shaw T, Song YK, Kouassi-Brou M, Molotkova A, Tiwari PB, Chou HC, Wen X, Wei JS, Deniz E, Toretsky JA, Keller C, Barr FG, Khan J, Üren A. Piperacetazine Directly Binds to the PAX3::FOXO1 Fusion Protein and Inhibits Its Transcriptional Activity. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2023; 3:2030-2043. [PMID: 37732905 PMCID: PMC10557868 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-23-0119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
The tumor-specific chromosomal translocation product, PAX3::FOXO1, is an aberrant fusion protein that plays a key role for oncogenesis in the alveolar subtype of rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS). PAX3::FOXO1 represents a validated molecular target for alveolar RMS and successful inhibition of its oncogenic activity is likely to have significant clinical applications. Even though several PAX3::FOXO1 function-based screening studies have been successfully completed, a directly binding small-molecule inhibitor of PAX3::FOXO1 has not been reported. Therefore, we screened small-molecule libraries to identify compounds that were capable of directly binding to PAX3::FOXO1 protein using surface plasmon resonance technology. Compounds that directly bound to PAX3::FOXO1 were further evaluated in secondary transcriptional activation assays. We discovered that piperacetazine can directly bind to PAX3::FOXO1 protein and inhibit fusion protein-derived transcription in multiple alveolar RMS cell lines. Piperacetazine inhibited anchorage-independent growth of fusion-positive alveolar RMS cells but not embryonal RMS cells. On the basis of our findings, piperacetazine is a molecular scaffold upon which derivatives could be developed as specific inhibitors of PAX3::FOXO1. These novel inhibitors could potentially be evaluated in future clinical trials for recurrent or metastatic alveolar RMS as novel targeted therapy options. SIGNIFICANCE RMS is a malignant soft-tissue tumor mainly affecting the pediatric population. A subgroup of RMS with worse prognosis harbors a unique chromosomal translocation creating an oncogenic fusion protein, PAX3::FOXO1. We identified piperacetazine as a direct inhibitor of PAX3::FOXO1, which may provide a scaffold for designing RMS-specific targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kay Nakazawa
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Taryn Shaw
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Young K. Song
- Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Marilyn Kouassi-Brou
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Anna Molotkova
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Purushottam B. Tiwari
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Hsien-Chao Chou
- Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Xinyu Wen
- Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Jun S. Wei
- Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Emre Deniz
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Jeffrey A. Toretsky
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Charles Keller
- Children's Cancer Therapy Development Institute, Hillsboro, Oregon
| | - Frederic G. Barr
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Javed Khan
- Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Aykut Üren
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia
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5
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Kim JA, Crawford KA, Spada PA, Martin LR, Zhang J, Wong R, Reid JM, Stewart CF, Frank TM, Liu Q, Michalek JE, Keller C. Non-chemotherapy adjuvant agents in TP53 mutant Ewing sarcoma. Sci Rep 2023; 13:14360. [PMID: 37658148 PMCID: PMC10474113 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-40751-z] [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: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma (EWS) is a malignant tumor arising in bone or soft tissue that occurs in adolescent and young adult patients as well as adults later in life. Although non-metastatic EWS is typically responsive to treatment when newly diagnosed, relapsed cases have an unmet need for which no standard treatment approach exists. Recent phase III clinical trials for EWS comparing 7 vs 5 chemotherapy drugs have failed to improve survival. To extend the durability of remission for EWS, we investigated 3 non-chemotherapy adjuvant therapy drug candidates to be combined with chemotherapy. The efficacy of these adjuvant drugs was investigated via anchorage-dependent growth assays, anchorage-independent soft-agar colony formation assays and EWS xenograft mouse models. Enoxacin and entinostat were the most effective adjuvant drug in both long-term in vitro and in vivo adjuvant studies. In the context that enoxacin is an FDA-approved antibiotic, and that entinostat is an investigational agent not yet FDA-approved, we propose enoxacin as an adjuvant drug for further preclinical and clinical investigation in EWS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Ah Kim
- Children's Cancer Therapy Development Institute, 9025 NE Von Neumann Drive Ste 110, Hillsboro, OR, 97006, USA.
| | - Kenneth A Crawford
- Children's Cancer Therapy Development Institute, 9025 NE Von Neumann Drive Ste 110, Hillsboro, OR, 97006, USA
| | - Piero A Spada
- Children's Cancer Therapy Development Institute, 9025 NE Von Neumann Drive Ste 110, Hillsboro, OR, 97006, USA
| | - Leah R Martin
- Children's Cancer Therapy Development Institute, 9025 NE Von Neumann Drive Ste 110, Hillsboro, OR, 97006, USA
| | - Jiaqi Zhang
- Children's Cancer Therapy Development Institute, 9025 NE Von Neumann Drive Ste 110, Hillsboro, OR, 97006, USA
| | - Rain Wong
- Children's Cancer Therapy Development Institute, 9025 NE Von Neumann Drive Ste 110, Hillsboro, OR, 97006, USA
| | - Joel M Reid
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Clinton F Stewart
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105-2794, USA
| | - Timothy M Frank
- Children's Cancer Therapy Development Institute, 9025 NE Von Neumann Drive Ste 110, Hillsboro, OR, 97006, USA
| | - Qianqian Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Joel E Michalek
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Charles Keller
- Children's Cancer Therapy Development Institute, 9025 NE Von Neumann Drive Ste 110, Hillsboro, OR, 97006, USA.
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6
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The multifaceted roles of peptides in “always-on” near-infrared fluorescent probes for tumor imaging. Bioorg Chem 2022; 129:106182. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2022.106182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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7
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Selicky T, Jurcik M, Mikolaskova B, Pitelova A, Mayerova N, Kretova M, Osadska M, Jurcik J, Holic R, Kohutova L, Bellova J, Benko Z, Gregan J, Bagelova Polakova S, Barath P, Cipak L, Cipakova I. Defining the Functional Interactome of Spliceosome-Associated G-Patch Protein Gpl1 in the Fission Yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:12800. [PMID: 36361590 PMCID: PMC9658070 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232112800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Pre-mRNA splicing plays a fundamental role in securing protein diversity by generating multiple transcript isoforms from a single gene. Recently, it has been shown that specific G-patch domain-containing proteins are critical cofactors involved in the regulation of splicing processes. In this study, using the knock-out strategy, affinity purification and the yeast-two-hybrid assay, we demonstrated that the spliceosome-associated G-patch protein Gpl1 of the fission yeast S. pombe mediates interactions between putative RNA helicase Gih35 (SPAC20H4.09) and WD repeat protein Wdr83, and ensures their binding to the spliceosome. Furthermore, RT-qPCR analysis of the splicing efficiency of deletion mutants indicated that the absence of any of the components of the Gpl1-Gih35-Wdr83 complex leads to defective splicing of fet5 and pwi1, the reference genes whose unspliced isoforms harboring premature stop codons are targeted for degradation by the nonsense-mediated decay (NMD) pathway. Together, our results shed more light on the functional interactome of G-patch protein Gpl1 and revealed that the Gpl1-Gih35-Wdr83 complex plays an important role in the regulation of pre-mRNA splicing in S. pombe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomas Selicky
- Department of Genetics, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Matus Jurcik
- Department of Genetics, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Barbora Mikolaskova
- Department of Genetics, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Alexandra Pitelova
- Department of Membrane Biochemistry, Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 840 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Nina Mayerova
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, 841 04 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Miroslava Kretova
- Department of Genetics, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Michaela Osadska
- Department of Genetics, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Jan Jurcik
- Department of Genetics, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Roman Holic
- Department of Membrane Biochemistry, Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 840 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Lenka Kohutova
- Department of Glycobiology, Institute of Chemistry, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 845 38 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Jana Bellova
- Department of Glycobiology, Institute of Chemistry, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 845 38 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Zsigmond Benko
- Department of Membrane Biochemistry, Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 840 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Microbiology, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, H4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Juraj Gregan
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, Institute of Microbial Genetics, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU), Konrad Lorenz Strasse 24, 3430 Tulln an der Donau, Austria
| | - Silvia Bagelova Polakova
- Department of Membrane Biochemistry, Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 840 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Peter Barath
- Department of Glycobiology, Institute of Chemistry, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 845 38 Bratislava, Slovakia
- Medirex Group Academy, Novozamocka 67, 949 05 Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Lubos Cipak
- Department of Genetics, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Ingrid Cipakova
- Department of Genetics, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
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8
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Gui X, Zhang P, Wang D, Ding Z, Wu X, Shi J, Shen QH, Xu YZ, Ma W, Qiao Y. Phytophthora effector PSR1 hijacks the host pre-mRNA splicing machinery to modulate small RNA biogenesis and plant immunity. THE PLANT CELL 2022; 34:3443-3459. [PMID: 35699507 PMCID: PMC9421478 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koac176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Phytophthora effector PSR1 suppresses small RNA (sRNA)-mediated immunity in plants, but the underlying mechanism remains unknown. Here, we show that Phytophthora suppressor of RNA silencing 1 (PSR1) contributes to the pathogenicity of Phytophthora sojae and specifically binds to three conserved C-terminal domains of the eukaryotic PSR1-Interacting Protein 1 (PINP1). PINP1 encodes PRP16, a core pre-mRNA splicing factor that unwinds RNA duplexes and binds to primary microRNA transcripts and general RNAs. Intriguingly, PSR1 decreased both RNA helicase and RNA-binding activity of PINP1, thereby dampening sRNA biogenesis and RNA metabolism. The PSR1-PINP1 interaction caused global changes in alternative splicing (AS). A total of 5,135 genes simultaneously exhibited mis-splicing in both PSR1-overexpressing and PINP1-silenced plants. AS upregulated many mRNA transcripts that had their introns retained. The high occurrence of intron retention in AS-induced transcripts significantly promoted Phytophthora pathogen infection in Nicotiana benthamiana, and this might be caused by the production of truncated proteins. Taken together, our findings reveal a key role for PINP1 in regulating sRNA biogenesis and plant immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinmeng Gui
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200234, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200234, China
- College of Agriculture, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434025, China
| | - Dan Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200234, China
| | - Zhan Ding
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Science, Wuhan University, Hubei 430072, China
| | - Xian Wu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200234, China
| | - Jinxia Shi
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200234, China
| | - Qian-Hua Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yong-Zhen Xu
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Science, Wuhan University, Hubei 430072, China
| | - Wenbo Ma
- The Sainsbury Laboratory, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UH, UK
| | - Yongli Qiao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200234, China
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9
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Palombo R, Paronetto MP. pncCCND1_B Engages an Inhibitory Protein Network to Downregulate CCND1 Expression upon DNA Damage. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14061537. [PMID: 35326688 PMCID: PMC8946712 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14061537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Promoter-associated noncoding RNAs (pancRNAs) represent a class of noncoding transcripts driven from the promoter region of protein-coding or non-coding genes that operate as cis-acting elements to regulate the expression of the host gene. PancRNAs act by altering the chromatin structure and recruiting transcription regulators. PncCCND1_B is driven by the promoter region of CCND1 and regulates CCND1 expression in Ewing sarcoma through recruitment of a multi-molecular complex composed of the RNA binding protein Sam68 and the DNA/RNA helicase DHX9. In this study, we investigated the regulation of CCND1 expression in Ewing sarcoma cells upon exposure to chemotherapeutic drugs. Pan-inhibitor screening indicated that etoposide, a drug used for Ewing sarcoma treatment, promotes transcription of pncCCND1_B and repression of CCND1 expression. RNA immunoprecipitation experiments showed increased binding of Sam68 to the pncCCND1_B after treatment, despite the significant reduction in DHX9 protein. This effect was associated with the formation of DNA:RNA duplexes at the CCND1 promoter. Furthermore, Sam68 interacted with HDAC1 in etoposide treated cells, thus contributing to chromatin remodeling and epigenetic changes. Interestingly, inhibition of the ATM signaling pathway by KU 55,933 treatment was sufficient to inhibit etoposide-induced Sam68-HDAC1 interaction without rescuing DHX9 expression. In these conditions, the DNA:RNA hybrids persist, thus contributing to the local chromatin inactivation at the CCND1 promoter region. Altogether, our results show an active role of Sam68 in DNA damage signaling and chromatin remodeling on the CCND1 gene by fine-tuning transitions of epigenetic complexes on the CCND1 promoter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramona Palombo
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00143 Rome, Italy;
| | - Maria Paola Paronetto
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00143 Rome, Italy;
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, Piazza Lauro de Bosis, 15, 00135 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
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10
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Graham GT, Selvanathan SP, Zöllner SK, Stahl E, Shlien A, Caplen N, Üren A, Toretsky JA. Comprehensive profiling of mRNA splicing indicates that GC content signals altered cassette exon inclusion in Ewing sarcoma. NAR Cancer 2022; 4:zcab052. [PMID: 35047826 PMCID: PMC8759570 DOI: 10.1093/narcan/zcab052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma (EwS) is a small round blue cell tumor and is the second most frequent pediatric bone cancer. 85% of EwS tumors express the fusion oncoprotein EWS-FLI1, the product of a t(11;22) reciprocal translocation. Prior work has indicated that transcription regulation alone does not fully describe the oncogenic capacity of EWS-FLI1, nor does it provide an effective means to stratify patient tumors. Research using EwS cell lines and patient samples has suggested that EWS-FLI1 also disrupts mRNA biogenesis. In this work we both describe the underlying characteristics of mRNA that are aberrantly spliced in EwS tumor samples as well as catalogue mRNA splicing events across other pediatric tumor types. Here, we also use short- and long-read sequencing to identify cis-factors that contribute to splicing profiles we observe in Ewing sarcoma. Our analysis suggests that GC content upstream of cassette exons is a defining factor of mRNA splicing in EwS. We also describe specific splicing events that discriminate EwS tumor samples from the assumed cell of origin, human mesenchymal stem cells derived from bone marrow (hMSC-BM). Finally, we identify specific splicing factors PCBP2, RBMX, and SRSF9 by motif enrichment and confirm findings from tumor samples in EwS cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jeffrey A Toretsky
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +1 202 687 8909; Fax: +1 202 687 8909;
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11
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Abstract
Herculean efforts by the Wellcome Sanger Institute, the National Cancer Institute, and the National Human Genome Research Institute to sequence thousands of tumors representing all major cancer types have yielded more than 700 genes that contribute to neoplastic growth when mutated, amplified, or deleted. While some of these genes (now included in the COSMIC Cancer Gene Census) encode proteins previously identified in hypothesis-driven experiments (oncogenic transcription factors, protein kinases, etc.), additional classes of cancer drivers have emerged, perhaps none more surprisingly than RNA-binding proteins (RBPs). Over 40 RBPs responsible for virtually all aspects of RNA metabolism, from synthesis to degradation, are recurrently mutated in cancer, and just over a dozen are considered major cancer drivers. This Review investigates whether and how their RNA-binding activities pertain to their oncogenic functions. Focusing on several well-characterized steps in RNA metabolism, we demonstrate that for virtually all cancer-driving RBPs, RNA processing activities are either abolished (the loss-of-function phenotype) or carried out with low fidelity (the LoFi phenotype). Conceptually, this suggests that in normal cells, RBPs act as gatekeepers maintaining proper RNA metabolism and the "balanced" proteome. From the practical standpoint, at least some LoFi phenotypes create therapeutic vulnerabilities, which are beginning to be exploited in the clinic.
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12
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Wang Y, Mai H, Yuan Y, Chen H, Wu S, Hu X, Yu A. EWS-FLI1-targeting peptide identifies Ewing sarcoma tumor boundaries and lymph node metastasis via near-infrared imaging. Mol Oncol 2021; 15:3706-3720. [PMID: 34392592 PMCID: PMC8637573 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma (ES) is one of the most aggressive types of pediatric tumors. The lack of tools for the identification of ES has largely hindered clinical diagnosis and the improvement of treatment. To address this challenge, we synthesized a near‐infrared (NIR) fluorescent probe (CS2‐N‐E9R) that targets the ES‐specific fusion protein EWS–FLI1 (E/F). This probe exhibited specific and high binding affinity to E/F. Further studies in animal models showed that CS2‐N‐E9R can be used to identify the boundaries of ES and lymph node metastases under a complex biological environment. These results demonstrate that CS2‐N‐E9R is a promising probe for early diagnosis and surgical guidance of ES through molecularly targeted NIR imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Trauma and Microsurgery, Wuhan University Zhongnan Hospital, China
| | - Hengtang Mai
- Hubei Province Engineering and Technology Research Center for Fluorinated Pharmaceuticals, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, China
| | - Ying Yuan
- Department of Orthopaedic Trauma and Microsurgery, Wuhan University Zhongnan Hospital, China
| | - Hairen Chen
- Department of Orthopaedic Trauma and Microsurgery, Wuhan University Zhongnan Hospital, China
| | - Song Wu
- Hubei Province Engineering and Technology Research Center for Fluorinated Pharmaceuticals, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, China
| | - Xiang Hu
- Department of Orthopaedic Trauma and Microsurgery, Wuhan University Zhongnan Hospital, China
| | - Aixi Yu
- Department of Orthopaedic Trauma and Microsurgery, Wuhan University Zhongnan Hospital, China
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13
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Wu C, Shan Y, Wang S, Liu F. Dynamically probing ATP-dependent RNA helicase A-assisted RNA structure conversion using single molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer. Protein Sci 2021; 30:1157-1168. [PMID: 33837988 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
RNA helicase A (RHA) as a member of DExH-box subgroup of helicase superfamily II, participates in diverse biological processes involved in RNA metabolism in organisms, and these RNA-mediated biological processes rely on RNA structure conversion. However, how RHA regulate the RNA structure conversion was still unknown. In order to unveil the mechanism of RNA structure conversion mediated by RHA, single molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer was adopted to in our assay, and substrates RNA were from internal ribosome entry site of foot-and-mouth disease virus genome. We first found that the RNA structure conversion by RHA against thermodynamic equilibrium in vitro, and the process of dsRNA YZ converted to dsRNA XY through a tripartite intermediate state. In addition, the rate of the RNA structure conversion and the distribution of dsRNA YZ and XY were affected by ATP concentrations. Our study provides real-time insight into ATP-dependent RHA-assisted RNA structure conversion at the single molecule level, the mechanism displayed by RHA may help in understand how RHA contributes to many biological functions, and the basic mechanistic features illustrated in our work also underlay more complex protein-assisted RNA structure conversions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengcheng Wu
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety of Ministry of Education & Single Molecule Nanometry Laboratory (Sinmolab), Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yanke Shan
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety of Ministry of Education & Single Molecule Nanometry Laboratory (Sinmolab), Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shouyu Wang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety of Ministry of Education & Single Molecule Nanometry Laboratory (Sinmolab), Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China.,Computational Optics Laboratory, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Fei Liu
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety of Ministry of Education & Single Molecule Nanometry Laboratory (Sinmolab), Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
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14
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Zöllner SK, Amatruda JF, Bauer S, Collaud S, de Álava E, DuBois SG, Hardes J, Hartmann W, Kovar H, Metzler M, Shulman DS, Streitbürger A, Timmermann B, Toretsky JA, Uhlenbruch Y, Vieth V, Grünewald TGP, Dirksen U. Ewing Sarcoma-Diagnosis, Treatment, Clinical Challenges and Future Perspectives. J Clin Med 2021; 10:1685. [PMID: 33919988 PMCID: PMC8071040 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10081685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma, a highly aggressive bone and soft-tissue cancer, is considered a prime example of the paradigms of a translocation-positive sarcoma: a genetically rather simple disease with a specific and neomorphic-potential therapeutic target, whose oncogenic role was irrefutably defined decades ago. This is a disease that by definition has micrometastatic disease at diagnosis and a dismal prognosis for patients with macrometastatic or recurrent disease. International collaborations have defined the current standard of care in prospective studies, delivering multiple cycles of systemic therapy combined with local treatment; both are associated with significant morbidity that may result in strong psychological and physical burden for survivors. Nevertheless, the combination of non-directed chemotherapeutics and ever-evolving local modalities nowadays achieve a realistic chance of cure for the majority of patients with Ewing sarcoma. In this review, we focus on the current standard of diagnosis and treatment while attempting to answer some of the most pressing questions in clinical practice. In addition, this review provides scientific answers to clinical phenomena and occasionally defines the resulting translational studies needed to overcome the hurdle of treatment-associated morbidities and, most importantly, non-survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan K. Zöllner
- Pediatrics III, University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany;
- West German Cancer Center (WTZ), University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (S.B.); (S.C.); (J.H.); (A.S.); (B.T.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Essen/Düsseldorf, University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - James F. Amatruda
- Cancer and Blood Disease Institute, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA;
| | - Sebastian Bauer
- West German Cancer Center (WTZ), University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (S.B.); (S.C.); (J.H.); (A.S.); (B.T.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Essen/Düsseldorf, University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sarcoma Center, University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Stéphane Collaud
- West German Cancer Center (WTZ), University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (S.B.); (S.C.); (J.H.); (A.S.); (B.T.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Essen/Düsseldorf, University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Ruhrlandklinik, University of Essen-Duisburg, 45239 Essen, Germany
| | - Enrique de Álava
- Institute of Biomedicine of Sevilla (IbiS), Virgen del Rocio University Hospital, CSIC, University of Sevilla, CIBERONC, 41013 Seville, Spain;
- Department of Normal and Pathological Cytology and Histology, School of Medicine, University of Seville, 41009 Seville, Spain
| | - Steven G. DuBois
- Dana-Farber/Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (S.G.D.); (D.S.S.)
| | - Jendrik Hardes
- West German Cancer Center (WTZ), University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (S.B.); (S.C.); (J.H.); (A.S.); (B.T.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Essen/Düsseldorf, University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
- Department of Musculoskeletal Oncology, Sarcoma Center, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Hartmann
- Division of Translational Pathology, Gerhard-Domagk Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany;
- West German Cancer Center (WTZ), Network Partner Site, University Hospital Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Heinrich Kovar
- St. Anna Children’s Cancer Research Institute and Medical University Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Markus Metzler
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany;
| | - David S. Shulman
- Dana-Farber/Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (S.G.D.); (D.S.S.)
| | - Arne Streitbürger
- West German Cancer Center (WTZ), University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (S.B.); (S.C.); (J.H.); (A.S.); (B.T.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Essen/Düsseldorf, University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
- Department of Musculoskeletal Oncology, Sarcoma Center, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Beate Timmermann
- West German Cancer Center (WTZ), University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (S.B.); (S.C.); (J.H.); (A.S.); (B.T.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Essen/Düsseldorf, University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
- Department of Particle Therapy, University Hospital Essen, West German Proton Therapy Centre, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Jeffrey A. Toretsky
- Departments of Oncology and Pediatrics, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA;
| | - Yasmin Uhlenbruch
- St. Josefs Hospital Bochum, University Hospital, 44791 Bochum, Germany;
| | - Volker Vieth
- Department of Radiology, Klinikum Ibbenbüren, 49477 Ibbenbühren, Germany;
| | - Thomas G. P. Grünewald
- Division of Translational Pediatric Sarcoma Research, Hopp-Children’s Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
- Division of Translational Pediatric Sarcoma Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Core Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Uta Dirksen
- Pediatrics III, University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany;
- West German Cancer Center (WTZ), University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (S.B.); (S.C.); (J.H.); (A.S.); (B.T.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Essen/Düsseldorf, University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
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15
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Bohnsack KE, Ficner R, Bohnsack MT, Jonas S. Regulation of DEAH-box RNA helicases by G-patch proteins. Biol Chem 2021; 402:561-579. [PMID: 33857358 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2020-0338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
RNA helicases of the DEAH/RHA family form a large and conserved class of enzymes that remodel RNA protein complexes (RNPs) by translocating along the RNA. Driven by ATP hydrolysis, they exert force to dissociate hybridized RNAs, dislocate bound proteins or unwind secondary structure elements in RNAs. The sub-cellular localization of DEAH-helicases and their concomitant association with different pathways in RNA metabolism, such as pre-mRNA splicing or ribosome biogenesis, can be guided by cofactor proteins that specifically recruit and simultaneously activate them. Here we review the mode of action of a large class of DEAH-specific adaptor proteins of the G-patch family. Defined only by their eponymous short glycine-rich motif, which is sufficient for helicase binding and stimulation, this family encompasses an immensely varied array of domain compositions and is linked to an equally diverse set of functions. G-patch proteins are conserved throughout eukaryotes and are even encoded within retroviruses. They are involved in mRNA, rRNA and snoRNA maturation, telomere maintenance and the innate immune response. Only recently was the structural and mechanistic basis for their helicase enhancing activity determined. We summarize the molecular and functional details of G-patch-mediated helicase regulation in their associated pathways and their involvement in human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine E Bohnsack
- Department of Molecular Biology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Humboldtallee 23, D-37073 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ralf Ficner
- Department of Molecular Structural Biology, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Justus-von-Liebig-Weg 11, D-37077 Göttingen, Germany.,Göttingen Centre for Molecular Biosciences, Georg-August University, Justus-von-Liebig-Weg 11, D-37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Markus T Bohnsack
- Department of Molecular Biology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Humboldtallee 23, D-37073 Göttingen, Germany.,Göttingen Centre for Molecular Biosciences, Georg-August University, Justus-von-Liebig-Weg 11, D-37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Stefanie Jonas
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, ETH Zurich, Otto-Stern-Weg 5, CH-8093 Zurich, Switzerland
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16
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Pan YQ, Xing L. The Current View on the Helicase Activity of RNA Helicase A and Its Role in Gene Expression. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2020; 22:29-40. [PMID: 33143622 DOI: 10.2174/1389203721666201103084122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
RNA helicase A (RHA) is a DExH-box helicase that plays regulatory roles in a variety of cellular processes, including transcription, translation, RNA splicing, editing, transport, and processing, microRNA genesis and maintenance of genomic stability. It is involved in virus replication, oncogenesis, and innate immune response. RHA can unwind nucleic acid duplex by nucleoside triphosphate hydrolysis. The insight into the molecular mechanism of helicase activity is fundamental to understanding the role of RHA in the cell. Herein, we reviewed the current advances on the helicase activity of RHA and its relevance to gene expression, particularly, to the genesis of circular RNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Qing Pan
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Shanxi University, 92 Wucheng Road, Taiyuan 030006, Shanxi province, China
| | - Li Xing
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Shanxi University, 92 Wucheng Road, Taiyuan 030006, Shanxi province, China
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17
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Conn E, Hour S, Allegakoen D, Graham G, Petro J, Kouassi-Brou M, Hong SH, Selvanathan S, Çelik H, Toretsky J, Üren A. Development of an Ewing sarcoma cell line with resistance to EWS‑FLI1 inhibitor YK‑4‑279. Mol Med Rep 2020; 21:1667-1675. [PMID: 32016454 PMCID: PMC8371434 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2020.10948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite Ewing sarcoma (ES) being the second most common pediatric malignancy of bone and soft tissue, few novel therapeutic approaches have been introduced over the past few decades. ES contains a pathognomonic chromosomal translocation that leads to a fusion protein between EWSR1 and an ets family member, most often FLI1. EWS‑FLI1 is the most common type of fusion protein and is a well‑vetted therapeutic target. A small molecule inhibitor of EWS‑FLI1, YK‑4‑279 (YK) was developed with the intention to serve as a targeted therapy option for patients with ES. The present study investigated resistance mechanisms by developing an ES cell line specifically resistant to YK. The ES cell line A4573 was treated with YK to create resistant cells by long term continuous exposure. The results revealed that resistance in A4573 was robust and sustainable, with a >27‑fold increase in IC50 lasting up to 16 weeks in the absence of the compound. Resistant ES cells were still sensitive to standard of care drugs, including doxorubicin, vincristine and etoposide, which may be valuable in future combination treatments in the clinic. Resistant ES cells revealed an increased expression of CD99. RNA sequencing and qPCR validation of resistant ES cells confirmed an increased expression of ANO1, BRSK2 and IGSF21, and a reduced expression of COL24A1, PRSS23 and RAB38 genes. A functional association between these genes and mechanism of resistance remains to be investigated. The present study created a cell line to investigate YK resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Conn
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Sarah Hour
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - David Allegakoen
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Garrett Graham
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Jeff Petro
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Marilyn Kouassi-Brou
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Sung Hyeok Hong
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Saravana Selvanathan
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Haydar Çelik
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Jeffrey Toretsky
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Aykut Üren
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
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18
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Targeting the undruggable: exploiting neomorphic features of fusion oncoproteins in childhood sarcomas for innovative therapies. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2020; 38:625-642. [PMID: 31970591 PMCID: PMC6994515 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-019-09839-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
While sarcomas account for approximately 1% of malignant tumors of adults, they are particularly more common in children and adolescents affected by cancer. In contrast to malignancies that occur in later stages of life, childhood tumors, including sarcoma, are characterized by a striking paucity of somatic mutations. However, entity-defining fusion oncogenes acting as the main oncogenic driver mutations are frequently found in pediatric bone and soft-tissue sarcomas such as Ewing sarcoma (EWSR1-FLI1), alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (PAX3/7-FOXO1), and synovial sarcoma (SS18-SSX1/2/4). Since strong oncogene-dependency has been demonstrated in these entities, direct pharmacological targeting of these fusion oncogenes has been excessively attempted, thus far, with limited success. Despite apparent challenges, our increasing understanding of the neomorphic features of these fusion oncogenes in conjunction with rapid technological advances will likely enable the development of new strategies to therapeutically exploit these neomorphic features and to ultimately turn the “undruggable” into first-line target structures. In this review, we provide a broad overview of the current literature on targeting neomorphic features of fusion oncogenes found in Ewing sarcoma, alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, and synovial sarcoma, and give a perspective for future developments. Scheme depicting the different targeting strategies of fusion oncogenes in pediatric fusion-driven sarcomas. Fusion oncogenes can be targeted on their DNA level (1), RNA level (2), protein level (3), and by targeting downstream functions and interaction partners (4). ![]()
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19
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Tirtei E, Cereda M, De Luna E, Quarello P, Asaftei SD, Fagioli F. Omic approaches to pediatric bone sarcomas. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2020; 67:e28072. [PMID: 31736201 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.28072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Over the last decade, next-generation sequencing technologies have improved our ability to assess biological aspects, at genomic and transcriptomic levels, on a large scale- and have been increasingly used for the management of adult cancers. However, their efficacy and feasibility within pediatrics is still under investigation. "Omic" approaches represent an opportunity to understand the oncogenic mechanisms driving the onset and progression of bone sarcoma and improve the clinical management of young patients with bone sarcomas. This review focuses on the current genomic and transcriptomic characteristics of managing pediatric patients, affected by Ewing sarcoma and osteosarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Tirtei
- Pediatric Oncology Department, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Matteo Cereda
- Cancer Genomics and Bioinformatics Unit, Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine, Torino, Italy.,Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO, IRCCS, Turin, Italy
| | - Elvira De Luna
- Pediatric Oncology Department, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Paola Quarello
- Pediatric Oncology Department, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Sebastian Dorin Asaftei
- Pediatric Oncology Department, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Franca Fagioli
- Pediatric Oncology Department, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin, Italy.,Department of Public Health and Paediatric Sciences, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
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20
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Tsafou K, Tiwari PB, Forman-Kay JD, Metallo SJ, Toretsky JA. Targeting Intrinsically Disordered Transcription Factors: Changing the Paradigm. J Mol Biol 2018; 430:2321-2341. [PMID: 29655986 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2018.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Revised: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Increased understanding of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) and protein regions has revolutionized our view of the relationship between protein structure and function. Data now support that IDPs can be functional in the absence of a single, fixed, three-dimensional structure. Due to their dynamic morphology, IDPs have the ability to display a range of kinetics and affinity depending on what the system requires, as well as the potential for large-scale association. Although several studies have shed light on the functional properties of IDPs, the class of intrinsically disordered transcription factors (TFs) is still poorly characterized biophysically due to their combination of ordered and disordered sequences. In addition, TF modulation by small molecules has long been considered a difficult or even impossible task, limiting functional probe development. However, with evolving technology, it is becoming possible to characterize TF structure-function relationships in unprecedented detail and explore avenues not available or not considered in the past. Here we provide an introduction to the biophysical properties of intrinsically disordered TFs and we discuss recent computational and experimental efforts toward understanding the role of intrinsically disordered TFs in biology and disease. We describe a series of successful TF targeting strategies that have overcome the perception of the "undruggability" of TFs, providing new leads on drug development methodologies. Lastly, we discuss future challenges and opportunities to enhance our understanding of the structure-function relationship of intrinsically disordered TFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Tsafou
- Department of Oncology and Pediatrics, Georgetown University, 3970 Reservoir Road Northwest, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - P B Tiwari
- Department of Oncology and Pediatrics, Georgetown University, 3970 Reservoir Road Northwest, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - J D Forman-Kay
- Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto M5G 0A4, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - S J Metallo
- Department of Chemistry, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - J A Toretsky
- Department of Oncology and Pediatrics, Georgetown University, 3970 Reservoir Road Northwest, Washington, DC 20057, USA.
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21
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Sloan KE, Bohnsack MT. Unravelling the Mechanisms of RNA Helicase Regulation. Trends Biochem Sci 2018; 43:237-250. [PMID: 29486979 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2018.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Revised: 01/28/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
RNA helicases are critical regulators at the nexus of multiple pathways of RNA metabolism, and in the complex cellular environment, tight spatial and temporal regulation of their activity is essential. Dedicated protein cofactors play key roles in recruiting helicases to specific substrates and modulating their catalytic activity. Alongside individual RNA helicase cofactors, networks of cofactors containing evolutionarily conserved domains such as the G-patch and MIF4G domains highlight the potential for cross-regulation of different aspects of gene expression. Structural analyses of RNA helicase-cofactor complexes now provide insight into the diverse mechanisms by which cofactors can elicit specific and coordinated regulation of RNA helicase action. Furthermore, post-translational modifications (PTMs) and long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) regulators have recently emerged as novel modes of RNA helicase regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine E Sloan
- Department of Molecular Biology, University Medical Centre Göttingen, Humboldtallee 23, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Markus T Bohnsack
- Department of Molecular Biology, University Medical Centre Göttingen, Humboldtallee 23, 37073 Göttingen, Germany; Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences, University of Göttingen, Justus-von-Liebig-Weg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany.
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22
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Yu H, Ge Y, Guo L, Huang L. Potential approaches to the treatment of Ewing's sarcoma. Oncotarget 2018; 8:5523-5539. [PMID: 27740934 PMCID: PMC5354928 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.12566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 10/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Ewing’s sarcoma (ES) is a highly aggressive and metastatic tumor in children and young adults caused by a chromosomal fusion between the Ewing sarcoma breakpoint region 1 (EWSR1) gene and the transcription factor FLI1 gene. ES is managed with standard treatments, including chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. Although the 5-year survival rate for primary ES has improved, the survival rate for ES patients with metastases or recurrence remains low. Several novel molecular targets in ES have recently been identified and investigated in preclinical and clinical settings, and targeting the function of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), the fusion protein EWS-FLI1 and mTOR has shown promise. There has also been increasing interest in the immune responses of ES patients. Immunotherapies using T cells, NK cells, cancer vaccines and monoclonal antibodies have been considered for ES, especially for recurrent patients. Because understanding the pathogenesis of ES is extremely important for the development of novel treatments, this review focuses on the mechanisms and functions of targeted therapies and immunotherapies in ES. It is anticipated that integrating the knowledge obtained from basic research and translational and clinical studies will lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of ES.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongjiu Yu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, P.R. China.,Department of VIP, The First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, P.R. China
| | - Yonggui Ge
- Department of Pathophysiology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, P.R. China
| | - Lianying Guo
- Department of Pathophysiology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, P.R. China
| | - Lin Huang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, P.R. China
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23
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Fidaleo M, De Paola E, Paronetto MP. The RNA helicase A in malignant transformation. Oncotarget 2017; 7:28711-23. [PMID: 26885691 PMCID: PMC5053757 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.7377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2015] [Accepted: 01/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The RNA helicase A (RHA) is involved in several steps of RNA metabolism, such as RNA processing, cellular transit of viral molecules, ribosome assembly, regulation of transcription and translation of specific mRNAs. RHA is a multifunctional protein whose roles depend on the specific interaction with different molecular partners, which have been extensively characterized in physiological situations. More recently, the functional implication of RHA in human cancer has emerged. Interestingly, RHA was shown to cooperate with both tumor suppressors and oncoproteins in different tumours, indicating that its specific role in cancer is strongly influenced by the cellular context. For instance, silencing of RHA and/or disruption of its interaction with the oncoprotein EWS-FLI1 rendered Ewing sarcoma cells more sensitive to genotoxic stresses and affected tumor growth and maintenance, suggesting possible therapeutic implications. Herein, we review the recent advances in the cellular functions of RHA and discuss its implication in oncogenesis, providing a perspective for future studies and potential translational opportunities in human cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Fidaleo
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Rome, Italy.,Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, CERC, Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa De Paola
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Rome, Italy.,Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, CERC, Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Paola Paronetto
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Rome, Italy.,Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, CERC, Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
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24
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Capitanio JS, Montpetit B, Wozniak RW. Nucleoplasmic Nup98 controls gene expression by regulating a DExH/D-box protein. Nucleus 2017; 9:1-8. [PMID: 28934014 PMCID: PMC5973140 DOI: 10.1080/19491034.2017.1364826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The nucleoporin Nup98 has been linked to the regulation of transcription and RNA metabolism, 1-3 but the mechanisms by which Nup98 contributes to these processes remains largely undefined. Recently, we uncovered interactions between Nup98 and several DExH/D-box proteins (DBPs), a protein family well-known for modulating gene expression and RNA metabolism. 4-6 Analysis of Nup98 and one of these DBPs, DHX9, showed that they directly interact, their association is facilitated by RNA, and Nup98 binding stimulates DHX9 ATPase activity. 7 Furthermore, these proteins were dependent on one another for their proper association with a subset of gene loci to control transcription and modulate mRNA splicing. 7 On the basis of these observations, we proposed that Nup98 functions to regulate DHX9 activity within the nucleoplasm. 7 Since Nup98 is associated with several DBPs, regulation of DHX9 by Nup98 may represent a paradigm for understanding how Nup98, and possibly other FG-Nup proteins, could direct the diverse cellular activities of multiple DBPs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ben Montpetit
- a Department of Cell Biology , University of Alberta , Edmonton , Canada.,b Department of Viticulture and Enology , University of California at Davis , Davis , CA , USA
| | - Richard W Wozniak
- a Department of Cell Biology , University of Alberta , Edmonton , Canada
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25
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Capitanio JS, Montpetit B, Wozniak RW. Human Nup98 regulates the localization and activity of DExH/D-box helicase DHX9. eLife 2017; 6. [PMID: 28221134 PMCID: PMC5338925 DOI: 10.7554/elife.18825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2016] [Accepted: 02/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Beyond their role at nuclear pore complexes, some nucleoporins function in the nucleoplasm. One such nucleoporin, Nup98, binds chromatin and regulates gene expression. To gain insight into how Nup98 contributes to this process, we focused on identifying novel binding partners and understanding the significance of these interactions. Here we report on the identification of the DExH/D-box helicase DHX9 as an intranuclear Nup98 binding partner. Various results, including in vitro assays, show that the FG/GLFG region of Nup98 binds to N- and C-terminal regions of DHX9 in an RNA facilitated manner. Importantly, binding of Nup98 stimulates the ATPase activity of DHX9, and a transcriptional reporter assay suggests Nup98 supports DHX9-stimulated transcription. Consistent with these observations, our analysis revealed that Nup98 and DHX9 bind interdependently to similar gene loci and their transcripts. Based on our results, we propose that Nup98 functions as a co-factor that regulates DHX9 and, potentially, other RNA helicases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ben Montpetit
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.,Department of Viticulture and Enology, University of California, Davis, United states
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26
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Theisen ER, Pishas KI, Saund RS, Lessnick SL. Therapeutic opportunities in Ewing sarcoma: EWS-FLI inhibition via LSD1 targeting. Oncotarget 2017; 7:17616-30. [PMID: 26848860 PMCID: PMC4951237 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.7124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2015] [Accepted: 01/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma is an aggressive primary pediatric bone tumor, often diagnosed in adolescents and young adults. A pathognomonic reciprocal chromosomal translocation results in a fusion gene coding for a protein which derives its N-terminus from a FUS/EWS/TAF15 (FET) protein family member, commonly EWS, and C-terminus containing the DNA-binding domain of an ETS transcription factor, commonly FLI1. Nearly 85% of cases express the EWS-FLI protein which functions as a transcription factor and drives oncogenesis. As the primary genomic lesion and a protein which is not expressed in normal cells, disrupting EWS-FLI function is an attractive therapeutic strategy for Ewing sarcoma. However, transcription factors are notoriously difficult targets for the development of small molecules. Improved understanding of the oncogenic mechanisms employed by EWS-FLI to hijack normal cellular programming has uncovered potential novel approaches to pharmacologically block EWS-FLI function. In this review we examine targeting the chromatin regulatory enzymes recruited to conspire in oncogenesis with a focus on the histone lysine specific demethylase 1 (LSD1). LSD1 inhibitors are being aggressively investigated in acute myeloid leukemia and the results of early clinical trials will help inform the future use of LSD1 inhibitors in sarcoma. High LSD1 expression is observed in Ewing sarcoma patient samples and mechanistic and preclinical data suggest LSD1 inhibition globally disrupts the function of EWS-ETS proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily R Theisen
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Kathleen I Pishas
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Cancer Therapeutics Laboratory, Centre for Personalized Cancer Medicine, Discipline of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Ranajeet S Saund
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Stephen L Lessnick
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology/Bone Marrow Transplant at The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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27
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Nadel J, Athanasiadou R, Lemetre C, Wijetunga NA, Ó Broin P, Sato H, Zhang Z, Jeddeloh J, Montagna C, Golden A, Seoighe C, Greally JM. RNA:DNA hybrids in the human genome have distinctive nucleotide characteristics, chromatin composition, and transcriptional relationships. Epigenetics Chromatin 2015; 8:46. [PMID: 26579211 PMCID: PMC4647656 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-015-0040-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Accepted: 10/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background RNA:DNA hybrids represent a non-canonical nucleic acid structure that has been associated with a range of human diseases and potential transcriptional regulatory functions. Mapping of RNA:DNA hybrids in human cells reveals them to have a number of characteristics that give insights into their functions. Results We find RNA:DNA hybrids to occupy millions of base pairs in the human genome. A directional sequencing approach shows the RNA component of the RNA:DNA hybrid to be purine-rich, indicating a thermodynamic contribution to their in vivo stability. The RNA:DNA hybrids are enriched at loci with decreased DNA methylation and increased DNase hypersensitivity, and within larger domains with characteristics of heterochromatin formation, indicating potential transcriptional regulatory properties. Mass spectrometry studies of chromatin at RNA:DNA hybrids shows the presence of the ILF2 and ILF3 transcription factors, supporting a model of certain transcription factors binding preferentially to the RNA:DNA conformation. Conclusions Overall, there is little to indicate a dependence for RNA:DNA hybrids forming co-transcriptionally, with results from the ribosomal DNA repeat unit instead supporting the intriguing model of RNA generating these structures intrans. The results of the study indicate heterogeneous functions of these genomic elements and new insights into their formation and stability in vivo. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13072-015-0040-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Nadel
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461 USA
| | - Rodoniki Athanasiadou
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461 USA ; Department of Biology, Center for Genomics and Systems Biology, New York University, 12 Waverly Place, New York, NY 10003 USA
| | - Christophe Lemetre
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461 USA ; Integrated Genomics Operation, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065 USA
| | - N Ari Wijetunga
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461 USA
| | - Pilib Ó Broin
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461 USA
| | - Hanae Sato
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461 USA
| | - Zhengdong Zhang
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461 USA
| | | | - Cristina Montagna
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461 USA
| | - Aaron Golden
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461 USA
| | - Cathal Seoighe
- School of Mathematics, Statistics and Applied Mathematics, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - John M Greally
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461 USA ; Department of Genetics, Center for Epigenomics and Division of Computational Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1301 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461 USA
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28
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Sand LGL, Szuhai K, Hogendoorn PCW. Sequencing Overview of Ewing Sarcoma: A Journey across Genomic, Epigenomic and Transcriptomic Landscapes. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:16176-215. [PMID: 26193259 PMCID: PMC4519945 DOI: 10.3390/ijms160716176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2015] [Revised: 07/03/2015] [Accepted: 07/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma is an aggressive neoplasm occurring predominantly in adolescent Caucasians. At the genome level, a pathognomonic EWSR1-ETS translocation is present. The resulting fusion protein acts as a molecular driver in the tumor development and interferes, amongst others, with endogenous transcription and splicing. The Ewing sarcoma cell shows a poorly differentiated, stem-cell like phenotype. Consequently, the cellular origin of Ewing sarcoma is still a hot discussed topic. To further characterize Ewing sarcoma and to further elucidate the role of EWSR1-ETS fusion protein multiple genome, epigenome and transcriptome level studies were performed. In this review, the data from these studies were combined into a comprehensive overview. Presently, classical morphological predictive markers are used in the clinic and the therapy is dominantly based on systemic chemotherapy in combination with surgical interventions. Using sequencing, novel predictive markers and candidates for immuno- and targeted therapy were identified which were summarized in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurens G L Sand
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden 2333 ZA, The Netherlands.
| | - Karoly Szuhai
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden 2333 ZA, The Netherlands.
| | - Pancras C W Hogendoorn
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden 2333 ZA, The Netherlands.
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29
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Lamhamedi-Cherradi SE, Menegaz BA, Ramamoorthy V, Aiyer RA, Maywald RL, Buford AS, Doolittle DK, Culotta KS, O'Dorisio JE, Ludwig JA. An Oral Formulation of YK-4-279: Preclinical Efficacy and Acquired Resistance Patterns in Ewing Sarcoma. Mol Cancer Ther 2015; 14:1591-604. [PMID: 25964201 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-14-0334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2014] [Accepted: 04/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma is a transcription factor-mediated pediatric bone tumor caused by a chromosomal translocation of the EWSR1 gene and one of several genes in the ETS family of transcription factors, typically FLI1 or ERG. Full activity of the resulting oncogenic fusion protein occurs only after binding RNA helicase A (RHA), and novel biologically targeted small molecules designed to interfere with that interaction have shown early promise in the preclinical setting. Herein, we demonstrate marked preclinical antineoplastic activity of an orally bioavailable formulation of YK-4-279 and identify mechanisms of acquired chemotherapy resistance that may be exploited to induce collateral sensitivity. Daily enteral administration of YK-4-279 led to significant delay in Ewing sarcoma tumor growth within a murine model. In advance of anticipated early-phase human clinical trials, we investigated both de novo and acquired mechanism(s) by which Ewing sarcoma cells evade YK-4-279-mediated cell death. Drug-resistant clones, formed by chronic in vitro exposure to steadily increased levels of YK-4-279, overexpressed c-Kit, cyclin D1, pStat3(Y705), and PKC isoforms. Interestingly, cross-resistance to imatinib and enzastaurin (selective inhibitors of c-Kit and PKC-β, respectively), was observed and the use of YK-4-279 with enzastaurin in vitro led to marked drug synergy, suggesting a potential role for combination therapies in the future. By advancing an oral formulation of YK-4-279 and identifying prominent mechanisms of resistance, this preclinical research takes us one step closer to a shared goal of curing adolescents and young adults afflicted by Ewing sarcoma.
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MESH Headings
- Administration, Oral
- Animals
- Area Under Curve
- Blotting, Western
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Proliferation/drug effects
- Cell Proliferation/genetics
- Cell Survival/drug effects
- Cell Survival/genetics
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm
- Gene Expression Profiling/methods
- Humans
- Indoles/administration & dosage
- Indoles/pharmacokinetics
- Indoles/pharmacology
- Interleukin Receptor Common gamma Subunit/deficiency
- Interleukin Receptor Common gamma Subunit/genetics
- Male
- Mice, Inbred NOD
- Mice, Knockout
- Mice, SCID
- Proteomics/methods
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Sarcoma, Ewing/drug therapy
- Sarcoma, Ewing/genetics
- Sarcoma, Ewing/metabolism
- Survival Analysis
- Tissue Distribution
- Treatment Outcome
- Tumor Burden/drug effects
- Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brian A Menegaz
- Department of Sarcoma Medical Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Vandhana Ramamoorthy
- Department of Sarcoma Medical Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | | | - Rebecca L Maywald
- Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Adrianna S Buford
- Department of Sarcoma Medical Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Dannette K Doolittle
- Laboratory of Experimental Therapeutics, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Kirk S Culotta
- Laboratory of Experimental Therapeutics, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | | | - Joseph A Ludwig
- Department of Sarcoma Medical Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
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30
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Oncogenic fusion protein EWS-FLI1 is a network hub that regulates alternative splicing. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2015; 112:E1307-16. [PMID: 25737553 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1500536112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The synthesis and processing of mRNA, from transcription to translation initiation, often requires splicing of intragenic material. The final mRNA composition varies based on proteins that modulate splice site selection. EWS-FLI1 is an Ewing sarcoma (ES) oncoprotein with an interactome that we demonstrate to have multiple partners in spliceosomal complexes. We evaluate the effect of EWS-FLI1 on posttranscriptional gene regulation using both exon array and RNA-seq. Genes that potentially regulate oncogenesis, including CLK1, CASP3, PPFIBP1, and TERT, validate as alternatively spliced by EWS-FLI1. In a CLIP-seq experiment, we find that EWS-FLI1 RNA-binding motifs most frequently occur adjacent to intron-exon boundaries. EWS-FLI1 also alters splicing by directly binding to known splicing factors including DDX5, hnRNP K, and PRPF6. Reduction of EWS-FLI1 produces an isoform of γ-TERT that has increased telomerase activity compared with wild-type (WT) TERT. The small molecule YK-4-279 is an inhibitor of EWS-FLI1 oncogenic function that disrupts specific protein interactions, including helicases DDX5 and RNA helicase A (RHA) that alters RNA-splicing ratios. As such, YK-4-279 validates the splicing mechanism of EWS-FLI1, showing alternatively spliced gene patterns that significantly overlap with EWS-FLI1 reduction and WT human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC). Exon array analysis of 75 ES patient samples shows similar isoform expression patterns to cell line models expressing EWS-FLI1, supporting the clinical relevance of our findings. These experiments establish systemic alternative splicing as an oncogenic process modulated by EWS-FLI1. EWS-FLI1 modulation of mRNA splicing may provide insight into the contribution of splicing toward oncogenesis, and, reciprocally, EWS-FLI1 interactions with splicing proteins may inform the splicing code.
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