1
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Kim SJ, Kiser PK, Asfaha S, DeKoter RP, Dick FA. EZH2 inhibition stimulates repetitive element expression and viral mimicry in resting splenic B cells. EMBO J 2023; 42:e114462. [PMID: 37934086 PMCID: PMC10711652 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2023114462] [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: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian cells repress expression of repetitive genomic sequences by forming heterochromatin. However, the consequences of ectopic repeat expression remain unclear. Here we demonstrate that inhibitors of EZH2, the catalytic subunit of the Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), stimulate repeat misexpression and cell death in resting splenic B cells. B cells are uniquely sensitive to these agents because they exhibit high levels of histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) and correspondingly low DNA methylation at repeat elements. We generated a pattern recognition receptor loss-of-function mouse model, called RIC, with mutations in Rigi (encoding for RIG-I), Ifih1 (MDA5), and Cgas. In both wildtype and RIC mutant B cells, EZH2 inhibition caused loss of H3K27me3 at repetitive elements and upregulated their expression. However, NF-κB-dependent expression of inflammatory chemokines and subsequent cell death was suppressed by the RIC mutations. We further show that inhibition of EZH2 in cancer cells requires the same pattern recognition receptors to activate an interferon response. Together, the results reveal chemokine expression induced by EZH2 inhibitors in B cells as a novel inflammatory response to genomic repeat expression. Given the overlap of genes induced by EZH2 inhibitors and Epstein-Barr virus infection, this response can be described as a form of viral mimicry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung J Kim
- London Regional Cancer ProgramChildren's Health Research InstituteLondonONCanada
- London Health Sciences Research InstituteLondonONCanada
- Department of BiochemistryWestern UniversityLondonONCanada
| | - Patti K Kiser
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory MedicineWestern UniversityLondonONCanada
| | - Samuel Asfaha
- London Regional Cancer ProgramChildren's Health Research InstituteLondonONCanada
- London Health Sciences Research InstituteLondonONCanada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory MedicineWestern UniversityLondonONCanada
- Department of MedicineWestern UniversityLondonONCanada
| | - Rodney P DeKoter
- Department of Microbiology & ImmunologyWestern UniversityLondonONCanada
| | - Frederick A Dick
- London Regional Cancer ProgramChildren's Health Research InstituteLondonONCanada
- London Health Sciences Research InstituteLondonONCanada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory MedicineWestern UniversityLondonONCanada
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2
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Liu L, Xiao B, Hirukawa A, Smith HW, Zuo D, Sanguin-Gendreau V, McCaffrey L, Nam AJ, Muller WJ. Ezh2 promotes mammary tumor initiation through epigenetic regulation of the Wnt and mTORC1 signaling pathways. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2303010120. [PMID: 37549258 PMCID: PMC10438390 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2303010120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The regulation of gene expression through histone posttranslational modifications plays a crucial role in breast cancer progression. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the contribution of histone modification to tumor initiation remain unclear. To gain a deeper understanding of the role of the histone modifier Enhancer of Zeste homology 2 (Ezh2) in the early stages of mammary tumor progression, we employed an inducible mammary organoid system bearing conditional Ezh2 alleles that faithfully recapitulates key events of luminal B breast cancer initiation. We showed that the loss of Ezh2 severely impairs oncogene-induced organoid growth, with Ezh2-deficient organoids maintaining a polarized epithelial phenotype. Transcriptomic profiling showed that Ezh2-deficient mammary epithelial cells up-regulated the expression of negative regulators of Wnt signaling and down-regulated genes involved in mTORC1 (mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1) signaling. We identified Sfrp1, a Wnt signaling suppressor, as an Ezh2 target gene that is derepressed and expressed in Ezh2-deficient epithelium. Furthermore, an analysis of breast cancer data revealed that Sfrp1 expression was associated with favorable clinical outcomes in luminal B breast cancer patients. Finally, we confirmed that targeting Ezh2 impairs mTORC1 activity through an indirect mechanism that up-regulates the expression of the tumor suppressor Pten. These findings indicate that Ezh2 integrates the mTORC1 and Wnt signaling pathways during early mammary tumor progression, arguing that inhibiting Ezh2 or therapeutically targeting Ezh2-dependent programs could be beneficial for the treatment of early-stage luminal B breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linshan Liu
- Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Research Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QCH3A 1A3, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QCH3A 1A3, Canada
| | - Bin Xiao
- Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Research Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QCH3A 1A3, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QCH3A 1A3, Canada
| | - Alison Hirukawa
- Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Research Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QCH3A 1A3, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QCH3A 1A3, Canada
| | - Harvey W. Smith
- Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Research Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QCH3A 1A3, Canada
| | - Dongmei Zuo
- Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Research Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QCH3A 1A3, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QCH3A 1A3, Canada
| | - Virginie Sanguin-Gendreau
- Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Research Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QCH3A 1A3, Canada
| | - Luke McCaffrey
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QCH3A 1A3, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QCH3A 1A3, Canada
- Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, QCH3A0G4, Canada
| | - Alice Jisoo Nam
- Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Research Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QCH3A 1A3, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QCH3A 1A3, Canada
| | - William J. Muller
- Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Research Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QCH3A 1A3, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QCH3A 1A3, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QCH3A 1A3, Canada
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3
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Fischer S, Liefke R. Polycomb-like Proteins in Gene Regulation and Cancer. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14040938. [PMID: 37107696 PMCID: PMC10137883 DOI: 10.3390/genes14040938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Polycomb-like proteins (PCLs) are a crucial group of proteins associated with the Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) and are responsible for setting up the PRC2.1 subcomplex. In the vertebrate system, three homologous PCLs exist: PHF1 (PCL1), MTF2 (PCL2), and PHF19 (PCL3). Although the PCLs share a similar domain composition, they differ significantly in their primary sequence. PCLs play a critical role in targeting PRC2.1 to its genomic targets and regulating the functionality of PRC2. However, they also have PRC2-independent functions. In addition to their physiological roles, their dysregulation has been associated with various human cancers. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms of the PCLs and how alterations in their functionality contribute to cancer development. We particularly highlight the nonoverlapping and partially opposing roles of the three PCLs in human cancer. Our review provides important insights into the biological significance of the PCLs and their potential as therapeutic targets for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Fischer
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Tumor Research (IMT), Philipps University of Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Robert Liefke
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Tumor Research (IMT), Philipps University of Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Immunology, University Hospital Giessen and Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany
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4
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Yan J, Chen Y, Patel AJ, Warda S, Lee CJ, Nixon BG, Wong EW, Miranda-Román MA, Yang N, Wang Y, Pachai MR, Sher J, Giff E, Tang F, Khurana E, Singer S, Liu Y, Galbo PM, Maag JL, Koche RP, Zheng D, Antonescu CR, Deng L, Li MO, Chen Y, Chi P. Tumor-intrinsic PRC2 inactivation drives a context-dependent immune-desert microenvironment and is sensitized by immunogenic viruses. J Clin Invest 2022; 132:e153437. [PMID: 35852856 PMCID: PMC9433107 DOI: 10.1172/jci153437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has demonstrated clinical success in "inflamed" tumors with substantial T cell infiltrates, but tumors with an immune-desert tumor microenvironment (TME) fail to benefit. The tumor cell-intrinsic molecular mechanisms of the immune-desert phenotype remain poorly understood. Here, we demonstrated that inactivation of the polycomb-repressive complex 2 (PRC2) core components embryonic ectoderm development (EED) or suppressor of zeste 12 homolog (SUZ12), a prevalent genetic event in malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) and sporadically in other cancers, drove a context-dependent immune-desert TME. PRC2 inactivation reprogramed the chromatin landscape that led to a cell-autonomous shift from primed baseline signaling-dependent cellular responses (e.g., IFN-γ signaling) to PRC2-regulated developmental and cellular differentiation transcriptional programs. Further, PRC2 inactivation led to diminished tumor immune infiltrates through reduced chemokine production and impaired antigen presentation and T cell priming, resulting in primary resistance to ICB. Intratumoral delivery of inactivated modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) enhanced tumor immune infiltrates and sensitized PRC2-loss tumors to ICB. Our results identify molecular mechanisms of PRC2 inactivation-mediated, context-dependent epigenetic reprogramming that underline the immune-desert phenotype in cancer. Our studies also point to intratumoral delivery of immunogenic viruses as an initial therapeutic strategy to modulate the immune-desert TME and capitalize on the clinical benefit of ICB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Yan
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Yuedan Chen
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
- Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Cornell University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Amish J. Patel
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Sarah Warda
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Cindy J. Lee
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Briana G. Nixon
- Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Cornell University, New York, New York, USA
- Immunology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute
| | - Elissa W.P. Wong
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Miguel A. Miranda-Román
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
- Louis V. Gerstner Jr. Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, and
| | - Ning Yang
- Dermatology Service, Department of Medicine, MSK Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Yi Wang
- Dermatology Service, Department of Medicine, MSK Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Mohini R. Pachai
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jessica Sher
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Emily Giff
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Fanying Tang
- Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Cornell University, New York, New York, USA
- Institute for Computational Biomedicine
- Meyer Cancer Center, and
| | - Ekta Khurana
- Institute for Computational Biomedicine
- Meyer Cancer Center, and
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Sam Singer
- Department of Surgery, MSK Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Phillip M. Galbo
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Jesper L.V. Maag
- Center for Epigenetics Research, MSK Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Richard P. Koche
- Center for Epigenetics Research, MSK Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Deyou Zheng
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
- Department of Neurology, and
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | | | - Liang Deng
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
- Dermatology Service, Department of Medicine, MSK Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ming O. Li
- Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Cornell University, New York, New York, USA
- Immunology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute
- Louis V. Gerstner Jr. Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, and
| | - Yu Chen
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
- Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Cornell University, New York, New York, USA
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Medicine, MSK Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ping Chi
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
- Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Cornell University, New York, New York, USA
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Medicine, MSK Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
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5
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So JY, Ohm J, Lipkowitz S, Yang L. Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC): Non-genetic tumor heterogeneity and immune microenvironment: Emerging treatment options. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 237:108253. [PMID: 35872332 PMCID: PMC9378710 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype characterized by extensive intra-tumoral heterogeneity, and frequently develops resistance to therapies. Tumor heterogeneity and lack of biomarkers are thought to be some of the most difficult challenges driving therapeutic resistance and relapse. This review will summarize current therapy for TNBC, studies in treatment resistance and relapse, including data from recent single cell sequencing. We will discuss changes in both the transcriptome and epigenome of TNBC, and we will review mechanisms regulating the immune microenvironment. Lastly, we will provide new perspective in patient stratification, and treatment options targeting transcriptome dysregulation and the immune microenvironment of TNBC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Young So
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Joyce Ohm
- Department of Cancer Genetics and Genomics, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Stan Lipkowitz
- Women's Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Li Yang
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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6
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Critical Roles of Polycomb Repressive Complexes in Transcription and Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23179574. [PMID: 36076977 PMCID: PMC9455514 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycomp group (PcG) proteins are members of highly conserved multiprotein complexes, recognized as gene transcriptional repressors during development and shown to play a role in various physiological and pathological processes. PcG proteins consist of two Polycomb repressive complexes (PRCs) with different enzymatic activities: Polycomb repressive complexes 1 (PRC1), a ubiquitin ligase, and Polycomb repressive complexes 2 (PRC2), a histone methyltransferase. Traditionally, PRCs have been described to be associated with transcriptional repression of homeotic genes, as well as gene transcription activating effects. Particularly in cancer, PRCs have been found to misregulate gene expression, not only depending on the function of the whole PRCs, but also through their separate subunits. In this review, we focused especially on the recent findings in the transcriptional regulation of PRCs, the oncogenic and tumor-suppressive roles of PcG proteins, and the research progress of inhibitors targeting PRCs.
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7
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Liu X, Liu X. PRC2, Chromatin Regulation, and Human Disease: Insights From Molecular Structure and Function. Front Oncol 2022; 12:894585. [PMID: 35800061 PMCID: PMC9255955 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.894585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) is a multisubunit histone-modifying enzyme complex that mediates methylation of histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27). Trimethylated H3K27 (H3K27me3) is an epigenetic hallmark of gene silencing. PRC2 plays a crucial role in a plethora of fundamental biological processes, and PRC2 dysregulation has been repeatedly implicated in cancers and developmental disorders. Here, we review the current knowledge on mechanisms of cellular regulation of PRC2 function, particularly regarding H3K27 methylation and chromatin targeting. PRC2-related disease mechanisms are also discussed. The mode of action of PRC2 in gene regulation is summarized, which includes competition between H3K27 methylation and acetylation, crosstalk with transcription machinery, and formation of high-order chromatin structure. Recent progress in the structural biology of PRC2 is highlighted from the aspects of complex assembly, enzyme catalysis, and chromatin recruitment, which together provide valuable insights into PRC2 function in close-to-atomic detail. Future studies on the molecular function and structure of PRC2 in the context of native chromatin and in the presence of other regulators like RNAs will continue to deepen our understanding of the stability and plasticity of developmental transcriptional programs broadly impacted by PRC2.
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8
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Genome-wide CRISPR screen identifies PRC2 and KMT2D-COMPASS as regulators of distinct EMT trajectories that contribute differentially to metastasis. Nat Cell Biol 2022; 24:554-564. [PMID: 35411083 PMCID: PMC9037576 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-022-00877-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) programs operate within carcinoma
cells in which they generate phenotypes associated with malignant progression.
In their various manifestations, EMT programs enable epithelial cells to enter
into a series of intermediate states arrayed along the E-M phenotypic spectrum.
At present, we lack a coherent understanding of how carcinoma cells control
their entrance into and continued residence in these various states, and which
of these states favor the process of metastasis. Here, we characterize a layer
of EMT-regulating machinery that governs E-M plasticity (EMP). This machinery
consists of two chromatin-modifying complexes, PRC2 and KMT2D-COMPASS, that
operate as critical regulators to maintain a stable epithelial state.
Interestingly, loss of these two complexes unlocks two distinct EMT
trajectories. Dysfunction of PRC2, but not KMT2D-COMPASS, yields a
quasi-mesenchymal state that is associated with highly metastatic capabilities
and poor survival of breast cancer patients, suggesting great caution should be
applied when PRC2 inhibitors are evaluated clinically in certain patient
cohorts. These observations identify epigenetic factors that regulate E-M
plasticity, determine specific intermediate EMT states and, as a direct
consequence, govern the metastatic ability of carcinoma cells.
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9
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Parreno V, Martinez AM, Cavalli G. Mechanisms of Polycomb group protein function in cancer. Cell Res 2022; 32:231-253. [PMID: 35046519 PMCID: PMC8888700 DOI: 10.1038/s41422-021-00606-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
AbstractCancer arises from a multitude of disorders resulting in loss of differentiation and a stem cell-like phenotype characterized by uncontrolled growth. Polycomb Group (PcG) proteins are members of multiprotein complexes that are highly conserved throughout evolution. Historically, they have been described as essential for maintaining epigenetic cellular memory by locking homeotic genes in a transcriptionally repressed state. What was initially thought to be a function restricted to a few target genes, subsequently turned out to be of much broader relevance, since the main role of PcG complexes is to ensure a dynamically choregraphed spatio-temporal regulation of their numerous target genes during development. Their ability to modify chromatin landscapes and refine the expression of master genes controlling major switches in cellular decisions under physiological conditions is often misregulated in tumors. Surprisingly, their functional implication in the initiation and progression of cancer may be either dependent on Polycomb complexes, or specific for a subunit that acts independently of other PcG members. In this review, we describe how misregulated Polycomb proteins play a pleiotropic role in cancer by altering a broad spectrum of biological processes such as the proliferation-differentiation balance, metabolism and the immune response, all of which are crucial in tumor progression. We also illustrate how interfering with PcG functions can provide a powerful strategy to counter tumor progression.
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10
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Holoch D, Wassef M, Lövkvist C, Zielinski D, Aflaki S, Lombard B, Héry T, Loew D, Howard M, Margueron R. A cis-acting mechanism mediates transcriptional memory at Polycomb target genes in mammals. Nat Genet 2021; 53:1686-1697. [PMID: 34782763 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-021-00964-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic inheritance of gene expression states enables a single genome to maintain distinct cellular identities. How histone modifications contribute to this process remains unclear. Using global chromatin perturbations and local, time-controlled modulation of transcription, we establish the existence of epigenetic memory of transcriptional activation for genes that can be silenced by the Polycomb group. This property emerges during cell differentiation and allows genes to be stably switched after a transient transcriptional stimulus. This transcriptional memory state at Polycomb targets operates in cis; however, rather than relying solely on read-and-write propagation of histone modifications, the memory is also linked to the strength of activating inputs opposing Polycomb proteins, and therefore varies with the cellular context. Our data and computational simulations suggest a model whereby transcriptional memory arises from double-negative feedback between Polycomb-mediated silencing and active transcription. Transcriptional memory at Polycomb targets thus depends not only on histone modifications but also on the gene-regulatory network and underlying identity of a cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Holoch
- Institut Curie, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, Sorbonne University, Paris, France.,INSERM U934/CNRS UMR 3215, Paris, France
| | - Michel Wassef
- Institut Curie, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, Sorbonne University, Paris, France.,INSERM U934/CNRS UMR 3215, Paris, France
| | - Cecilia Lövkvist
- John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK. .,Biotech Research and Innovation Centre, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Dina Zielinski
- Institut Curie, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, Sorbonne University, Paris, France.,INSERM U934/CNRS UMR 3215, Paris, France.,INSERM U900, Mines ParisTech, Paris, France
| | - Setareh Aflaki
- Institut Curie, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, Sorbonne University, Paris, France.,INSERM U934/CNRS UMR 3215, Paris, France
| | - Bérangère Lombard
- Institut Curie, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, Sorbonne University, Paris, France.,Proteomics Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, Paris, France
| | - Tiphaine Héry
- Institut Curie, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, Sorbonne University, Paris, France.,INSERM U934/CNRS UMR 3215, Paris, France
| | - Damarys Loew
- Institut Curie, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, Sorbonne University, Paris, France.,Proteomics Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, Paris, France
| | - Martin Howard
- John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
| | - Raphaël Margueron
- Institut Curie, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, Sorbonne University, Paris, France. .,INSERM U934/CNRS UMR 3215, Paris, France.
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11
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Mieczkowska IK, Pantelaiou-Prokaki G, Prokakis E, Schmidt GE, Müller-Kirschbaum LC, Werner M, Sen M, Velychko T, Jannasch K, Dullin C, Napp J, Pantel K, Wikman H, Wiese M, Kramm CM, Alves F, Wegwitz F. Decreased PRC2 activity supports the survival of basal-like breast cancer cells to cytotoxic treatments. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:1118. [PMID: 34845197 PMCID: PMC8630036 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-04407-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer occurring in women but also rarely develops in men. Recent advances in early diagnosis and development of targeted therapies have greatly improved the survival rate of BC patients. However, the basal-like BC subtype (BLBC), largely overlapping with the triple-negative BC subtype (TNBC), lacks such drug targets and conventional cytotoxic chemotherapies often remain the only treatment option. Thus, the development of resistance to cytotoxic therapies has fatal consequences. To assess the involvement of epigenetic mechanisms and their therapeutic potential increasing cytotoxic drug efficiency, we combined high-throughput RNA- and ChIP-sequencing analyses in BLBC cells. Tumor cells surviving chemotherapy upregulated transcriptional programs of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and stemness. To our surprise, the same cells showed a pronounced reduction of polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) activity via downregulation of its subunits Ezh2, Suz12, Rbbp7 and Mtf2. Mechanistically, loss of PRC2 activity leads to the de-repression of a set of genes through an epigenetic switch from repressive H3K27me3 to activating H3K27ac mark at regulatory regions. We identified Nfatc1 as an upregulated gene upon loss of PRC2 activity and directly implicated in the transcriptional changes happening upon survival to chemotherapy. Blocking NFATc1 activation reduced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, aggressiveness, and therapy resistance of BLBC cells. Our data demonstrate a previously unknown function of PRC2 maintaining low Nfatc1 expression levels and thereby repressing aggressiveness and therapy resistance in BLBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iga K. Mieczkowska
- grid.411984.10000 0001 0482 5331Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Garyfallia Pantelaiou-Prokaki
- grid.411984.10000 0001 0482 5331Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany ,grid.419522.90000 0001 0668 6902Translational Molecular Imaging, Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Evangelos Prokakis
- grid.411984.10000 0001 0482 5331Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Geske E. Schmidt
- grid.411984.10000 0001 0482 5331Department of Gastroenterology, GI-Oncology and Endocrinology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Lukas C. Müller-Kirschbaum
- grid.411984.10000 0001 0482 5331Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Marcel Werner
- grid.411984.10000 0001 0482 5331Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Madhobi Sen
- grid.411984.10000 0001 0482 5331Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Taras Velychko
- grid.411984.10000 0001 0482 5331Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Katharina Jannasch
- grid.411984.10000 0001 0482 5331Clinic for Haematology and Medical Oncology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Christian Dullin
- grid.419522.90000 0001 0668 6902Translational Molecular Imaging, Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany ,grid.411984.10000 0001 0482 5331Clinic for Haematology and Medical Oncology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany ,grid.411984.10000 0001 0482 5331Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Joanna Napp
- grid.419522.90000 0001 0668 6902Translational Molecular Imaging, Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany ,grid.411984.10000 0001 0482 5331Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Klaus Pantel
- grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484Institute of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Harriet Wikman
- grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484Institute of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Maria Wiese
- grid.411984.10000 0001 0482 5331Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Christof M. Kramm
- grid.411984.10000 0001 0482 5331Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Frauke Alves
- grid.419522.90000 0001 0668 6902Translational Molecular Imaging, Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany ,grid.411984.10000 0001 0482 5331Clinic for Haematology and Medical Oncology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany ,grid.411984.10000 0001 0482 5331Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Florian Wegwitz
- Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany. .,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.
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12
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Li W, Wu H, Sui S, Wang Q, Xu S, Pang D. Targeting Histone Modifications in Breast Cancer: A Precise Weapon on the Way. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:736935. [PMID: 34595180 PMCID: PMC8476812 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.736935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Histone modifications (HMs) contribute to maintaining genomic stability, transcription, DNA repair, and modulating chromatin in cancer cells. Furthermore, HMs are dynamic and reversible processes that involve interactions between numerous enzymes and molecular components. Aberrant HMs are strongly associated with tumorigenesis and progression of breast cancer (BC), although the specific mechanisms are not completely understood. Moreover, there is no comprehensive overview of abnormal HMs in BC, and BC therapies that target HMs are still in their infancy. Therefore, this review summarizes the existing evidence regarding HMs that are involved in BC and the potential mechanisms that are related to aberrant HMs. Moreover, this review examines the currently available agents and approved drugs that have been tested in pre-clinical and clinical studies to evaluate their effects on HMs. Finally, this review covers the barriers to the clinical application of therapies that target HMs, and possible strategies that could help overcome these barriers and accelerate the use of these therapies to cure patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Harbin Medical University Third Hospital: Tumor Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Hao Wu
- Harbin Medical University Third Hospital: Tumor Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Shiyao Sui
- Harbin Medical University Third Hospital: Tumor Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Qin Wang
- Harbin Medical University Third Hospital: Tumor Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Shouping Xu
- Harbin Medical University Third Hospital: Tumor Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Da Pang
- Harbin Medical University Third Hospital: Tumor Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.,Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Harbin, China
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13
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Chen MK. Efficacy of PARP inhibition combined with EZH2 inhibition depends on BRCA mutation status and microenvironment in breast cancer. FEBS J 2021; 288:2884-2887. [PMID: 33570247 PMCID: PMC8096666 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The efficacy of the combination of a PARP inhibitor (PARPi) and an EZH2 inhibitor has been investigated in breast cancer cells with either BRCA1 mutation or BRCA2 mutation. However, earlier studies focused on the efficacy of this combination against BRCA-mutated but not BRCA-proficient breast cancer. Yang et al. observed that PARP1 depletion combined with EZH2 depletion via PRC2 depletion did not affect the growth of BRCA1/2 wild-type breast cancer cells in vitro. Moreover, Yang et al. reported that this combination stimulated synthetic viability of BRCA1/2-proficient breast cancer cells in vivo by regulating the tumor microenvironment to induce angiogenesis and differentiation of M2-type macrophages. The findings of Yang et al. provided evidence that both in vitro and animal models should be employed in the studies of PARPi combination therapies in order to involve the alteration of the tumor microenvironment in these investigations. These studies of PARP inhibition combined with EZH2 inhibition in breast cancer showed that this combination may benefit breast cancer patients carrying BRCA1-mutated tumor, but the combination may also enhance recurrence of BRCA2-mutated tumor and may even promote BRCA-proficient cancer cell survival. Therefore, BRCA1 mutation status should be used to select breast cancer patients for PARPi and EZH2 inhibitor combination treatment in clinical trials in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei-Kuang Chen
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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14
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Lee JE, Kim MY. Cancer epigenetics: Past, present and future. Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 83:4-14. [PMID: 33798724 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cancer was thought to be caused solely by genetic mutations in oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. In the last 35 years, however, epigenetic changes have been increasingly recognized as another primary driver of carcinogenesis and cancer progression. Epigenetic deregulation in cancer often includes mutations and/or aberrant expression of chromatin-modifying enzymes, their associated proteins, and even non-coding RNAs, which can alter chromatin structure and dynamics. This leads to changes in gene expression that ultimately contribute to the emergence and evolution of cancer cells. Studies of the deregulation of chromatin modifiers in cancer cells have reshaped the way we approach cancer and guided the development of novel anticancer therapeutics that target epigenetic factors. There remain, however, a number of unanswered questions in this field that are the focus of present research. Areas of particular interest include the actions of emerging classes of epigenetic regulators of carcinogenesis and the tumor microenvironment, as well as epigenetic tumor heterogeneity. In this review, we discuss past findings on epigenetic mechanisms of cancer, current trends in the field of cancer epigenetics, and the directions of future research that may lead to the identification of new prognostic markers for cancer and the development of more effective anticancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Eun Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi-Young Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea; KAIST Institute for the BioCentury, Cancer Metastasis Control Center, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.
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15
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Francis JC, Gardiner JR, Renaud Y, Chauhan R, Weinstein Y, Gomez-Sanchez C, Lefrançois-Martinez AM, Bertherat J, Val P, Swain A. HOX genes promote cell proliferation and are potential therapeutic targets in adrenocortical tumours. Br J Cancer 2020; 124:805-816. [PMID: 33214683 PMCID: PMC7884796 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-020-01166-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Understanding the pathways that drive adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is essential to the development of more effective therapies. This study investigates the role of the transcription factor HOXB9 and other HOX factors in ACC and its treatment. Methods We used transgenic mouse models to determine the role of Hoxb9 in adrenal tumour development. Patient transcriptomic data was analysed for the expression of HOX genes and their association with disease. Drug response studies on various adrenocortical models were done to establish novel therapeutic options. Results Our human ACC dataset analyses showed high expression of HOXB9, and other HOX factors, are associated with poorer prognosis. Transgenic overexpression of Hoxb9 in the adrenal cortex of mice with activated Ctnnb1 led to larger adrenal tumours. This phenotype was preferentially observed in male mice and was characterised by more proliferating cells and an increase in the expression of cell cycle genes, including Ccne1. Adrenal tumour cells were found to be dependent on HOX function for survival and were sensitive to a specific peptide inhibitor. Conclusions These studies show Hoxb9 can promote adrenal tumour progression in a sex-dependent manner and have identified HOX factors as potential drug targets, leading to novel therapeutic approaches in ACC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey C Francis
- Division of Cancer Biology, The Institute of Cancer Research, 237 Fulham Road, London, UK
| | - Jennifer R Gardiner
- Division of Cancer Biology, The Institute of Cancer Research, 237 Fulham Road, London, UK
| | - Yoan Renaud
- Genétique Reproduction & Développement, CNRS UMR 6293, Inserm U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 63001, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Ritika Chauhan
- Tumour Profiling Unit, The Institute of Cancer Research, 237 Fulham Road, London, UK
| | - Yacob Weinstein
- The Shraga Segal Dept. of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, 84105, Israel
| | - Celso Gomez-Sanchez
- Division of Endocrinology, Medical Service, G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center, 1500 E. Woodrow Wilson Dr, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA
| | - Anne-Marie Lefrançois-Martinez
- Genétique Reproduction & Développement, CNRS UMR 6293, Inserm U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 63001, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Jérôme Bertherat
- Institut Cochin, Inserm U1016, CNRS UMR 8104, Université Paris Descartes, UMR-S1016, 75014, Paris, France
| | - Pierre Val
- Genétique Reproduction & Développement, CNRS UMR 6293, Inserm U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 63001, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Amanda Swain
- Division of Cancer Biology, The Institute of Cancer Research, 237 Fulham Road, London, UK.
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16
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Mortimer T, Wainwright EN, Patel H, Siow BM, Jaunmuktane Z, Brandner S, Scaffidi P. Redistribution of EZH2 promotes malignant phenotypes by rewiring developmental programmes. EMBO Rep 2019; 20:e48155. [PMID: 31468686 PMCID: PMC6776892 DOI: 10.15252/embr.201948155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Revised: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic regulators are often hijacked by cancer cells to sustain malignant phenotypes. How cells repurpose key regulators of cell identity as tumour-promoting factors is unclear. The antithetic role of the Polycomb component EZH2 in normal brain and glioma provides a paradigm to dissect how wild-type chromatin modifiers gain a pathological function in cancer. Here, we show that oncogenic signalling induces redistribution of EZH2 across the genome, and through misregulation of homeotic genes corrupts the identity of neural cells. Characterisation of EZH2 targets in de novo transformed cells, combined with analysis of glioma patient datasets and cell lines, reveals that acquisition of tumorigenic potential is accompanied by a transcriptional switch involving de-repression of spinal cord-specifying HOX genes and concomitant silencing of the empty spiracles homologue EMX2, a critical regulator of neurogenesis in the forebrain. Maintenance of tumorigenic potential by glioblastoma cells requires EMX2 repression, since forced EMX2 expression prevents tumour formation. Thus, by redistributing EZH2 across the genome, cancer cells subvert developmental transcriptional programmes that specify normal cell identity and remove physiological breaks that restrain cell proliferation.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Carcinogenesis/genetics
- Carcinogenesis/pathology
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/metabolism
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/pathology
- Chromatin/metabolism
- DNA Methylation/genetics
- Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 Protein/metabolism
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Genes, Homeobox
- Glioma/genetics
- Glioma/pathology
- Humans
- Male
- Mice, Inbred NOD
- Models, Biological
- Phenotype
- Protein Binding
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Transcription, Genetic
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Mortimer
- Cancer Epigenetics LaboratoryThe Francis Crick InstituteLondonUK
| | | | - Harshil Patel
- Bioinformatics and BiostatisticsThe Francis Crick InstituteLondonUK
| | | | - Zane Jaunmuktane
- Department of Clinical and Movement NeurosciencesQueen Square Brain BankUCL Queen Square Institute of NeurologyLondonUK
- Division of NeuropathologyNational Hospital for Neurology and NeurosurgeryUniversity College London Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
| | - Sebastian Brandner
- Division of NeuropathologyNational Hospital for Neurology and NeurosurgeryUniversity College London Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
- Department of Neurodegenerative DiseaseUCL Queen Square Institute of NeurologyLondonUK
| | - Paola Scaffidi
- Cancer Epigenetics LaboratoryThe Francis Crick InstituteLondonUK
- UCL Cancer InstituteUniversity College LondonLondonUK
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17
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Duan S, Chan WK, Oman A, Basile DP, Alvira CM, Buxton IL, Iosef C. NF-κB/NKILA signaling modulates the anti-cancerous effects of EZH2 inhibition. J Cell Mol Med 2019; 23:6182-6192. [PMID: 31282094 PMCID: PMC6714229 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Revised: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
A wealth of evidence supports the broad therapeutic potential of NF-κB and EZH2 inhibitors as adjuvants for breast cancer treatment. We contribute to this knowledge by elucidating, for the first time, unique regulatory crosstalk between EZH2, NF-κB and the NF-κB interacting long non-coding RNA (NKILA). We define a novel signaling loop encompassing canonical and non-canonical actions of EZH2 on the regulation of NF-κB/NKILA homeostasis, with relevance to breast cancer treatment. We applied a respective silencing approach in non-transformed breast epithelial cells, triple negative MDA-MB-231 cells and hormone responsive MCF-7 cells, and measured changes in EZH2/NF-κB/NKILA levels to confirm their interdependence. We demonstrate cell line-specific fluctuations in these factors that functionally contribute to epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) remodelling and cell fate response. EZH2 inhibition attenuates MDA-MB-231 cell motility and CDK4-mediated MCF-7 cell cycle regulation, while inducing global H3K27 methylation and an EMT phenotype in non-transformed cells. Notably, these events are mediated by a cell-context dependent gain or loss of NKILA and NF-κB. Depletion of NF-κB in non-transformed cells enhances their sensitivity to growth factor signaling and suggests a role for the host microenvironment milieu in regulating EZH2/NF-κB/NKILA homeostasis. Taken together, this knowledge critically informs the delivery and assessment of EZH2 inhibitors in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzann Duan
- University of Nevada Reno, School of MedicineRenoNevada
| | | | - Andrew Oman
- University of Nevada Reno, School of MedicineRenoNevada
| | | | | | | | - Cristiana Iosef
- University of Nevada Reno, School of MedicineRenoNevada
- Stanford University School of MedicineStanfordCalifornia
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18
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An ErbB2/c-Src axis links bioenergetics with PRC2 translation to drive epigenetic reprogramming and mammary tumorigenesis. Nat Commun 2019; 10:2901. [PMID: 31263101 PMCID: PMC6603039 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-10681-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation of histone modifications promotes carcinogenesis by altering transcription. Breast cancers frequently overexpress the histone methyltransferase EZH2, the catalytic subunit of Polycomb Repressor Complex 2 (PRC2). However, the role of EZH2 in this setting is unclear due to the context-dependent functions of PRC2 and the heterogeneity of breast cancer. Moreover, the mechanisms underlying PRC2 overexpression in cancer are obscure. Here, using multiple models of breast cancer driven by the oncogene ErbB2, we show that the tyrosine kinase c-Src links energy sufficiency with PRC2 overexpression via control of mRNA translation. By stimulating mitochondrial ATP production, c-Src suppresses energy stress, permitting sustained activation of the mammalian/mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), which increases the translation of mRNAs encoding the PRC2 subunits Ezh2 and Suz12. We show that Ezh2 overexpression and activity are pivotal in ErbB2-mediated mammary tumourigenesis. These results reveal the hitherto unknown c-Src/mTORC1/PRC2 axis, which is essential for ErbB2-driven carcinogenesis. Polycomb Repressor Complex 2 (PRC2) is frequently up-regulated in cancers. Here, the authors show that the tyrosine kinase c-Src stimulates mitochondrial function to signal energy sufficiency to mTORC1, increasing translation of the PRC2 subunits EZH2 and SUZ12 to support ErbB2-dependent tumours.
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19
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Kouznetsova VL, Tchekanov A, Li X, Yan X, Tsigelny IF. Polycomb repressive 2 complex-Molecular mechanisms of function. Protein Sci 2019; 28:1387-1399. [PMID: 31095801 DOI: 10.1002/pro.3647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2019] [Revised: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Numerous molecular processes conduct epigenetic regulation of protein transcription to maintain cell specification. In this review, we discuss molecular mechanisms of the Polycomb group of proteins and its enzymatic role in epigenetics. More specifically, we focus on the Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) and the effects of its repressive marker. We have compiled information regarding the biological structure and how that impacts the stability of the complex. In addition, we examined functions of the individual core proteins of PRC2 in relation to the accessory proteins that interact with the complex. Lastly, we discuss the implications of unregulated and downregulated PRC2 activity in Alzheimer's disease and cancer and possible methods of treatment related to PRC2 regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina L Kouznetsova
- Moores Cancer Center, UC San Diego, La Jolla, California, 92093.,San Diego Supercomputer Center, UC San Diego, La Jolla, California, 92093
| | - Alex Tchekanov
- REHS Program SDSC, UC San Diego, La Jolla, California, 92093
| | - Xiaoming Li
- Saviour Bioscience, Inc., San Diego, California, 92121
| | - Xiaowen Yan
- New Infinity, Inc., Norcross, Georgia, 30092
| | - Igor F Tsigelny
- Moores Cancer Center, UC San Diego, La Jolla, California, 92093.,San Diego Supercomputer Center, UC San Diego, La Jolla, California, 92093.,CureMatch, Inc., San Diego, CA 92121
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20
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Jangal M, Lebeau B, Witcher M. Beyond EZH2: is the polycomb protein CBX2 an emerging target for anti-cancer therapy? Expert Opin Ther Targets 2019; 23:565-578. [PMID: 31177918 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2019.1627329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Epigenetic modifications are important regulators of transcription and appropriate gene expression answering an environmental stimulus. In cancer, these epigenetic modifications are altered, which impact the transcriptome, promoting initiation and cancer progression. Thus, targeting epigenetic machinery has proven to be an efficient cancer therapy. Areas covered: We review CBX2 as a therapeutic target. CBX2 is a polycomb protein, responsible for polycomb-repressive complex 1 (PRC1) targeting to chromatin via recognition of the repressive mark H3K27me3. Mechanistically, CBX2 overexpression may be implicated in poor survival by maintaining cancer stem cells in an undifferentiated state and via repression of tumor suppressors. We discuss strategies used to target CBX proteins and provide insights into biomarker considerations that may be important when targeting CBX family members for anti-cancer therapy. Expert opinion: CBX2 inhibition is a promising approach for the targeting of polycomb complexes in the cancer stem cell niche. However, extensive optimization of the current field of small molecules targeting CBX family proteins will be critical to reach in vivo, or clinical, utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maïka Jangal
- a The Lady Davis Institute of the Jewish General Hospital, Department of Oncology , McGill University , Montreal , Canada
| | - Benjamin Lebeau
- a The Lady Davis Institute of the Jewish General Hospital, Department of Oncology , McGill University , Montreal , Canada
| | - Michael Witcher
- a The Lady Davis Institute of the Jewish General Hospital, Department of Oncology , McGill University , Montreal , Canada
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21
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Cui YS, Song YP, Fang BJ. The role of long non-coding RNAs in multiple myeloma. Eur J Haematol 2019; 103:3-9. [PMID: 30985973 DOI: 10.1111/ejh.13237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) is still an incurable disease, and its pathogenesis involves cytogenetics and epigenetics. In recent years, the roles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in MM have been deeply studied by scholars. LncRNAs are defined as a class of non-protein-coding transcripts greater than 200 nucleotides in length, which are involved in a large spectrum of biological processes, including proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, invasion, and chromatin remodeling. However, little is known about the specific mechanisms of these lncRNAs. They can act as oncogenic and/or tumor-suppressive factors in the development and progression of MM. But that how do they work remains unclear. In this review, the recent progress in the study of functional lncRNAs associated with MM was summarized and the present knowledge about their expression and roles was discussed, to provide guidance for the in-depth functional study of lncRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Shan Cui
- Department of Hematology, Henan Institute of Haematology, Henan Cancer Hospital, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yong-Ping Song
- Department of Hematology, Henan Institute of Haematology, Henan Cancer Hospital, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Bai-Jun Fang
- Department of Hematology, Henan Institute of Haematology, Henan Cancer Hospital, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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22
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Bracken AP, Brien GL, Verrijzer CP. Dangerous liaisons: interplay between SWI/SNF, NuRD, and Polycomb in chromatin regulation and cancer. Genes Dev 2019; 33:936-959. [PMID: 31123059 PMCID: PMC6672049 DOI: 10.1101/gad.326066.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In this review, Bracken et al. discuss the functional organization and biochemical activities of remodelers and Polycomb and explore how they work together to control cell differentiation and the maintenance of cell identity. They also discuss how mutations in the genes encoding these various chromatin regulators contribute to oncogenesis by disrupting the chromatin equilibrium. Changes in chromatin structure mediated by ATP-dependent nucleosome remodelers and histone modifying enzymes are integral to the process of gene regulation. Here, we review the roles of the SWI/SNF (switch/sucrose nonfermenting) and NuRD (nucleosome remodeling and deacetylase) and the Polycomb system in chromatin regulation and cancer. First, we discuss the basic molecular mechanism of nucleosome remodeling, and how this controls gene transcription. Next, we provide an overview of the functional organization and biochemical activities of SWI/SNF, NuRD, and Polycomb complexes. We describe how, in metazoans, the balance of these activities is central to the proper regulation of gene expression and cellular identity during development. Whereas SWI/SNF counteracts Polycomb, NuRD facilitates Polycomb repression on chromatin. Finally, we discuss how disruptions of this regulatory equilibrium contribute to oncogenesis, and how new insights into the biological functions of remodelers and Polycombs are opening avenues for therapeutic interventions on a broad range of cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian P Bracken
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Gerard L Brien
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - C Peter Verrijzer
- Department of Biochemistry, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3000 DR Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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23
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Gorodetska I, Lukiyanchuk V, Peitzsch C, Kozeretska I, Dubrovska A. BRCA1 and EZH2 cooperate in regulation of prostate cancer stem cell phenotype. Int J Cancer 2019; 145:2974-2985. [DOI: 10.1002/ijc.32323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2018] [Revised: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ielizaveta Gorodetska
- OncoRay – National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz‐Zentrum Dresden ‐ Rossendorf Dresden Germany
| | - Vasyl Lukiyanchuk
- OncoRay – National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz‐Zentrum Dresden ‐ Rossendorf Dresden Germany
- Helmholtz‐Zentrum Dresden ‐ RossendorfInstitute of Radiooncology – OncoRay Dresden Germany
| | - Claudia Peitzsch
- OncoRay – National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz‐Zentrum Dresden ‐ Rossendorf Dresden Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT)Partner Site Dresden, Germany: German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany, and; Helmholtz‐Zentrum Dresden ‐ Rossendorf (HZDR) Dresden Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Dresden, and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg Germany
| | - Iryna Kozeretska
- Department of General and Medical GeneticsESC “The Institute of Biology and Medicine”, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv Kyiv Ukraine
| | - Anna Dubrovska
- OncoRay – National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz‐Zentrum Dresden ‐ Rossendorf Dresden Germany
- Helmholtz‐Zentrum Dresden ‐ RossendorfInstitute of Radiooncology – OncoRay Dresden Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Dresden, and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg Germany
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Ibrutinib induces chromatin reorganisation of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia cells. Oncogenesis 2019; 8:32. [PMID: 31076570 PMCID: PMC6510766 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-019-0142-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2018] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is the most common leukaemia in Western countries. It has recently been shown that the homogeneity of the chromatin landscape between CLL cells contrasts with the important observed genetic heterogeneity of the disease. To gain further insight into the consequences of disease evolution on the epigenome's plasticity, we monitored changes in chromatin structure occurring in vivo in CLL cells from patients receiving continuous Ibrutinib treatment. Ibrutinib, an oral inhibitor of the Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) has proved to be remarkably efficient against treatment naïve (TN), heavily pre-treated and high-risk chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), with limited adverse events. We established that the chromatin landscape is significantly and globally affected in response to Ibrutinib. However, we observed that prior to treatment, CLL cells show qualitative and quantitative variations in chromatin structure correlated with both EZH2 protein level and cellular response to external stimuli. Then, under prolonged exposure to Ibrutinib, a loss of the two marks associated with lysine 27 (acetylation and trimethylation) was observed. Altogether, these data indicate that the epigenome of CLL cells from the peripheral blood change dynamically in response to stimuli and suggest that these cells might adapt to the Ibrutinib "hit" in a process leading toward a possible reduced sensitivity to treatment.
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Nava M, Dutta P, Farias-Eisner R, Vadgama JV, Wu Y. Utilization of NGS technologies to investigate transcriptomic and epigenomic mechanisms in trastuzumab resistance. Sci Rep 2019; 9:5141. [PMID: 30914750 PMCID: PMC6435657 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-41672-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
NGS (Next Generation Sequencing) technologies allows us to determine key gene expression signatures that correlate with resistance (and responsiveness) to anti-cancer therapeutics. We have undertaken a transcriptomic and chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing (ChIP-seq) approach to describe differences in gene expression and the underlying chromatin landscape between two representative HER2+ cell lines, one of which is sensitive (SKBR3) and the other which is resistant (JIMT1) to trastuzumab. We identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially expressed transcripts (DETs) between SKBR3 and JIMT1 cells. Several of the DEGs are components of the Polycomb Repressing Complex 2 (PRC2), and they are expressed higher in JIMT1 cells. In addition, we utilized ChIP-seq to identify H3K18ac, H3K27ac and H3K27me3 histone modifications genome-wide. We identified key differences of H3K18ac and H3K27ac enrichment in regulatory regions, found a correlation between these modifications and differential gene expression and identified a transcription factor binding motif for LRF near these modifications in both cell lines. Lastly, we found a small subset of genes that contain repressive H3K27me3 marks near the gene body in SKBR3 cells but are absent in JIMT1. Taken together, our data suggests that differential gene expression and trastuzumab responsiveness in JIMT1 and SKBR3 is determined by epigenetic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Nava
- Division of Cancer Research and Training, Department of Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Pranabananda Dutta
- Division of Cancer Research and Training, Department of Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Robin Farias-Eisner
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jaydutt V Vadgama
- Division of Cancer Research and Training, Department of Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, USA.
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Yanyuan Wu
- Division of Cancer Research and Training, Department of Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, USA.
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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EZH1/2 function mostly within canonical PRC2 and exhibit proliferation-dependent redundancy that shapes mutational signatures in cancer. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:6075-6080. [PMID: 30867289 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1814634116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic mutations affecting chromatin modifiers are widespread in cancers. In malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs), Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), which plays a crucial role in gene silencing, is inactivated through recurrent mutations in core subunits embryonic ectoderm development (EED) and suppressor of zeste 12 homolog (SUZ12), but mutations in PRC2's main catalytic subunit enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) have never been found. This is in contrast to myeloid and lymphoid malignancies, which harbor frequent loss-of-function mutations in EZH2. Here, we investigated whether the absence of EZH2 mutations in MPNST is due to a PRC2-independent (i.e., noncanonical) function of the enzyme or to redundancy with EZH1. We show that, in the absence of SUZ12, EZH2 remains bound to EED but loses its interaction with all other core and accessory PRC2 subunits. Through genetic and pharmacological analyses, we unambiguously establish that EZH2 is functionally inert in this context, thereby excluding a PRC2-independent function. Instead, we show that EZH1 and EZH2 are functionally redundant in the slowly proliferating MPNST precursors. We provide evidence that the compensatory function of EZH1 is alleviated upon higher proliferation. This work reveals how context-dependent redundancies can shape tumor-type specific mutation patterns in chromatin regulators.
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Loubiere V, Martinez AM, Cavalli G. Cell Fate and Developmental Regulation Dynamics by Polycomb Proteins and 3D Genome Architecture. Bioessays 2019; 41:e1800222. [PMID: 30793782 DOI: 10.1002/bies.201800222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Revised: 12/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Targeted transitions in chromatin states at thousands of genes are essential drivers of eukaryotic development. Therefore, understanding the in vivo dynamics of epigenetic regulators is crucial for deciphering the mechanisms underpinning cell fate decisions. This review illustrates how, in addition to its cell memory function, the Polycomb group of transcriptional regulators orchestrates temporal, cell and tissue-specific expression of master genes during development. These highly sophisticated developmental transitions are dependent on the context- and tissue-specific assembly of the different types of Polycomb Group (PcG) complexes, which regulates their targeting and/or activities on chromatin. Here, an overview is provided of how PcG complexes function at multiple scales to regulate transcription, local chromatin environment, and higher order structures that support normal differentiation and are perturbed in tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Loubiere
- Institute of Human Genetics, UMR 9002, CNRS and University of Montpellier, 34396, Montpellier, France
| | - Anne-Marie Martinez
- Institute of Human Genetics, UMR 9002, CNRS and University of Montpellier, 34396, Montpellier, France
| | - Giacomo Cavalli
- Institute of Human Genetics, UMR 9002, CNRS and University of Montpellier, 34396, Montpellier, France
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Kumari K, Das B, Adhya AK, Rath AK, Mishra SK. Genome-wide expression analysis reveals six contravened targets of EZH2 associated with breast cancer patient survival. Sci Rep 2019; 9:1974. [PMID: 30760814 PMCID: PMC6374476 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-39122-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Accepted: 10/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Several pioneering work have established that apart from genetic alterations, epigenetic modifications contribute significantly in tumor progression. Remarkable role of EZH2 in cancer highlights the importance of identifying its targets. Although much emphasis has been placed in recent years in designing drugs and inhibitors targeting EZH2, less effort has been given in exploring its existing targets that will help in understanding the oncogenic role of EZH2 in turn which may provide a more stringent method of targeting EZH2. In the present study, we validated six direct targets of EZH2 that are GPNMB, PMEPA1, CoL5A1, VGLL4, POMT2 and SUMF1 associated with cancer related pathways. Upon EZH2 knockdown, more than two fold increase in the target gene expression was evident. CHIP-qPCR performed in both MCF-7 and MDA-MDA-231 confirmed the in-vivo binding of EZH2 on its identified target. Thirty invasive breast carcinoma cases with their adjacent normal tissues were included in the study. Immunohistochemistry in primary breast tumor tissue array showed tumor dependent expression of EZH2. Array of MERAV expression database revealed the strength of association of EZH2 with its target genes. Real time PCR performed with RNA extracted from breast tumor tissues further authenticated the existing negative correlation between EZH2 and its target genes. Pearson correlation coefficient & statistical significance computed using the matrix provided in the database strengthened the negative correlation between identified target genes and EZH2. KM plotter analysis showed improved relapse-free survival with increased expression of PMEPA1, POMT2, VGLL4 and SUMF1 in breast cancer patients indicating their therapeutic potential. While investigating the relevance of these target genes, different mutations of them were found in breast cancer patients. Seeking the clinical relevance of our study, following our recent publication that reports the role of EZH2 in nicotine-mediated breast cancer development and progression, we observed significant reduced expression of SUMF1 in breast cancer patient samples with smoking history in comparison to never-smoked patient samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanchan Kumari
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Cancer Biology, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.,Utkal University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Biswajit Das
- Tumor Microenvironment and Animal Models Laboratory, Department of Translational Research, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.,Manipal University, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Amit K Adhya
- Department of Pathology, AIIMS, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Arabinda K Rath
- Hemalata Hospitals and Research Centre, Chandrashekharpur, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Sandip K Mishra
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Cancer Biology, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.
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Nava M, Dutta P, Zemke NR, Farias-Eisner R, Vadgama JV, Wu Y. Transcriptomic and ChIP-sequence interrogation of EGFR signaling in HER2+ breast cancer cells reveals a dynamic chromatin landscape and S100 genes as targets. BMC Med Genomics 2019; 12:32. [PMID: 30736768 PMCID: PMC6368760 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-019-0477-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR/HER1) can be activated by several ligands including Transforming Growth Factor alpha (TGF-α) and Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF). Following ligand binding, EGFR heterodimerizes with other HER family members, such as HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor-2). Previously, we showed that the EGFR is upregulated in trastuzumab resistant HER2 positive (HER2+) breast cancer cells. This study is aimed to determine the downstream effects on transcription following EGFR upregulation in HER2+ breast cancer cells. METHODS RNA-sequence and ChIP-sequence for H3K18ac and H3K27ac (Histone H3 lysine K18 and K27 acetylation) were conducted following an Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) treatment time course in HER2+ breast cancer cells, SKBR3. The levels of several proteins of interest were confirmed by western blot analysis. The cellular localization of proteins of interest was examined using biochemically fractionated lysates followed by western blot analysis. RESULTS Over the course of 24 h, EGFR stimulation resulted in the modulation of over 4000 transcripts. Moreover, our data demonstrates that EGFR/HER2 signaling regulates the epigenome, with global H3K18ac and H3K27ac oscillating as a function of time following EGF treatment. RNA-sequence data demonstrates the activation of immediate early genes (IEGs) and delayed early genes (DEGs) within 1 h of EGF treatment. More importantly, we have identified members of the S100 (S100 Calcium Binding Protein) gene family as likely direct targets of EGFR signaling as H3K18ac, H3K27ac and pol2 (RNA polymerase II) increase near the transcription start sites of some of these genes. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggests that S100 proteins, which act as Ca2+ sensors, could play a role in EGF induced tumor cell growth and metastasis, contribute to trastuzumab resistance and cell migration and that they are likely drug targets in HER2+ breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Nava
- Division of Cancer Research and Training, Department of Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, 1731 East 120th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90059 USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center and David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Pranabananda Dutta
- Division of Cancer Research and Training, Department of Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, 1731 East 120th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90059 USA
| | - Nathan R. Zemke
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Robin Farias-Eisner
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center and David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Jaydutt V. Vadgama
- Division of Cancer Research and Training, Department of Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, 1731 East 120th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90059 USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center and David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Yanyuan Wu
- Division of Cancer Research and Training, Department of Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, 1731 East 120th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90059 USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center and David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA USA
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30
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Arriaga JM, Abate-Shen C. Genetically Engineered Mouse Models of Prostate Cancer in the Postgenomic Era. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2019; 9:cshperspect.a030528. [PMID: 29661807 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a030528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Recent genomic sequencing analyses have unveiled the spectrum of genomic alterations that occur in primary and advanced prostate cancer, raising the question of whether the corresponding genes are functionally relevant for prostate tumorigenesis, and whether such functions are associated with particular disease stages. In this review, we describe genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) of prostate cancer, focusing on those that model genomic alterations known to occur in human prostate cancer. We consider whether the phenotypes of GEMMs based on gain or loss of function of the relevant genes provide reliable counterparts to study the predicted consequences of the corresponding genomic alterations as occur in human prostate cancer, and we discuss exceptions in which the GEMMs do not fully emulate the expected phenotypes. Last, we highlight future directions for the generation of new GEMMs of prostate cancer and consider how we can use GEMMs most effectively to decipher the biological and molecular mechanisms of disease progression, as well as to tackle clinically relevant questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan M Arriaga
- Departments of Urology, Medicine, Systems Biology, and Pathology and Cell Biology, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York 10032
| | - Cory Abate-Shen
- Departments of Urology, Medicine, Systems Biology, and Pathology and Cell Biology, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York 10032
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Erkek S, Johann PD, Finetti MA, Drosos Y, Chou HC, Zapatka M, Sturm D, Jones DTW, Korshunov A, Rhyzova M, Wolf S, Mallm JP, Beck K, Witt O, Kulozik AE, Frühwald MC, Northcott PA, Korbel JO, Lichter P, Eils R, Gajjar A, Roberts CWM, Williamson D, Hasselblatt M, Chavez L, Pfister SM, Kool M. Comprehensive Analysis of Chromatin States in Atypical Teratoid/Rhabdoid Tumor Identifies Diverging Roles for SWI/SNF and Polycomb in Gene Regulation. Cancer Cell 2019; 35:95-110.e8. [PMID: 30595504 PMCID: PMC6341227 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2018.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2017] [Revised: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Biallelic inactivation of SMARCB1, encoding a member of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex, is the hallmark genetic aberration of atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumors (ATRT). Here, we report how loss of SMARCB1 affects the epigenome in these tumors. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) on primary tumors for a series of active and repressive histone marks, we identified the chromatin states differentially represented in ATRTs compared with other brain tumors and non-neoplastic brain. Re-expression of SMARCB1 in ATRT cell lines enabled confirmation of our genome-wide findings for the chromatin states. Additional generation of ChIP-seq data for SWI/SNF and Polycomb group proteins and the transcriptional repressor protein REST determined differential dependencies of SWI/SNF and Polycomb complexes in regulation of diverse gene sets in ATRTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serap Erkek
- Hopp-Children's Cancer Center at the NCT Heidelberg (KiTZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Genome Biology Unit, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany; Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, 35340 Izmir, Turkey
| | - Pascal D Johann
- Hopp-Children's Cancer Center at the NCT Heidelberg (KiTZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Martina A Finetti
- Wolfson Childhood Cancer Research Centre, Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Newcastle University, NE2 Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Yiannis Drosos
- Department of Oncology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, 38105 Memphis, USA
| | - Hsien-Chao Chou
- Department of Oncology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, 38105 Memphis, USA
| | - Marc Zapatka
- Division of Molecular Genetics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dominik Sturm
- Hopp-Children's Cancer Center at the NCT Heidelberg (KiTZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - David T W Jones
- Hopp-Children's Cancer Center at the NCT Heidelberg (KiTZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Andrey Korshunov
- Department of Neuropathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Clinical Cooperation Unit Neuropathology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marina Rhyzova
- Department of Neuropathology, Burdenko Neurosurgical Institute, 125047 Moscow, Russia
| | - Stephan Wolf
- Genomics and Proteomics Core Facility, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jan-Philipp Mallm
- Genome Organization & Function Research Group, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Heidelberg Center for Personalized Oncology, DKFZ-HIPO, DKFZ, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Katja Beck
- Heidelberg Center for Personalized Oncology, DKFZ-HIPO, DKFZ, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Olaf Witt
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Clinical Cooperation Unit Pediatric Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Andreas E Kulozik
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael C Frühwald
- University Children's Hospital Augsburg, Swabian Children's Cancer Center, 86156 Augsburg, Germany; EU-RHAB Registry Center, 86156 Augsburg, Germany
| | - Paul A Northcott
- Hopp-Children's Cancer Center at the NCT Heidelberg (KiTZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 38105 Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Jan O Korbel
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Genome Biology Unit, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Peter Lichter
- Division of Molecular Genetics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Heidelberg Center for Personalized Oncology, DKFZ-HIPO, DKFZ, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Roland Eils
- Genome Organization & Function Research Group, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Division of Theoretical Bioinformatics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Amar Gajjar
- Department of Oncology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, 38105 Memphis, USA
| | - Charles W M Roberts
- Department of Oncology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, 38105 Memphis, USA
| | - Daniel Williamson
- Wolfson Childhood Cancer Research Centre, Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Newcastle University, NE2 Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Martin Hasselblatt
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Lukas Chavez
- Hopp-Children's Cancer Center at the NCT Heidelberg (KiTZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefan M Pfister
- Hopp-Children's Cancer Center at the NCT Heidelberg (KiTZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marcel Kool
- Hopp-Children's Cancer Center at the NCT Heidelberg (KiTZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
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Michalak EM, Milevskiy MJG, Joyce RM, Dekkers JF, Jamieson PR, Pal B, Dawson CA, Hu Y, Orkin SH, Alexander WS, Lindeman GJ, Smyth GK, Visvader JE. Canonical PRC2 function is essential for mammary gland development and affects chromatin compaction in mammary organoids. PLoS Biol 2018; 16:e2004986. [PMID: 30080881 PMCID: PMC6095611 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.2004986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Revised: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Distinct transcriptional states are maintained through organization of chromatin, resulting from the sum of numerous repressive and active histone modifications, into tightly packaged heterochromatin versus more accessible euchromatin. Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) is the main mammalian complex responsible for histone 3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) and is integral to chromatin organization. Using in vitro and in vivo studies, we show that deletion of Suz12, a core component of all PRC2 complexes, results in loss of H3K27me3 and H3K27 dimethylation (H3K27me2), completely blocks normal mammary gland development, and profoundly curtails progenitor activity in 3D organoid cultures. Through the application of mammary organoids to bypass the severe phenotype associated with Suz12 loss in vivo, we have explored gene expression and chromatin structure in wild-type and Suz12-deleted basal-derived organoids. Analysis of organoids led to the identification of lineage-specific changes in gene expression and chromatin structure, inferring cell type-specific PRC2-mediated gene silencing of the chromatin state. These expression changes were accompanied by cell cycle arrest but not lineage infidelity. Together, these data indicate that canonical PRC2 function is essential for development of the mammary gland through the repression of alternate transcription programs and maintenance of chromatin states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa M. Michalak
- ACRF Stem Cells and Cancer Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael J. G. Milevskiy
- ACRF Stem Cells and Cancer Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rachel M. Joyce
- ACRF Stem Cells and Cancer Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Johanna F. Dekkers
- ACRF Stem Cells and Cancer Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Paul R. Jamieson
- ACRF Stem Cells and Cancer Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Bhupinder Pal
- ACRF Stem Cells and Cancer Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Caleb A. Dawson
- ACRF Stem Cells and Cancer Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Yifang Hu
- Bioinformatics Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stuart H. Orkin
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Warren S. Alexander
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Cancer and Haematology Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Geoffrey J. Lindeman
- ACRF Stem Cells and Cancer Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Familial Cancer Centre, Royal Melbourne Hospital and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gordon K. Smyth
- Bioinformatics Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jane E. Visvader
- ACRF Stem Cells and Cancer Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Rodrigues P, Patel SA, Harewood L, Olan I, Vojtasova E, Syafruddin SE, Zaini MN, Richardson EK, Burge J, Warren AY, Stewart GD, Saeb-Parsy K, Samarajiwa SA, Vanharanta S. NF-κB-Dependent Lymphoid Enhancer Co-option Promotes Renal Carcinoma Metastasis. Cancer Discov 2018; 8:850-865. [PMID: 29875134 PMCID: PMC6031301 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-17-1211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2017] [Revised: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Metastases, the spread of cancer cells to distant organs, cause the majority of cancer-related deaths. Few metastasis-specific driver mutations have been identified, suggesting aberrant gene regulation as a source of metastatic traits. However, how metastatic gene expression programs arise is poorly understood. Here, using human-derived metastasis models of renal cancer, we identify transcriptional enhancers that promote metastatic carcinoma progression. Specific enhancers and enhancer clusters are activated in metastatic cancer cell populations, and the associated gene expression patterns are predictive of poor patient outcome in clinical samples. We find that the renal cancer metastasis-associated enhancer complement consists of multiple coactivated tissue-specific enhancer modules. Specifically, we identify and functionally characterize a coregulatory enhancer cluster, activated by the renal cancer driver HIF2A and an NF-κB-driven lymphoid element, as a mediator of metastasis in vivo We conclude that oncogenic pathways can acquire metastatic phenotypes through cross-lineage co-option of physiologic epigenetic enhancer states.Significance: Renal cancer is associated with significant mortality due to metastasis. We show that in metastatic renal cancer, functionally important metastasis genes are activated via co-option of gene regulatory enhancer modules from distant developmental lineages, thus providing clues to the origins of metastatic cancer. Cancer Discov; 8(7); 850-65. ©2018 AACR.This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 781.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo Rodrigues
- MRC Cancer Unit, University of Cambridge, Hutchison/MRC Research Centre, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Saroor A Patel
- MRC Cancer Unit, University of Cambridge, Hutchison/MRC Research Centre, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Louise Harewood
- Cancer Research UK/Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Li Ka Shing Centre, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Ioana Olan
- MRC Cancer Unit, University of Cambridge, Hutchison/MRC Research Centre, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Erika Vojtasova
- MRC Cancer Unit, University of Cambridge, Hutchison/MRC Research Centre, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Saiful E Syafruddin
- MRC Cancer Unit, University of Cambridge, Hutchison/MRC Research Centre, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaa'cob Latiff, Bandar Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - M Nazhif Zaini
- MRC Cancer Unit, University of Cambridge, Hutchison/MRC Research Centre, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Emma K Richardson
- MRC Cancer Unit, University of Cambridge, Hutchison/MRC Research Centre, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Johanna Burge
- Academic Urology Group, Department of Surgery, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Anne Y Warren
- Department of Histopathology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Grant D Stewart
- Academic Urology Group, Department of Surgery, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Kourosh Saeb-Parsy
- Department of Surgery, University of Cambridge and NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Shamith A Samarajiwa
- MRC Cancer Unit, University of Cambridge, Hutchison/MRC Research Centre, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Sakari Vanharanta
- MRC Cancer Unit, University of Cambridge, Hutchison/MRC Research Centre, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
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Targeting EZH2 reactivates a breast cancer subtype-specific anti-metastatic transcriptional program. Nat Commun 2018; 9:2547. [PMID: 29959321 PMCID: PMC6026192 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-04864-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2017] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence has illustrated the importance of epigenomic reprogramming in cancer, with altered post-translational modifications of histones contributing to pathogenesis. However, the contributions of histone modifiers to breast cancer progression are unclear, and how these processes vary between molecular subtypes has yet to be adequately addressed. Here we report that genetic or pharmacological targeting of the epigenetic modifier Ezh2 dramatically hinders metastatic behaviour in both a mouse model of breast cancer and patient-derived xenografts reflective of the Luminal B subtype. We further define a subtype-specific molecular mechanism whereby EZH2 maintains H3K27me3-mediated repression of the FOXC1 gene, thereby inactivating a FOXC1-driven, anti-invasive transcriptional program. We demonstrate that higher FOXC1 is predictive of favourable outcome specifically in Luminal B breast cancer patients and establish the use of EZH2 methyltransferase inhibitors as a viable strategy to block metastasis in Luminal B breast cancer, where options for targeted therapy are limited. Histone modifications in cancer can contribute to pathogenesis. Here, the authors demonstrate that targeting epigenetic modifier Ezh2 hinders metastatic behaviour in Luminal B breast cancer models, and highlight a mechanism where Ezh2 contributes to metastatic behaviour by repression of FOXC1.
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The JAZF1-SUZ12 fusion protein disrupts PRC2 complexes and impairs chromatin repression during human endometrial stromal tumorogenesis. Oncotarget 2018; 8:4062-4078. [PMID: 27845897 PMCID: PMC5354813 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.13270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2015] [Accepted: 10/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), which contains three core proteins EZH2, EED and SUZ12, controls chromatin compaction and transcription repression through trimethylation of lysine 27 on histone 3. The (7;17)(p15;q21) chromosomal translocation present in most cases of endometrial stromal sarcomas (ESSs) results in the in-frame fusion of the JAZF1 and SUZ12 genes. We have investigated whether and how the fusion protein JAZF1-SUZ12 functionally alters PRC2. We found that the fusion protein exists at high levels in ESS containing the t(7;17). Co-transient transfection assay indicated JAZF1-SUZ12 destabilized PRC2 components EZH2 and EED, resulting in decreased histone methyl transferase (HMT) activity, which was confirmed by in vitro studies using reconstituted PRC2 and nucleosome array substrates. We also demonstrated the PRC2 containing the fusion protein decreased the binding affinity to target chromatin loci. In addition, we found that trimethylation of H3K27 was decreased in ESS samples with the t(7;17), but there was no detectable change in H3K9 in these tissues. Moreover, re-expression of SUZ12 in Suz12 (−/−) ES cells rescued the neuronal differentiation while the fusion protein failed to restore this function and enhanced cell proliferation. In summary, our studies reveal that JAZF1-SUZ12 fusion protein disrupts the PRC2 complex, abolishes HMT activity and subsequently activates chromatin/genes normally repressed by PRC2. Such dyesfunction of PRC2 inhibits normal neural differentiation of ES cell and increases cell proliferation. Related changes induced by the JAZF-SUZ12 protein in endometrial stromal cells may explain the oncogenic effect of the t(7;17) in ESS.
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Wan L, Xu K, Wei Y, Zhang J, Han T, Fry C, Zhang Z, Wang YV, Huang L, Yuan M, Xia W, Chang WC, Huang WC, Liu CL, Chang YC, Liu J, Wu Y, Jin VX, Dai X, Guo J, Liu J, Jiang S, Li J, Asara JM, Brown M, Hung MC, Wei W. Phosphorylation of EZH2 by AMPK Suppresses PRC2 Methyltransferase Activity and Oncogenic Function. Mol Cell 2018; 69:279-291.e5. [PMID: 29351847 PMCID: PMC5777296 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2017.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Revised: 11/11/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Sustained energy starvation leads to activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which coordinates energy status with numerous cellular processes including metabolism, protein synthesis, and autophagy. Here, we report that AMPK phosphorylates the histone methyltransferase EZH2 at T311 to disrupt the interaction between EZH2 and SUZ12, another core component of the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), leading to attenuated PRC2-dependent methylation of histone H3 at Lys27. As such, PRC2 target genes, many of which are known tumor suppressors, were upregulated upon T311-EZH2 phosphorylation, which suppressed tumor cell growth both in cell culture and mouse xenografts. Pathologically, immunohistochemical analyses uncovered a positive correlation between AMPK activity and pT311-EZH2, and higher pT311-EZH2 correlates with better survival in both ovarian and breast cancer patients. Our finding suggests that AMPK agonists might be promising sensitizers for EZH2-targeting cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixin Wan
- Department of Molecular Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
| | - Kexin Xu
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; Department of Medical Oncology and Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Yongkun Wei
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jinfang Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Tao Han
- Department of Molecular Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | | | - Zhao Zhang
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Yao Vickie Wang
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Liyu Huang
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Chinese National Human Genome Center at Shanghai, Shanghai 201203, PRC
| | - Min Yuan
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Weiya Xia
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Wei-Chao Chang
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences and Center for Molecular Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chien Huang
- Department of Surgery, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Liang Liu
- Department of Surgery, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | - Jinsong Liu
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yun Wu
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Victor X Jin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Xiangpeng Dai
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Jianfeng Guo
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, PRC
| | - Jia Liu
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Cardiovascular Research Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Xi'an 710061, PRC
| | - Shulong Jiang
- Department of Molecular Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; Department of Oncology, Jining First People's Hospital, Jining, Shandong 272111, PRC; Department of Oncology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, PRC
| | - Jin Li
- Department of Molecular Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; Department of Urology, 254th Hospital of PLA, Tianjin 300142, PRC
| | - John M Asara
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Myles Brown
- Department of Medical Oncology and Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Mien-Chie Hung
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences and Center for Molecular Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan.
| | - Wenyi Wei
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
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Liu X, Wei W, Li X, Shen P, Ju D, Wang Z, Zhang R, Yang F, Chen C, Cao K, Zhu G, Chen H, Chen L, Sui J, Zhang E, Wu K, Wang F, Zhao L, Xi R. BMI1 and MEL18 Promote Colitis-Associated Cancer in Mice via REG3B and STAT3. Gastroenterology 2017; 153:1607-1620. [PMID: 28780076 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2017.07.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2017] [Revised: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Polycomb group proteins are epigenetic factors that silence gene expression; they are dysregulated in cancer cells and contribute to carcinogenesis by unclear mechanisms. We investigated whether BMI1 proto-oncogene, polycomb ring finger (BMI1), and polycomb group ring finger 2 (PCGF2, also called MEL18) are involved in the initiation and progression of colitis-associated cancer (CAC) in mice. METHODS We generated mice containing floxed alleles of Bmi1 and/or Mel18 and/or Reg3b using the villin-Cre promoter (called Bmi1ΔIEC, Mel18ΔIEC, DKO, and TKO mice). We also disrupted Bmi1 and/or Mel18 specifically in intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) using the villin-CreERT2-inducible promoter. CAC was induced in cre-negative littermate mice (control) and mice with conditional disruption of Bmi1 and/or Mel18 by intraperitoneal injection of azoxymethane (AOM) followed by addition of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) to drinking water. Colon tissues were collected from mice and analyzed by histology and immunoblots; IECs were isolated and used in cDNA microarray analyses. RESULTS Following administration of AOM and DSS, DKO mice developed significantly fewer polyps than control, Bmi1ΔIEC, Mel18ΔIEC, Reg3bΔIEC, or TKO mice. Adenomas in the colons of DKO mice were low-grade dysplasias, whereas adenomas in control, Bmi1ΔIEC, Mel18ΔIEC, Reg3bΔIEC, or TKO mice were high-grade dysplasias with aggressive invasion of the muscularis mucosa. Disruption of Bmi1 and Mel18 (DKO mice) during late stages of carcinogenesis significantly reduced the numbers of large adenomas and the load of total adenomas, reduced proliferation, and increased apoptosis in colon tissues. IECs isolated from DKO mice after AOM and DSS administration had increased expression of Reg3b compared with control, Bmi1ΔIEC, or Mel18ΔIEC mice. Expression of REG3B was sufficient to inhibit cytokine-induced activation of STAT3 in IECs. The human REG3β protein, the functional counterpart of mouse REG3B, inhibited STAT3 activity in human 293T cells, and its expression level in colorectal tumors correlated inversely with pSTAT3 level and survival times of patients. CONCLUSIONS BMI1 and MEL18 contribute to the development of CAC in mice by promoting proliferation and reducing apoptosis via suppressing expression of Reg3b. REG3B negatively regulates cytokine-induced activation of STAT3 in colon epithelial cells. This pathway might be targeted in patients with colitis to reduce carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xicheng Liu
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wendi Wei
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaowei Li
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China; State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Pengcheng Shen
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Dapeng Ju
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhen Wang
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Rukui Zhang
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fu Yang
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chunyan Chen
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Kun Cao
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Guoli Zhu
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hongyan Chen
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Liang Chen
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jianhua Sui
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Erquan Zhang
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Kaichun Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Fengchao Wang
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Liping Zhao
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Rongwen Xi
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China; Shanghai 10th People's Hospital, School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
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EZH2 promotes neoplastic transformation through VAV interaction-dependent extranuclear mechanisms. Oncogene 2017; 37:461-477. [PMID: 28967906 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2017.309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2016] [Revised: 07/10/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Recently, we reported that the histone methyltransferase, EZH2, controls leukocyte migration through interaction with the cytoskeleton remodeling effector, VAV, and direct methylation of the cytoskeletal regulatory protein, Talin. However, it is unclear whether this extranuclear, epigenetic-independent function of EZH2 has a profound impact on the initiation of cellular transformation and metastasis. Here, we show that EZH2 increases Talin1 methylation and cleavage, thereby enhancing adhesion turnover and promoting accelerated tumorigenesis. This transforming capacity is abolished by targeted disruption of EZH2 interaction with VAV. Furthermore, our studies demonstrate that EZH2 in the cytoplasm is closely associated with cancer stem cell properties, and that overexpression of EZH2, a mutant EZH2 lacking its nuclear localization signal (EZH2ΔNLS), or a methyl-mimicking Talin1 mutant substantially promotes JAK2-dependent STAT3 activation and cellular transformation. Taken together, our results suggest a critical role for the VAV interaction-dependent, extranuclear action of EZH2 in neoplastic transformation.
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Mohammed H, Hernando-Herraez I, Savino A, Scialdone A, Macaulay I, Mulas C, Chandra T, Voet T, Dean W, Nichols J, Marioni JC, Reik W. Single-Cell Landscape of Transcriptional Heterogeneity and Cell Fate Decisions during Mouse Early Gastrulation. Cell Rep 2017; 20:1215-1228. [PMID: 28768204 PMCID: PMC5554778 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2017.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 202] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2016] [Revised: 06/07/2017] [Accepted: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The mouse inner cell mass (ICM) segregates into the epiblast and primitive endoderm (PrE) lineages coincident with implantation of the embryo. The epiblast subsequently undergoes considerable expansion of cell numbers prior to gastrulation. To investigate underlying regulatory principles, we performed systematic single-cell RNA sequencing (seq) of conceptuses from E3.5 to E6.5. The epiblast shows reactivation and subsequent inactivation of the X chromosome, with Zfp57 expression associated with reactivation and inactivation together with other candidate regulators. At E6.5, the transition from epiblast to primitive streak is linked with decreased expression of polycomb subunits, suggesting a key regulatory role. Notably, our analyses suggest elevated transcriptional noise at E3.5 and within the non-committed epiblast at E6.5, coinciding with exit from pluripotency. By contrast, E6.5 primitive streak cells became highly synchronized and exhibit a shortened G1 cell-cycle phase, consistent with accelerated proliferation. Our study systematically charts transcriptional noise and uncovers molecular processes associated with early lineage decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisham Mohammed
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK
| | | | - Aurora Savino
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK
| | - Antonio Scialdone
- EMBL-European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridge CB10 1SD, UK; Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Single-Cell Genomics Centre, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Iain Macaulay
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Single-Cell Genomics Centre, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Carla Mulas
- Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK; Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Tamir Chandra
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK
| | - Thierry Voet
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Single-Cell Genomics Centre, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK; Department of Human Genetics, Human Genome Laboratory, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Wendy Dean
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK
| | - Jennifer Nichols
- Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK; Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK.
| | - John C Marioni
- EMBL-European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridge CB10 1SD, UK; Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Single-Cell Genomics Centre, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK; Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 ORE, UK.
| | - Wolf Reik
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK; Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Single-Cell Genomics Centre, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK.
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Polycomb Repressor Complex 2 in Genomic Instability and Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18081657. [PMID: 28758948 PMCID: PMC5578047 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18081657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2017] [Revised: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Polycomb repressor complexes PRC1 and PRC2 regulate chromatin compaction and gene expression, and are widely recognized for their fundamental contributions to developmental processes. Herein, we summarize the existing evidence and molecular mechanisms linking PRC-mediated epigenetic aberrations to genomic instability and malignancy, with a particular focus on the role of deregulated PRC2 in tumor suppressor gene expression, the DNA damage response, and the fidelity of DNA replication. We also discuss some of the recent advances in the development of pharmacological and dietary interventions affecting PRC2, which point to promising applications for the prevention and management of human malignancies.
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Karami Madani G, Rad A, Molavi M, Ardalan Khales S, Abbaszadegan MR, Forghanifard MM. Predicting the Correlation of EZH2 and Cancer Stem Cell Markers in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. J Gastrointest Cancer 2017; 49:437-441. [DOI: 10.1007/s12029-017-9985-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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Liu WL, Chang JM, Chong IW, Hung YL, Chen YH, Huang WT, Kuo HF, Hsieh CC, Liu PL. Curcumin Inhibits LIN-28A through the Activation of miRNA-98 in the Lung Cancer Cell Line A549. Molecules 2017; 22:molecules22060929. [PMID: 28587210 PMCID: PMC6152786 DOI: 10.3390/molecules22060929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Revised: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 05/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastasis is common in lung cancer and is associated with poor clinical outcomes and increased mortality. Curcumin is a natural anti-cancer agent that inhibits the metastasis of various cancers by modulating the expression of micro (mi) RNAs such as miR-98, which acts as a tumor suppressor. This study investigated the effect of curcumin on miR-98 expression and in vitro cell line growth and invasiveness in lung cancer. Curcumin treatment enhanced the expression of miR-98 and reduced that of the miR-98 target gene LIN28A as well as matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 2 and MMP9 in vitro and in vivo. MiR-98 overexpression suppressed lung cancer cell migration and invasion by inhibiting LIN28A-induced MMP2 and MMP9 expression. Meanwhile, LIN28A level was downregulated by overexpression of miR-98 mimic. Induction of miR-98 by curcumin treatment suppressed MMP2 and MMP9 by targeting LIN28A. These findings provide insight into the mechanisms by which curcumin suppresses lung cancer cell line growth in vitro and in vivo and invasiveness in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Lun Liu
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Chi Mei Medical Center, Liouying, Tainan 73657, Taiwan.
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei 24205, Taiwan.
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Chang Jung Christian University, Tainan 71101, Taiwan.
| | - Jia-Ming Chang
- Department of pharmacology, Institute for Drug Evaluation Platform, Development Center for Biotechnology, New Taipei 22180, Taiwan.
| | - Inn-Wen Chong
- Department of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan.
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan.
| | - Yi-Li Hung
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei 24205, Taiwan.
- Department of Pediatrics, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei 10630, Taiwan.
| | - Yung-Hsiang Chen
- Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40407, Taiwan.
- Department of Psychology, College of Medical and Health Science, Asia University, Taichung 41354, Taiwan.
| | - Wen-Tsung Huang
- Division of Hemato-oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chi Mei Medical Center, Liouying, Tainan 73657, Taiwan.
| | - Hsuan-Fu Kuo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Municipal Ta-Tung Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80145, Taiwan.
| | - Chong-Chao Hsieh
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan.
| | - Po-Len Liu
- Department of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan.
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Wang Y, Hou N, Cheng X, Zhang J, Tan X, Zhang C, Tang Y, Teng Y, Yang X. Ezh2 Acts as a Tumor Suppressor in Kras-driven Lung Adenocarcinoma. Int J Biol Sci 2017; 13:652-659. [PMID: 28539837 PMCID: PMC5441181 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.19108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2017] [Accepted: 03/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have suggested that enhancer zeste homolog 2 (Ezh2), a histone methyltransferase subunit of polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), acts as an oncogene in lung adenocarcinoma (ADC) development. However, we found that in human lung ADC samples, deletion and mutations of EZH2 were also frequently present, with 14% of patients harboring loss-of-function EZH2 alterations. To explore the effect of Ezh2 loss on lung tumor formation, lung epithelial Ezh2 gene was deleted in Kras-driven lung ADC mouse model. Unexpectedly, Ezh2 loss dramatically promoted Kras-driven ADC formation. KrasG12D/+;Ezh2fl/fl mice exhibited shorter lifespan, more tumor lesions and higher tumor burden than KrasG12D/+ mice, suggesting the tumor-suppressive role of Ezh2 in Kras-driven ADCs. Mechanistically, Ezh2 loss amplified Akt and ERK activation through de-repressing its target insulin-like growth factor 1 (Igf1). Additionally, Ezh2 loss cooperated with Kras mutation to exacerbate the inflammatory response, as shown by massive macrophage and neutrophil infiltrates, as well as a marked increase in tumor-associated cytokines such as IL-6 and TNF-α. Taken together, our findings revealed the tumor suppressive function of Ezh2 in Kras-driven ADCs, underlining the importance of revaluating the application of EZH2 inhibitors in a variety of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanxiao Wang
- E-institutes of Shanghai Universities, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China.,State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Genetic Laboratory of Development and Disease, Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Ning Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Genetic Laboratory of Development and Disease, Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Xuan Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Genetic Laboratory of Development and Disease, Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Jishuai Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Genetic Laboratory of Development and Disease, Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Xiaohong Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Genetic Laboratory of Development and Disease, Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Chong Zhang
- E-institutes of Shanghai Universities, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China.,State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Genetic Laboratory of Development and Disease, Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Yuling Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Genetic Laboratory of Development and Disease, Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Yan Teng
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Genetic Laboratory of Development and Disease, Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Xiao Yang
- E-institutes of Shanghai Universities, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China.,State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Genetic Laboratory of Development and Disease, Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071, China
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44
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Ai S, Peng Y, Li C, Gu F, Yu X, Yue Y, Ma Q, Chen J, Lin Z, Zhou P, Xie H, Prendiville TW, Zheng W, Liu Y, Orkin SH, Wang DZ, Yu J, Pu WT, He A. EED orchestration of heart maturation through interaction with HDACs is H3K27me3-independent. eLife 2017; 6. [PMID: 28394251 PMCID: PMC5400508 DOI: 10.7554/elife.24570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2016] [Accepted: 04/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In proliferating cells, where most Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) studies have been performed, gene repression is associated with PRC2 trimethylation of H3K27 (H3K27me3). However, it is uncertain whether PRC2 writing of H3K27me3 is mechanistically required for gene silencing. Here, we studied PRC2 function in postnatal mouse cardiomyocytes, where the paucity of cell division obviates bulk H3K27me3 rewriting after each cell cycle. EED (embryonic ectoderm development) inactivation in the postnatal heart (EedCKO) caused lethal dilated cardiomyopathy. Surprisingly, gene upregulation in EedCKO was not coupled with loss of H3K27me3. Rather, the activating histone mark H3K27ac increased. EED interacted with histone deacetylases (HDACs) and enhanced their catalytic activity. HDAC overexpression normalized EedCKO heart function and expression of derepressed genes. Our results uncovered a non-canonical, H3K27me3-independent EED repressive mechanism that is essential for normal heart function. Our results further illustrate that organ dysfunction due to epigenetic dysregulation can be corrected by epigenetic rewiring. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.24570.001
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Ai
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiometabolic Molecular Medicine, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yong Peng
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiometabolic Molecular Medicine, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Chen Li
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiometabolic Molecular Medicine, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Gu
- Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, United States
| | - Xianhong Yu
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiometabolic Molecular Medicine, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yanzhu Yue
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiometabolic Molecular Medicine, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Qing Ma
- Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, United States
| | - Jinghai Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, United States
| | - Zhiqiang Lin
- Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, United States
| | - Pingzhu Zhou
- Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, United States
| | - Huafeng Xie
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, United States.,Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, United States
| | | | - Wen Zheng
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiometabolic Molecular Medicine, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuli Liu
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiometabolic Molecular Medicine, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Stuart H Orkin
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, United States.,Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States.,Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, United States.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, United States
| | - Da-Zhi Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, United States.,Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States
| | - Jia Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - William T Pu
- Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, United States.,Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States
| | - Aibin He
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiometabolic Molecular Medicine, Peking University, Beijing, China
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45
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Beca F, Kensler K, Glass B, Schnitt SJ, Tamimi RM, Beck AH. EZH2 protein expression in normal breast epithelium and risk of breast cancer: results from the Nurses' Health Studies. Breast Cancer Res 2017; 19:21. [PMID: 28253895 PMCID: PMC5335498 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-017-0817-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2016] [Accepted: 02/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is a polycomb-group protein that is involved in stem cell renewal and carcinogenesis. In breast cancer, increased EZH2 expression is associated with aggressiveness and has been suggested to identify normal breast epithelium at increased risk of breast cancer development. However, the association between EZH2 expression in benign breast tissue and breast cancer risk has not previously been evaluated in a large prospective cohort. METHODS We examined the association between EZH2 protein expression and subsequent breast cancer risk using logistic regression in a nested case-control study of benign breast disease (BBD) and breast cancer within the Nurses' Health Studies. EZH2 immunohistochemical expression in normal breast epithelium and stroma was evaluated by computational image analysis and its association with breast cancer risk was analyzed after adjusting for matching factors between cases and controls, the concomitant BBD diagnosis, and the Ki67 proliferation index. RESULTS Women with a breast biopsy in which more than 20% of normal epithelial cells expressed EZH2 had a significantly increased risk of developing breast cancer (odds ratio (OR) 2.95, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11-7.84) compared to women with less than 10% EZH2 epithelial expression. The risk of developing breast cancer increased for each 5% increase in EZH2 expression (OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.02-1.46, p value 0.026). Additionally, women with high EZH2 expression and low estrogen receptor (ER) expression had a 4-fold higher risk of breast cancer compared to women with low EZH2 and low ER expression (OR 4.02, 95% CI 1.29-12.59). CONCLUSIONS These results provide further evidence that EZH2 expression in the normal breast epithelium is independently associated with breast cancer risk and might be used to assist in risk stratification for women with benign breast biopsies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Beca
- Cancer Research Institute, Beth Israel Deaconess Cancer Center, Boston, 02215, MA, USA. .,Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 330 Brookline Ave, Boston, 02215, MA, USA. .,Harvard Medical School, Boston, 02215, MA, USA.
| | - Kevin Kensler
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.,Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Benjamin Glass
- Cancer Research Institute, Beth Israel Deaconess Cancer Center, Boston, 02215, MA, USA.,Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 330 Brookline Ave, Boston, 02215, MA, USA
| | - Stuart J Schnitt
- Cancer Research Institute, Beth Israel Deaconess Cancer Center, Boston, 02215, MA, USA.,Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 330 Brookline Ave, Boston, 02215, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, 02215, MA, USA
| | - Rulla M Tamimi
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.,Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Andrew H Beck
- Cancer Research Institute, Beth Israel Deaconess Cancer Center, Boston, 02215, MA, USA.,Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 330 Brookline Ave, Boston, 02215, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, 02215, MA, USA
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46
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Portoso M, Ragazzini R, Brenčič Ž, Moiani A, Michaud A, Vassilev I, Wassef M, Servant N, Sargueil B, Margueron R. PRC2 is dispensable for HOTAIR-mediated transcriptional repression. EMBO J 2017; 36:981-994. [PMID: 28167697 PMCID: PMC5391141 DOI: 10.15252/embj.201695335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2016] [Revised: 12/23/2016] [Accepted: 01/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play diverse roles in physiological and pathological processes. Several lncRNAs have been suggested to modulate gene expression by guiding chromatin‐modifying complexes to specific sites in the genome. However, besides the example of Xist, clear‐cut evidence demonstrating this novel mode of regulation remains sparse. Here, we focus on HOTAIR, a lncRNA that is overexpressed in several tumor types and previously proposed to play a key role in gene silencing through direct recruitment of Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2) to defined genomic loci. Using genetic tools and a novel RNA‐tethering system, we investigated the interplay between HOTAIR and PRC2 in gene silencing. Surprisingly, we observed that forced overexpression of HOTAIR in breast cancer cells leads to subtle transcriptomic changes that appear to be independent of PRC2. Mechanistically, we found that artificial tethering of HOTAIR to chromatin causes transcriptional repression, but that this effect does not require PRC2. Instead, PRC2 recruitment appears to be a consequence of gene silencing. We propose that PRC2 binding to RNA might serve functions other than chromatin targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Portoso
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Paris, France.,INSERM U934, CNRS UMR3215, Paris, France
| | - Roberta Ragazzini
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Paris, France.,INSERM U934, CNRS UMR3215, Paris, France
| | - Živa Brenčič
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Paris, France.,INSERM U934, CNRS UMR3215, Paris, France
| | - Arianna Moiani
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Paris, France.,INSERM U934, CNRS UMR3215, Paris, France
| | - Audrey Michaud
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Paris, France.,INSERM U934, CNRS UMR3215, Paris, France
| | - Ivaylo Vassilev
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Paris, France.,INSERM U934, CNRS UMR3215, Paris, France
| | - Michel Wassef
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Paris, France.,INSERM U934, CNRS UMR3215, Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Servant
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Paris, France.,INSERM U900, Mines ParisTech, Paris, France
| | - Bruno Sargueil
- CNRS UMR 8015, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Raphaël Margueron
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Paris, France .,INSERM U934, CNRS UMR3215, Paris, France
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47
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Fundamental Pathways in Breast Cancer 4: Signaling to Chromatin in Breast Development. Breast Cancer 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-48848-6_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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48
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Patel SA, Vanharanta S. Epigenetic determinants of metastasis. Mol Oncol 2017; 11:79-96. [PMID: 27756687 PMCID: PMC5423227 DOI: 10.1016/j.molonc.2016.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2016] [Revised: 09/12/2016] [Accepted: 09/30/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic analyses of cancer progression in patient samples and model systems have thus far failed to identify specific mutational drivers of metastasis. Yet, at least in experimental systems, metastatic cancer clones display stable traits that can facilitate progression through the many steps of metastasis. How cancer cells establish and maintain the transcriptional programmes required for metastasis remains mostly unknown. Emerging evidence suggests that metastatic traits may arise from epigenetically altered transcriptional output of the oncogenic signals that drive tumour initiation and early progression. Molecular dissection of such mechanisms remains a central challenge for a comprehensive understanding of the origins of metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saroor A Patel
- MRC Cancer Unit, University of Cambridge, Hutchison/MRC Research Centre, Cambridge, CB2 0XZ, United Kingdom
| | - Sakari Vanharanta
- MRC Cancer Unit, University of Cambridge, Hutchison/MRC Research Centre, Cambridge, CB2 0XZ, United Kingdom.
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49
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Comet I, Riising EM, Leblanc B, Helin K. Maintaining cell identity: PRC2-mediated regulation of transcription and cancer. Nat Rev Cancer 2016; 16:803-810. [PMID: 27658528 DOI: 10.1038/nrc.2016.83] [Citation(s) in RCA: 316] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Enhancer of zeste homologue 2 (EZH2), the catalytic subunit of Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), has attracted broad research attention in the past few years because of its involvement in the development and maintenance of many types of cancer and the use of specific EZH2 inhibitors in clinical trials. Several observations show that PRC2 can have both oncogenic and tumour-suppressive functions. We propose that these apparently opposing roles of PRC2 in cancer are a consequence of the molecular function of the complex in maintaining, rather than specifying, the transcriptional repression state of its several thousand target genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Itys Comet
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC) and the Centre for Epigenetics, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Eva M Riising
- Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Benjamin Leblanc
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC) and the Centre for Epigenetics, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
- The Danish Stem Cell Center (Danstem), University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kristian Helin
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC) and the Centre for Epigenetics, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
- The Danish Stem Cell Center (Danstem), University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
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50
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Xiao J, Lee US, Wagner D. Tug of war: adding and removing histone lysine methylation in Arabidopsis. CURRENT OPINION IN PLANT BIOLOGY 2016; 34:41-53. [PMID: 27614255 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbi.2016.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2016] [Revised: 08/11/2016] [Accepted: 08/24/2016] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Histone lysine methylation plays a fundamental role in the epigenetic regulation of gene expression in multicellular eukaryotes, including plants. It shapes plant developmental and growth programs as well as responses to the environment. The methylation status of certain amino-acids, in particular of the histone 3 (H3) lysine tails, is dynamically controlled by opposite acting histone methyltransferase 'writers' and histone demethylase 'erasers'. The methylation status is interpreted by a third set of proteins, the histone modification 'readers', which specifically bind to a methylated amino-acid on the H3 tail. Histone methylation writers, readers, and erasers themselves are regulated by intrinsic or extrinsic stimuli; this forms a feedback loop that contributes to development and environmental adaptation in Arabidopsis and other plants. Recent studies have expanded our knowledge regarding the biological roles and dynamic regulation of histone methylation. In this review, we will discuss recent advances in understanding the regulation and roles of histone methylation in plants and animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Xiao
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Un-Sa Lee
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Doris Wagner
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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