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Wu J, Yan H, Xiang C. Wilms' tumor gene 1 in hematological malignancies: friend or foe? Hematology 2023; 28:2254557. [PMID: 37668240 DOI: 10.1080/16078454.2023.2254557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Wilms' tumor gene 1 (WT1) is a transcription and post-translational factor that has a crucial role in the biological and pathological processes of several human malignancies. For hematological malignancies, WT1 overexpression or mutation has been found in leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome. About 70-90% of acute myeloid leukemia patients showed WT1 overexpression, and 6-15% of patients carried WT1 mutations. WT1 has been widely regarded as a marker for monitoring minimal residual disease in acute myeloid leukemia. Many researchers were interested in developing WT1 targeting therapy. In this review, we summarized biological and pathological functions, correlation with other genes and clinical features, prognosis value and targeting therapy of WT1 in hematological features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Wu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Fifth People's Hospital of Huai'an and Huai'an Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University, Huai'an, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Yan
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunli Xiang
- Department of General Medicine, The Affiliated Huai'an Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University and Huai'an Second People's Hospital, Huai'an, People's Republic of China
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2
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Kjer-Hansen P, Weatheritt RJ. The function of alternative splicing in the proteome: rewiring protein interactomes to put old functions into new contexts. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2023; 30:1844-1856. [PMID: 38036695 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-023-01155-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Alternative splicing affects more than 95% of multi-exon genes in the human genome. These changes affect the proteome in a myriad of ways. Here, we review our understanding of the breadth of these changes from their effect on protein structure to their influence on interactions. These changes encompass effects on nucleic acid binding in the nucleus to protein-carbohydrate interactions in the extracellular milieu, altering interactions involving all major classes of biological molecules. Protein isoforms have profound influences on cellular and tissue physiology, for example, by shaping neuronal connections, enhancing insulin secretion by pancreatic beta cells and allowing for alternative viral defense strategies in stem cells. More broadly, alternative splicing enables repurposing proteins from one context to another and thereby contributes to both the evolution of new traits as well as the creation of disease-specific interactomes that drive pathological phenotypes. In this Review, we highlight this universal character of alternative splicing as a central regulator of protein function with implications for almost every biological process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Kjer-Hansen
- EMBL Australia, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia.
- St. Vincent Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Robert J Weatheritt
- EMBL Australia, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia.
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
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3
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Smith C, Burugula BB, Dunn I, Aradhya S, Kitzman JO, Yee JL. High-Throughput Splicing Assays Identify Known and Novel WT1 Exon 9 Variants in Nephrotic Syndrome. Kidney Int Rep 2023; 8:2117-2125. [PMID: 37850022 PMCID: PMC10577367 DOI: 10.1016/j.ekir.2023.07.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Frasier syndrome (FS) is a rare Mendelian form of nephrotic syndrome (NS) caused by variants which disrupt the proper splicing of WT1. This key transcription factor gene is alternatively spliced at exon 9 to produce 2 isoforms ("KTS+" and "KTS-"), which are normally expressed in the kidney at a ∼2:1 (KTS+:KTS-) ratio. FS results from variants that reduce this ratio by disrupting the splice donor of the KTS+ isoform. FS is extremely rare, and it is unclear whether any variants beyond the 8 already known could cause FS. Methods To prospectively identify other splicing-disruptive variants, we leveraged a massively parallel splicing assay. We tested every possible single nucleotide variant (n = 519) in and around WT1 exon 9 for effects upon exon inclusion and KTS+/- ratio. Results Splice disruptive variants (SDVs) made up 11% of the tested point variants overall and were tightly concentrated near the canonical acceptor and the KTS+/- alternate donors. Our map successfully identified all 8 known FS or focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) variants and 16 additional novel variants which were comparably disruptive to these known pathogenic variants. We also identified 19 variants that, conversely, increased the KTS+/KTS- ratio, of which 2 are observed in unrelated individuals with 46,XX ovotesticular disorder of sex development (46,XX OTDSD). Conclusion This splicing effect map can serve as functional evidence to guide the clinical interpretation of newly observed variants in and around WT1 exon 9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathy Smith
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Bala Bharathi Burugula
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Ian Dunn
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | | | - Jacob O. Kitzman
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Jennifer Lai Yee
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Nephrology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Niktoreh N, Weber L, Walter C, Karimifard M, Hoffmeister LM, Breiter H, Thivakaran A, Soldierer M, Drexler HG, Schaal H, Sendker S, Reinhardt D, Schneider M, Hanenberg H. Understanding WT1 Alterations and Expression Profiles in Hematological Malignancies. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3491. [PMID: 37444601 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15133491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
WT1 is a true chameleon, both acting as an oncogene and tumor suppressor. As its exact role in leukemogenesis is still ambiguous, research with model systems representing natural conditions surrounding the genetic alterations in WT1 is necessary. In a cohort of 59 leukemia/lymphoma cell lines, we showed aberrant expression for WT1 mRNA, which does not always translate into protein levels. We also analyzed the expression pattern of the four major WT1 protein isoforms in the cell lines and primary AML blasts with/without WT1 mutations and demonstrated that the presence of mutations does not influence these patterns. By introduction of key intronic and exonic sequences of WT1 into a lentiviral expression vector, we developed a unique tool that can stably overexpress the four WT1 isoforms at their naturally occurring tissue-dependent ratio. To develop better cellular model systems for WT1, we sequenced large parts of its gene locus and also other important myeloid risk factor genes and revealed previously unknown alterations. Functionally, inhibition of the nonsense-mediated mRNA decay machinery revealed that under natural conditions, the mutated WT1 alleles go through a robust degradation. These results offer new insights and model systems regarding the characteristics of WT1 in leukemia and lymphoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naghmeh Niktoreh
- Department of Pediatrics III, University Children's Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Lisa Weber
- Department of Pediatrics III, University Children's Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Christiane Walter
- Department of Pediatrics III, University Children's Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Mahshad Karimifard
- Department of Pediatrics III, University Children's Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Lina Marie Hoffmeister
- Department of Pediatrics III, University Children's Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Hannah Breiter
- Department of Pediatrics III, University Children's Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Aniththa Thivakaran
- Department of Pediatrics III, University Children's Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Maren Soldierer
- Department of Pediatrics III, University Children's Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Hans Günther Drexler
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Technical University of Braunschweig, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Heiner Schaal
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Stephanie Sendker
- Department of Pediatrics III, University Children's Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Dirk Reinhardt
- Department of Pediatrics III, University Children's Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Markus Schneider
- Department of Pediatrics III, University Children's Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Helmut Hanenberg
- Department of Pediatrics III, University Children's Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
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5
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Bezdicka M, Kaufman F, Krizova I, Dostalkova A, Rumlova M, Seeman T, Vondrak K, Fencl F, Zieg J, Soucek O. Alteration in DNA-binding affinity of Wilms tumor 1 protein due to WT1 genetic variants associated with steroid - resistant nephrotic syndrome in children. Sci Rep 2022; 12:8704. [PMID: 35610319 PMCID: PMC9130146 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-12760-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately one third of children with steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) carry pathogenic variants in one of the many associated genes. The WT1 gene coding for the WT1 transcription factor is among the most frequently affected genes. Cases from the Czech national SRNS database were sequenced for exons 8 and 9 of the WT1 gene. Eight distinct exonic WT1 variants in nine children were found. Three children presented with isolated SRNS, while the other six manifested with additional features. To analyze the impact of WT1 genetic variants, wild type and mutant WT1 proteins were prepared and the DNA-binding affinity of these proteins to the target EGR1 sequence was measured by microscale thermophoresis. Three WT1 mutants showed significantly decreased DNA-binding affinity (p.Arg439Pro, p.His450Arg and p.Arg463Ter), another three mutants showed significantly increased binding affinity (p.Gln447Pro, p.Asp469Asn and p.His474Arg), and the two remaining mutants (p.Cys433Tyr and p.Arg467Trp) showed no change of DNA-binding affinity. The protein products of WT1 pathogenic variants had variable DNA-binding affinity, and no clear correlation with the clinical symptoms of the patients. Further research is needed to clarify the mechanisms of action of the distinct WT1 mutants; this could potentially lead to individualized treatment of a so far unfavourable disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Bezdicka
- Vera Vavrova Lab/VIAL, Department of Pediatrics, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Motol University Hospital, V Uvalu 84, 150 06, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Filip Kaufman
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ivana Krizova
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Alzbeta Dostalkova
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Michaela Rumlova
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Seeman
- Department of Pediatrics, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Motol University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Karel Vondrak
- Department of Pediatrics, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Motol University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Filip Fencl
- Department of Pediatrics, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Motol University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jakub Zieg
- Department of Pediatrics, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Motol University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ondrej Soucek
- Vera Vavrova Lab/VIAL, Department of Pediatrics, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Motol University Hospital, V Uvalu 84, 150 06, Prague, Czech Republic
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Kreutmair S, Pfeifer D, Waterhouse M, Takács F, Graessel L, Döhner K, Duyster J, Illert AL, Frey AV, Schmitt M, Lübbert M. First-in-human study of WT1 recombinant protein vaccination in elderly patients with AML in remission: a single-center experience. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2022; 71:2913-2928. [PMID: 35476127 PMCID: PMC9588470 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-022-03202-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Wilms’ tumor 1 (WT1) protein is highly immunogenic and overexpressed in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), consequently ranked as a promising target for novel immunotherapeutic strategies. Here we report our experience of a phase I/II clinical trial (NCT01051063) of a vaccination strategy based on WT1 recombinant protein (WT1-A10) together with vaccine adjuvant AS01B in five elderly AML patients (median age 69 years, range 63–75) receiving a total of 62 vaccinations (median 18, range 3–20) after standard chemotherapy. Clinical benefit was observed in three patients: one patient achieved measurable residual disease clearance during WT1 vaccination therapy, another patient maintained long-term molecular remission over 59 months after the first vaccination cycle. Interestingly, in one case, we observed a complete clonal switch at AML relapse with loss of WT1 expression, proposing suppression of the original AML clone by WT1-based vaccination therapy. Detected humoral and cellular CD4+ T cell immune responses point to efficient immune stimulation post-vaccination, complementing hints for induced conventional T cell infiltration into the bone marrow and a shift from senescent/exhausted to a more activated T cell profile. Overall, the vaccinations with WT1 recombinant protein had an acceptable safety profile and were thus well tolerated. To conclude, our data provide evidence of potential clinical efficacy of WT1 protein-based vaccination therapy in AML patients, warranting further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Kreutmair
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, 79106, Freiburg, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Partner site Freiburg, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dietmar Pfeifer
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Miguel Waterhouse
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ferenc Takács
- Center for Pathology, University Medical Center, University of Freiburg, 79106, Freiburg, Germany.,1st Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, 1085, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Linda Graessel
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Konstanze Döhner
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Justus Duyster
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, 79106, Freiburg, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Partner site Freiburg, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anna Lena Illert
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, 79106, Freiburg, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Partner site Freiburg, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anna-Verena Frey
- Center for Pathology, University Medical Center, University of Freiburg, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Michael Schmitt
- Department of Internal Medicine V, Hematology, Oncology, Rheumatology, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Lübbert
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, 79106, Freiburg, Germany. .,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Partner site Freiburg, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
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7
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Venkataramany AS, Schieffer KM, Lee K, Cottrell CE, Wang PY, Mardis ER, Cripe TP, Chandler DS. Alternative RNA Splicing Defects in Pediatric Cancers: New Insights in Tumorigenesis and Potential Therapeutic Vulnerabilities. Ann Oncol 2022; 33:578-592. [PMID: 35339647 DOI: 10.1016/j.annonc.2022.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Compared to adult cancers, pediatric cancers are uniquely characterized by a genomically stable landscape and lower tumor mutational burden. However, alternative splicing, a global cellular process that produces different mRNA/protein isoforms from a single mRNA transcript, has been increasingly implicated in the development of pediatric cancers. DESIGN We review the current literature on the role of alternative splicing in adult cancer, cancer predisposition syndromes, and pediatric cancers. We also describe multiple splice variants identified in adult cancers and confirmed through comprehensive genomic profiling in our institutional cohort of rare, refractory and relapsed pediatric and adolescent young adult cancer patients. Finally, we summarize the contributions of alternative splicing events to neoantigens and chemoresistance and prospects for splicing-based therapies. RESULTS Published dysregulated splicing events can be categorized as exon inclusion, exon exclusion, splicing factor upregulation, or splice site alterations. We observe these phenomena in cancer predisposition syndromes (Lynch syndrome, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, CHEK2) and pediatric leukemia (B-ALL), sarcomas (Ewing sarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, osteosarcoma), retinoblastoma, Wilms tumor, and neuroblastoma. Within our institutional cohort, we demonstrate splice variants in key regulatory genes (CHEK2, TP53, PIK3R1, MDM2, KDM6A, NF1) that resulted in exon exclusion or splice site alterations, which were predicted to impact functional protein expression and promote tumorigenesis. Differentially spliced isoforms and splicing proteins also impact neoantigen creation and treatment resistance, such as imatinib or glucocorticoid regimens. Additionally, splice-altering strategies with the potential to change the therapeutic landscape of pediatric cancers include antisense oligonucleotides, adeno-associated virus gene transfers, and small molecule inhibitors. CONCLUSIONS Alternative splicing plays a critical role in the formation and growth of pediatric cancers, and our institutional cohort confirms and highlights the broad spectrum of affected genes in a variety of cancers. Further studies that elucidate the mechanisms of disease-inducing splicing events will contribute toward the development of novel therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- A S Venkataramany
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States; Medical Scientist Training Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - K M Schieffer
- The Steve and Cindy Rasmussen Institute for Genomic Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - K Lee
- The Steve and Cindy Rasmussen Institute for Genomic Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, United States; Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, United States; Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - C E Cottrell
- The Steve and Cindy Rasmussen Institute for Genomic Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, United States; Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, United States; Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - P Y Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, United States; Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - E R Mardis
- The Steve and Cindy Rasmussen Institute for Genomic Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, United States; Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - T P Cripe
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, United States; Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, United States; Division of Hematology, Oncology and Blood and Marrow Transplant, Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - D S Chandler
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, United States; Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Graduate Program and The Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States.
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8
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Dittmer J. Biological effects and regulation of IGFBP5 in breast cancer. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:983793. [PMID: 36093095 PMCID: PMC9453429 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.983793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF1R) pathway plays an important role in cancer progression. In breast cancer, the IGF1R pathway is linked to estrogen-dependent signaling. Regulation of IGF1R activity is complex and involves the actions of its ligands IGF1 and IGF2 and those of IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs). Six IGFBPs are known that share the ability to form complexes with the IGFs, by which they control the bioavailability of these ligands. Besides, each of the IGFBPs have specific features. In this review, the focus lies on the biological effects and regulation of IGFBP5 in breast cancer. In breast cancer, estrogen is a critical regulator of IGFBP5 transcription. It exerts its effect through an intergenic enhancer loop that is part of the chromosomal breast cancer susceptibility region 2q35. The biological effects of IGFBP5 depend upon the cellular context. By inhibiting or promoting IGF1R signaling, IGFBP5 can either act as a tumor suppressor or promoter. Additionally, IGFBP5 possesses IGF-independent activities, which contribute to the complexity by which IGFBP5 interferes with cancer cell behavior.
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9
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A Novel WT1 Mutation Identified in a 46,XX Testicular/Ovotesticular DSD Patient Results in the Retention of Intron 9. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10121248. [PMID: 34943163 PMCID: PMC8698877 DOI: 10.3390/biology10121248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Disorders/differences of sexual development are very diverse. Among them is a condition characterized by the presence of testicular tissue in people with female chromosomes, which is typically manifested by male or ambiguous genitalia. While genetic counseling is beneficial for these people and their families, the genetic causes of these cases are only partially understood. We describe a new mutation in the WT1 gene that results in the presence of testicular tissue in a child with a female karyotype. We propose molecular mechanisms disrupted by this mutation. This finding widened our understanding of processes that govern sexual development and can be used to develop diagnostic tests for disorders/differences of sexual development. Abstract The 46,XX testicular DSD (disorder/difference of sexual development) and 46,XX ovotesticular DSD (46,XX TDSD and 46,XX OTDSD) phenotypes are caused by genetic rearrangements or point mutations resulting in imbalance between components of the two antagonistic, pro-testicular and pro-ovarian pathways; however, the genetic causes of 46,XX TDSD/OTDSD are not fully understood, and molecular diagnosis for many patients with the conditions is unavailable. Only recently few mutations in the WT1 (WT1 transcription factor; 11p13) gene were described in a group of 46,XX TDSD and 46,XX OTDSD individuals. The WT1 protein contains a DNA/RNA binding domain consisting of four zinc fingers (ZnF) and a three-amino acid (KTS) motif that is present or absent, as a result of alternative splicing, between ZnF3 and ZnF4 (±KTS isoforms). Here, we present a patient with 46,XX TDSD/OTDSD in whom whole exome sequencing revealed a heterozygous de novo WT1 c.1437A>G mutation within an alternative donor splice site which is used for −KTS WT1 isoform formation. So far, no mutation in this splice site has been identified in any patient group. We demonstrated that the mutation results in the retention of intron 9 in the mature mRNA of the 46,XX TDSD/OTDSD patient. In cases when the erroneous mRNA is translated, exclusively the expression of a truncated WT1 +KTS protein lacking ZnF4 and no −KTS protein occurs from the mutated allele of the patient. We discuss potential mechanisms and pathways which can be disturbed upon two conditions: Absence of Zn4F and altered +KTS/−KTS ratio.
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Wang Y, Chen Q, Zhang F, Yang X, Shang L, Ren S, Pan Y, Zhou Z, Li G, Fang Y, Jin L, Wu Y, Zhang X. Whole exome sequencing identified a rare WT1 loss-of-function variant in a non-syndromic POI patient. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2021; 10:e1820. [PMID: 34845858 PMCID: PMC8801142 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.1820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a highly heterogeneous disease, and up to 25% of cases can be explained by genetic causes. The transcription factor WT1 has long been reported to play a crucial role in ovary function. Wt1‐mutated female mice exhibited POI‐like phenotypes. Methods and Results In this study, whole exome sequencing (WES) was applied to find the cause of POI in Han Chinese women. A nonsense variant in the WT1 gene: NM_024426.6:c.1387C>T(p.R463*) was identified in a non‐syndromic POI woman. The variant is a heterozygous de novo mutation that is very rare in the human population. The son of the patient inherited the mutation and developed Wilms’ tumor and urethral malformation at the age of 7. According to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics and the Association for Molecular Pathology (ACMG/AMP) guidelines, the novel variant is categorized as pathogenic. Western blot analysis further demonstrated that the WT1 variant could produce a truncated WT1 isoform in vitro. Conclusions A rare heterozygous nonsense WT1 mutant is associated with non‐syndromic POI and Wilms’ tumor. Our finding characterized another pathogenic WT1 variant, providing insight into genetic counseling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingchen Wang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing Chen
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Xi Yang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lingyue Shang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuting Ren
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuncheng Pan
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zixue Zhou
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guoqing Li
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yunzheng Fang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Jin
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanhua Wu
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, China.,National Demonstration Center for Experimental Biology Education, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaojin Zhang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
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11
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Nishikawa T, Wojciak JM, Dyson HJ, Wright PE. RNA Binding by the KTS Splice Variants of Wilms' Tumor Suppressor Protein WT1. Biochemistry 2020; 59:3889-3901. [PMID: 32955251 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.0c00602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Wilms' tumor suppressor protein WT1 regulates the expression of multiple genes through binding of the Cys2-His2 zinc finger domain to promoter sites. WT1 has also been proposed to be involved in post-transcriptional regulation, by binding to RNA using the same set of zinc fingers. WT1 has two major splice variants, where the Lys-Thr-Ser (KTS) tripeptide is inserted into the linker between the third and fourth zinc fingers. To obtain insights into the mechanism by which the different WT1 splice variants recognize both DNA and RNA, we have determined the solution structure of the WT1 (-KTS) zinc finger domain in complex with a 29mer stem-loop RNA. Zinc fingers 1-3 bind in a widened major groove favored by the presence of a bulge nucleotide in the double-stranded helical stem. Fingers 2 and 3 make specific contacts with the nucleobases in a conserved AUGG sequence in the helical stem. Nuclear magnetic resonance chemical shift mapping and relaxation analysis show that fingers 1-3 of the two splice variants (-KTS and +KTS) of WT1 form similar complexes with RNA. Finger 4 of the -KTS isoform interacts weakly with the RNA loop, an interaction that is abrogated in the +KTS isoform, and both isoforms bind with similar affinity to the RNA. In contrast, finger 4 is required for high-affinity binding to DNA and insertion of KTS into the linker of fingers 3 and 4 abrogates DNA binding. While finger 1 is required for RNA binding, it is dispensable for binding to consensus DNA sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadateru Nishikawa
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology and Skaggs Institute of Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Jonathan M Wojciak
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology and Skaggs Institute of Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - H Jane Dyson
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology and Skaggs Institute of Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Peter E Wright
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology and Skaggs Institute of Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
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12
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WT1 activates transcription of the splice factor kinase SRPK1 gene in PC3 and K562 cancer cells in the absence of corepressor BASP1. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2020; 1863:194642. [PMID: 33017668 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2020.194642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Dysregulated alternative splicing plays a prominent role in all hallmarks of cancer. The splice factor kinase SRPK1 drives the activity of oncogenic splice factors such as SRSF1. SRSF1 in turn promotes the expression of splice isoforms that favour tumour growth, including proangiogenic VEGF. Knockdown (with siRNA) or chemical inhibition (using SPHINX) of SRPK1 in K562 leukemia and PC3 prostate cancer cell lines reduced cell proliferation, invasion and migration. In glomerular podocytes, the Wilms tumour suppressor zinc-finger transcription factor WT1 represses SRPK1 transcription. Here we show that in cancer cells WT1 activates SRPK1 transcription, unless a canonical WT1 binding site adjacent to the transcription start site is mutated. The ability of WT1 to activate SRPK1 transcription was reversed by the transcriptional corepressor BASP1, and both WT1 and BASP1 co-precipitated with the SRPK1 promoter. BASP1 significantly increased the expression of the antiangiogenic VEGF165b splice isoform. We propose that by upregulating SRPK1 transcription WT1 can direct an alternative splicing landscape that facilitates tumour growth.
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13
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RNA-Binding Proteins in Acute Leukemias. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21103409. [PMID: 32408494 PMCID: PMC7279408 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21103409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute leukemias are genetic diseases caused by translocations or mutations, which dysregulate hematopoiesis towards malignant transformation. However, the molecular mode of action is highly versatile and ranges from direct transcriptional to post-transcriptional control, which includes RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) as crucial regulators of cell fate. RBPs coordinate RNA dynamics, including subcellular localization, translational efficiency and metabolism, by binding to their target messenger RNAs (mRNAs), thereby controlling the expression of the encoded proteins. In view of the growing interest in these regulators, this review summarizes recent research regarding the most influential RBPs relevant in acute leukemias in particular. The reported RBPs, either dysregulated or as components of fusion proteins, are described with respect to their functional domains, the pathways they affect, and clinical aspects associated with their dysregulation or altered functions.
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14
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Münch J, Kirschner KM, Schlee H, Kraus C, Schönauer R, Jin W, Le Duc D, Scholz H, Halbritter J. Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease in absence of renal cyst formation illustrates genetic interaction between WT1 and PKD1. J Med Genet 2020; 58:jmedgenet-2019-106633. [PMID: 32381729 DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2019-106633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), caused by pathogenic variants of either PKD1 or PKD2, is characterised by wide interfamilial and intrafamilial phenotypic variability. This study aimed to determine the molecular basis of marked clinical variability in ADPKD family members and sought to analyse whether alterations of WT1 (Wilms tumour 1), encoding a regulator of gene expression, may have an impact on renal cyst formation. METHODS ADPKD family members underwent clinical and molecular evaluation. Functionally, Pkd1 mRNA and protein expression upon Wt1 knockdown was evaluated in mouse embryonic kidneys and mesonephric M15 cells. RESULTS By renal gene panel analysis, we identified two pathogenic variants in an individual with maternal history of ADPKD, however, without cystic kidneys but polycystic liver disease: a known PKD1 missense variant (c.8311G>A, p.Glu2771Lys) and a known de novo WT1 splice site variant (c.1432+4C>T). The latter was previously associated with imbalanced +/-KTS isoform ratio of WT1. In ex vivo organ cultures from mouse embryonic kidneys, Wt1 knockdown resulted in decreased Pkd1 expression on mRNA and protein level. CONCLUSION While the role of WT1 in glomerulopathies has been well established, this report by illustrating genetic interaction with PKD1 proposes WT1 as potential modifier in ADPKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Münch
- Medical Department III - Endocrinology, Nephrology, Rheumatology, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Saxony, Germany
| | - Karin M Kirschner
- Institute of Vegetative Physiology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hendrik Schlee
- Dialysis Weissenfels, Nephrology Burgenlandkreis, Weissenfels, Germany
| | - Cornelia Kraus
- Institute of Human Genetics, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ria Schönauer
- Medical Department III - Endocrinology, Nephrology, Rheumatology, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Saxony, Germany
| | - Wenjun Jin
- Medical Department III - Endocrinology, Nephrology, Rheumatology, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Saxony, Germany
| | - Diana Le Duc
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Saxony, Germany
| | - Holger Scholz
- Institute of Vegetative Physiology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jan Halbritter
- Medical Department III - Endocrinology, Nephrology, Rheumatology, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Saxony, Germany
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15
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Li J, Li H, Zhu W, Zhou B, Ying J, Wu J, Zhang H, Sun H, Gao S. Deubiquitinase inhibitor degrasyn suppresses metastasis by targeting USP5-WT1-E-cadherin signalling pathway in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:1370-1382. [PMID: 31845546 PMCID: PMC6991651 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Revised: 10/05/2019] [Accepted: 10/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Wilm's tumour-1 (WT1) is overexpressed in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and enhances metastasis. Deubiquitination stabilizes target proteins, and inhibiting deubiquitination facilitates the degradation of target proteins. However, whether inhibiting deubiquitination of WT1 facilitates its degradation and presents anti-cancer ability in PDAC is unknown. Here, we found that deubiquitinase inhibitor degrasyn rapidly induced the degradation of endogenous and exogenous WT1 through enhancing ubiquitination of WT1 followed by the up-regulation of E-cadherin. Knockdown of WT1 by short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) inhibited metastasis and overexpression of WT1 partially prevented degrasyn-induced anti-metastasis activity, suggesting that degrasyn presents anti-metastasis activity partially through degrading WT1 protein. We further identified that USP5 deubiquitinated WT1 and stabilized its expression. The higher expressions of USP5 and WT1 are associated with tumour metastasis. More importantly, degrasyn inhibited the activity of USP5 and overexpression of USP5 partially prevented degrasyn-induced degradation of WT1 protein, suggesting that degrasyn degraded WT1 protein through inhibiting the activity of USP5. Finally, degrasyn reduced the tumorigenicity in a xenograft mouse model and reduced the metastasis in vivo. Our results indicate that degrasyn presents strong anti-cancer activity through USP5-WT1-E-cadherin signalling in PDAC. Therefore, degrasyn holds promise as cancer therapeutic agent in PDAC with high expressions of USP5 and WT1.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antigens, CD/genetics
- Antigens, CD/metabolism
- Apoptosis
- Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics
- Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism
- Cadherins/antagonists & inhibitors
- Cadherins/genetics
- Cadherins/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal/drug therapy
- Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal/secondary
- Cell Proliferation
- Cyanoacrylates/pharmacology
- Deubiquitinating Enzymes/antagonists & inhibitors
- Endopeptidases/chemistry
- Endopeptidases/genetics
- Endopeptidases/metabolism
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Humans
- Mice
- Mice, Nude
- Neoplasm Invasiveness
- Pancreatic Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Pancreatic Neoplasms/metabolism
- Pancreatic Neoplasms/pathology
- Prognosis
- Pyridines/pharmacology
- Tumor Cells, Cultured
- WT1 Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors
- WT1 Proteins/genetics
- WT1 Proteins/metabolism
- Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
- Pancreatic Neoplasms
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajia Li
- Department of Gastroenterologythe First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouZhejiang ProvinceChina
| | - Haiying Li
- Laboratory of Internal Medicinethe First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouZhejiang ProvinceChina
| | - Weijian Zhu
- Laboratory of Internal Medicinethe First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouZhejiang ProvinceChina
| | - Bin Zhou
- Laboratory of Internal Medicinethe First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouZhejiang ProvinceChina
| | - Jianchao Ying
- Laboratory of Internal Medicinethe First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouZhejiang ProvinceChina
| | - Jiansheng Wu
- Department of Gastroenterologythe First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouZhejiang ProvinceChina
| | - Huxiang Zhang
- Pathology Departmentthe First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouZhejiang ProvinceChina
| | - Hongwei Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgerythe First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouZhejiang ProvinceChina
| | - Shenmeng Gao
- Laboratory of Internal Medicinethe First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouZhejiang ProvinceChina
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16
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Hodges AJ, Hudson NO, Buck-Koehntop BA. Cys 2His 2 Zinc Finger Methyl-CpG Binding Proteins: Getting a Handle on Methylated DNA. J Mol Biol 2019:S0022-2836(19)30567-4. [PMID: 31628952 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2019.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Revised: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
DNA methylation is an essential epigenetic modification involved in the maintenance of genomic stability, preservation of cellular identity, and regulation of the transcriptional landscape needed to maintain cellular function. In an increasing number of disease conditions, DNA methylation patterns are inappropriately distributed in a manner that supports the disease phenotype. Methyl-CpG binding proteins (MBPs) are specialized transcription factors that read and translate methylated DNA signals into recruitment of protein assemblies that can alter local chromatin architecture and transcription. MBPs thus play a key intermediary role in gene regulation for both normal and diseased cells. Here, we highlight established and potential structure-function relationships for the best characterized members of the zinc finger (ZF) family of MBPs in propagating DNA methylation signals into downstream cellular responses. Current and future investigations aimed toward expanding our understanding of ZF MBP cellular roles will provide needed mechanistic insight into normal and disease state functions, as well as afford evaluation for the potential of these proteins as epigenetic-based therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia J Hodges
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Nicholas O Hudson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Bethany A Buck-Koehntop
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA.
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