1
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Florio D, Marasco D. Could Targeting NPM1c+ Misfolding Be a Promising Strategy for Combating Acute Myeloid Leukemia? Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:811. [PMID: 38255885 PMCID: PMC10815591 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020811] [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: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous group of diseases classified into various types on the basis of distinct features concerning the morphology, cytochemistry and cytogenesis of leukemic cells. Among the different subtypes, the group "AML with gene mutations" includes the variations of the gene of the multifunctional protein nucleophosmin 1 (NPM1). These mutations are the most frequent (~30-35% of AML adult patients and less in pediatric ones) and occur predominantly in the C-terminal domain (CTD) of NPM1. The most important mutation is the insertion at W288, which determines the frame shift W288Cfs12/Ffs12/Lfs*12 and leads to the addition of 2-12 amino acids, which hamper the correct folding of NPM1. This mutation leads to the loss of the nuclear localization signal (NoLS) and to aberrant cytoplasmic localization, denoted as NPM1c+. Many investigations demonstrated that interfering with the cellular location and oligomerization status of NPM1 can influence its biological functions, including the proper buildup of the nucleolus, and therapeutic strategies have been proposed to target NPM1c+, particularly the use of drugs able to re-direct NPM1 localization. Our studies unveiled a direct link between AML mutations and the neat amyloidogenic character of the CTDs of NPM1c+. Herein, with the aim of exploiting these conformational features, novel therapeutic strategies are proposed that rely on the induction of the selective self-cytotoxicity of leukemic blasts by focusing on agents such as peptides, peptoids or small molecules able to enhance amyloid aggregation and targeting selectively AML-NPM1c+ mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniela Marasco
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy;
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2
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Georgi JA, Stasik S, Eckardt JN, Zukunft S, Hartwig M, Röllig C, Middeke JM, Oelschlägel U, Krug U, Sauer T, Scholl S, Hochhaus A, Brümmendorf TH, Naumann R, Steffen B, Einsele H, Schaich M, Burchert A, Neubauer A, Schäfer-Eckart K, Schliemann C, Krause SW, Hänel M, Noppeney R, Kaiser U, Baldus CD, Kaufmann M, Müller-Tidow C, Platzbecker U, Berdel WE, Serve H, Ehninger G, Bornhäuser M, Schetelig J, Kroschinsky F, Thiede C. UBTF tandem duplications are rare but recurrent alterations in adult AML and associated with younger age, myelodysplasia, and inferior outcome. Blood Cancer J 2023; 13:88. [PMID: 37236968 DOI: 10.1038/s41408-023-00858-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Tandem-duplication mutations of the UBTF gene (UBTF-TDs) coding for the upstream binding transcription factor have recently been described in pediatric patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and were found to be associated with particular genetics (trisomy 8 (+8), FLT3-internal tandem duplications (FLT3-ITD), WT1-mutations) and inferior outcome. Due to limited knowledge on UBTF-TDs in adult AML, we screened 4247 newly diagnosed adult AML and higher-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) patients using high-resolution fragment analysis. UBTF-TDs were overall rare (n = 52/4247; 1.2%), but significantly enriched in younger patients (median age 41 years) and associated with MDS-related morphology as well as significantly lower hemoglobin and platelet levels. Patients with UBTF-TDs had significantly higher rates of +8 (34% vs. 9%), WT1 (52% vs. 7%) and FLT3-ITD (50% vs. 20.8%) co-mutations, whereas UBTF-TDs were mutually exclusive with several class-defining lesions such as mutant NPM1, in-frame CEBPAbZIP mutations as well as t(8;21). Based on the high-variant allele frequency found and the fact that all relapsed patients analyzed (n = 5) retained the UBTF-TD mutation, UBTF-TDs represent early clonal events and are stable over the disease course. In univariate analysis, UBTF-TDs did not represent a significant factor for overall or relapse-free survival in the entire cohort. However, in patients under 50 years of age, who represent the majority of UBTF-mutant patients, UBTF-TDs were an independent prognostic factor for inferior event-free (EFS), relapse-free (RFS) and overall survival (OS), which was confirmed by multivariable analyses including established risk factors such as age and ELN2022 genetic risk groups (EFS [HR: 2.20; 95% CI 1.52-3.17, p < 0.001], RFS [HR: 1.59; 95% CI 1.02-2.46, p = 0.039] and OS [HR: 1.64; 95% CI 1.08-2.49, p = 0.020]). In summary, UBTF-TDs appear to represent a novel class-defining lesion not only in pediatric AML but also younger adults and are associated with myelodysplasia and inferior outcome in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia-Annabell Georgi
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik 1, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden, Germany
| | - Sebastian Stasik
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik 1, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden, Germany
| | - Jan-Niklas Eckardt
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik 1, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden, Germany
| | - Sven Zukunft
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik 1, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden, Germany
| | - Marita Hartwig
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik 1, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden, Germany
| | - Christoph Röllig
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik 1, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden, Germany
| | - Jan Moritz Middeke
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik 1, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden, Germany
| | - Uta Oelschlägel
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik 1, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden, Germany
| | - Utz Krug
- Medizinische Klinik 3, Klinikum Leverkusen, Leverkusen, Germany
| | - Tim Sauer
- Universität Heidelberg, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik, Abteilung Innere Medizin V, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Scholl
- Klinik für Innere Medizin II, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Andreas Hochhaus
- Klinik für Innere Medizin II, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Jena, Germany
| | | | - Ralph Naumann
- Medizinische Klinik III, St. Marien-Krankenhaus Siegen, Siegen, Germany
| | - Björn Steffen
- Medizinische Klinik 2, Hämatologie/Onkologie, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Hermann Einsele
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Markus Schaich
- Klinik für Hämatologie, Onkologie und Palliativmedizin, Rems-Murr-Klinikum Winnenden, Winnenden, Germany
| | - Andreas Burchert
- Klinik für Innere Medizin, Schwerpunkt Hämatologie, Onkologie und Immunologie, Philipps Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Neubauer
- Klinik für Innere Medizin, Schwerpunkt Hämatologie, Onkologie und Immunologie, Philipps Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Kerstin Schäfer-Eckart
- Klinikum Nürnberg, Paracelsus Medizinische Privatuniversität, Medizinische Klinik 5, Nürnberg, Germany
| | | | - Stefan W Krause
- Medizinische Klinik 5, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Mathias Hänel
- Klinik für Innere Medizin III, Klinikum Chemnitz, Chemnitz, Germany
| | - Richard Noppeney
- Klinik für Hämatologie, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Ulrich Kaiser
- Medizinische Klinik II, St. Bernward Krankenhaus, Hildesheim, Germany
| | - Claudia D Baldus
- Klinik für Innere Medizin II, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Martin Kaufmann
- Abteilung für Hämatologie, Onkologie und Palliativmedizin, Robert-Bosch-Krankenhaus, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Carsten Müller-Tidow
- Universität Heidelberg, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik, Abteilung Innere Medizin V, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Uwe Platzbecker
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Hämatologie, Zelltherapie und Hämostaseologie, Universitätsklinikum Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Wolfgang E Berdel
- Medizinische Klinik A, Universitätsklinikum Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Hubert Serve
- Medizinische Klinik 2, Hämatologie/Onkologie, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | | | - Martin Bornhäuser
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik 1, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases NCT, Dresden, Germany
| | - Johannes Schetelig
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik 1, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden, Germany
- DKMS Clinical Trials Unit, Dresden, Germany
| | - Frank Kroschinsky
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik 1, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden, Germany
| | - Christian Thiede
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik 1, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden, Germany.
- AgenDix GmbH, Dresden, Germany.
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3
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Insights into Network of Hot Spots of Aggregation in Nucleophosmin 1. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314704. [PMID: 36499032 PMCID: PMC9736328 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
In a protein, point mutations associated with diseases can alter the native structure and provide loss or alteration of functional levels, and an internal structural network defines the connectivity among domains, as well as aggregate/soluble states' equilibria. Nucleophosmin (NPM)1 is an abundant nucleolar protein, which becomes mutated in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients. NPM1-dependent leukemogenesis, which leads to its aggregation in the cytoplasm (NPMc+), is still obscure, but the investigations have outlined a direct link between AML mutations and amyloid aggregation. Protein aggregation can be due to the cooperation among several hot spots located within the aggregation-prone regions (APR), often predictable with bioinformatic tools. In the present study, we investigated potential APRs in the entire NPM1 not yet investigated. On the basis of bioinformatic predictions and experimental structures, we designed several protein fragments and analyzed them through typical aggrsegation experiments, such as Thioflavin T (ThT), fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) experiments, carried out at different times; in addition, their biocompatibility in SHSY5 cells was also evaluated. The presented data clearly demonstrate the existence of hot spots of aggregation located in different regions, mostly in the N-terminal domain (NTD) of the entire NPM1 protein, and provide a more comprehensive view of the molecular details potentially at the basis of NPMc+-dependent AML.
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4
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Florio D, Roviello V, La Manna S, Napolitano F, Maria Malfitano A, Marasco D. Small molecules enhancers of amyloid aggregation of C-terminal domain of Nucleophosmin 1 in acute myeloid leukemia. Bioorg Chem 2022; 127:106001. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2022.106001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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5
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Kang J, Brajanovski N, Chan KT, Xuan J, Pearson RB, Sanij E. Ribosomal proteins and human diseases: molecular mechanisms and targeted therapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:323. [PMID: 34462428 PMCID: PMC8405630 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-021-00728-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Ribosome biogenesis and protein synthesis are fundamental rate-limiting steps for cell growth and proliferation. The ribosomal proteins (RPs), comprising the structural parts of the ribosome, are essential for ribosome assembly and function. In addition to their canonical ribosomal functions, multiple RPs have extra-ribosomal functions including activation of p53-dependent or p53-independent pathways in response to stress, resulting in cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Defects in ribosome biogenesis, translation, and the functions of individual RPs, including mutations in RPs have been linked to a diverse range of human congenital disorders termed ribosomopathies. Ribosomopathies are characterized by tissue-specific phenotypic abnormalities and higher cancer risk later in life. Recent discoveries of somatic mutations in RPs in multiple tumor types reinforce the connections between ribosomal defects and cancer. In this article, we review the most recent advances in understanding the molecular consequences of RP mutations and ribosomal defects in ribosomopathies and cancer. We particularly discuss the molecular basis of the transition from hypo- to hyper-proliferation in ribosomopathies with elevated cancer risk, a paradox termed "Dameshek's riddle." Furthermore, we review the current treatments for ribosomopathies and prospective therapies targeting ribosomal defects. We also highlight recent advances in ribosome stress-based cancer therapeutics. Importantly, insights into the mechanisms of resistance to therapies targeting ribosome biogenesis bring new perspectives into the molecular basis of cancer susceptibility in ribosomopathies and new clinical implications for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Kang
- grid.1055.10000000403978434Division of Cancer Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC Australia ,grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XSir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC Australia
| | - Natalie Brajanovski
- grid.1055.10000000403978434Division of Cancer Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC Australia
| | - Keefe T. Chan
- grid.1055.10000000403978434Division of Cancer Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC Australia ,grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XSir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC Australia
| | - Jiachen Xuan
- grid.1055.10000000403978434Division of Cancer Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC Australia ,grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XSir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC Australia
| | - Richard B. Pearson
- grid.1055.10000000403978434Division of Cancer Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC Australia ,grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XSir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC Australia ,grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC Australia ,grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XDepartment of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC Australia
| | - Elaine Sanij
- grid.1055.10000000403978434Division of Cancer Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC Australia ,grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XSir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC Australia ,grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XDepartment of Clinical Pathology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC Australia ,grid.1073.50000 0004 0626 201XSt. Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, VIC Australia
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6
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Salah M, Zawam H, Fouad NB, Soliman N, Maksoud FAWA. Study of HOTAIR LncRNA in AML patients in context to FLT3-ITD and NPM1 mutations status. EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL HUMAN GENETICS 2021. [DOI: 10.1186/s43042-021-00180-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) have recently been considered promising biomarkers for oncogenesis due to their epigenetic regulatory effects. HOTAIR is one of the oncogenic LncRNAs that was previously studied in different non-hematological malignancies. The current study set out to detect the expression level of HOTAIR LncRNA in AML patients concerning their clinical characteristics, laboratory data, FLT3-ITD, and NPM1 mutations, as well as treatment outcome. This study included quantitative detection of HOTAIR gene expression in 47 cases of AML using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, as well as NPM1 and FLT3-ITD genotyping.
Results
The HOTAIR expression was significantly higher in AML patients 6.87 (0.001) than in normal controls 1.66 (0.004–6.82) (p 0.007). The HOTAIR expression level was affected by chemotherapy, and it was correlated to hemoglobin level (p 0.001), age, total leukocytic count (p 0.022), and NPM1 mutation (p 0.017). HOTAIR gene expression level showed a correlation to relapse-free survival in the study group (p 0.04).
Conclusion
HOTAIR is overexpressed in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). HOTAIR pre-treatment and post-chemotherapy gene expression levels can predict chemosensitivity and relapse.
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7
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Shimizu T, Kondo T, Nannya Y, Watanabe M, Kitawaki T, Shindo T, Hishizawa M, Yamashita K, Ogawa S, Takaori-Kondo A. Next-generation sequencing in two cases of de novo acute basophilic leukaemia. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:7095-7099. [PMID: 34132463 PMCID: PMC8278069 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute basophilic leukaemia (ABL) is a rare subtype of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML); therefore, few data are available about its biology. Herein, we analysed two ABL patients using flow cytometry and next‐generation sequencing (NGS). Two cell populations were detected by flow cytometry in both patients. In Case no. 1, blasts (CD34+, CD203c−, CD117+, CD123dim+) and basophils (CD34−, CD203c+, CD117±, CD123+) were identified, both of which were found by NGS to harbour the 17p deletion and have loss of heterozygosity of TP53. In Case no. 2, blasts (CD33+, CD34+, CD123−) and basophils (CD33+, CD34+, CD123+) were identified. NGS detected NPM1 mutations in either blasts or basophils, and TET2 in both. These data suggest an overlap of the mutational landscape of ABL and AML, including TP53 and TET2 mutations. Moreover, additional mutations or epigenetic factors may contribute for the differentiation into basophilic blasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuya Shimizu
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tadakazu Kondo
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yasuhito Nannya
- Department of Pathology and Tumor Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Mizuki Watanabe
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Toshio Kitawaki
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takero Shindo
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | | | - Kouhei Yamashita
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Seishi Ogawa
- Department of Pathology and Tumor Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Akifumi Takaori-Kondo
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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8
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NPM1-mutated acute myeloid leukemia: from bench to bedside. Blood 2021; 136:1707-1721. [PMID: 32609823 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2019004226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The nucleophosmin (NPM1) gene encodes for a multifunctional protein with prominent nucleolar localization that shuttles between nucleus and cytoplasm. NPM1 mutations represent the most common genetic lesion in adult acute myeloid leukemia (AML; about one third of cases), and they act deterministically to cause the aberrant cytoplasmic delocalization of NPM1 mutants. Because of its unique features, NPM1-mutated AML is recognized as a distinct entity in the 2017 World Health Organization (WHO) classification of hematopoietic neoplasms. Here, we focus on recently identified functions of wild-type NPM1 in the nucleolus and address new biological and clinical issues related to NPM1-mutated AML. The relevance of the cooperation between NPM1 and other mutations in driving AML with different outcomes is presented. We also discuss the importance of eradicating NPM1-mutated clones to achieve AML cure and the impact of preleukemic clonal hematopoiesis persistence in predisposing to second AML. The contribution of HOX genes' expression to the development of NPM1-mutated AML is also highlighted. Clinically, yet unsolved diagnostic issues in the 2017 WHO classification of myeloid neoplasms and the importance of NPM1 mutations in defining the framework of European LeukemiaNet genetic-based risk stratification are discussed. Finally, we address the value and limits of NPM1-based measurable residual disease assessment for treatment guidance and present the results of promising preclinical studies with XPO1 and menin-MLL inhibitors.
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9
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Karimi Dermani F, Gholamzadeh Khoei S, Afshar S, Amini R. The potential role of nucleophosmin (NPM1) in the development of cancer. J Cell Physiol 2021; 236:7832-7852. [PMID: 33959979 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Nucleophosmin (NPM1) is a well-known nucleocytoplasmic shuttling protein that performs several cellular functions such as ribosome biogenesis, chromatin remodeling, genomic stability, cell cycle progression, and apoptosis. NPM1 has been identified to be necessary for normal cellular functions, and its altered regulation by overexpression, mutation, translocation, loss of function, or sporadic deletion can lead to cancer and tumorigenesis. In this review, we focus on the gene and protein structure of NPM1 and its physiological roles. Finally, we discuss the association of NPM1 with various types of cancer including solid tumors and leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fateme Karimi Dermani
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.,Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeideh Gholamzadeh Khoei
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.,Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Saeid Afshar
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Razieh Amini
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
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10
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Mészáros B, Hajdu-Soltész B, Zeke A, Dosztányi Z. Mutations of Intrinsically Disordered Protein Regions Can Drive Cancer but Lack Therapeutic Strategies. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11030381. [PMID: 33806614 PMCID: PMC8000335 DOI: 10.3390/biom11030381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Many proteins contain intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) which carry out important functions without relying on a single well-defined conformation. IDRs are increasingly recognized as critical elements of regulatory networks and have been also associated with cancer. However, it is unknown whether mutations targeting IDRs represent a distinct class of driver events associated with specific molecular and system-level properties, cancer types and treatment options. Here, we used an integrative computational approach to explore the direct role of intrinsically disordered protein regions driving cancer. We showed that around 20% of cancer drivers are primarily targeted through a disordered region. These IDRs can function in multiple ways which are distinct from the functional mechanisms of ordered drivers. Disordered drivers play a central role in context-dependent interaction networks and are enriched in specific biological processes such as transcription, gene expression regulation and protein degradation. Furthermore, their modulation represents an alternative mechanism for the emergence of all known cancer hallmarks. Importantly, in certain cancer patients, mutations of disordered drivers represent key driving events. However, treatment options for such patients are currently severely limited. The presented study highlights a largely overlooked class of cancer drivers associated with specific cancer types that need novel therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bálint Mészáros
- Department of Biochemistry, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary; (B.M.); (B.H.-S.)
- EMBL Heidelberg, Meyerhofstraße 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Borbála Hajdu-Soltész
- Department of Biochemistry, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary; (B.M.); (B.H.-S.)
| | - András Zeke
- Institute of Enzymology, RCNS, P.O. Box 7, H-1518 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Zsuzsanna Dosztányi
- Department of Biochemistry, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary; (B.M.); (B.H.-S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +36-1-372 2500/8537
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11
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Šašinková M, Heřman P, Holoubek A, Strachotová D, Otevřelová P, Grebeňová D, Kuželová K, Brodská B. NSC348884 cytotoxicity is not mediated by inhibition of nucleophosmin oligomerization. Sci Rep 2021; 11:1084. [PMID: 33441774 PMCID: PMC7806638 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-80224-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Nucleophosmin (NPM) mutations causing its export from the nucleoli to the cytoplasm are frequent in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Due to heterooligomerization of wild type NPM with the AML-related mutant, the wild-type becomes misplaced from the nucleoli and its functions are significantly altered. Dissociation of NPM heterooligomers may thus restore the proper localization and function of wild-type NPM. NSC348884 is supposed to act as a potent inhibitor of NPM oligomerization. The effect of NSC348884 on the NPM oligomerization was thoroughly examined by fluorescence lifetime imaging with utilization of FRET and by a set of immunoprecipitation and electrophoretic methods. Leukemia-derived cell lines and primary AML cells as well as cells transfected with fluorescently labeled NPM forms were investigated. Our results clearly demonstrate that NSC348884 does not inhibit formation of NPM oligomers neither in vivo nor in vitro. Instead, we document that NSC348884 cytotoxicity is rather associated with modified cell adhesion signaling. The cytotoxic mechanism of NSC348884 has therefore to be reconsidered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markéta Šašinková
- Department of Proteomics, Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, U Nemocnice 1, 128 20, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Heřman
- Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Institute of Physics, Charles University, Ke Karlovu 5, 121 16, Prague 2, Czech Republic.
| | - Aleš Holoubek
- Department of Proteomics, Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, U Nemocnice 1, 128 20, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Dita Strachotová
- Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Institute of Physics, Charles University, Ke Karlovu 5, 121 16, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Otevřelová
- Department of Proteomics, Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, U Nemocnice 1, 128 20, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Dana Grebeňová
- Department of Proteomics, Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, U Nemocnice 1, 128 20, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Kateřina Kuželová
- Department of Proteomics, Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, U Nemocnice 1, 128 20, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Barbora Brodská
- Department of Proteomics, Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, U Nemocnice 1, 128 20, Prague 2, Czech Republic.
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Cela I, Di Matteo A, Federici L. Nucleophosmin in Its Interaction with Ligands. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E4885. [PMID: 32664415 PMCID: PMC7402337 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21144885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Nucleophosmin (NPM1) is a mainly nucleolar protein that shuttles between nucleoli, nucleoplasm and cytoplasm to fulfill its many functions. It is a chaperone of both nucleic acids and proteins and plays a role in cell cycle control, centrosome duplication, ribosome maturation and export, as well as the cellular response to a variety of stress stimuli. NPM1 is a hub protein in nucleoli where it contributes to nucleolar organization through heterotypic and homotypic interactions. Furthermore, several alterations, including overexpression, chromosomal translocations and mutations are present in solid and hematological cancers. Recently, novel germline mutations that cause dyskeratosis congenita have also been described. This review focuses on NPM1 interactions and inhibition. Indeed, the list of NPM1 binding partners is ever-growing and, in recent years, many studies contributed to clarifying the structural basis for NPM1 recognition of both nucleic acids and several proteins. Intriguingly, a number of natural and synthetic ligands that interfere with NPM1 interactions have also been reported. The possible role of NPM1 inhibitors in the treatment of multiple cancers and other pathologies is emerging as a new therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Cela
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University of Chieti “G. d’Annunzio”, Via Polacchi, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Chieti “G. d’Annunzio”, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Adele Di Matteo
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology (IBPM) of the CNR, c/o “Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy;
| | - Luca Federici
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University of Chieti “G. d’Annunzio”, Via Polacchi, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Chieti “G. d’Annunzio”, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
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Abstract
The rates of ribosome production by a nucleolus and of protein biosynthesis by ribosomes are tightly correlated with the rate of cell growth and proliferation. All these processes must be matched and appropriately regulated to provide optimal cell functioning. Deregulation of certain factors, including oncogenes, controlling these processes, especially ribosome biosynthesis, can lead to cell transformation. Cancer cells are characterized by intense ribosome biosynthesis which is advantageous for their growth and proliferation. On the other hand, this feature can be engaged as an anticancer strategy. Numerous nucleolar factors such as nucleolar and ribosomal proteins as well as different RNAs, in addition to their role in ribosome biosynthesis, have other functions, including those associated with cancer biology. Some of them can contribute to cell transformation and cancer development. Others, under stress evoked by different factors which often hamper function of nucleoli and thus induce nucleolar/ribosomal stress, can participate in combating cancer cells. In this sense, intentional application of therapeutic agents affecting ribosome biosynthesis can cause either release of these molecules from nucleoli or their de novo biosynthesis to mediate the activation of pathways leading to elimination of harmful cells. This review underlines the role of a nucleolus not only as a ribosome constituting apparatus but also as a hub of both positive and negative control of cancer development. The article is mainly based on original papers concerning mechanisms in which the nucleolus is implicated directly or indirectly in processes associated with neoplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dariusz Stępiński
- Department of Cytophysiology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Łódź, Pomorska 141/143, 90-236, Łódź, Poland.
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