1
|
Hjazi A, Jasim SA, Al-Dhalimy AMB, Bansal P, Kaur H, Qasim MT, Mohammed IH, Deorari M, Jawad MA, Zwamel AH. HOXA9 versus HOXB9; particular focus on their controversial role in tumor pathogenesis. J Appl Genet 2024; 65:473-492. [PMID: 38753266 DOI: 10.1007/s13353-024-00868-x] [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: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/09/2024]
Abstract
The Homeobox (HOX) gene family is essential to regulating cellular processes because it maintains the exact coordination required for tissue homeostasis, cellular differentiation, and embryonic development. The most distinctive feature of this class of genes is the presence of the highly conserved DNA region known as the homeobox, which is essential for controlling their regulatory activities. Important players in the intricate process of genetic regulation are the HOX genes. Many diseases, especially in the area of cancer, are linked to their aberrant functioning. Due to their distinctive functions in biomedical research-particularly in the complex process of tumor advancement-HOXA9 and HOXB9 have drawn particular attention. HOXA9 and HOXB9 are more significant than what is usually connected with HOX genes since they have roles in the intricate field of cancer and beyond embryonic processes. The framework for a focused study of the different effects of HOXA9 and HOXB9 in the context of tumor biology is established in this study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Hjazi
- Department of Medical Laboratory, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, 11942, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia
| | | | | | - Pooja Bansal
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetics, Jain (Deemed-to-Be) University, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560069, India
- Department of Allied Healthcare and Sciences, Vivekananda Global University, Jaipur, Rajasthan, 303012, India
| | - Harpreet Kaur
- School of Basic & Applied Sciences, Shobhit University, Gangoh, Uttar Pradesh, 247341, India
- Department of Health & Allied Sciences, Arka Jain University, Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, 831001, India
| | - Maytham T Qasim
- College of Health and Medical Technology, Al-Ayen University, Thi-Qar, Nasiriyah, 64001, Iraq
| | - Israa Hussein Mohammed
- College of Nursing, National University of Science and Technology, Dhi Qar, Nasiriyah, Iraq
| | - Mahamedha Deorari
- Uttaranchal Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, India
| | - Mohammed Abed Jawad
- Department of Medical Laboratories Technology, Al-Nisour University College, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Ahmed Hussein Zwamel
- Medical Laboratory Technique College, The Islamic University, Najaf, Iraq
- Medical Laboratory Technique College, The Islamic University of Al Diwaniyah, Al Diwaniyah, Iraq
- Medical Laboratory Technique College, The Islamic University of Babylon, Babylon, Iraq
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wei X, Wang W, Yin Q, Li H, Ahmed A, Ullah R, Li W, Jing L. In Vivo Chemical Screening in Zebrafish Embryos Identified FDA-Approved Drugs That Induce Differentiation of Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7798. [PMID: 39063039 PMCID: PMC11277044 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25147798] [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: 05/13/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is characterized by the abnormal proliferation and differentiation arrest of myeloid progenitor cells. The clinical treatment of AML remains challenging. Promoting AML cell differentiation is a valid strategy, but effective differentiation drugs are lacking for most types of AML. In this study, we generated Tg(drl:hoxa9) zebrafish, in which hoxa9 overexpression was driven in hematopoietic cells and myeloid differentiation arrest was exhibited. Using Tg(drl:hoxa9) embryos, we performed chemical screening and identified four FDA-approved drugs, ethacrynic acid, khellin, oxcarbazepine, and alendronate, that efficiently restored myeloid differentiation. The four drugs also induced AML cell differentiation, with ethacrynic acid being the most effective. By an RNA-seq analysis, we found that during differentiation, ethacrynic acid activated the IL-17 and MAPK signaling pathways, which are known to promote granulopoiesis. Furthermore, we found that ethacrynic acid enhanced all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA)-induced differentiation, and both types of signaling converged on the IL-17/MAPK pathways. Inhibiting the IL-17/MAPK pathways impaired ethacrynic acid and ATRA-induced differentiation. In addition, we showed that ethacrynic acid is less toxic to embryogenesis and less disruptive to normal hematopoiesis than ATRA. Thus, the combination of ethacrynic acid and ATRA may have broader clinical applications. In conclusion, through zebrafish-aided screening, our study identified four drugs that can be repurposed to induce AML differentiation, thus providing new agents for AML therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaona Wei
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; (X.W.); (Q.Y.); (H.L.); (A.A.); (R.U.)
| | - Wei Wang
- Nanozyme Medical Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China;
| | - Qianlan Yin
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; (X.W.); (Q.Y.); (H.L.); (A.A.); (R.U.)
| | - Hongji Li
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; (X.W.); (Q.Y.); (H.L.); (A.A.); (R.U.)
| | - Abrar Ahmed
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; (X.W.); (Q.Y.); (H.L.); (A.A.); (R.U.)
| | - Rahat Ullah
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; (X.W.); (Q.Y.); (H.L.); (A.A.); (R.U.)
| | - Wei Li
- Core Facility and Technical Service Center, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Lili Jing
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; (X.W.); (Q.Y.); (H.L.); (A.A.); (R.U.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Saibo NV, Maiti S, Boral S, Banerjee P, Kushwaha T, Inampudi KK, Goswami R, De S. The intrinsically disordered transactivation region of HOXA9 regulates its function by auto-inhibition of its DNA-binding activity. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 273:132704. [PMID: 38825283 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.132704] [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: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
HOXA9 transcription factor is expressed in hematopoietic stem cells and is involved in the regulation of their differentiation and maturation to various blood cells. HOXA9 is linked to various leukemia and is a marker for poor prognosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This protein has a conserved DNA-binding homeodomain and a transactivation domain. We show that this N-terminal transactivation domain is intrinsically disordered and inhibits DNA-binding by the homeodomain. Using NMR spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulation, we show that the hexapeptide 197AANWLH202 in the disordered region transiently occludes the DNA-binding interface. The hexapeptide also forms a rigid segment, as determined by NMR dynamics, in an otherwise flexible disordered region. Interestingly, this hexapeptide is known to mediate the interaction of HOXA9 and its TALE partner proteins, such as PBX1, and help in cooperative DNA binding. Mutation of tryptophan to alanine in the hexapeptide abrogates the DNA-binding auto-inhibition. We propose that the disordered transactivation region plays a dual role in the regulation of HOXA9 function. In the absence of TALE partners, it inhibits DNA binding, and in the presence of TALE partners it interacts with the TALE protein and facilitates the cooperative DNA binding by the HOX-TALE complex.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nikita V Saibo
- School of Bioscience, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, WB 721302, India
| | - Snigdha Maiti
- School of Bioscience, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, WB 721302, India
| | - Soumendu Boral
- School of Bioscience, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, WB 721302, India
| | - Puja Banerjee
- School of Bioscience, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, WB 721302, India
| | - Tushar Kushwaha
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Krishna K Inampudi
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Ritobrata Goswami
- School of Bioscience, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, WB 721302, India
| | - Soumya De
- School of Bioscience, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, WB 721302, India.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Shenoy US, Basavarajappa DS, Kabekkodu SP, Radhakrishnan R. Pan-cancer exploration of oncogenic and clinical impacts revealed that HOXA9 is a diagnostic indicator of tumorigenesis. Clin Exp Med 2024; 24:134. [PMID: 38904676 PMCID: PMC11192824 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-024-01389-x] [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: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Homeodomain transcription factor A9 (HOXA9) is a member of the HOX cluster family of transcription factors that are crucially involved in embryo implantation, morphogenesis, body axis development, and endothelial cell differentiation. Despite numerous reports on its aberrant expression in a few malignancies, the molecular and functional complexity of HOXA9 across cancers remains obscure. We aimed to analyze the dynamic role of HOXA9 across cancers by identifying, analyzing, and understanding its multiple modes of regulation and functional implications and identifying possible therapeutic avenues. We conducted a comprehensive analysis to determine the role of HOXA9 across cancers. This approach involved the integration of large-scale datasets from public repositories such as the Genomic Data Commons, specifically the Cancer Genome Atlas (GDC-TCGA), across 33 different cancer types. The multiple modes of HOXA9 regulation by genetic and epigenetic factors were determined using online tools, which comprised experimentally validated observations. Furthermore, downstream pathways were identified by predicting the targets of HOXA9 and by performing functional enrichment analysis. We also assessed the clinical significance of HOXA9 in terms of prognosis and stage stratification. This study evaluated the correlation between HOXA9 and tumor-infiltrating molecules and discussed its association with therapeutically approved antineoplastic drugs. HOXA9 was significantly upregulated in 9 tumors and downregulated in 2 cancers. The deregulation of HOXA9 is primarily attributed to epigenetic factors, including promoter DNA methylation and noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs). The HOXA9 transcription factor interacts with PBX/MEIS cofactors and regulates multiple genes involved in cancer-associated EMT, autophagy, the cell cycle, metabolic pathways, Wnt signaling, TGF-β signaling, the AMPK pathway, PI3K/AKT signaling, and NF-κB signaling, thereby establishing control over downstream mechanisms. Differential expression in various clinical stages across cancers was shown to have prognostic significance and to be correlated with tumor-infiltrating immune molecules. The assessment of the correlation of HOXA9 expression with approved antineoplastic drugs revealed that targeting HOXA9 could be the most reliable strategy for preventing cancer progression. HOXA9 is upregulated in the majority of malignancies and drives cancer progression by regulating multiple signaling mechanisms. Hence, HOXA9 could be a reliable diagnostic indicator and a potential therapeutic candidate for solid cancer types.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- U Sangeetha Shenoy
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Dhanraj Salur Basavarajappa
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Shama Prasada Kabekkodu
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Raghu Radhakrishnan
- Department of Oral Pathology, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India.
- Academic Unit of Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine and Pathology, School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield,, S10 2TA, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Shenoy US, Adiga D, Alhedyan F, Kabekkodu SP, Radhakrishnan R. HOXA9 transcription factor is a double-edged sword: from development to cancer progression. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:709-728. [PMID: 38062297 PMCID: PMC11156722 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10159-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
The HOXA9 transcription factor serves as a molecular orchestrator in cancer stemness, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), metastasis, and generation of the tumor microenvironment in hematological and solid malignancies. However, the multiple modes of regulation, multifaceted functions, and context-dependent interactions responsible for the dual role of HOXA9 as an oncogene or tumor suppressor in cancer remain obscure. Hence, unravelling its molecular complexities, binding partners, and interacting signaling molecules enables us to comprehend HOXA9-mediated transcriptional programs and molecular crosstalk. However, it is imperative to understand its central role in fundamental biological processes such as embryogenesis, foetus implantation, hematopoiesis, endothelial cell proliferation, and tissue homeostasis before designing targeted therapies. Indeed, it presents an enormous challenge for clinicians to selectively target its oncogenic functions or restore tumor-suppressive role without altering normal cellular functions. In addition to its implications in cancer, the present review also focuses on the clinical applications of HOXA9 in recurrence and drug resistance, which may provide a broader understanding beyond oncology, open new avenues for clinicians for accurate diagnoses, and develop personalized treatment strategies. Furthermore, we have also discussed the existing therapeutic options and accompanying challenges in HOXA9-targeted therapies in different cancer types.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- U Sangeetha Shenoy
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Divya Adiga
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Faisal Alhedyan
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Diagnostic Sciences, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, 11942, Saudi Arabia
- Unit of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, School of Clinical Dentistry, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Shama Prasada Kabekkodu
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Raghu Radhakrishnan
- Department of Oral Pathology, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, India.
- Unit of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, School of Clinical Dentistry, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
He L, Feng X, Hu C, Liu S, Sheng H, Cai B, Ma Y. HOXA9 gene inhibits proliferation and differentiation and promotes apoptosis of bovine preadipocytes. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:358. [PMID: 38605318 PMCID: PMC11007997 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10231-3] [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: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hox gene family is an important transcription factor that regulates cell process, and plays a role in the process of adipocytes differentiation and fat deposition. Previous transcriptome sequencing studies have indicated that the Homeobox A9 gene (HOXA9) is a candidate gene for regulating the process of bovine lipid metabolism, but the function and specific mechanism of action remain unclear. Therefore, this study aims to explore the role of HOXA9 in the proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis of bovine preadipocytes through gain-of-function and lose-of-function. RESULT It found HOXA9 highly expressed in bovine adipose tissue, and its expression level changed significantly during adipocytes differentiation process. It gave a hint that HOXA9 may be involved in the process of bovine lipid metabolism. The results of HOXA9 gain-of-function experiments indicated that HOXA9 appeared to act as a negative regulator not only in the differentiation but also in the proliferation of bovine preadipocytes, which is mainly reflected that overexpression of HOXA9 down-regulate the mRNA and protein expression level of PPARγ, CEBPα and FABP4 (P < 0.05). The mRNA expression level of CDK1, CDK2, PCNA, CCNA2, CCNB1, CCND1 and CCNE2, as well as the protein expression of CDK2 also significantly decreased. The decrease of lipid droplets content was the main characteristic of the phenotype (P < 0.01), which further supported the evidence that HOXA9 was a negative regulator of preadipocytes differentiation. The decrease of cell proliferation rate and EdU positive rate, as well as the limitation of transition of preadipocytes from G0/G1 phase to S phase also provided evidence for the inhibition of proliferation. Apart from this above, we noted an interesting phenomenon that overexpression of HOXA9 showed in a significant upregulation of both mRNA and protein level of apoptosis markers, accompanied by a significant increase in cell apoptosis rate. These data led us not to refute the fact that HOXA9 played an active regulatory role in apoptosis. HOXA9 loss-of-function experiments, however, yielded the opposite results. Considering that HOXA9 acts as a transcription factor, we predicted its target genes. Dual luciferase reporter assay system indicated that overexpression of HOXA9 inhibits activity of PCNA promoter. CONCLUSION Taken together, we demonstrated for the first time that HOXA9 played a role as a negative regulatory factor in the differentiation and proliferation of preadipocytes, but played a positive regulatory role in apoptosis, and it may play a regulatory role by targeting PCNA. This study provides basic data for further exploring the regulatory network of intramuscular fat deposition in bovine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lixia He
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Ruminant Molecular and Cellular Breeding of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Ningxia University, 750021, Yinchuan, China
| | - Xue Feng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Ruminant Molecular and Cellular Breeding of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Ningxia University, 750021, Yinchuan, China
| | - Chunli Hu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Ruminant Molecular and Cellular Breeding of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Ningxia University, 750021, Yinchuan, China
| | - Shuang Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Ruminant Molecular and Cellular Breeding of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Ningxia University, 750021, Yinchuan, China
| | - Hui Sheng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Ruminant Molecular and Cellular Breeding of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Ningxia University, 750021, Yinchuan, China
| | - Bei Cai
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Ruminant Molecular and Cellular Breeding of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Ningxia University, 750021, Yinchuan, China
| | - Yun Ma
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Ruminant Molecular and Cellular Breeding of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Ningxia University, 750021, Yinchuan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zhang M, Hyle J, Chen X, Xin Y, Jin Y, Zhang J, Yang X, Chen X, Wright S, Liu Z, Rosikiewicz W, Xu B, He L, Liu H, Ping N, Wu D, Wen F, Li C, Xu P. RNA-binding protein RBM5 plays an essential role in acute myeloid leukemia by activating the oncogenic protein HOXA9. Genome Biol 2024; 25:16. [PMID: 38216972 PMCID: PMC10785552 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-023-03149-8] [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: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The oncogenic protein HOXA9 plays a critical role in leukemia transformation and maintenance, and its aberrant expression is a hallmark of most aggressive acute leukemia. Although inhibiting the upstream regulators of HOXA9 has been proven as a significant therapeutic intervention, the comprehensive regulation network controlling HOXA9 expression in leukemia has not been systematically investigated. RESULTS Here, we perform genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 screening in the HOXA9-driven reporter acute leukemia cells. We identify a poorly characterized RNA-binding protein, RBM5, as the top candidate gene required to maintain leukemia cell fitness. RBM5 is highly overexpressed in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients compared to healthy individuals. RBM5 loss triggered by CRISPR knockout and shRNA knockdown significantly impairs leukemia maintenance in vitro and in vivo. Through domain CRISPR screening, we reveal that RBM5 functions through a noncanonical transcriptional regulation circuitry rather than RNA splicing, such an effect depending on DNA-binding domains. By integrative analysis and functional assays, we identify HOXA9 as the downstream target of RBM5. Ectopic expression of HOXA9 rescues impaired leukemia cell proliferation upon RBM5 loss. Importantly, acute protein degradation of RBM5 through auxin-inducible degron system immediately reduces HOXA9 transcription. CONCLUSIONS We identify RBM5 as a new upstream regulator of HOXA9 and reveal its essential role in controlling the survival of AML. These functional and molecular mechanisms further support RBM5 as a promising therapeutic target for myeloid leukemia treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengli Zhang
- Cyrus Tang Medical Institute, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China
| | - Judith Hyle
- Department of Tumor Cell Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Xiaowen Chen
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen Institute of Pediatrics, 7019 Yi Tian Road, Shenzhen, 518038, China
| | - Ye Xin
- Cyrus Tang Medical Institute, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yingcai Jin
- Cyrus Tang Medical Institute, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jianxiang Zhang
- Cyrus Tang Medical Institute, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xue Yang
- Cyrus Tang Medical Institute, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xinfeng Chen
- Cyrus Tang Medical Institute, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shaela Wright
- Department of Tumor Cell Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Zhenling Liu
- Department of Tumor Cell Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Wojciech Rosikiewicz
- Center for Applied Bioinformatics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Beisi Xu
- Center for Applied Bioinformatics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Liusheng He
- Core Facility of Flow Cytometry, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Hong Liu
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China
| | - Nana Ping
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China
| | - Depei Wu
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China
| | - Feiqiu Wen
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen Institute of Pediatrics, 7019 Yi Tian Road, Shenzhen, 518038, China
| | - Chunliang Li
- Department of Tumor Cell Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA.
| | - Peng Xu
- Cyrus Tang Medical Institute, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Aryal S, Lu R. HOXA9 Regulome and Pharmacological Interventions in Leukemia. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2024; 1459:405-430. [PMID: 39017854 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-62731-6_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
HOXA9, an important transcription factor (TF) in hematopoiesis, is aberrantly expressed in numerous cases of both acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and is a strong indicator of poor prognosis in patients. HOXA9 is a proto-oncogene which is both sufficient and necessary for leukemia transformation. HOXA9 expression in leukemia correlates with patient survival outcomes and response to therapy. Chromosomal transformations (such as NUP98-HOXA9), mutations, epigenetic dysregulation (e.g., MLL- MENIN -LEDGF complex or DOT1L/KMT4), transcription factors (such as USF1/USF2), and noncoding RNA (such as HOTTIP and HOTAIR) regulate HOXA9 mRNA and protein during leukemia. HOXA9 regulates survival, self-renewal, and progenitor cell cycle through several of its downstream target TFs including LMO2, antiapoptotic BCL2, SOX4, and receptor tyrosine kinase FLT3 and STAT5. This dynamic and multilayered HOXA9 regulome provides new therapeutic opportunities, including inhibitors targeting DOT1L/KMT4, MENIN, NPM1, and ENL proteins. Recent findings also suggest that HOXA9 maintains leukemia by actively repressing myeloid differentiation genes. This chapter summarizes the recent advances understanding biochemical mechanisms underlying HOXA9-mediated leukemogenesis, the clinical significance of its abnormal expression, and pharmacological approaches to treat HOXA9-driven leukemia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sajesan Aryal
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA
- O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Rui Lu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA.
- O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Zhu H, Xu Y, Xia J, Guo X, Fang Y, Fan J, Li F, Wu J, Zheng G, Liu Y. Identification and analysis of methylation signature genes and association with immune infiltration in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:14965-14982. [PMID: 37606761 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05284-y] [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: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a common leukemia with low cure rate and poor prognosis among pediatric patients. The regulation of AML immune microenvironment and methylation remains to be explored. Pediatric and adult AML patients differ significantly in epigenetic factors, and the efficiency of treatment modalities varies between the two groups of patients. METHODS We collected mRNA, miRNA and DNA methylation data from pediatric AML patients across multiple databases. Differentially expression genes were identified, and a gene-miRNA regulatory network was constructed. Prognostic risk models were established by integrating LASSO and Cox regression, and a nomogram was generated. Based on this model, we investigated tumor-infiltrating immune cells and cell communication, analyzing the biological functions and pathways associated with prognostic factors. Furthermore, the relationships between all prognostic factors and gene modules were explored, and the impact of these factors on treatment modalities was determined. RESULTS We developed an efficient prognostic risk model and identified HOXA9, SORT1, SH3BP5, mir-224 and mir-335 as biomarkers. We validated these findings in an external dataset and observed a correlation between age and risk in pediatric patients. AML samples with lower risk scores have a better prognosis and higher expression of immune-upregulated biomarkers, and have lower immune scores. Furthermore, we detected discrepancies in immune cell infiltration and interactions between high- and low-risk group samples, which affected the efficacy of immunotherapy. We evaluated all prognostic factors and predicted the effect of immunotherapy and medicine. CONCLUSION This study comprehensively investigated the role of methylation signature genes in pediatric AML at the level of genomes and transcriptomes. The research aims to enhance the risk stratification, prognosis evaluation and assessment of treatment effectiveness of AML patients. This study also highlight the uniqueness of pediatric AML and foster the development of new immunotherapy and targeted therapy strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huawei Zhu
- School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dalian University of Technology, Panjin, 124221, China
| | - Yanbo Xu
- School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dalian University of Technology, Panjin, 124221, China
| | - Jun Xia
- School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dalian University of Technology, Panjin, 124221, China
| | - Xu Guo
- School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dalian University of Technology, Panjin, 124221, China
| | - Yujie Fang
- School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dalian University of Technology, Panjin, 124221, China
| | - Jingzhi Fan
- School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dalian University of Technology, Panjin, 124221, China
| | - Fangjun Li
- School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dalian University of Technology, Panjin, 124221, China
| | - Jinhong Wu
- School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dalian University of Technology, Panjin, 124221, China
| | - Guoliang Zheng
- Liaoning Cancer Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110042, China.
| | - Yubo Liu
- School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dalian University of Technology, Panjin, 124221, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Al Saati A, Vande Perre P, Plenecassagnes J, Gilhodes J, Monselet N, Cabarrou B, Lignon N, Filleron T, Telly D, Perello-Lestrade E, Feillel V, Staub A, Martinez M, Chipoulet E, Collet G, Thomas F, Gladieff L, Toulas C. Multigene Panel Sequencing Identifies a Novel Germline Mutation Profile in Male Breast Cancer Patients. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14348. [PMID: 37762649 PMCID: PMC10531866 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Even though male breast cancer (MBC) risk encompasses both genetic and environmental aetiologies, the primary risk factor is a germline pathogenic variant (PV) or likely pathogenic variant (LPV) in BRCA2, BRCA1 and/or PALB2 genes. To identify new potential MBC-specific predisposition genes, we sequenced a panel of 585 carcinogenesis genes in an MBC cohort without BRCA1/BRCA2/PALB2 PV/LPV. We identified 14 genes carrying rare PVs/LPVs in the MBC population versus noncancer non-Finnish European men, predominantly coding for DNA repair and maintenance of genomic stability proteins. We identified for the first time PVs/LPVs in PRCC (pre-mRNA processing), HOXA9 (transcription regulation), RECQL4 and WRN (maintenance of genomic stability) as well as in genes involved in other cellular processes. To study the specificity of this MBC PV/LPV profile, we examined whether variants in the same genes could be detected in a female breast cancer (FBC) cohort without BRCA1/BRCA2/PALB2 PV/LPV. Only 5/109 women (4.6%) carried a PV/LPV versus 18/85 men (21.2%) on these genes. FBC did not carry any PV/LPV on 11 of these genes. Although 5.9% of the MBC cohort carried PVs/LPVs in PALLD and ERCC2, neither of these genes were altered in our FBC cohort. Our data suggest that in addition to BRCA1/BRCA2/PALB2, other genes involved in DNA repair/maintenance or genomic stability as well as cell adhesion may form a specific MBC PV/LPV signature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ayman Al Saati
- Oncogenetics Laboratory, Oncopole Claudius Regaud, IUCT-Oncopole, Toulouse, France; (A.A.S.); (D.T.); (E.P.-L.)
- DIAD, Inserm, Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse, Toulouse, France;
- Université de Toulouse, Université Toulouse III-Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Pierre Vande Perre
- Oncogenetics Laboratory, Oncopole Claudius Regaud, IUCT-Oncopole, Toulouse, France; (A.A.S.); (D.T.); (E.P.-L.)
- DIAD, Inserm, Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse, Toulouse, France;
| | - Julien Plenecassagnes
- Bioinformatics Department, Oncopole Claudius Regaud, IUCT-Oncopole, Toulouse, France;
| | - Julia Gilhodes
- Biostatistics Department, Oncopole Claudius Regaud, IUCT-Oncopole, Toulouse, France; (J.G.); (N.M.); (B.C.); (T.F.)
| | - Nils Monselet
- Biostatistics Department, Oncopole Claudius Regaud, IUCT-Oncopole, Toulouse, France; (J.G.); (N.M.); (B.C.); (T.F.)
| | - Bastien Cabarrou
- Biostatistics Department, Oncopole Claudius Regaud, IUCT-Oncopole, Toulouse, France; (J.G.); (N.M.); (B.C.); (T.F.)
| | - Norbert Lignon
- Oncogenetics Department, Oncopole Claudius Regaud, IUCT-Oncopole, Toulouse, France; (N.L.); (V.F.); (A.S.); (E.C.); (G.C.); (L.G.)
| | - Thomas Filleron
- Biostatistics Department, Oncopole Claudius Regaud, IUCT-Oncopole, Toulouse, France; (J.G.); (N.M.); (B.C.); (T.F.)
| | - Dominique Telly
- Oncogenetics Laboratory, Oncopole Claudius Regaud, IUCT-Oncopole, Toulouse, France; (A.A.S.); (D.T.); (E.P.-L.)
| | - Emilie Perello-Lestrade
- Oncogenetics Laboratory, Oncopole Claudius Regaud, IUCT-Oncopole, Toulouse, France; (A.A.S.); (D.T.); (E.P.-L.)
| | - Viviane Feillel
- Oncogenetics Department, Oncopole Claudius Regaud, IUCT-Oncopole, Toulouse, France; (N.L.); (V.F.); (A.S.); (E.C.); (G.C.); (L.G.)
| | - Anne Staub
- Oncogenetics Department, Oncopole Claudius Regaud, IUCT-Oncopole, Toulouse, France; (N.L.); (V.F.); (A.S.); (E.C.); (G.C.); (L.G.)
| | | | - Edith Chipoulet
- Oncogenetics Department, Oncopole Claudius Regaud, IUCT-Oncopole, Toulouse, France; (N.L.); (V.F.); (A.S.); (E.C.); (G.C.); (L.G.)
| | - Gaëlle Collet
- Oncogenetics Department, Oncopole Claudius Regaud, IUCT-Oncopole, Toulouse, France; (N.L.); (V.F.); (A.S.); (E.C.); (G.C.); (L.G.)
| | - Fabienne Thomas
- DIAD, Inserm, Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse, Toulouse, France;
- Université de Toulouse, Université Toulouse III-Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
- Pharmacology Department, Oncopole Claudius Regaud, IUCT-Oncopole, Toulouse, France
| | - Laurence Gladieff
- Oncogenetics Department, Oncopole Claudius Regaud, IUCT-Oncopole, Toulouse, France; (N.L.); (V.F.); (A.S.); (E.C.); (G.C.); (L.G.)
| | - Christine Toulas
- Oncogenetics Laboratory, Oncopole Claudius Regaud, IUCT-Oncopole, Toulouse, France; (A.A.S.); (D.T.); (E.P.-L.)
- DIAD, Inserm, Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse, Toulouse, France;
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Fioretti T, Zanobio M, Raia M, Errichiello S, Izzo B, Cattaneo F, Ammendola R, Cevenini A, Esposito G. MiR-27a downregulates 14-3-3θ, RUNX1, AF4, and MLL-AF4, crucial drivers of blast transformation in t(4;11) leukemia cells. Cell Biochem Funct 2022; 40:706-717. [PMID: 35981137 PMCID: PMC9804920 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The chromosomal translocation t(4;11)(q21;q23), a hallmark of an aggressive form of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), encodes mixed-lineage leukemia (MLL)-AF4 oncogenic chimera that triggers aberrant transcription of genes involved in lymphocyte differentiation, including HOXA9 and MEIS1. The scaffold protein 14-3-3θ, which promotes the binding of MLL-AF4 to the HOXA9 promoter, is a target of MiR-27a, a tumor suppressor in different human leukemia cell types. We herein study the role of MiR-27a in the pathogenesis of t(4;11) ALL. Reverse transcription quantitative PCR (qPCR) reveals that MiR-27a and 14-3-3θ expression is inversely correlated in t(4;11) ALL cell lines; interestingly, MiR-27a relative expression is significantly lower in patients affected by t(4;11) ALL than in patients affected by the less severe t(12;21) leukemia. In t(4;11) leukemia cells, ectopic expression of MiR-27a decreases protein level of 14-3-3θ and of the key transcription factor RUNX1. We show for the first time that MiR-27a also targets AF4 and MLL-AF4; in agreement, MiR-27a overexpression strongly reduces AF4 and MLL-AF4 protein levels in RS4;11 cells. Consequent to AF4 and MLL-AF4 downregulation, MiR-27a overexpression negatively affects transcription of HOXA9 and MEIS1 in different t(4;11) leukemia cell lines. In agreement, we show through chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments that MiR-27a overexpression impairs the binding of MLL-AF4 to the HOXA9 promoter. Lastly, we found that MiR-27a overexpression decreases viability, proliferation, and clonogenicity of t(4;11) cells, whereas it enhances their apoptotic rate. Overall, our study identifies the first microRNAthat strikes in one hit four crucial drivers of blast transformation in t(4;11) leukemia. Therefore, MiR-27a emerges as a new promising therapeutic target for this aggressive and poorly curable form of leukemia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Fioretti
- CEINGE Advanced Biotechnologies Franco Salvatore s.c. a r.l.NaplesItaly
| | - Mariateresa Zanobio
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, School of MedicineUniversity of Naples Federico IINaplesItaly,Precision MedicineUniversity of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”Naples, Italy
| | - Maddalena Raia
- CEINGE Advanced Biotechnologies Franco Salvatore s.c. a r.l.NaplesItaly
| | - Santa Errichiello
- CEINGE Advanced Biotechnologies Franco Salvatore s.c. a r.l.NaplesItaly
| | - Barbara Izzo
- CEINGE Advanced Biotechnologies Franco Salvatore s.c. a r.l.NaplesItaly,Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, School of MedicineUniversity of Naples Federico IINaplesItaly
| | - Fabio Cattaneo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, School of MedicineUniversity of Naples Federico IINaplesItaly
| | - Rosario Ammendola
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, School of MedicineUniversity of Naples Federico IINaplesItaly
| | - Armando Cevenini
- CEINGE Advanced Biotechnologies Franco Salvatore s.c. a r.l.NaplesItaly,Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, School of MedicineUniversity of Naples Federico IINaplesItaly
| | - Gabriella Esposito
- CEINGE Advanced Biotechnologies Franco Salvatore s.c. a r.l.NaplesItaly,Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, School of MedicineUniversity of Naples Federico IINaplesItaly
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Zhou C, Wang Z, Yang S, Li H, Zhao L. Hymeglusin Enhances the Pro-Apoptotic Effects of Venetoclax in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Front Oncol 2022; 12:864430. [PMID: 35847946 PMCID: PMC9277771 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.864430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Venetoclax is used for the priority treatment of elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Resistance or intolerance to venetoclax offsets its clinical benefits in some patients. Combination strategies with other drugs are promising alternatives to overcome the current complications associated with venetoclax use. Hymeglusin, a specific inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A synthase 1 (HMGCS1), regulates the mevalonate pathway, which is vital for AML growth and chemosensitivity. The effects of the combination of venetoclax and hymeglusin on AML were explored in this study. The correlations between HMGCS1 and apoptosis-related genes were analyzed using the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis 2 and The Cancer Genome Atlas databases. Apoptosis and cell viability were detected in HL-60 and KG-1 cells after treatment with gradient concentrations of venetoclax or hymeglusin. The transcriptomic profiles of HL-60 and KG-1 cells were compared via RNA-Seq analysis. The effects of venetoclax and hymeglusin on apoptosis were validated in primary cells. The results showed that HMGCS1 expression was closely associated with apoptosis-related genes based on the data from large clinical databases. B cell lymphoma (BCL)-2 expression was elevated in AML and negatively associated with overall survival. Hymeglusin decreased BCL2 expression levels in HL-60 and KG-1 cells. Venetoclax and hymeglusin inhibited cell viability in both cell lines, but induced apoptosis in HL-60 cells. This discrepancy in sensitivity to hymeglusin may be attributed to the positive increase in the expression levels of HMGCS1 and multiple upregulated pro-leukemia genes in KG-1 cells. Combination treatment with venetoclax and hymeglusin significantly increased the apoptotic rates compared to single-agent treatment in both AML cell lines and primary AML cells. Furthermore, the combination strategy did not result in remarkably enhanced toxicity in normal mononuclear cells. Collectively, hymeglusin enhanced the effects of venetoclax on apoptosis. This combination strategy showed enhanced antileukemic activity with acceptable toxicity in AML.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Zhou
- Department of Hematology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhiqin Wang
- Department of Geriatric Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shuanghui Yang
- Department of Hematology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Huan Li
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Liang Zhao
- Department of Hematology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Osmond B, Facey COB, Zhang C, Boman BM. HOXA9 Overexpression Contributes to Stem Cell Overpopulation That Drives Development and Growth of Colorectal Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23126799. [PMID: 35743243 PMCID: PMC9224160 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
HOX proteins are transcription factors that regulate stem cell (SC) function, but their role in the SC origin of cancer is under-studied. Aberrant expression of HOX genes occurs in many cancer types. Our goal is to ascertain how retinoic acid (RA) signaling and the regulation of HOXA9 expression might play a role in the SC origin of human colorectal cancer (CRC). Previously, we reported that aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) and other RA pathway components are co-expressed in colonic cancer SCs (CSCs) and that overpopulation of ALDH-positive CSCs occurs during colon tumorigenesis. Our hypothesis is RA signaling regulates HOXA9 expression, and dysregulated RA signaling results in HOXA9 overexpression, which contributes to CSC overpopulation in CRC. Immunostaining showed that HOXA9 was selectively expressed in ALDH-positive SCs, and HOXA9 expression was increased in CRCs compared to normal epithelium. Modulating RA signaling in CRC cells (HT29 and SW480) with ATRA and DEAB decreased cell proliferation and reduced HOXA9 expression. Bioinformatics analyses identified a network of proteins that functionally interact with HOXA9, and the genes that encode these proteins, as well as HOXA9, contain RA receptor binding sites. These findings indicate that the expression of HOXA9 and its functional network is regulated by RA signaling in normal colonic SCs, and, when dysregulated, HOXA9 may contribute to CSC overpopulation that drives CRC development and growth. Our study provides a regulatory mechanism that might be useful in developing treatments against CSC overpopulation in CRC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brian Osmond
- Cawley Center for Translational Cancer Research, Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute, Newark, DE 19713, USA; (B.O.); (C.O.B.F.); (C.Z.)
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19713, USA
| | - Caroline O. B. Facey
- Cawley Center for Translational Cancer Research, Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute, Newark, DE 19713, USA; (B.O.); (C.O.B.F.); (C.Z.)
| | - Chi Zhang
- Cawley Center for Translational Cancer Research, Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute, Newark, DE 19713, USA; (B.O.); (C.O.B.F.); (C.Z.)
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19713, USA
| | - Bruce M. Boman
- Cawley Center for Translational Cancer Research, Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute, Newark, DE 19713, USA; (B.O.); (C.O.B.F.); (C.Z.)
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19713, USA
- Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-267-303-9241
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Andreozzi F, Massaro F, Wittnebel S, Spilleboudt C, Lewalle P, Salaroli A. New Perspectives in Treating Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Driving towards a Patient-Tailored Strategy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:3887. [PMID: 35409248 PMCID: PMC8999556 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
For decades, intensive chemotherapy (IC) has been considered the best therapeutic option for treating acute myeloid leukemia (AML), with no curative option available for patients who are not eligible for IC or who have had failed IC. Over the last few years, several new drugs have enriched the therapeutic arsenal of AML treatment for both fit and unfit patients, raising new opportunities but also new challenges. These include the already approved venetoclax, the IDH1/2 inhibitors enasidenib and ivosidenib, gemtuzumab ozogamicin, the liposomal daunorubicin/cytarabine formulation CPX-351, and oral azacitidine. Venetoclax, an anti BCL2-inhibitor, in combination with hypomethylating agents (HMAs), has markedly improved the management of unfit and elderly patients from the perspective of improved quality of life and better survival. Venetoclax is currently under investigation in combination with other old and new drugs in early phase trials. Recently developed drugs with different mechanisms of action and new technologies that have already been investigated in other settings (BiTE and CAR-T cells) are currently being explored in AML, and ongoing trials should determine promising agents, more synergic combinations, and better treatment strategies. Access to new drugs and inclusion in clinical trials should be strongly encouraged to provide scientific evidence and to define the future standard of treatment in AML.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Andreozzi
- Hematology Department, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium; (F.M.); (S.W.); (C.S.); (P.L.); (A.S.)
| | - Fulvio Massaro
- Hematology Department, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium; (F.M.); (S.W.); (C.S.); (P.L.); (A.S.)
- PhD Program in Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41121 Modena, Italy
| | - Sebastian Wittnebel
- Hematology Department, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium; (F.M.); (S.W.); (C.S.); (P.L.); (A.S.)
| | - Chloé Spilleboudt
- Hematology Department, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium; (F.M.); (S.W.); (C.S.); (P.L.); (A.S.)
| | - Philippe Lewalle
- Hematology Department, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium; (F.M.); (S.W.); (C.S.); (P.L.); (A.S.)
| | - Adriano Salaroli
- Hematology Department, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium; (F.M.); (S.W.); (C.S.); (P.L.); (A.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Watt SM, Hua P, Roberts I. Increasing Complexity of Molecular Landscapes in Human Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells during Development and Aging. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073675. [PMID: 35409034 PMCID: PMC8999121 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The past five decades have seen significant progress in our understanding of human hematopoiesis. This has in part been due to the unprecedented development of advanced technologies, which have allowed the identification and characterization of rare subsets of human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells and their lineage trajectories from embryonic through to adult life. Additionally, surrogate in vitro and in vivo models, although not fully recapitulating human hematopoiesis, have spurred on these scientific advances. These approaches have heightened our knowledge of hematological disorders and diseases and have led to their improved diagnosis and therapies. Here, we review human hematopoiesis at each end of the age spectrum, during embryonic and fetal development and on aging, providing exemplars of recent progress in deciphering the increasingly complex cellular and molecular hematopoietic landscapes in health and disease. This review concludes by highlighting links between chronic inflammation and metabolic and epigenetic changes associated with aging and in the development of clonal hematopoiesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne M. Watt
- Stem Cell Research, Nuffield Division of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9BQ, UK
- Myeloma Research Laboratory, Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide 5005, Australia
- Cancer Program, Precision Medicine Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide 5001, Australia
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +61-403-393-755
| | - Peng Hua
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China;
| | - Irene Roberts
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, and NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre Haematology Theme, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK;
- Department of Paediatrics and NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre Haematology Theme, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| |
Collapse
|