1
|
Wang H, Helin K. Roles of H3K4 methylation in biology and disease. Trends Cell Biol 2024:S0962-8924(24)00115-6. [PMID: 38909006 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2024.06.001] [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: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications, including posttranslational modifications of histones, are closely linked to transcriptional regulation. Trimethylated H3 lysine 4 (H3K4me3) is one of the most studied histone modifications owing to its enrichment at the start sites of transcription and its association with gene expression and processes determining cell fate, development, and disease. In this review, we focus on recent studies that have yielded insights into how levels and patterns of H3K4me3 are regulated, how H3K4me3 contributes to the regulation of specific phases of transcription such as RNA polymerase II initiation, pause-release, heterogeneity, and consistency. The conclusion from these studies is that H3K4me3 by itself regulates gene expression and its precise regulation is essential for normal development and preventing disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hua Wang
- Peking University International Cancer Institute, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Bernardini A, Tora L. Co-translational Assembly Pathways of Nuclear Multiprotein Complexes Involved in the Regulation of Gene Transcription. J Mol Biol 2024; 436:168382. [PMID: 38061625 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2023.168382] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Most factors that regulate gene transcription in eukaryotic cells are multimeric, often large, protein complexes. The understanding of the biogenesis pathways of such large and heterogeneous protein assemblies, as well as the dimerization partner choice among transcription factors, is crucial to interpret and control gene expression programs and consequent cell fate decisions. Co-translational assembly (Co-TA) is thought to play key roles in the biogenesis of protein complexes by directing complex formation during protein synthesis. In this review we discuss the principles of Co-TA with a special focus for the assembly of transcription regulatory complexes. We outline the expected molecular advantages of establishing co-translational interactions, pointing at the available, or missing, evidence for each of them. We hypothesize different molecular mechanisms based on Co-TA to explain the allocation "dilemma" of paralog proteins and subunits shared by different transcription complexes. By taking as a paradigm the different assembly pathways employed by three related transcription regulatory complexes (TFIID, SAGA and ATAC), we discuss alternative Co-TA strategies for nuclear multiprotein complexes and the widespread - yet specific - use of Co-TA for the formation of nuclear complexes involved in gene transcription. Ultimately, we outlined a series of open questions which demand well-defined lines of research to investigate the principles of gene regulation that rely on the coordinated assembly of protein complexes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Bernardini
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, France; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR7104, Illkirch, France; Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U964 Illkirch, France; Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France.
| | - László Tora
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, France; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR7104, Illkirch, France; Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U964 Illkirch, France; Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Gökbuget D, Boileau RM, Lenshoek K, Blelloch R. MLL3/MLL4 enzymatic activity shapes DNA replication timing. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.07.569680. [PMID: 38106216 PMCID: PMC10723431 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.07.569680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian genomes are replicated in a precise order during S phase, which is cell-type-specific1-3 and correlates with local transcriptional activity2,4-8, chromatin modifications9 and chromatin architecture1,10,11,12. However, the causal relationships between these features and the key regulators of DNA replication timing (RT) are largely unknown. Here, machine learning was applied to quantify chromatin features, including epigenetic marks, histone variants and chromatin architectural factors, best predicting local RT under steady-state and RT changes during early embryonic stem (ES) cell differentiation. About one-third of genome exhibited RT changes during the differentiation. Combined, chromatin features predicted steady-state RT and RT changes with high accuracy. Of these features, histone H3 lysine 4 monomethylation (H3K4me1) catalyzed by MLL3/4 (also known as KMT2C/D) emerged as a top predictor. Loss of Mll3/4 (but not Mll3 alone) or their enzymatic activity resulted in erasure of genome-wide RT dynamics during ES cell differentiation. Sites that normally gain H3K4me1 in a MLL3/4-dependent fashion during the transition failed to transition towards earlier RT, often with transcriptional activation unaffected. Further analysis revealed a requirement for MLL3/4 in promoting DNA replication initiation zones through MCM2 recruitment, providing a direct link for its role in regulating RT. Our results uncover MLL3/4-dependent H3K4me1 as a functional regulator of RT and highlight a causal relationship between the epigenome and RT that is largely uncoupled from transcription. These findings uncover a previously unknown role for MLL3/4-dependent chromatin functions which is likely relevant to the numerous diseases associated with MLL3/4 mutations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deniz Gökbuget
- The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Urology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ryan M. Boileau
- The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Urology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Present address: Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Kayla Lenshoek
- The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Urology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Robert Blelloch
- The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Urology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wu X, Wu X, Xie W. Activation, decommissioning, and dememorization: enhancers in a life cycle. Trends Biochem Sci 2023; 48:673-688. [PMID: 37221124 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2023.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Spatiotemporal regulation of cell type-specific gene expression is essential to convert a zygote into a complex organism that contains hundreds of distinct cell types. A class of cis-regulatory elements called enhancers, which have the potential to enhance target gene transcription, are crucial for precise gene expression programs during development. Following decades of research, many enhancers have been discovered and how enhancers become activated has been extensively studied. However, the mechanisms underlying enhancer silencing are less well understood. We review current understanding of enhancer decommissioning and dememorization, both of which enable enhancer silencing. We highlight recent progress from genome-wide perspectives that have revealed the life cycle of enhancers and how its dynamic regulation underlies cell fate transition, development, cell regeneration, and epigenetic reprogramming.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotong Wu
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xi Wu
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Wei Xie
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Craddock J, Jiang J, Patrick SM, Mutambirwa SBA, Stricker PD, Bornman MSR, Jaratlerdsiri W, Hayes VM. Alterations in the Epigenetic Machinery Associated with Prostate Cancer Health Disparities. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3462. [PMID: 37444571 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15133462] [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: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer is driven by acquired genetic alterations, including those impacting the epigenetic machinery. With African ancestry as a significant risk factor for aggressive disease, we hypothesize that dysregulation among the roughly 656 epigenetic genes may contribute to prostate cancer health disparities. Investigating prostate tumor genomic data from 109 men of southern African and 56 men of European Australian ancestry, we found that African-derived tumors present with a longer tail of epigenetic driver gene candidates (72 versus 10). Biased towards African-specific drivers (63 versus 9 shared), many are novel to prostate cancer (18/63), including several putative therapeutic targets (CHD7, DPF3, POLR1B, SETD1B, UBTF, and VPS72). Through clustering of all variant types and copy number alterations, we describe two epigenetic PCa taxonomies capable of differentiating patients by ancestry and predicted clinical outcomes. We identified the top genes in African- and European-derived tumors representing a multifunctional "generic machinery", the alteration of which may be instrumental in epigenetic dysregulation and prostate tumorigenesis. In conclusion, numerous somatic alterations in the epigenetic machinery drive prostate carcinogenesis, but African-derived tumors appear to achieve this state with greater diversity among such alterations. The greater novelty observed in African-derived tumors illustrates the significant clinical benefit to be derived from a much needed African-tailored approach to prostate cancer healthcare aimed at reducing prostate cancer health disparities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jenna Craddock
- School of Health Systems and Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0084, South Africa
| | - Jue Jiang
- Ancestry and Health Genomics Laboratory, Charles Perkins Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Sean M Patrick
- School of Health Systems and Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0084, South Africa
| | - Shingai B A Mutambirwa
- Department of Urology, Sefako Makgatho Health Science University, Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital, Medunsa 0208, South Africa
| | - Phillip D Stricker
- Department of Urology, St Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - M S Riana Bornman
- School of Health Systems and Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0084, South Africa
| | - Weerachai Jaratlerdsiri
- Ancestry and Health Genomics Laboratory, Charles Perkins Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Vanessa M Hayes
- School of Health Systems and Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0084, South Africa
- Ancestry and Health Genomics Laboratory, Charles Perkins Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester M20 4GJ, UK
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Simigdala N, Chalari A, Sklirou AD, Chavdoula E, Papafotiou G, Melissa P, Kafalidou A, Paschalidis N, Pateras IS, Athanasiadis E, Konstantopoulos D, Trougakos IP, Klinakis A. Loss of Kmt2c in vivo leads to EMT, mitochondrial dysfunction and improved response to lapatinib in breast cancer. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:100. [PMID: 36933062 PMCID: PMC10024673 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04734-7] [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: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
Deep sequencing of human tumours has uncovered a previously unappreciated role for epigenetic regulators in tumorigenesis. H3K4 methyltransferase KMT2C/MLL3 is mutated in several solid malignancies, including more than 10% of breast tumours. To study the tumour suppressor role of KMT2C in breast cancer, we generated mouse models of Erbb2/Neu, Myc or PIK3CA-driven tumorigenesis, in which the Kmt2c locus is knocked out specifically in the luminal lineage of mouse mammary glands using the Cre recombinase. Kmt2c knock out mice develop tumours earlier, irrespective of the oncogene, assigning a bona fide tumour suppressor role for KMT2C in mammary tumorigenesis. Loss of Kmt2c induces extensive epigenetic and transcriptional changes, which lead to increased ERK1/2 activity, extracellular matrix re-organization, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and mitochondrial dysfunction, the latter associated with increased reactive oxygen species production. Loss of Kmt2c renders the Erbb2/Neu-driven tumours more responsive to lapatinib. Publicly available clinical datasets revealed an association of low Kmt2c gene expression and better long-term outcome. Collectively, our findings solidify the role of KMT2C as a tumour suppressor in breast cancer and identify dependencies that could be therapeutically amenable.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nikiana Simigdala
- Present Address: Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Anna Chalari
- Present Address: Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Aimilia D. Sklirou
- Department of Cell Biology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelia Chavdoula
- Present Address: Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH USA
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center-Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH USA
| | - George Papafotiou
- Present Address: Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Pelagia Melissa
- Present Address: Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Aimilia Kafalidou
- Present Address: Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Paschalidis
- Present Address: Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis S. Pateras
- 2nd Department of Pathology, Medical School, “Attikon” University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | | | - Ioannis P. Trougakos
- Department of Cell Biology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Apostolos Klinakis
- Present Address: Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Shea LK, Akhave NS, Sutton LA, Compton LA, York C, Ramakrishnan SM, Miller CA, Wartman LD, Chen DY. Combined Kdm6a and Trp53 Deficiency Drives the Development of Squamous Cell Skin Cancer in Mice. J Invest Dermatol 2023; 143:232-241.e6. [PMID: 36055401 PMCID: PMC10334302 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2022.08.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) has among the highest mutation burdens of all cancers, reflecting its pathogenic association with the mutagenic effects of UV light exposure. Although mutations in cancer-relevant genes such as TP53 and NOTCH1 are common in cSCC, they are also tolerated in normal skin and suggest that other events are required for transformation; it is not yet clear whether epigenetic regulators cooperate in the pathogenesis of cSCC. KDM6A encodes a histone H3K27me2/me3 demethylase that is frequently mutated in cSCC and other cancers. Previous sequencing studies indicate that roughly 7% of cSCC samples harbor KDM6A mutations, including frequent truncating mutations, suggesting a role for this gene as a tumor suppressor in cSCC. Mice with epidermal deficiency of both Kdm6a and Trp53 exhibited 100% penetrant, spontaneous cSCC development within a year, and exome sequencing of resulting tumors reveals recurrent mutations in Ncstn and Vcan. Four of 16 tumors exhibited deletions in large portions of chromosome 1 involving Ncstn, whereas another 25% of tumors harbored deletions in chromosome 19 involving Pten, implicating the loss of other tumor suppressors as cooperating events for combined KDM6A- and TRP53-dependent tumorigenesis. This study suggests that KDM6A acts as an important tumor suppressor for cSCC pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren K Shea
- Division of Oncology, John T. Milliken Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Neal S Akhave
- Division of Oncology, John T. Milliken Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Leslie A Sutton
- Division of Dermatology, John T. Milliken Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Leigh A Compton
- Division of Dermatology, John T. Milliken Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Department of Pathology & Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Conner York
- Division of Oncology, John T. Milliken Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Sai Mukund Ramakrishnan
- Division of Oncology, John T. Milliken Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Christopher A Miller
- Division of Oncology, John T. Milliken Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Lukas D Wartman
- Division of Oncology, John T. Milliken Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - David Y Chen
- Division of Dermatology, John T. Milliken Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Soto-Feliciano YM, Sánchez-Rivera FJ, Perner F, Barrows DW, Kastenhuber ER, Ho YJ, Carroll T, Xiong Y, Anand D, Soshnev AA, Gates L, Beytagh MC, Cheon D, Gu S, Liu XS, Krivtsov AV, Meneses M, de Stanchina E, Stone RM, Armstrong SA, Lowe SW, Allis CD. A Molecular Switch between Mammalian MLL Complexes Dictates Response to Menin-MLL Inhibition. Cancer Discov 2023; 13:146-169. [PMID: 36264143 PMCID: PMC9827117 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-22-0416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Menin interacts with oncogenic MLL1-fusion proteins, and small molecules that disrupt these associations are in clinical trials for leukemia treatment. By integrating chromatin-focused and genome-wide CRISPR screens with genetic, pharmacologic, and biochemical approaches, we discovered a conserved molecular switch between the MLL1-Menin and MLL3/4-UTX chromatin-modifying complexes that dictates response to Menin-MLL inhibitors. MLL1-Menin safeguards leukemia survival by impeding the binding of the MLL3/4-UTX complex at a subset of target gene promoters. Disrupting the Menin-MLL1 interaction triggers UTX-dependent transcriptional activation of a tumor-suppressive program that dictates therapeutic responses in murine and human leukemia. Therapeutic reactivation of this program using CDK4/6 inhibitors mitigates treatment resistance in leukemia cells that are insensitive to Menin inhibitors. These findings shed light on novel functions of evolutionarily conserved epigenetic mediators like MLL1-Menin and MLL3/4-UTX and are relevant to understand and target molecular pathways determining therapeutic responses in ongoing clinical trials. SIGNIFICANCE Menin-MLL inhibitors silence a canonical HOX- and MEIS1-dependent oncogenic gene expression program in leukemia. We discovered a parallel, noncanonical transcriptional program involving tumor suppressor genes that are repressed in Menin-MLL inhibitor-resistant leukemia cells but that can be reactivated upon combinatorial treatment with CDK4/6 inhibitors to augment therapy responses. This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Florian Perner
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.,Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Internal Medicine C, Greifswald University Medical Center, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Douglas W. Barrows
- Laboratory of Chromatin Biology and Epigenetics, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York.,Bioinformatics Resource Center, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York
| | - Edward R. Kastenhuber
- Cancer Biology and Genetics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Yu-Jui Ho
- Cancer Biology and Genetics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Thomas Carroll
- Bioinformatics Resource Center, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York
| | - Yijun Xiong
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.,Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Disha Anand
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.,Internal Medicine C, Greifswald University Medical Center, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Alexey A. Soshnev
- Laboratory of Chromatin Biology and Epigenetics, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York
| | - Leah Gates
- Laboratory of Chromatin Biology and Epigenetics, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York
| | - Mary Clare Beytagh
- Laboratory of Chromatin Biology and Epigenetics, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York
| | - David Cheon
- Laboratory of Chromatin Biology and Epigenetics, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York
| | - Shengqing Gu
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts.,Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - X. Shirley Liu
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts.,Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Andrei V. Krivtsov
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.,Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Maximiliano Meneses
- Antitumor Assessment Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Elisa de Stanchina
- Antitumor Assessment Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Richard M. Stone
- Leukemia Division, Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Scott A. Armstrong
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.,Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Corresponding Authors: C. David Allis, The Rockefeller University, Allis Lab, Box #78, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065. Phone: 212-327-7839; E-mail: ; Scott W. Lowe, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Sloan Kettering Institute, Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, New York, NY, 10065. Phone: 646-888-3342; E-mail: ; and Scott A. Armstrong, Harvard Medical School, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Boston, MA, 02115. Phone: 617-632-2991; E-mail:
| | - Scott W. Lowe
- Cancer Biology and Genetics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.,Corresponding Authors: C. David Allis, The Rockefeller University, Allis Lab, Box #78, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065. Phone: 212-327-7839; E-mail: ; Scott W. Lowe, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Sloan Kettering Institute, Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, New York, NY, 10065. Phone: 646-888-3342; E-mail: ; and Scott A. Armstrong, Harvard Medical School, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Boston, MA, 02115. Phone: 617-632-2991; E-mail:
| | - C. David Allis
- Laboratory of Chromatin Biology and Epigenetics, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York.,Corresponding Authors: C. David Allis, The Rockefeller University, Allis Lab, Box #78, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065. Phone: 212-327-7839; E-mail: ; Scott W. Lowe, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Sloan Kettering Institute, Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, New York, NY, 10065. Phone: 646-888-3342; E-mail: ; and Scott A. Armstrong, Harvard Medical School, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Boston, MA, 02115. Phone: 617-632-2991; E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Peter C, Schulz WA, Whongsiri P. Characterization of Native COMPASS Complex in Urothelial Carcinoma Cells by Size Exclusion Chromatography. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2684:101-109. [PMID: 37410229 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3291-8_5] [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] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
The human COMPASS complexes regulate gene expression during development and cell differentiation. Three distinct subunits, KMT2C, KMT2D, and KDM6A (also known as UTX), are frequently mutated in urothelial carcinoma, possibly disrupting the formation of functional COMPASS complexes. Here, we describe methods to evaluate the formation of these large native protein complexes in urothelial carcinoma (UC) cell lines harboring different mutations in KMT2C/D. To this end COMPASS complexes were purified from nuclear extracts by size exclusion chromatography (SEC) using a Sepharose 6 column. SEC fractions were then separated by 3-8% Tris-acetate gradient polyacrylamide gel and the COMPASS complex subunits KMT2C, UTX, WDR5, and RBBP5 were detected by immunoblotting. In this fashion, the formation of a COMPASS complex could be observed in UC cells with wild-type but not in cells with mutant KMT2C and KMTD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Peter
- Institute of Molecular Medicine I, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Wolfgang A Schulz
- Department of Urology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Patcharawalai Whongsiri
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Cui J, Zhang C, Lee JE, Bartholdy BA, Yang D, Liu Y, Erler P, Galbo PM, Hodge DQ, Huangfu D, Zheng D, Ge K, Guo W. MLL3 loss drives metastasis by promoting a hybrid epithelial-mesenchymal transition state. Nat Cell Biol 2023; 25:145-158. [PMID: 36604594 PMCID: PMC10003829 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-022-01045-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Phenotypic plasticity associated with the hybrid epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is crucial to metastatic seeding and outgrowth. However, the mechanisms governing the hybrid EMT state remain poorly defined. Here we showed that deletion of the epigenetic regulator MLL3, a tumour suppressor frequently altered in human cancer, promoted the acquisition of hybrid EMT in breast cancer cells. Distinct from other EMT regulators that mediate only unidirectional changes, MLL3 loss enhanced responses to stimuli inducing EMT and mesenchymal-epithelial transition in epithelial and mesenchymal cells, respectively. Consequently, MLL3 loss greatly increased metastasis by enhancing metastatic colonization. Mechanistically, MLL3 loss led to increased IFNγ signalling, which contributed to the induction of hybrid EMT cells and enhanced metastatic capacity. Furthermore, BET inhibition effectively suppressed the growth of MLL3-mutant primary tumours and metastases. These results uncovered MLL3 mutation as a key driver of hybrid EMT and metastasis in breast cancer that could be targeted therapeutically.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jihong Cui
- Ruth L. and David S. Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.,Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Chi Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Ji-Eun Lee
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Boris A Bartholdy
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Dapeng Yang
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yu Liu
- Ruth L. and David S. Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.,Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Piril Erler
- Ruth L. and David S. Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.,Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Phillip M Galbo
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Dayle Q Hodge
- Ruth L. and David S. Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.,Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Danwei Huangfu
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Deyou Zheng
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.,Departments of Neurology and Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Kai Ge
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Wenjun Guo
- Ruth L. and David S. Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA. .,Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA. .,Albert Einstein Cancer Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Larson JK, Hunter‐Schlichting DN, Crowgey EL, Mills LJ, Druley TE, Marcotte EL. KMT2A‐D
pathogenicity, prevalence, and variation according to a population database. Cancer Med 2022; 12:7234-7245. [PMID: 36479909 PMCID: PMC10067056 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.5443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The KMT2 family of genes is essential epigenetic regulators promoting gene expression. The gene family contains three subgroups, each with two paralogues: KMT2A and KMT2B; KMT2C and KMT2D; KMT2F and KMT2G. KMT2A-D are among the most frequent somatically altered genes in several different cancer types. Somatic KMT2A rearrangements are well-characterized in infant leukemia (IL), and growing evidence supports the role of additional family members (KMT2B, KMT2C, and KMT2D) in leukemogenesis. Enrichment of rare heterozygous frameshift variants in KMT2A and C has been reported in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), IL, and solid tumors. Currently, the non-synonymous variation, prevalence, and penetrance of these four genes are unknown. METHODS This study determined the prevalence of pathogenic/likely pathogenic (P/LP) germline KMT2A-D variants in a cancer-free adult population from the Genome Aggregation Database (gnomAD). Two methods of variant interpretation were utilized: a manual genomic variant interpretation and an automated ACMG pipeline. RESULTS The ACMG pipeline identified considerably fewer P/LP variants (n = 89) compared to the manual method (n = 660) in all 4 genes. Consequently, the total P/LP prevalence and allele frequency (AF) were higher in the manual method (1:112, AF = 4.46E-03) than in ACMG (1:832, AF = 6.01E-04). Multiple ancestry-exclusive P/LP variants were identified along with an increased frequency in males compared to females. Many of these variants identified in this population database are also associated with severe juvenile conditions. CONCLUSION These data demonstrate that putatively functional germline variation in these developmentally important genes is more common than previously appreciated and identification in cancer-free adults may indicate incomplete penetrance for many of these variants. Future research should examine a genetic predisposing role in IL and other pediatric cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jenna K. Larson
- Deparatment of Genetic Counseling University of Minnesota Minneapolis Minnesota USA
| | - DeVon N. Hunter‐Schlichting
- Masonic Cancer Center University of Minnesota Minneapolis Minnesota USA
- Division of Pediatric Epidemiology and Clinical Research, Department of Pediatrics University of Minnesota Minneapolis Minnesota USA
| | | | - Lauren J. Mills
- Division of Pediatric Epidemiology and Clinical Research, Department of Pediatrics University of Minnesota Minneapolis Minnesota USA
| | | | - Erin L. Marcotte
- Masonic Cancer Center University of Minnesota Minneapolis Minnesota USA
- Division of Pediatric Epidemiology and Clinical Research, Department of Pediatrics University of Minnesota Minneapolis Minnesota USA
- Brain Tumor Program University of Minnesota Minneapolis Minnesota USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Ishii T, Akiyama Y, Shimada S, Kabashima A, Asano D, Watanabe S, Ishikawa Y, Ueda H, Akahoshi K, Ogawa K, Ono H, Kudo A, Tanabe M, Tanaka S. Identification of a novel target of SETD1A histone methyltransferase and the clinical significance in pancreatic cancer. Cancer Sci 2022; 114:463-476. [PMID: 36271761 PMCID: PMC9899616 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15615] [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: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Although histone H3K4 methyltransferase SETD1A is overexpressed in various cancer types, the molecular mechanism underlying its overexpression and its target genes in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remain unclarified. We conducted immunohistochemical staining for SETD1A in 105 human PDAC specimens to assess the relationship between SETD1A overexpression and clinicopathological features. The function and target genes of SETD1A were investigated using human pancreatic cancer cell lines. SETD1A expression was upregulated in 51.4% of patients with PDAC and was an independent prognostic factor associated with shorter disease-free survival after resection (p < 0.05). Knockdown and overexpression of SETD1A showed that SETD1A plays a crucial role in increasing the proliferation and motility of PDAC cells. SETD1A overexpression increased tumorigenicity. RNA sequencing of SETD1A-knockdown cells revealed downregulation of RUVBL1, an oncogenic protein ATP-dependent DNA helicase gene. ChIP analysis revealed that SETD1A binds to the RUVBL1 promoter region, resulting in increased H3K4me3 levels. Knockdown of RUVBL1 showed inhibition of cell proliferation, migration, and invasion of PDAC cells, which are similar biological effects to SETD1A knockdown. High expression of both SETD1A and RUVBL1 was an independent prognostic factor not only for disease-free survival but also for overall survival (p < 0.05). In conclusion, we identified RUVBL1 as a novel downstream target gene of the SETD1A-H3K4me3 pathway. Co-expression of SETD1A and RUVBL1 is an important factor for predicting the prognosis of patients with PDAC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Ishii
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Graduate School of MedicineTokyo Medical and Dental UniversityTokyoJapan,Department of Hepato‐Biliary‐Pancreatic SurgeryGraduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental UniversityTokyoJapan
| | - Yoshimitsu Akiyama
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Graduate School of MedicineTokyo Medical and Dental UniversityTokyoJapan
| | - Shu Shimada
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Graduate School of MedicineTokyo Medical and Dental UniversityTokyoJapan
| | - Ayano Kabashima
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Graduate School of MedicineTokyo Medical and Dental UniversityTokyoJapan
| | - Daisuke Asano
- Department of Hepato‐Biliary‐Pancreatic SurgeryGraduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental UniversityTokyoJapan
| | - Shuichi Watanabe
- Department of Hepato‐Biliary‐Pancreatic SurgeryGraduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental UniversityTokyoJapan
| | - Yoshiya Ishikawa
- Department of Hepato‐Biliary‐Pancreatic SurgeryGraduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental UniversityTokyoJapan
| | - Hiroki Ueda
- Department of Hepato‐Biliary‐Pancreatic SurgeryGraduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental UniversityTokyoJapan
| | - Keiichi Akahoshi
- Department of Hepato‐Biliary‐Pancreatic SurgeryGraduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental UniversityTokyoJapan
| | - Kosuke Ogawa
- Department of Hepato‐Biliary‐Pancreatic SurgeryGraduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental UniversityTokyoJapan
| | - Hiroaki Ono
- Department of Hepato‐Biliary‐Pancreatic SurgeryGraduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental UniversityTokyoJapan
| | - Atsushi Kudo
- Department of Hepato‐Biliary‐Pancreatic SurgeryGraduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental UniversityTokyoJapan
| | - Minoru Tanabe
- Department of Hepato‐Biliary‐Pancreatic SurgeryGraduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental UniversityTokyoJapan
| | - Shinji Tanaka
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Graduate School of MedicineTokyo Medical and Dental UniversityTokyoJapan,Department of Hepato‐Biliary‐Pancreatic SurgeryGraduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental UniversityTokyoJapan
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Poreba E, Lesniewicz K, Durzynska J. Histone-lysine N-methyltransferase 2 (KMT2) complexes - a new perspective. MUTATION RESEARCH. REVIEWS IN MUTATION RESEARCH 2022; 790:108443. [PMID: 36154872 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrrev.2022.108443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Histone H3 Lys4 (H3K4) methylation is catalyzed by the Histone-Lysine N-Methyltransferase 2 (KMT2) protein family, and its members are required for gene expression control. In vertebrates, the KMT2s function in large multisubunit complexes known as COMPASS or COMPASS-like complexes (COMplex of Proteins ASsociated with Set1). The activity of these complexes is critical for proper development, and mutation-induced defects in their functioning have frequently been found in human cancers. Moreover, inherited or de novo mutations in KMT2 genes are among the etiological factors in neurodevelopmental disorders such as Kabuki and Kleefstra syndromes. The canonical role of KMT2s is to catalyze H3K4 methylation, which results in a permissive chromatin environment that drives gene expression. However, current findings described in this review demonstrate that these enzymes can regulate processes that are not dependent on methylation: noncatalytic functions of KMT2s include DNA damage response, cell division, and metabolic activities. Moreover, these enzymes may also methylate non-histone substrates and play a methylation-dependent function in the DNA damage response. In this review, we present an overview of the new, noncanonical activities of KMT2 complexes in a variety of cellular processes. These discoveries may have crucial implications for understanding the functions of these methyltransferases in developmental processes, disease, and epigenome-targeting therapeutic strategies in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elzbieta Poreba
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, ul. Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, 61-614 Poznań, Poland.
| | - Krzysztof Lesniewicz
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, ul. Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
| | - Julia Durzynska
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, ul. Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, 61-614 Poznań, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Karbalivand M, Almada LL, Ansell SM, Fernandez-Zapico ME, Elsawa SF. MLL1 inhibition reduces IgM levels in Waldenström macroglobulinemia. Leuk Res 2022; 116:106841. [DOI: 10.1016/j.leukres.2022.106841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
|
15
|
Genome-wide CRISPR screen identifies PRC2 and KMT2D-COMPASS as regulators of distinct EMT trajectories that contribute differentially to metastasis. Nat Cell Biol 2022; 24:554-564. [PMID: 35411083 PMCID: PMC9037576 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-022-00877-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) programs operate within carcinoma
cells in which they generate phenotypes associated with malignant progression.
In their various manifestations, EMT programs enable epithelial cells to enter
into a series of intermediate states arrayed along the E-M phenotypic spectrum.
At present, we lack a coherent understanding of how carcinoma cells control
their entrance into and continued residence in these various states, and which
of these states favor the process of metastasis. Here, we characterize a layer
of EMT-regulating machinery that governs E-M plasticity (EMP). This machinery
consists of two chromatin-modifying complexes, PRC2 and KMT2D-COMPASS, that
operate as critical regulators to maintain a stable epithelial state.
Interestingly, loss of these two complexes unlocks two distinct EMT
trajectories. Dysfunction of PRC2, but not KMT2D-COMPASS, yields a
quasi-mesenchymal state that is associated with highly metastatic capabilities
and poor survival of breast cancer patients, suggesting great caution should be
applied when PRC2 inhibitors are evaluated clinically in certain patient
cohorts. These observations identify epigenetic factors that regulate E-M
plasticity, determine specific intermediate EMT states and, as a direct
consequence, govern the metastatic ability of carcinoma cells.
Collapse
|
16
|
Furth N, Shema E. It’s all in the combination: decoding the epigenome for cancer research and diagnostics. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2022; 73:101899. [PMID: 35091256 PMCID: PMC9168437 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2022.101899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Genome regulation is governed by the dynamics of chromatin modifications. The extensive and diverse array of DNA and histone modifications allow multiple elements to act combinatorically and direct tissue-specific and cell-specific outcomes. Yet, our ability to elucidate these complex combinations and link them to normal genome regulation, as well as understand their deregulation in cancer, has been hindered by the lack of suitable technologies. Here, we describe recent findings indicating the importance of the combinatorial epigenome, and novel methodologies to measure and characterize these combinations. These complementary methods span multiple disciplines, providing a means to decode epigenetic combinations and link them to biological outcomes. Finally, we discuss the promise of harnessing the rich combinatorial epigenetic information to improve cancer diagnostics and monitoring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noa Furth
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Efrat Shema
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Oleson BJ, Bazopoulou D, Jakob U. Shaping longevity early in life: developmental ROS and H3K4me3 set the clock. Cell Cycle 2021; 20:2337-2347. [PMID: 34657571 PMCID: PMC8794500 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2021.1986317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies in Caenorhabditis elegans have revealed that even a genetically identical population of animals exposed to the same environment displays a remarkable level of variability in individual lifespan. Stochasticity factors, occurring seemingly by chance or at random, are thought to account for a large part of this variability. Recent studies in our lab using C. elegans now revealed that naturally occurring variations in the levels of reactive oxygen species experienced early in life contribute to the observed lifespan variability, and likely serve as stochasticity factors in aging. Here, we will highlight how developmental events can positively shape lifespan and stress responses via a redox-sensitive epigenetic regulator, and discuss the outstanding questions and future directions on the complex relationship between reactive oxygen species and aging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bryndon J. Oleson
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Daphne Bazopoulou
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Ursula Jakob
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA,CONTACT Ursula Jakob Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Puvvula PK, Yu Y, Sullivan KR, Eyob H, Rosenberg J, Welm A, Huff C, Moon AM. Inhibiting an RBM39/MLL1 epigenomic regulatory complex with dominant-negative peptides disrupts cancer cell transcription and proliferation. Cell Rep 2021; 35:109156. [PMID: 34077726 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
RBM39 is a known splicing factor and coactivator. Here, we report that RBM39 functions as a master transcriptional regulator that interacts with the MLL1 complex to facilitate chromatin binding and H3K4 trimethylation in breast cancer cells. We identify RBM39 functional domains required for DNA and complex binding and show that the loss of RBM39 has widespread effects on H3K4me3 and gene expression, including key oncogenic pathways. RBM39's RNA recognition motif 3 (RRM3) functions as a dominant-negative domain; namely, it disrupts the complex and H3K4me trimethylation and expression of RBM/MLL1 target genes. RRM3-derived cell-penetrating peptides phenocopy the effects of the loss of RBM39 to decrease growth and survival of all major subtypes of breast cancer and yet are nontoxic to normal cells. These findings establish RBM39/MLL1 as a major contributor to the abnormal epigenetic landscape in breast cancer and lay the foundation for peptide-mediated cancer-specific therapy based on disruption of RBM39 epigenomic functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pavan Kumar Puvvula
- Department of Molecular and Functional Genomics, Weis Center for Research, Geisinger Clinic, Danville, PA, USA.
| | - Yao Yu
- Department of Epidemiology, Division of Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kaelan Renaldo Sullivan
- Department of Molecular and Functional Genomics, Weis Center for Research, Geisinger Clinic, Danville, PA, USA
| | - Henok Eyob
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Julian Rosenberg
- Department of Molecular and Functional Genomics, Weis Center for Research, Geisinger Clinic, Danville, PA, USA
| | - Alana Welm
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Chad Huff
- Department of Epidemiology, Division of Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Anne M Moon
- Department of Molecular and Functional Genomics, Weis Center for Research, Geisinger Clinic, Danville, PA, USA; Department Human Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Zheng Y, Huang Y, Mencius J, Li Y, Zhao L, Luo W, Chen Y, Quan S. Distinct kinetic mechanisms of H3K4 methylation catalyzed by MLL3 and MLL4 core complexes. J Biol Chem 2021; 296:100635. [PMID: 33823156 PMCID: PMC8144669 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The methyltransferases MLL3 and MLL4 primarily catalyze the monomethylation of histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4) on enhancers to regulate cell-type-specific gene expression and cell fate transition. MLL3 and MLL4 share almost identical binding partners and biochemical activities, but perform specific and nonredundant functions. The features and functions that distinguish MLL3 and MLL4 remain elusive. Here, we characterize the kinetic mechanisms of MLL3 and MLL4 ternary complexes containing the catalytic SET domain from MLL3 or MLL4 (MLL3SET or MLL4SET), the SPRY domain of ASH2L (ASH2LSPRY), and a short fragment of RBBP5 (RBBP5AS-ABM) to search for possible explanations. Steady-state kinetic analyses and inhibition studies reveal that the MLL3 complex catalyzes methylation in a random sequential bi-bi mechanism. In contrast, the MLL4 complex adopts an ordered sequential bi-bi mechanism, in which the cofactor S-adenosylmethionine (AdoMet) binds to the enzyme prior to the H3 peptide, and the methylated H3 peptide dissociates from the enzyme before S-adenosylhomocysteine (AdoHcy) detaches after methylation. Substrate-binding assays using fluorescence polarization (FP) confirm that AdoMet binding is a prerequisite for H3 binding for the MLL4 complex but not for the MLL3 complex. Molecular dynamic simulations reveal that the binding of AdoMet exclusively induces conformational constraints on the AdoMet-binding groove and the H3 substrate-binding pocket of MLL4, therefore stabilizing a specific active conformation to ease entry of the substrate H3. The distinct kinetic mechanisms and conformational plasticities provide important insights into the differential functions of MLL3 and MLL4 and may also guide the development of selective inhibitors targeting MLL3 or MLL4.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yongxin Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomanufacturing (SCICB), East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yinping Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomanufacturing (SCICB), East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Mencius
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomanufacturing (SCICB), East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanjing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Lijie Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wanting Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Shu Quan
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomanufacturing (SCICB), East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Greulich F, Wierer M, Mechtidou A, Gonzalez-Garcia O, Uhlenhaut NH. The glucocorticoid receptor recruits the COMPASS complex to regulate inflammatory transcription at macrophage enhancers. Cell Rep 2021; 34:108742. [PMID: 33567280 PMCID: PMC7873837 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.108742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) are effective anti-inflammatory drugs; yet, their mechanisms of action are poorly understood. GCs bind to the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), a ligand-gated transcription factor controlling gene expression in numerous cell types. Here, we characterize GR’s protein interactome and find the SETD1A (SET domain containing 1A)/COMPASS (complex of proteins associated with Set1) histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4) methyltransferase complex highly enriched in activated mouse macrophages. We show that SETD1A/COMPASS is recruited by GR to specific cis-regulatory elements, coinciding with H3K4 methylation dynamics at subsets of sites, upon treatment with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and GCs. By chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) and RNA-seq, we identify subsets of GR target loci that display SETD1A occupancy, H3K4 mono-, di-, or tri-methylation patterns, and transcriptional changes. However, our data on methylation status and COMPASS recruitment suggest that SETD1A has additional transcriptional functions. Setd1a loss-of-function studies reveal that SETD1A/COMPASS is required for GR-controlled transcription of subsets of macrophage target genes. We demonstrate that the SETD1A/COMPASS complex cooperates with GR to mediate anti-inflammatory effects. GR’s transcriptional complex in macrophages includes COMPASS proteins GR ligand changes SETD1A chromatin occupancy in activated macrophages Subsets of GR target sites show COMPASS binding and H3K4 methylation dynamics SETD1A is required for some of GR’s anti-inflammatory actions
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Greulich
- Institute for Diabetes and Obesity (IDO) & Institute for Diabetes and Cancer (IDC), Helmholtz Center Munich (HMGU) and German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), 85764 Neuherberg (Munich), Germany; Metabolic Programming, School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, ZIEL - Institute for Food & Health, Technische Universitaet Muenchen (TUM), 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Michael Wierer
- Department of Proteomics and Signal Transduction, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - Aikaterini Mechtidou
- Institute for Diabetes and Obesity (IDO) & Institute for Diabetes and Cancer (IDC), Helmholtz Center Munich (HMGU) and German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), 85764 Neuherberg (Munich), Germany
| | - Omar Gonzalez-Garcia
- Institute for Diabetes and Obesity (IDO) & Institute for Diabetes and Cancer (IDC), Helmholtz Center Munich (HMGU) and German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), 85764 Neuherberg (Munich), Germany
| | - N Henriette Uhlenhaut
- Institute for Diabetes and Obesity (IDO) & Institute for Diabetes and Cancer (IDC), Helmholtz Center Munich (HMGU) and German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), 85764 Neuherberg (Munich), Germany; Metabolic Programming, School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, ZIEL - Institute for Food & Health, Technische Universitaet Muenchen (TUM), 85354 Freising, Germany; Metabolic Biochemistry and Genetics, Gene Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet LMU, 81377 Munich, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Antunes ETB, Ottersbach K. The MLL/SET family and haematopoiesis. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2020; 1863:194579. [PMID: 32389825 PMCID: PMC7294230 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2020.194579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
As demonstrated through early work in Drosophila, members of the MLL/SET family play essential roles during embryonic development through their participation in large protein complexes that are central to epigenetic regulation of gene expression. One of its members, MLL1, has additionally received a lot of attention as it is a potent oncogenic driver in different types of leukaemia when aberrantly fused to a large variety of partners as a result of chromosomal translocations. Its exclusive association with cancers of the haematopoietic system has prompted a large number of investigations into the role of MLL/SET proteins in haematopoiesis, a summary of which was attempted in this review. Interestingly, MLL-rearranged leukaemias are particularly prominent in infant and paediatric leukaemia, which commonly initiate in utero. This, together with the known function of MLL/SET proteins in embryonic development, has focussed research efforts in recent years on understanding the role of this protein family in developmental haematopoiesis and how this may be subverted by MLL oncofusions in infant leukaemia. A detailed understanding of these prenatal events is essential for the development of new treatments that improve the survival specifically of this very young patient group.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric T B Antunes
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
| | - Katrin Ottersbach
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Serrano-Quílez J, Roig-Soucase S, Rodríguez-Navarro S. Sharing Marks: H3K4 Methylation and H2B Ubiquitination as Features of Meiotic Recombination and Transcription. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21124510. [PMID: 32630409 PMCID: PMC7350030 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21124510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Meiosis is a specialized cell division that gives raise to four haploid gametes from a single diploid cell. During meiosis, homologous recombination is crucial to ensure genetic diversity and guarantee accurate chromosome segregation. Both the formation of programmed meiotic DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) and their repair using homologous chromosomes are essential and highly regulated pathways. Similar to other processes that take place in the context of chromatin, histone posttranslational modifications (PTMs) constitute one of the major mechanisms to regulate meiotic recombination. In this review, we focus on specific PTMs occurring in histone tails as driving forces of different molecular events, including meiotic recombination and transcription. In particular, we concentrate on the influence of H3K4me3, H2BK123ub, and their corresponding molecular machineries that write, read, and erase these histone marks. The Spp1 subunit within the Complex of Proteins Associated with Set1 (COMPASS) is a critical regulator of H3K4me3-dependent meiotic DSB formation. On the other hand, the PAF1c (RNA polymerase II associated factor 1 complex) drives the ubiquitination of H2BK123 by Rad6-Bre1. We also discuss emerging evidence obtained by cryo-electron microscopy (EM) structure determination that has provided new insights into how the "cross-talk" between these two marks is accomplished.
Collapse
|
23
|
Uncoupling histone H3K4 trimethylation from developmental gene expression via an equilibrium of COMPASS, Polycomb and DNA methylation. Nat Genet 2020; 52:615-625. [PMID: 32393859 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-020-0618-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The COMPASS protein family catalyzes histone H3 Lys 4 (H3K4) methylation and its members are essential for regulating gene expression. MLL2/COMPASS methylates H3K4 on many developmental genes and bivalent clusters. To understand MLL2-dependent transcriptional regulation, we performed a CRISPR-based screen with an MLL2-dependent gene as a reporter in mouse embryonic stem cells. We found that MLL2 functions in gene expression by protecting developmental genes from repression via repelling PRC2 and DNA methylation machineries. Accordingly, repression in the absence of MLL2 is relieved by inhibition of PRC2 and DNA methyltransferases. Furthermore, DNA demethylation on such loci leads to reactivation of MLL2-dependent genes not only by removing DNA methylation but also by opening up previously CpG methylated regions for PRC2 recruitment, diluting PRC2 at Polycomb-repressed genes. These findings reveal how the context and function of these three epigenetic modifiers of chromatin can orchestrate transcriptional decisions and demonstrate that prevention of active repression by the context of the enzyme and not H3K4 trimethylation underlies transcriptional regulation on MLL2/COMPASS targets.
Collapse
|
24
|
Worden EJ, Zhang X, Wolberger C. Structural basis for COMPASS recognition of an H2B-ubiquitinated nucleosome. eLife 2020; 9:53199. [PMID: 31922488 PMCID: PMC7039682 DOI: 10.7554/elife.53199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Methylation of histone H3K4 is a hallmark of actively transcribed genes that depends on mono-ubiquitination of histone H2B (H2B-Ub). H3K4 methylation in yeast is catalyzed by Set1, the methyltransferase subunit of COMPASS. We report here the cryo-EM structure of a six-protein core COMPASS subcomplex, which can methylate H3K4 and be stimulated by H2B-Ub, bound to a ubiquitinated nucleosome. Our structure shows that COMPASS spans the face of the nucleosome, recognizing ubiquitin on one face of the nucleosome and methylating H3 on the opposing face. As compared to the structure of the isolated core complex, Set1 undergoes multiple structural rearrangements to cement interactions with the nucleosome and with ubiquitin. The critical Set1 RxxxRR motif adopts a helix that mediates bridging contacts between the nucleosome, ubiquitin and COMPASS. The structure provides a framework for understanding mechanisms of trans-histone cross-talk and the dynamic role of H2B ubiquitination in stimulating histone methylation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Evan J Worden
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States
| | - Xiangbin Zhang
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States
| | - Cynthia Wolberger
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Abstract
The epigenetic modifications of histones are versatile marks that are intimately connected to development and disease pathogenesis including human cancers. In this review, we will discuss the many different types of histone modifications and the biological processes with which they are involved. Specifically, we review the enzymatic machineries and modifications that are involved in cancer development and progression, and how to apply currently available small molecule inhibitors for histone modifiers as tool compounds to study the functional significance of histone modifications and their clinical implications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zibo Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Simpson Querrey 7th Floor 303 E. Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60611 USA
- Simpson Querrey Center for Epigenetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611 USA
| | - Ali Shilatifard
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Simpson Querrey 7th Floor 303 E. Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60611 USA
- Simpson Querrey Center for Epigenetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611 USA
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Dilworth D, Arrowsmith CH. Guiding COMPASS: Dpy-30 Positions SET1/MLL Epigenetic Signaling. Structure 2019; 26:1567-1570. [PMID: 30517884 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2018.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
In this issue of Structure, Haddad et al. (2018) solve the high-resolution trimeric crystal structure of human COMPASS-like components Dpy-30 and Ash2L (2:1) to unravel an uncharacterized interaction surface required for competent H3K4 methylation in cells and clarify Dpy-30's role in the allosteric regulation of KMT2 enzymes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Dilworth
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Cheryl H Arrowsmith
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Chan AKN, Chen CW. Rewiring the Epigenetic Networks in MLL-Rearranged Leukemias: Epigenetic Dysregulation and Pharmacological Interventions. Front Cell Dev Biol 2019; 7:81. [PMID: 31157223 PMCID: PMC6529847 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2019.00081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Leukemias driven by chromosomal translocation of the mixed-lineage leukemia gene (MLL or KMT2A) are highly prevalent in pediatric oncology. The poor survival rate and lack of an effective targeted therapy for patients with MLL-rearranged (MLL-r) leukemias emphasize an urgent need for improved knowledge and novel therapeutic approaches for these malignancies. The resulting chimeric products of MLL gene rearrangements, i.e., MLL-fusion proteins (MLL-FPs), are capable of transforming hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) into leukemic blasts. The ability of MLL-FPs to reprogram HSPCs toward leukemia requires the involvement of multiple chromatin effectors, including the histone 3 lysine 79 methyltransferase DOT1L, the chromatin epigenetic reader BRD4, and the super elongation complex. These epigenetic regulators constitute a complicated network that dictates maintenance of the leukemia program, and therefore represent an important cluster of therapeutic opportunities. In this review, we will discuss the role of MLL and its fusion partners in normal HSPCs and hematopoiesis, including the links between chromatin effectors, epigenetic landscapes, and leukemia development, and summarize current approaches to therapeutic targeting of MLL-r leukemias.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Chun-Wei Chen
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
EZH1/2 function mostly within canonical PRC2 and exhibit proliferation-dependent redundancy that shapes mutational signatures in cancer. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:6075-6080. [PMID: 30867289 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1814634116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic mutations affecting chromatin modifiers are widespread in cancers. In malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs), Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), which plays a crucial role in gene silencing, is inactivated through recurrent mutations in core subunits embryonic ectoderm development (EED) and suppressor of zeste 12 homolog (SUZ12), but mutations in PRC2's main catalytic subunit enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) have never been found. This is in contrast to myeloid and lymphoid malignancies, which harbor frequent loss-of-function mutations in EZH2. Here, we investigated whether the absence of EZH2 mutations in MPNST is due to a PRC2-independent (i.e., noncanonical) function of the enzyme or to redundancy with EZH1. We show that, in the absence of SUZ12, EZH2 remains bound to EED but loses its interaction with all other core and accessory PRC2 subunits. Through genetic and pharmacological analyses, we unambiguously establish that EZH2 is functionally inert in this context, thereby excluding a PRC2-independent function. Instead, we show that EZH1 and EZH2 are functionally redundant in the slowly proliferating MPNST precursors. We provide evidence that the compensatory function of EZH1 is alleviated upon higher proliferation. This work reveals how context-dependent redundancies can shape tumor-type specific mutation patterns in chromatin regulators.
Collapse
|
29
|
Abstract
Ubiquitously transcribed tetratricopeptide repeat on chromosome X (UTX, encoded by KDM6A) is a histone demethylase that targets di- and tri-methylated histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27). UTX function has been linked to homeotic gene expression, embryonic development, and cellular reprogramming. UTX and its protein interactors within the COMPASS family, including the MLL3 and MLL4 lysine methyltransferases, are frequently mutated in multiple human cancers; however, the molecular basis of how these mutations contribute to oncogenesis remains unclear. Here, we discuss catalytic-dependent and -independent functions of UTX and its partners MLL3 and MLL4 as part of the COMPASS family during development and in oncogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lu Wang
- Simpson Querrey Center for Epigenetics, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Searle 6-512, 320 E. Superior St., Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Ali Shilatifard
- Simpson Querrey Center for Epigenetics, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Searle 6-512, 320 E. Superior St., Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Valencia AM, Kadoch C. Chromatin regulatory mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities in cancer. Nat Cell Biol 2019; 21:152-161. [PMID: 30602726 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-018-0258-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Research over the past several decades has unmasked a major contribution of disrupted chromatin regulatory processes to human disease, particularly cancer. Advances in genome-wide technologies have highlighted frequent mutations in genes encoding chromatin-associated proteins, identified unexpected synthetic lethal opportunities and enabled increasingly comprehensive structural and functional dissection. Here, we review recent progress in our understanding of oncogenic mechanisms at each level of chromatin organization and regulation, and discuss new strategies towards therapeutic intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo M Valencia
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Chemical Biology Program, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Cigall Kadoch
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA. .,Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Natesan R, Aras S, Effron SS, Asangani IA. Epigenetic Regulation of Chromatin in Prostate Cancer. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1210:379-407. [PMID: 31900918 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-32656-2_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetics refers to mitotically/meiotically heritable mechanisms that regulate gene transcription without a need for changes in the DNA code. Covalent modifications of DNA, in the form of methylation, and histone post-translational modifications, in the form of acetylation and methylation, constitute the epigenetic code of a cell. Both DNA and histone modifications are highly dynamic and often work in unison to define the epigenetic state of a cell. Most epigenetic mechanisms regulate gene transcription by affecting localized/genome-wide transitions between heterochromatin and euchromatin states, thereby altering the accessibility of the transcriptional machinery and in turn, reduce/increase transcriptional output. Altered chromatin structure is associated with cancer progression, and epigenetic plasticity primarily governs the resistance of cancer cells to therapeutic agents. In this chapter, we specifically focus on regulators of histone methylation and acetylation, the two well-studied chromatin post-translational modifications, in the context of prostate cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ramakrishnan Natesan
- Department of Cancer Biology, Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Shweta Aras
- Department of Cancer Biology, Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Samuel Sander Effron
- Department of Cancer Biology, Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Irfan A Asangani
- Department of Cancer Biology, Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Architecture and subunit arrangement of the complete Saccharomyces cerevisiae COMPASS complex. Sci Rep 2018; 8:17405. [PMID: 30479350 PMCID: PMC6258710 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-35609-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Methylation of histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4) is catalyzed by the multi-component COMPASS or COMPASS-like complex, which is highly conserved from yeast to human, and plays essential roles in gene expression and transcription, cell cycle progression, and DNA repair. Here we present a cryo-EM map of the complete S. cerevisiae COMPASS complex. Through tag or Fab labeling strategy combined with cryo-EM 3D reconstruction and cross-linking and mass spectrometry (XL-MS) analysis, we uncovered new information on the subunit arrangement: Cps50, Cps35, and Cps30 were determined to group together to form the face region in the head of the complex, and Cps40 and the N-terminal portion of Set1 reside on the top of the head. Our map reveals the location of the active center and a canyon in the back of the head. Together, our study provides the first snapshot of the complete architecture of yeast COMPASS and a picture of its subunit interaction network, which could facilitate our understanding of the COMPASS machinery and its functionality.
Collapse
|