1
|
Pathak R, Esnault C, Radhakrishnan R, Singh PK, Zhang H, Dale R, Anand A, Bedwell GJ, Engelman AN, Rabi A, Hormoz S, Singh P, Levin HL. The role of LEDGF in transcription is exploited by HIV-1 to position integration. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.29.601340. [PMID: 39005447 PMCID: PMC11244883 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.29.601340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
HIV-1 integration occurs across actively transcribed genes due to the interaction of integrase with host chromatin factor LEDGF. Although LEDGF was originally isolated as a co-activator that stimulates promoter activity in purified systems, this role is inconsistent with LEDGF-mediated integration across gene bodies and with data indicating LEDGF is a histone chaperone that promotes transcriptional elongation. We found LEDGF is enriched in pronounced peaks that match the enrichments of H3K4me3 and RNA Pol II at transcription start sites (TSSs) of active promoters. Our genome-wide chromatin mapping revealed that MLL1 had a dominant role in recruiting LEDGF to promoters and the presence of LEDGF recruits RNA Pol II. Enrichment of LEDGF at TSSs correlates strongly with levels of integration across the transcribed sequences, indicating that LEDGF at TSSs contributed to integration across gene bodies. Although the N-terminal Pro-Trp-Trp-Pro (PWWP) domain of LEDGF interacts with nucleosomes containing H3K36me3, a modification thought to recruit LEDGF to chromatin, we found H3K36me3 does not contribute to gene specificity of integration. These data support a dual role model of LEDGF where it is tethered to promoters by MLL1 and recruits RNA Pol II. Subsequently, LEDGF travels across genes to effect HIV-1 integration. Our data also provides a mechanistic context for the contribution made by LEDGF to MLL1-based infant acute leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia in adults.
Collapse
|
2
|
Brouns T, Lux V, Van Belle S, Christ F, Veverka V, Debyser Z. The Impact of Lens Epithelium-Derived Growth Factor p75 Dimerization on Its Tethering Function. Cells 2024; 13:227. [PMID: 38334618 PMCID: PMC10854676 DOI: 10.3390/cells13030227] [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: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The transcriptional co-activator lens epithelium-derived growth factor/p75 (LEDGF/p75) plays an important role in the biology of the cell and in several human diseases, including MLL-rearranged acute leukemia, autoimmunity, and HIV-1 infection. In both health and disease, LEDGF/p75 functions as a chromatin tether that interacts with proteins such as MLL1 and HIV-1 integrase via its integrase-binding domain (IBD) and with chromatin through its N-terminal PWWP domain. Recently, dimerization of LEDGF/p75 was shown, mediated by a network of electrostatic contacts between amino acids from the IBD and the C-terminal α6-helix. Here, we investigated the functional impact of LEDGF/p75 variants on the dimerization using biochemical and cellular interaction assays. The data demonstrate that the C-terminal α6-helix folds back in cis on the IBD of monomeric LEDGF/p75. We discovered that the presence of DNA stimulates LEDGF/p75 dimerization. LEDGF/p75 dimerization enhances binding to MLL1 but not to HIV-1 integrase, a finding that was observed in vitro and validated in cell culture. Whereas HIV-1 replication was not dependent on LEDGF/p75 dimerization, colony formation of MLLr-dependent human leukemic THP-1 cells was. In conclusion, our data indicate that intricate changes in the quaternary structure of LEDGF/p75 modulate its tethering function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tine Brouns
- Laboratory for Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Flanders, Belgium; (T.B.); (S.V.B.); (F.C.)
| | - Vanda Lux
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 16000 Prague, Czech Republic; (V.L.); (V.V.)
| | - Siska Van Belle
- Laboratory for Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Flanders, Belgium; (T.B.); (S.V.B.); (F.C.)
| | - Frauke Christ
- Laboratory for Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Flanders, Belgium; (T.B.); (S.V.B.); (F.C.)
| | - Václav Veverka
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 16000 Prague, Czech Republic; (V.L.); (V.V.)
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, 12800 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Zeger Debyser
- Laboratory for Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Flanders, Belgium; (T.B.); (S.V.B.); (F.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Cermakova K, Hodges HC. Interaction modules that impart specificity to disordered protein. Trends Biochem Sci 2023; 48:477-490. [PMID: 36754681 PMCID: PMC10106370 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2023.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) are especially enriched among proteins that regulate chromatin and transcription. As a result, mechanisms that influence specificity of IDR-driven interactions have emerged as exciting unresolved issues for understanding gene regulation. We review the molecular elements frequently found within IDRs that confer regulatory specificity. In particular, we summarize the differing roles of disordered low-complexity regions (LCRs) and short linear motifs (SLiMs) towards selective nuclear regulation. Examination of IDR-driven interactions highlights SLiMs as organizers of selectivity, with widespread roles in gene regulation and integration of cellular signals. Analysis of recurrent interactions between SLiMs and folded domains suggests diverse avenues for SLiMs to influence phase-separated condensates and highlights opportunities to manipulate these interactions for control of biological activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katerina Cermakova
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - H Courtney Hodges
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA; Center for Cancer Epigenetics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
The TFIIS N-terminal domain (TND): a transcription assembly module at the interface of order and disorder. Biochem Soc Trans 2023; 51:125-135. [PMID: 36651856 PMCID: PMC9987994 DOI: 10.1042/bst20220342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Interaction scaffolds that selectively recognize disordered protein strongly shape protein interactomes. An important scaffold of this type that contributes to transcription is the TFIIS N-terminal domain (TND). The TND is a five-helical bundle that has no known enzymatic activity, but instead selectively reads intrinsically disordered sequences of other proteins. Here, we review the structural and functional properties of TNDs and their cognate disordered ligands known as TND-interacting motifs (TIMs). TNDs or TIMs are found in prominent members of the transcription machinery, including TFIIS, super elongation complex, SWI/SNF, Mediator, IWS1, SPT6, PP1-PNUTS phosphatase, elongin, H3K36me3 readers, the transcription factor MYC, and others. We also review how the TND interactome contributes to the regulation of transcription. Because the TND is the most significantly enriched fold among transcription elongation regulators, TND- and TIM-driven interactions have widespread roles in the regulation of many transcriptional processes.
Collapse
|
5
|
Bai H, Zhang SQ, Lei H, Wang F, Ma M, Xin M. Menin-MLL protein-protein interaction inhibitors: a patent review (2014-2021). Expert Opin Ther Pat 2022; 32:507-522. [PMID: 35202550 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2022.2045947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chromosomal translocations involving the mixed-lineage leukemia (MLL, KMT2A, MLL1) genes result in the production of MLL fusion proteins, which cause abnormal transcriptional regulation leading to acute leukemia (AL). Menin (MEN1) protein is essential for MLL to regulate the expression of related target genes. High affinity interactions between the amino terminus of MLL proteins and Menin proteins are required to mediate the oncogenic transformation of MLL fusion proteins. Therefore, inhibition of Menin and MLL interaction is a potential therapeutic strategy for MLL rearrangement (MLL-r) leukemia and can provide a new choice for treatment of other diseases. Therefore, researchers have made great efforts to explore small molecule Menin-MLL interaction inhibitors. AREAS COVERED This review is to provide an overview of the patented Menin-MLL protein protein interaction inhibitors from 2014 to 2021. EXPERT OPINION Menin-MLL interaction inhibitors have therapeutic potential in the treatment of acute leukemia, such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Nowadays, SNDX-5613 and KO-539 have been granted orphan drug designation by the FDA for treatment of refractory/relapsed leukemia and AML, respectively. In addition, they are undergoing clinical evaluation for other indications. It is clear that Menin-MLL interaction inhibitors have promising benefits in the clinical treatment of acute leukemia and other diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huanrong Bai
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - San-Qi Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Hao Lei
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Fang Wang
- Hebei Chemical & Pharmaceutical College, Shijiazhuang 050000, P.R. China
| | - Mengyan Ma
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Minhang Xin
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Cermakova K, Demeulemeester J, Lux V, Nedomova M, Goldman SR, Smith EA, Srb P, Hexnerova R, Fabry M, Madlikova M, Horejsi M, De Rijck J, Debyser Z, Adelman K, Hodges HC, Veverka V. A ubiquitous disordered protein interaction module orchestrates transcription elongation. Science 2021; 374:1113-1121. [PMID: 34822292 DOI: 10.1126/science.abe2913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
[Figure: see text].
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katerina Cermakova
- Center for Precision Environmental Health, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, and Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | - Vanda Lux
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Monika Nedomova
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Seth R Goldman
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Eric A Smith
- Center for Precision Environmental Health, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, and Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Pavel Srb
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Rozalie Hexnerova
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Milan Fabry
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Marcela Madlikova
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Magdalena Horejsi
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan De Rijck
- Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, KU Leuven, Leuven, Flanders, Belgium
| | - Zeger Debyser
- Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, KU Leuven, Leuven, Flanders, Belgium
| | - Karen Adelman
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - H Courtney Hodges
- Center for Precision Environmental Health, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, and Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Center for Cancer Epigenetics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Vaclav Veverka
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic.,Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Lei H, Zhang SQ, Fan S, Bai HR, Zhao HY, Mao S, Xin M. Recent Progress of Small Molecule Menin-MLL Interaction Inhibitors as Therapeutic Agents for Acute Leukemia. J Med Chem 2021; 64:15519-15533. [PMID: 34726905 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) gene rearrangements are associated with acute leukemia. The protein menin is regarded as a critical oncogenic cofactor of the resulting MLL fusion proteins in acute leukemia. A direct interaction between menin and the MLL amino terminal sequences is necessary for MLL fusion protein-mediated leukemogenesis. Thus, inhibition of the interaction between menin and MLL has emerged as a novel therapeutic strategy. Recent improvements in structural biology and chemical reactivity have promoted the design and development of selective and potent menin-MLL interaction inhibitors. In this Perspective, different classes of menin-MLL interaction inhibitors are comprehensively summarized. Further research potential, challenges, and opportunities in the field are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hao Lei
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China
| | - San-Qi Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China
| | - Shu Fan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China
| | - Huan-Rong Bai
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China
| | - Hong-Yi Zhao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China
| | - Shuai Mao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China
| | - Minhang Xin
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
The LEDGF/p75 Integrase Binding Domain Interactome Contributes to the Survival, Clonogenicity, and Tumorsphere Formation of Docetaxel-Resistant Prostate Cancer Cells. Cells 2021; 10:cells10102723. [PMID: 34685704 PMCID: PMC8534522 DOI: 10.3390/cells10102723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with prostate cancer (PCa) receiving docetaxel chemotherapy invariably develop chemoresistance. The transcription co-activator lens epithelium-derived growth factor p75 (LEDGF/p75), also known as DFS70 and PSIP1, is upregulated in several human cancers, including PCa and promotes resistance to docetaxel and other drugs. The C-terminal region of LEDGF/p75 contains an integrase binding domain (IBD) that tethers nuclear proteins, including the HIV-1 integrase and transcription factors, to active chromatin to promote viral integration and transcription of cellular survival genes. Here, we investigated the contribution of the LEDGF/p75 IBD interactome to PCa chemoresistance. Quantitative immunoblotting revealed that LEDGF/p75 and its IBD-interacting partners are endogenously upregulated in docetaxel-resistant PCa cell lines compared to docetaxel-sensitive parental cells. Using specific human autoantibodies, we co-immunoprecipitated LEDGF/p75 with its endogenous IBD-interacting partners JPO2, menin, MLL, IWS1, ASK1, and PogZ, as well as transcription factors c-MYC and HRP2, in docetaxel-resistant cells, and confirmed their nuclear co-localization by confocal microscopy. Depletion of LEDGF/p75 and selected interacting partners robustly decreased the survival, clonogenicity, and tumorsphere formation capacity of docetaxel-resistant cells. These results implicate the LEDGF/p75 IBD interactome in PCa chemoresistance and could lead to novel therapeutic strategies targeting this protein complex for the treatment of docetaxel-resistant tumors.
Collapse
|
9
|
Li X, Song Y. Structure, function and inhibition of critical protein-protein interactions involving mixed lineage leukemia 1 and its fusion oncoproteins. J Hematol Oncol 2021; 14:56. [PMID: 33823889 PMCID: PMC8022399 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-021-01057-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mixed lineage leukemia 1 (MLL1, also known as MLL or KMT2A) is an important transcription factor and histone-H3 lysine-4 (H3K4) methyltransferase. It is a master regulator for transcription of important genes (e.g., Hox genes) for embryonic development and hematopoiesis. However, it is largely dispensable in matured cells. Dysregulation of MLL1 leads to overexpression of certain Hox genes and eventually leukemia initiation. Chromosome translocations involving MLL1 cause ~ 75% of acute leukemia in infants and 5–10% in children and adults with a poor prognosis. Targeted therapeutics against oncogenic fusion MLL1 (onco-MLL1) are therefore needed. Onco-MLL1 consists of the N-terminal DNA-interacting domains of MLL1 fused with one of > 70 fusion partners, among which transcription cofactors AF4, AF9 and its paralog ENL, and ELL are the most frequent. Wild-type (WT)- and onco-MLL1 involve numerous protein–protein interactions (PPI), which play critical roles in regulating gene expression in normal physiology and leukemia. Moreover, WT-MLL1 has been found to be essential for MLL1-rearranged (MLL1-r) leukemia. Rigorous studies of such PPIs have been performed and much progress has been achieved in understanding their structures, structure–function relationships and the mechanisms for activating gene transcription as well as leukemic transformation. Inhibition of several critical PPIs by peptides, peptidomimetic or small-molecule compounds has been explored as a therapeutic approach for MLL1-r leukemia. This review summarizes the biological functions, biochemistry, structure and inhibition of the critical PPIs involving MLL1 and its fusion partner proteins. In addition, challenges and perspectives of drug discovery targeting these PPIs for the treatment of MLL1-r leukemia are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Yongcheng Song
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA. .,Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Unlike Its Paralog LEDGF/p75, HRP-2 Is Dispensable for MLL-R Leukemogenesis but Important for Leukemic Cell Survival. Cells 2021; 10:cells10010192. [PMID: 33477970 PMCID: PMC7835958 DOI: 10.3390/cells10010192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
HDGF-related protein 2 (HRP-2) is a member of the Hepatoma-Derived Growth Factor-related protein family that harbors the structured PWWP and Integrase Binding Domain, known to associate with methylated histone tails or cellular and viral proteins, respectively. Interestingly, HRP-2 is a paralog of Lens Epithelium Derived Growth Factor p75 (LEDGF/p75), which is essential for MLL-rearranged (MLL-r) leukemia but dispensable for hematopoiesis. Sequel to these findings, we investigated the role of HRP-2 in hematopoiesis and MLL-r leukemia. Protein interactions were investigated by co-immunoprecipitation and validated using recombinant proteins in NMR. A systemic knockout mouse model was used to study normal hematopoiesis and MLL-ENL transformation upon the different HRP-2 genotypes. The role of HRP-2 in MLL-r and other leukemic, human cell lines was evaluated by lentiviral-mediated miRNA targeting HRP-2. We demonstrate that MLL and HRP-2 interact through a conserved interface, although this interaction proved less dependent on menin than the MLL-LEDGF/p75 interaction. The systemic HRP-2 knockout mice only revealed an increase in neutrophils in the peripheral blood, whereas the depletion of HRP-2 in leukemic cell lines and transformed primary murine cells resulted in reduced colony formation independently of MLL-rearrangements. In contrast, primary murine HRP-2 knockout cells were efficiently transformed by the MLL-ENL fusion, indicating that HRP-2, unlike LEDGF/p75, is dispensable for the transformation of MLL-ENL leukemogenesis but important for leukemic cell survival.
Collapse
|
11
|
Aberrant Activity of Histone-Lysine N-Methyltransferase 2 (KMT2) Complexes in Oncogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21249340. [PMID: 33302406 PMCID: PMC7762615 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
KMT2 (histone-lysine N-methyltransferase subclass 2) complexes methylate lysine 4 on the histone H3 tail at gene promoters and gene enhancers and, thus, control the process of gene transcription. These complexes not only play an essential role in normal development but have also been described as involved in the aberrant growth of tissues. KMT2 mutations resulting from the rearrangements of the KMT2A (MLL1) gene at 11q23 are associated with pediatric mixed-lineage leukemias, and recent studies demonstrate that KMT2 genes are frequently mutated in many types of human cancers. Moreover, other components of the KMT2 complexes have been reported to contribute to oncogenesis. This review summarizes the recent advances in our knowledge of the role of KMT2 complexes in cell transformation. In addition, it discusses the therapeutic targeting of different components of the KMT2 complexes.
Collapse
|
12
|
Molecular Mechanism of LEDGF/p75 Dimerization. Structure 2020; 28:1288-1299.e7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2020.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
|
13
|
Takahashi S, Yokoyama A. The molecular functions of common and atypical MLL fusion protein complexes. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2020; 1863:194548. [PMID: 32320750 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2020.194548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Mixed-lineage leukemia (MLL) fuses with a variety of partners to produce a functionally altered MLL complex that is not expressed in normal cells, which transforms normal hematopoietic progenitors into leukemia cells. Because more than 80 fusion partners have been identified to date, the molecular functions of MLL fusion protein complexes appear diverse. However, over the past decade, the common functions utilized for leukemic transformation have begun to be elucidated. It appears that most (if not all) MLL fusion protein complexes utilize the AF4/ENL/P-TEFb and DOT1L complexes to some extent. Based on an understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms, several molecular targeting drugs are being developed, opening paths to novel therapies. Here, we review the recent progress made in identifying the molecular functions of various MLL fusions and categorize the numerous fusion partners into several functionally-distinct groups to help discern commonalities and differences among various MLL fusion protein complexes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Takahashi
- Tsuruoka Metabolomics Laboratory, National Cancer Center, Tsuruoka, Japan; Department of Hematology and Oncology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Akihiko Yokoyama
- Tsuruoka Metabolomics Laboratory, National Cancer Center, Tsuruoka, Japan; National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Schwaller J. Learning from mouse models of MLL fusion gene-driven acute leukemia. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2020; 1863:194550. [PMID: 32320749 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2020.194550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
5-10% of human acute leukemias carry chromosomal translocations involving the mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) gene that result in the expression of chimeric protein fusing MLL to >80 different partners of which AF4, ENL and AF9 are the most prevalent. In contrast to many other leukemia-associated mutations, several MLL-fusions are powerful oncogenes that transform hematopoietic stem cells but also more committed progenitor cells. Here, I review different approaches that were used to express MLL fusions in the murine hematopoietic system which often, but not always, resulted in highly penetrant and transplantable leukemias that closely phenocopied the human disease. Due to its simple and reliable nature, reconstitution of irradiated mice with bone marrow cells retrovirally expressing the MLL-AF9 fusion became the most frequently in vivo model to study the biology of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). I review some of the most influential studies that used this model to dissect critical protein interactions, the impact of epigenetic regulators, microRNAs and microenvironment-dependent signals for MLL fusion-driven leukemia. In addition, I highlight studies that used this model for shRNA- or genome editing-based screens for cellular vulnerabilities that allowed to identify novel therapeutic targets of which some entered clinical trials. Finally, I discuss some inherent characteristics of the widely used mouse model based on retroviral expression of the MLL-AF9 fusion that can limit general conclusions for the biology of AML. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: The MLL family of proteins in normal development and disease edited by Thomas A Milne.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juerg Schwaller
- University Children's Hospital Beider Basel (UKBB), Basel, Switzerland; Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Small Molecules Targeting the Specific Domains of Histone-Mark Readers in Cancer Therapy. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25030578. [PMID: 32013155 PMCID: PMC7037402 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25030578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications (or epigenetic tags) on DNA and histones not only alter the chromatin structure, but also provide a recognition platform for subsequent protein recruitment and enable them to acquire executive instructions to carry out specific intracellular biological processes. In cells, different epigenetic-tags on DNA and histones are often recognized by the specific domains in proteins (readers), such as bromodomain (BRD), chromodomain (CHD), plant homeodomain (PHD), Tudor domain, Pro-Trp-Trp-Pro (PWWP) domain and malignant brain tumor (MBT) domain. Recent accumulating data reveal that abnormal intracellular histone modifications (histone marks) caused by tumors can be modulated by small molecule-mediated changes in the activity of the above domains, suggesting that small molecules targeting histone-mark reader domains may be the trend of new anticancer drug development. Here, we summarize the protein domains involved in histone-mark recognition, and introduce recent research findings about small molecules targeting histone-mark readers in cancer therapy.
Collapse
|
16
|
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
|
17
|
Targeted editing of the PSIP1 gene encoding LEDGF/p75 protects cells against HIV infection. Sci Rep 2019; 9:2389. [PMID: 30787394 PMCID: PMC6382798 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-38718-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
To fulfill a productive infection cycle the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) relies on host-cell factors. Interference with these co-factors holds great promise in protecting cells against HIV infection. LEDGF/p75, encoded by the PSIP1 gene, is used by the integrase (IN) protein in the pre-integration complex of HIV to bind host-cell chromatin facilitating proviral integration. LEDGF/p75 depletion results in defective HIV replication. However, as part of its cellular function LEDGF/p75 tethers cellular proteins to the host-cell genome. We used site-specific editing of the PSIP1 locus using CRISPR/Cas to target the aspartic acid residue in position 366 and mutated it to asparagine (D366N) to disrupt the interaction with HIV IN but retain LEDGF/p75 cellular function. The resulting cell lines demonstrated successful disruption of the LEDGF/p75 HIV-IN interface without affecting interaction with cellular binding partners. In line with LEDGF/p75 depleted cells, D366N cells did not support HIV replication, in part due to decreased integration efficiency. In addition, we confirm the remaining integrated provirus is more silent. Taken together, these results support the potential of site-directed CRISPR/Cas9 mediated knock-in to render cells more resistant to HIV infection and provides an additional strategy to protect patient-derived T-cells against HIV-1 infection as part of cell-based therapy.
Collapse
|
18
|
Mercher T, Schwaller J. Pediatric Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML): From Genes to Models Toward Targeted Therapeutic Intervention. Front Pediatr 2019; 7:401. [PMID: 31681706 PMCID: PMC6803505 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2019.00401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This review aims to provide an overview of the current knowledge of the genetic lesions driving pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML), emerging biological concepts, and strategies for therapeutic intervention. Hereby, we focus on lesions that preferentially or exclusively occur in pediatric patients and molecular markers of aggressive disease with often poor outcome including fusion oncogenes that involve epigenetic regulators like KMT2A, NUP98, or CBFA2T3, respectively. Functional studies were able to demonstrate cooperation with signaling mutations leading to constitutive activation of FLT3 or the RAS signal transduction pathways. We discuss the issues faced to faithfully model pediatric acute leukemia in mice. Emerging experimental evidence suggests that the disease phenotype is dependent on the appropriate expression and activity of the driver fusion oncogenes during a particular window of opportunity during fetal development. We also highlight biochemical studies that deciphered some molecular mechanisms of malignant transformation by KMT2A, NUP98, and CBFA2T3 fusions, which, in some instances, allowed the development of small molecules with potent anti-leukemic activities in preclinical models (e.g., inhibitors of the KMT2A-MENIN interaction). Finally, we discuss other potential therapeutic strategies that not only target driver fusion-controlled signals but also interfere with the transformed cell state either by exploiting the primed apoptosis or vulnerable metabolic states or by increasing tumor cell recognition and elimination by the immune system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Mercher
- INSERM U1170, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Gustave Roussy Institute, Université Paris Diderot, Université Paris-Sud, Villejuif, France
| | - Juerg Schwaller
- Department of Biomedicine, University Children's Hospital Beider Basel (UKBB), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Xu X, Schneider B. Therapeutic targeting potential of chromatin-associated proteins in MLL-rearranged acute leukemia. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2018; 42:117-130. [DOI: 10.1007/s13402-018-0414-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
|
20
|
Abstract
In this issue of Blood, El Ashkar et al1 reveal that the lens epithelium-derived growth factor (LEDGF) protein is a key therapeutic target by showing that it is essential for leukemia, but not normal hematopoiesis. Such context-dependent information is important for the development of new targeted therapies.
Collapse
|
21
|
Sharma S, Čermáková K, De Rijck J, Demeulemeester J, Fábry M, El Ashkar S, Van Belle S, Lepšík M, Tesina P, Duchoslav V, Novák P, Hubálek M, Srb P, Christ F, Řezáčová P, Hodges HC, Debyser Z, Veverka V. Affinity switching of the LEDGF/p75 IBD interactome is governed by kinase-dependent phosphorylation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:E7053-E7062. [PMID: 29997176 PMCID: PMC6065015 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1803909115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Lens epithelium-derived growth factor/p75 (LEDGF/p75, or PSIP1) is a transcriptional coactivator that tethers other proteins to gene bodies. The chromatin tethering function of LEDGF/p75 is hijacked by HIV integrase to ensure viral integration at sites of active transcription. LEDGF/p75 is also important for the development of mixed-lineage leukemia (MLL), where it tethers the MLL1 fusion complex at aberrant MLL targets, inducing malignant transformation. However, little is known about how the LEDGF/p75 protein interaction network is regulated. Here, we obtained solution structures of the complete interfaces between the LEDGF/p75 integrase binding domain (IBD) and its cellular binding partners and validated another binding partner, Mediator subunit 1 (MED1). We reveal that structurally conserved IBD-binding motifs (IBMs) on known LEDGF/p75 binding partners can be regulated by phosphorylation, permitting switching between low- and high-affinity states. Finally, we show that elimination of IBM phosphorylation sites on MLL1 disrupts the oncogenic potential of primary MLL1-rearranged leukemic cells. Our results demonstrate that kinase-dependent phosphorylation of MLL1 represents a previously unknown oncogenic dependency that may be harnessed in the treatment of MLL-rearranged leukemia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Kateřina Čermáková
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 166 10 Prague 6, Czech Republic
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
- Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
- Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Jan De Rijck
- Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
| | | | - Milan Fábry
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 142 20 Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Sara El Ashkar
- Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Siska Van Belle
- Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Martin Lepšík
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 166 10 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Tesina
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 166 10 Prague 6, Czech Republic
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 142 20 Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Vojtěch Duchoslav
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 166 10 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Novák
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 142 20 Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Hubálek
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 166 10 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Srb
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 166 10 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Frauke Christ
- Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Pavlína Řezáčová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 166 10 Prague 6, Czech Republic
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 142 20 Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - H Courtney Hodges
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
- Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
- Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
- Center for Cancer Epigenetics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Zeger Debyser
- Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
| | - Václav Veverka
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 166 10 Prague 6, Czech Republic;
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, 116 36 Prague 1, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Lin TP, Li J, Li Q, Li X, Liu C, Zeng N, Huang JM, Chu GCY, Lin CH, Zhau HE, Chung LWK, Wu BJ, Shih JC. R1 Regulates Prostate Tumor Growth and Progression By Transcriptional Suppression of the E3 Ligase HUWE1 to Stabilize c-Myc. Mol Cancer Res 2018; 16:1940-1951. [PMID: 30042175 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-16-0346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2016] [Revised: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Prostate cancer is a prevalent public health problem, especially because noncutaneous advanced malignant forms significantly affect the lifespan and quality of life of men worldwide. New therapeutic targets and approaches are urgently needed. The current study reports elevated expression of R1 (CDCA7L/RAM2/JPO2), a c-Myc-interacting protein and transcription factor, in human prostate cancer tissue specimens. In a clinical cohort, high R1 expression is associated with disease recurrence and decreased patient survival. Overexpression and knockdown of R1 in human prostate cancer cells indicate that R1 induces cell proliferation and colony formation. Moreover, silencing R1 dramatically reduces the growth of prostate tumor xenografts in mice. Mechanistically, R1 increases c-Myc protein stability by inhibiting ubiquitination and proteolysis through transcriptional suppression of HUWE1, a c-Myc-targeting E3 ligase, via direct interaction with a binding element in the promoter. Moreover, transcriptional repression is supported by a negative coexpression correlation between R1 and HUWE1 in a prostate cancer clinical dataset. Collectively, these findings, for the first time, characterize the contribution of R1 to prostate cancer pathogenesis. IMPLICATIONS: These findings provide evidence that R1 is a novel regulator of prostate tumor growth by stabilizing c-Myc protein, meriting further investigation of its therapeutic and prognostic potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tzu-Ping Lin
- Depatment of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
- USC-Taiwan Center for Translational Research, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
- Department of Urology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine and Shu-Tien Urological Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Jingjing Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, Washington
| | - Qinlong Li
- Uro-Oncology Research Program, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
- Department of Pathology, Xijing Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiangyan Li
- Uro-Oncology Research Program, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Chunyan Liu
- Uro-Oncology Research Program, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Ni Zeng
- Depatment of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Jen-Ming Huang
- Uro-Oncology Research Program, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Gina Chia-Yi Chu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, Washington
| | - Chi-Hung Lin
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Haiyen E Zhau
- Uro-Oncology Research Program, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Leland W K Chung
- Uro-Oncology Research Program, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Boyang Jason Wu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, Washington.
| | - Jean C Shih
- Depatment of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California.
- USC-Taiwan Center for Translational Research, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
- Depatment of Cell and Neurobiology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Engelman AN, Singh PK. Cellular and molecular mechanisms of HIV-1 integration targeting. Cell Mol Life Sci 2018; 75:2491-2507. [PMID: 29417178 PMCID: PMC6004233 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-018-2772-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2017] [Revised: 01/23/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Integration is central to HIV-1 replication and helps mold the reservoir of cells that persists in AIDS patients. HIV-1 interacts with specific cellular factors to target integration to interior regions of transcriptionally active genes within gene-dense regions of chromatin. The viral capsid interacts with several proteins that are additionally implicated in virus nuclear import, including cleavage and polyadenylation specificity factor 6, to suppress integration into heterochromatin. The viral integrase protein interacts with transcriptional co-activator lens epithelium-derived growth factor p75 to principally position integration within gene bodies. The integrase additionally senses target DNA distortion and nucleotide sequence to help fine-tune the specific phosphodiester bonds that are cleaved at integration sites. Research into virus-host interactions that underlie HIV-1 integration targeting has aided the development of a novel class of integrase inhibitors and may help to improve the safety of viral-based gene therapy vectors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alan N Engelman
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, CLS-1010, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, A-111, 25 Shattuck Street, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Parmit K Singh
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, CLS-1010, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, A-111, 25 Shattuck Street, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Ríos-Colón L, Cajigas-Du Ross CK, Basu A, Elix C, Alicea-Polanco I, Sanchez TW, Radhakrishnan V, Chen CS, Casiano CA. Targeting the stress oncoprotein LEDGF/p75 to sensitize chemoresistant prostate cancer cells to taxanes. Oncotarget 2018; 8:24915-24931. [PMID: 28212536 PMCID: PMC5421899 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.15323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2016] [Accepted: 10/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) is associated with chronic prostate inflammation resulting in activation of stress and pro-survival pathways that contribute to disease progression and chemoresistance. The stress oncoprotein lens epithelium-derived growth factor p75 (LEDGF/p75), also known as DFS70 autoantigen, promotes cellular survival against environmental stressors, including oxidative stress, radiation, and cytotoxic drugs. Furthermore, LEDGF/p75 overexpression in PCa and other cancers has been associated with features of tumor aggressiveness, including resistance to cell death and chemotherapy. We report here that the endogenous levels of LEDGF/p75 are upregulated in metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) cells selected for resistance to the taxane drug docetaxel (DTX). These cells also showed resistance to the taxanes cabazitaxel (CBZ) and paclitaxel (PTX), but not to the classical inducer of apoptosis TRAIL. Silencing LEDGF/p75 effectively sensitized taxane-resistant PC3 and DU145 cells to DTX and CBZ, as evidenced by a significant decrease in their clonogenic potential. While TRAIL induced apoptotic blebbing, caspase-3 processing, and apoptotic LEDGF/p75 cleavage, which leads to its inactivation, in both taxane-resistant and -sensitive PC3 and DU145 cells, treatment with DTX and CBZ failed to robustly induce these signature apoptotic events. These observations suggested that taxanes induce both caspase-dependent and -independent cell death in mCRPC cells, and that maintaining the structural integrity of LEDGF/p75 is critical for its role in promoting taxane-resistance. Our results further establish LEDGF/p75 as a stress oncoprotein that plays an important role in taxane-resistance in mCRPC cells, possibly by antagonizing drug-induced caspase-independent cell death.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leslimar Ríos-Colón
- Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
| | - Christina K Cajigas-Du Ross
- Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
| | - Anamika Basu
- Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
| | - Catherine Elix
- Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
| | - Ivana Alicea-Polanco
- Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
| | - Tino W Sanchez
- Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
| | - Vinodh Radhakrishnan
- Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
| | - Chien-Shing Chen
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Medical Oncology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
| | - Carlos A Casiano
- Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA.,Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Hannon C, Cruz-Migoni A, Platonova O, Owen RL, Nettleship JE, Miller A, Carr SB, Harris G, Rabbitts TH, Phillips SEV. Cloning, purification and structure determination of the HIV integrase-binding domain of lens epithelium-derived growth factor. Acta Crystallogr F Struct Biol Commun 2018; 74:143-149. [PMID: 29497017 PMCID: PMC5947699 DOI: 10.1107/s2053230x18001553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Lens epithelium-derived growth factor (LEDGF)/p75 is the dominant binding partner of HIV-1 integrase in human cells. The crystal structure of the HIV integrase-binding domain (IBD) of LEDGF has been determined in the absence of ligand. IBD was overexpressed in Escherichia coli, purified and crystallized by sitting-drop vapour diffusion. X-ray diffraction data were collected at Diamond Light Source to a resolution of 2.05 Å. The crystals belonged to space group P21, with eight polypeptide chains in the asymmetric unit arranged as an unusual octamer composed of four domain-swapped IBD dimers. IBD exists as a mixture of monomers and dimers in concentrated solutions, but the dimers are unlikely to be biologically relevant.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clare Hannon
- Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DS, England
- West Suffolk Hospital, Hardwick Lane, Bury St Edmunds IP33 2QZ, England
| | - Abimael Cruz-Migoni
- Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DS, England
| | - Olga Platonova
- Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DS, England
| | - Robin L. Owen
- Diamond Light Source, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Didcot OX11 0DE, England
| | - Joanne E. Nettleship
- Oxford Protein Production Facility, Research Complex at Harwell, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Didcot OX11 0FA, England
- Division of Structural Biology, Henry Wellcome Building for Genomic Medicine, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7BN, England
| | - Ami Miller
- Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DS, England
| | - Stephen B. Carr
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QU, England
- Research Complex at Harwell, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Didcot OX11 0FA, England
| | - Gemma Harris
- Research Complex at Harwell, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Didcot OX11 0FA, England
| | - Terence H. Rabbitts
- Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DS, England
| | - Simon E. V. Phillips
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QU, England
- Research Complex at Harwell, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Didcot OX11 0FA, England
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Malouf C, Ottersbach K. Molecular processes involved in B cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Cell Mol Life Sci 2018; 75:417-446. [PMID: 28819864 PMCID: PMC5765206 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-017-2620-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2017] [Revised: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 08/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
B cell leukaemia is one of the most frequent malignancies in the paediatric population, but also affects a significant proportion of adults in developed countries. The majority of infant and paediatric cases initiate the process of leukaemogenesis during foetal development (in utero) through the formation of a chromosomal translocation or the acquisition/deletion of genetic material (hyperdiploidy or hypodiploidy, respectively). This first genetic insult is the major determinant for the prognosis and therapeutic outcome of patients. B cell leukaemia in adults displays similar molecular features as its paediatric counterpart. However, since this disease is highly represented in the infant and paediatric population, this review will focus on this demographic group and summarise the biological, clinical and epidemiological knowledge on B cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia of four well characterised subtypes: t(4;11) MLL-AF4, t(12;21) ETV6-RUNX1, t(1;19) E2A-PBX1 and t(9;22) BCR-ABL1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Camille Malouf
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh, EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Katrin Ottersbach
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh, EH16 4UU, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
El Ashkar S, Schwaller J, Pieters T, Goossens S, Demeulemeester J, Christ F, Van Belle S, Juge S, Boeckx N, Engelman A, Van Vlierberghe P, Debyser Z, De Rijck J. LEDGF/p75 is dispensable for hematopoiesis but essential for MLL-rearranged leukemogenesis. Blood 2018; 131:95-107. [PMID: 29084774 PMCID: PMC5755044 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2017-05-786962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2017] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) represents a genetically distinct and aggressive subset of human acute leukemia carrying chromosomal translocations of the MLL gene. These translocations result in oncogenic fusions that mediate aberrant recruitment of the transcription machinery to MLL target genes. The N-terminus of MLL and MLL-fusions form a complex with lens epithelium-derived growth factor (LEDGF/p75; encoded by the PSIP1 gene) and MENIN. This complex contributes to the association of MLL and MLL-fusion multiprotein complexes with the chromatin. Several studies have shown that both MENIN and LEDGF/p75 are required for efficient MLL-fusion-mediated transformation and for the expression of downstream MLL-regulated genes such as HOXA9 and MEIS1 In light of developing a therapeutic strategy targeting this complex, understanding the function of LEDGF/p75 in normal hematopoiesis is crucial. We generated a conditional Psip1 knockout mouse model in the hematopoietic compartment and examined the effects of LEDGF/p75 depletion in postnatal hematopoiesis and the initiation of MLL leukemogenesis. Psip1 knockout mice were viable but showed several defects in hematopoiesis, reduced colony-forming activity in vitro, decreased expression of Hox genes in the hematopoietic stem cells, and decreased MLL occupancy at MLL target genes. Finally, in vitro and in vivo experiments showed that LEDGF/p75 is dispensable for steady-state hematopoiesis but essential for the initiation of MLL-mediated leukemia. These data corroborate the MLL-LEDGF/p75 interaction as novel target for the treatment of MLL-rearranged leukemia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara El Ashkar
- Laboratory for Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit (KU) Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Juerg Schwaller
- Department of Biomedicine, University Children's Hospital (UKBB), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tim Pieters
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Steven Goossens
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jonas Demeulemeester
- Laboratory for Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit (KU) Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Frauke Christ
- Laboratory for Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit (KU) Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Siska Van Belle
- Laboratory for Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit (KU) Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sabine Juge
- Department of Biomedicine, University Children's Hospital (UKBB), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nancy Boeckx
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; and
| | - Alan Engelman
- Department of Cancer Immunology and AIDS, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Pieter Van Vlierberghe
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Zeger Debyser
- Laboratory for Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit (KU) Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jan De Rijck
- Laboratory for Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit (KU) Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Wang ZH, Li DD, Chen WL, You QD, Guo XK. Targeting protein-protein interaction between MLL1 and reciprocal proteins for leukemia therapy. Bioorg Med Chem 2017; 26:356-365. [PMID: 29254892 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2017.11.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2017] [Revised: 11/24/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The mixed lineage leukemia protein-1 (MLL1), as a lysine methyltransferase, predominantly regulates the methylation of histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4) and functions in hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) self-renewal. MLL1 gene fuses with partner genes that results in the generation of MLL1 fusion proteins (MLL1-FPs), which are frequently detected in acute leukemia. In the progress of leukemogenesis, a great deal of proteins cooperate with MLL1 to form multiprotein complexes serving for the dysregulation of H3K4 methylation, the overexpression of homeobox (HOX) cluster genes, and the consequent generation of leukemia. Hence, disrupting the interactions between MLL1 and the reciprocal proteins has been considered to be a new treatment strategy for leukemia. Here, we reviewed potential protein-protein interactions (PPIs) between MLL1 and its reciprocal proteins, and summarized the inhibitors to target MLL1 PPIs. The druggability of MLL1 PPIs for leukemia were also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Hui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Dong-Dong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Wei-Lin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Qi-Dong You
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Xiao-Ke Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Protein-protein and protein-chromatin interactions of LEDGF/p75 as novel drug targets. DRUG DISCOVERY TODAY. TECHNOLOGIES 2017; 24:25-31. [PMID: 29233296 DOI: 10.1016/j.ddtec.2017.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2016] [Revised: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 11/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Lens epithelium-derived growth factor p75 (LEDGF/p75), a transcriptional co-activator, plays an important role in tethering protein complexes to the chromatin. Through this tethering function LEDGF/p75 is implicated in a diverse set of human diseases including HIV infection and mixed lineage leukemia, an aggressive form of cancer with poor prognosis. Here we provide an overview of recent progress in resolving protein-protein and protein-chromatin interaction mechanisms of LEDGF/p75. This review will focus on two well-characterized domains, the PWWP domain and the integrase binding domain (IBD). The PWWP domain interacts with methylated lysine 36 in histone H3, a marker of actively transcribed genes. The IBD interacts with the IBD binding motif, available in cellular binding partners of LEDGF/p75. Each domain forms an interesting new target for drug discovery.
Collapse
|
30
|
Steinhilber D, Marschalek R. How to effectively treat acute leukemia patients bearing MLL-rearrangements ? Biochem Pharmacol 2017; 147:183-190. [PMID: 28943239 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2017.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Chromosomal translocations - leading to the expression of fusion genes - are well-studied genetic abberrations associated with the development of leukemias. Most of them represent altered transcription factors that affect transcription or epigenetics, while others - like BCR-ABL - are enhancing signaling. BCR-ABL has become the prototype for rational drug design, and drugs like Imatinib and subsequently improved drugs have a great impact on cancer treatments. By contrast, MLL-translocations in acute leukemia patients are hard to treat, display a high relapse rate and the overall survival rate is still very poor. Therefore, new treatment modalities are urgently needed. Based on the molecular insights of the most frequent MLL rearrangements, BET-, DOT1L-, SET- and MEN1/LEDGF-inhibitors have been developed and first clinical studies were initiated. Not all results of these studies have are yet available, however, a first paper reports a failure in the DOT1L-inhibitor study although it was the most promising drug based on literature data. One possible explanation is that all of the above mentioned drugs also target the cognate wildtype proteins. Here, we want to strengthen the fact that efforts should be made to develop drugs or strategies to selectively inhibit only the fusion proteins. Some examples will be given that follow exactly this guideline, and proof-of-concept experiments have already demonstrated their feasibility and effectiveness. Some of the mentioned approaches were using drugs that are already on the market, indicating that there are existing opportunities for the future which should be implemented in future therapy strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dieter Steinhilber
- Institute of Pharm. Chemistry, Goethe-University, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Rolf Marschalek
- Institute of Pharm. Biology/DCAL, Goethe-University, Frankfurt/Main, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Dafflon C, Craig VJ, Méreau H, Gräsel J, Schacher Engstler B, Hoffman G, Nigsch F, Gaulis S, Barys L, Ito M, Aguadé-Gorgorió J, Bornhauser B, Bourquin JP, Proske A, Stork-Fux C, Murakami M, Sellers WR, Hofmann F, Schwaller J, Tiedt R. Complementary activities of DOT1L and Menin inhibitors in MLL-rearranged leukemia. Leukemia 2016; 31:1269-1277. [PMID: 27840424 DOI: 10.1038/leu.2016.327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2016] [Revised: 09/16/2016] [Accepted: 10/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Chromosomal rearrangements of the mixed lineage leukemia (MLL/KMT2A) gene leading to oncogenic MLL-fusion proteins occur in ~10% of acute leukemias and are associated with poor clinical outcomes, emphasizing the need for new treatment modalities. Inhibition of the DOT1-like histone H3K79 methyltransferase (DOT1L) is a specific therapeutic approach for such leukemias that is currently being tested in clinical trials. However, in most MLL-rearranged leukemia models responses to DOT1L inhibitors are limited. Here, we performed deep-coverage short hairpin RNA sensitizer screens in DOT1L inhibitor-treated MLL-rearranged leukemia cell lines and discovered that targeting additional nodes of MLL complexes concomitantly with DOT1L inhibition bears great potential for superior therapeutic results. Most notably, combination of a DOT1L inhibitor with an inhibitor of the MLL-Menin interaction markedly enhanced induction of differentiation and cell killing in various MLL disease models including primary leukemia cells, while sparing normal hematopoiesis and leukemias without MLL rearrangements. Gene expression analysis on human and murine leukemic cells revealed that target genes of MLL-fusion proteins and MYC were suppressed more profoundly upon combination treatment. Our findings provide a strong rationale for a novel targeted combination therapy that is expected to improve therapeutic outcomes in patients with MLL-rearranged leukemia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Dafflon
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Disease Area Oncology, Basel, Switzerland
| | - V J Craig
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Disease Area Oncology, Basel, Switzerland
| | - H Méreau
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - J Gräsel
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Disease Area Oncology, Basel, Switzerland
| | - B Schacher Engstler
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Disease Area Oncology, Basel, Switzerland
| | - G Hoffman
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Developmental and Molecular Pathways, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - F Nigsch
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Developmental and Molecular Pathways, Basel, Switzerland
| | - S Gaulis
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Disease Area Oncology, Basel, Switzerland
| | - L Barys
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Disease Area Oncology, Basel, Switzerland
| | - M Ito
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Disease Area Oncology, Basel, Switzerland
| | - J Aguadé-Gorgorió
- Department of Oncology, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - B Bornhauser
- Department of Oncology, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - J-P Bourquin
- Department of Oncology, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - A Proske
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Disease Area Oncology, Basel, Switzerland
| | - C Stork-Fux
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Disease Area Oncology, Basel, Switzerland
| | - M Murakami
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Disease Area Oncology, Basel, Switzerland
| | - W R Sellers
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Disease Area Oncology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - F Hofmann
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Disease Area Oncology, Basel, Switzerland
| | - J Schwaller
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - R Tiedt
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Disease Area Oncology, Basel, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Lazar T, Schad E, Szabo B, Horvath T, Meszaros A, Tompa P, Tantos A. Intrinsic protein disorder in histone lysine methylation. Biol Direct 2016; 11:30. [PMID: 27356874 PMCID: PMC4928265 DOI: 10.1186/s13062-016-0129-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2016] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Histone lysine methyltransferases (HKMTs), catalyze mono-, di- and trimethylation of lysine residues, resulting in a regulatory pattern that controls gene expression. Their involvement in many different cellular processes and diseases makes HKMTs an intensively studied protein group, but scientific interest so far has been concentrated mostly on their catalytic domains. In this work we set out to analyze the structural heterogeneity of human HKMTs and found that many contain long intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) that are conserved through vertebrate species. Our predictions show that these IDRs contain several linear motifs and conserved putative binding sites that harbor cancer-related SNPs. Although there are only limited data available in the literature, some of the predicted binding regions overlap with interacting segments identified experimentally. The importance of a disordered binding site is illustrated through the example of the ternary complex between MLL1, menin and LEDGF/p75. Our suggestion is that intrinsic protein disorder plays an as yet unrecognized role in epigenetic regulation, which needs to be further elucidated through structural and functional studies aimed specifically at the disordered regions of HKMTs. Reviewers: This article was reviewed by Arne Elofsson and Piotr Zielenkiewicz.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tamas Lazar
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Magyar tudósok körútja 2, 1117, Budapest, Hungary.,Pázmány Péter Catholic University, Faculty of Information Technology and Bionics, Práter utca 50/a, 1083, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Eva Schad
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Magyar tudósok körútja 2, 1117, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Beata Szabo
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Magyar tudósok körútja 2, 1117, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tamas Horvath
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Magyar tudósok körútja 2, 1117, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Attila Meszaros
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Magyar tudósok körútja 2, 1117, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Peter Tompa
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Magyar tudósok körútja 2, 1117, Budapest, Hungary.,VIB Structural Biology Research Center (SBRC), Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium.,Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Agnes Tantos
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Magyar tudósok körútja 2, 1117, Budapest, Hungary.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Semenova EA, Kwon MC, Monkhorst K, Song JY, Bhaskaran R, Krijgsman O, Kuilman T, Peters D, Buikhuisen WA, Smit EF, Pritchard C, Cozijnsen M, van der Vliet J, Zevenhoven J, Lambooij JP, Proost N, van Montfort E, Velds A, Huijbers IJ, Berns A. Transcription Factor NFIB Is a Driver of Small Cell Lung Cancer Progression in Mice and Marks Metastatic Disease in Patients. Cell Rep 2016; 16:631-43. [PMID: 27373156 PMCID: PMC4956617 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2016.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Revised: 05/24/2016] [Accepted: 06/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive neuroendocrine tumor, and no effective treatment is available to date. Mouse models of SCLC based on the inactivation of Rb1 and Trp53 show frequent amplifications of the Nfib and Mycl genes. Here, we report that, although overexpression of either transcription factor accelerates tumor growth, NFIB specifically promotes metastatic spread. High NFIB levels are associated with expansive growth of a poorly differentiated and almost exclusively E-cadherin (CDH1)-negative invasive tumor cell population. Consistent with the mouse data, we find that NFIB is overexpressed in almost all tested human metastatic high-grade neuroendocrine lung tumors, warranting further assessment of NFIB as a tumor progression marker in a clinical setting. NFIB drives tumor initiation and progression in mouse models of SCLC NFIB enhances metastasis and changes the metastatic profile NFIB promotes dedifferentiation and invasion in SCLC NFIB marks stage III/IV high-grade neuroendocrine carcinomas in patients
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina A Semenova
- Division of Molecular Genetics, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam 1066 CX, the Netherlands
| | - Min-Chul Kwon
- Division of Molecular Genetics, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam 1066 CX, the Netherlands
| | - Kim Monkhorst
- Division of Pathology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam 1066 CX, the Netherlands
| | - Ji-Ying Song
- Division of Experimental Animal Pathology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam 1066 CX, the Netherlands
| | - Rajith Bhaskaran
- Division of Molecular Genetics, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam 1066 CX, the Netherlands; Genomics Core Facility, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam 1066 CX, the Netherlands
| | - Oscar Krijgsman
- Division of Molecular Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam 1066 CX, the Netherlands
| | - Thomas Kuilman
- Division of Molecular Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam 1066 CX, the Netherlands
| | - Dennis Peters
- Core Facility for Molecular Pathology and Biobanking, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam 1066 CX, the Netherlands
| | - Wieneke A Buikhuisen
- Division of Thoracic Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam 1066 CX, the Netherlands
| | - Egbert F Smit
- Division of Thoracic Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam 1066 CX, the Netherlands
| | - Colin Pritchard
- Mouse Clinic for Cancer and Aging research Transgenic Core Facility, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam 1066 CX, the Netherlands
| | - Miranda Cozijnsen
- Division of Molecular Genetics, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam 1066 CX, the Netherlands
| | - Jan van der Vliet
- Division of Molecular Genetics, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam 1066 CX, the Netherlands
| | - John Zevenhoven
- Division of Molecular Genetics, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam 1066 CX, the Netherlands
| | - Jan-Paul Lambooij
- Division of Molecular Genetics, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam 1066 CX, the Netherlands
| | - Natalie Proost
- Division of Molecular Genetics, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam 1066 CX, the Netherlands
| | - Erwin van Montfort
- Division of Molecular Genetics, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam 1066 CX, the Netherlands
| | - Arno Velds
- Genomics Core Facility, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam 1066 CX, the Netherlands
| | - Ivo J Huijbers
- Mouse Clinic for Cancer and Aging research Transgenic Core Facility, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam 1066 CX, the Netherlands.
| | - Anton Berns
- Division of Molecular Genetics, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam 1066 CX, the Netherlands; Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow 143026, Russia.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Cermakova K, Weydert C, Christ F, De Rijck J, Debyser Z. Lessons Learned: HIV Points the Way Towards Precision Treatment of Mixed-Lineage Leukemia. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2016; 37:660-671. [PMID: 27290878 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2016.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2016] [Revised: 05/09/2016] [Accepted: 05/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Protein-protein interactions are involved in most if not all pathogenic and pathophysiological processes and represent attractive therapeutic targets. Extensive biological and clinical research efforts have led to the identification and validation of several cellular hubs that are crucially involved in disease pathogenesis. An interesting example of such a hub is the lens epithelium-derived growth factor (LEDGF/p75), a protein that tethers multiple unrelated proteins and protein complexes to the chromatin. Its chromatin-tethering ability is linked to at least two unrelated diseases-HIV infection and MLL-rearranged acute leukemia. In this review we discuss recent progress in our understanding of the interaction of LEDGF/p75 with its binding partners and focus on the first steps towards therapies targeting protein-protein interactions of LEDGF/p75.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katerina Cermakova
- KU Leuven, Laboratory for Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Leuven, Belgium; Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic (ASCR), v.v.i, Laboratory of Structural Biology, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Caroline Weydert
- KU Leuven, Laboratory for Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Frauke Christ
- KU Leuven, Laboratory for Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jan De Rijck
- KU Leuven, Laboratory for Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Zeger Debyser
- KU Leuven, Laboratory for Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Leuven, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Abstract
Transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs) are one of several types of programmable, engineered nucleases that bind and cleave specific DNA sequences. Cellular machinery repairs the cleaved DNA by introducing indels. In this review, we emphasize the potential, explore progress, and identify challenges in using TALENs as a therapeutic tool to treat HIV infection. TALENs have less off-target editing and can be more effective at tolerating HIV escape mutations than CRISPR/Cas-9. Scientists have explored TALEN-mediated editing of host genes such as viral entry receptors (CCR5 and CXCR4) and a protein involved in proviral integration (LEDGF/p75). Viral targets include the proviral DNA, particularly focused on the long terminal repeats. Major challenges with translating gene therapy from bench to bedside are improving cleavage efficiency and delivery, while minimizing off-target editing, cytotoxicity, and immunogenicity. However, rapid improvements in TALEN technology are enhancing cleavage efficiency and specificity. Therapeutic testing in animal models of HIV infection will help determine whether TALENs are a viable HIV treatment therapy. TALENs or other engineered nucleases could shift the therapeutic paradigm from life-long antiretroviral therapy toward eradication of HIV infection.
Collapse
|
36
|
Epigenetics and approaches to targeted epigenetic therapy in acute myeloid leukemia. Blood 2016; 127:42-52. [DOI: 10.1182/blood-2015-07-604512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 193] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Accepted: 09/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most common type of acute leukemia in adults. AML is a heterogeneous malignancy characterized by distinct genetic abnormalities. Recent discoveries have highlighted an additional important role of dysregulated epigenetic mechanisms in the pathogenesis of the disease. In contrast to genetic changes, epigenetic modifications are frequently reversible, which provides opportunities for targeted treatment using specific inhibitors. In this review, we will provide an overview of the current state of epigenetics and epigenetic therapy in AML and will describe perspectives on how to identify promising new approaches for epigenetic targeted treatment.
Collapse
|
37
|
Peirs S, Van der Meulen J, Van de Walle I, Taghon T, Speleman F, Poppe B, Van Vlierberghe P. Epigenetics in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Immunol Rev 2015; 263:50-67. [PMID: 25510271 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Normal T-cell development is a strictly regulated process in which hematopoietic progenitor cells migrate from the bone marrow to the thymus and differentiate from early T-cell progenitors toward mature and functional T cells. During this maturation process, cooperation between a variety of oncogenes and tumor suppressors can drive immature thymocytes into uncontrolled clonal expansion and cause T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). Despite improved insights in T-ALL disease biology and comprehensive characterization of its genetic landscape, clinical care remained largely similar over the past decades and still consists of high-dose multi-agent chemotherapy potentially followed by hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Even with such aggressive treatment regimens, which are often associated with considerable side effects, clinical outcome is still extremely poor in a significant subset of T-ALL patients as a result of therapy resistance or hematological relapses. Recent genetic studies have identified recurrent somatic alterations in genes involved in DNA methylation and post-translational histone modifications in T-ALL, suggesting that epigenetic homeostasis is critically required in restraining tumor development in the T-cell lineage. In this review, we provide an overview of the epigenetic regulators that could be implicated in T-ALL disease biology and speculate how the epigenetic landscape of T-ALL could trigger the development of epigenetic-based therapies to further improve the treatment of human T-ALL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sofie Peirs
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Tesina P, Čermáková K, Hořejší M, Procházková K, Fábry M, Sharma S, Christ F, Demeulemeester J, Debyser Z, Rijck JD, Veverka V, Řezáčová P. Multiple cellular proteins interact with LEDGF/p75 through a conserved unstructured consensus motif. Nat Commun 2015; 6:7968. [PMID: 26245978 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms8968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2015] [Accepted: 07/01/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Lens epithelium-derived growth factor (LEDGF/p75) is an epigenetic reader and attractive therapeutic target involved in HIV integration and the development of mixed lineage leukaemia (MLL1) fusion-driven leukaemia. Besides HIV integrase and the MLL1-menin complex, LEDGF/p75 interacts with various cellular proteins via its integrase binding domain (IBD). Here we present structural characterization of IBD interactions with transcriptional repressor JPO2 and domesticated transposase PogZ, and show that the PogZ interaction is nearly identical to the interaction of LEDGF/p75 with MLL1. The interaction with the IBD is maintained by an intrinsically disordered IBD-binding motif (IBM) common to all known cellular partners of LEDGF/p75. In addition, based on IBM conservation, we identify and validate IWS1 as a novel LEDGF/p75 interaction partner. Our results also reveal how HIV integrase efficiently displaces cellular binding partners from LEDGF/p75. Finally, the similar binding modes of LEDGF/p75 interaction partners represent a new challenge for the development of selective interaction inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Petr Tesina
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the ASCR, v.v.i., Flemingovo nam. 2, 166 10 Prague, Czech Republic.,Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Vinicna 5, 128 44 Prague, Czech Republic.,Institute of Molecular Genetics of the ASCR, v.v.i., Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Kateřina Čermáková
- KU Leuven, Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Kapucijnenvoer 33, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Magdalena Hořejší
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of the ASCR, v.v.i., Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Kateřina Procházková
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the ASCR, v.v.i., Flemingovo nam. 2, 166 10 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Milan Fábry
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of the ASCR, v.v.i., Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Subhalakshmi Sharma
- KU Leuven, Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Kapucijnenvoer 33, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Frauke Christ
- KU Leuven, Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Kapucijnenvoer 33, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jonas Demeulemeester
- KU Leuven, Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Kapucijnenvoer 33, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Zeger Debyser
- KU Leuven, Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Kapucijnenvoer 33, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jan De Rijck
- KU Leuven, Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Kapucijnenvoer 33, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Václav Veverka
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the ASCR, v.v.i., Flemingovo nam. 2, 166 10 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Pavlína Řezáčová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the ASCR, v.v.i., Flemingovo nam. 2, 166 10 Prague, Czech Republic.,Institute of Molecular Genetics of the ASCR, v.v.i., Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Marschalek R. MLL Leukemia and Future Treatment Strategies. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2015; 348:221-8. [DOI: 10.1002/ardp.201400449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2014] [Revised: 12/05/2014] [Accepted: 01/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rolf Marschalek
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biology; Goethe-University; Frankfurt/Main Germany
| |
Collapse
|