1
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Jin L, Liu Y, Wu Y, Huang Y, Zhang D. REST Is Not Resting: REST/NRSF in Health and Disease. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1477. [PMID: 37892159 PMCID: PMC10605157 DOI: 10.3390/biom13101477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Chromatin modifications play a crucial role in the regulation of gene expression. The repressor element-1 (RE1) silencing transcription factor (REST), also known as neuron-restrictive silencer factor (NRSF) and X2 box repressor (XBR), was found to regulate gene transcription by binding to chromatin and recruiting chromatin-modifying enzymes. Earlier studies revealed that REST plays an important role in the development and disease of the nervous system, mainly by repressing the transcription of neuron-specific genes. Subsequently, REST was found to be critical in other tissues, such as the heart, pancreas, skin, eye, and vascular. Dysregulation of REST was also found in nervous and non-nervous system cancers. In parallel, multiple strategies to target REST have been developed. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive summary of the research progress made over the past 28 years since the discovery of REST, encompassing both physiological and pathological aspects. These insights into the effects and mechanisms of REST contribute to an in-depth understanding of the transcriptional regulatory mechanisms of genes and their roles in the development and progression of disease, with a view to discovering potential therapeutic targets and intervention strategies for various related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Jin
- School of Life Sciences, Liaoning University, Shenyang 110036, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, National Health Commission of China, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education of China, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Yifan Wu
- Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, National Health Commission of China, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education of China, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Yi Huang
- Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, National Health Commission of China, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education of China, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Dianbao Zhang
- Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, National Health Commission of China, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education of China, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
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2
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The NRSF/REST transcription factor in hallmarks of cancer: From molecular mechanisms to clinical relevance. Biochimie 2023; 206:116-134. [PMID: 36283507 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2022.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The RE-1 silencing transcription factor (REST), or neuron restrictive silencing factor (NRSF), was first identified as a repressor of neuronal genes in non-neuronal tissue. Interestingly, this transcription factor may act as a tumor suppressor or an oncogenic role in developing neuroendocrine and other tumors in patients. The hallmarks of cancer include six biological processes, including proliferative signaling, evasion of growth suppressors, resistance to cell death, replicative immortality, inducing angiogenesis, and activating invasion and metastasis. In addition to two emerging hallmarks, the reprogramming of energy metabolism and evasion of the immune response are all implicated in the development of human tumors. It is essential to know the role of these processes as they will affect the outcome of alternatives for cancer treatment. Various studies in this review demonstrate that NRSF/REST affects the different hallmarks of cancer that could position NRSF/REST as an essential target in the therapy and diagnosis of certain types of cancer.
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3
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Lanzi C, Cassinelli G. Combinatorial strategies to potentiate the efficacy of HDAC inhibitors in fusion-positive sarcomas. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 198:114944. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.114944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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4
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Ahmed NS, Harrell LM, Wieland DR, Lay MA, Thompson VF, Schwartz JC. Fusion protein EWS-FLI1 is incorporated into a protein granule in cells. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2021; 27:rna.078827.121. [PMID: 34035145 PMCID: PMC8284321 DOI: 10.1261/rna.078827.121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma is driven by fusion proteins containing a low complexity (LC) domain that is intrinsically disordered and a powerful transcriptional regulator. The most common fusion protein found in Ewing sarcoma, EWS-FLI1, takes its LC domain from the RNA-binding protein EWSR1 (Ewing Sarcoma RNA-binding protein 1) and a DNA-binding domain from the transcription factor FLI1 (Friend Leukemia Virus Integration 1). EWS-FLI1 can bind RNA polymerase II (RNA Pol II) and self-assemble through its low-complexity (LC) domain. The ability of RNA-binding proteins like EWSR1 to self-assemble or phase separate in cells has raised questions about the contribution of this process to EWS-FLI1 activity. We examined EWSR1 and EWS-FLI1 activity in Ewing sarcoma cells by siRNA-mediated knockdown and RNA-seq analysis. More transcripts were affected by the EWSR1 knockdown than expected and these included many EWS-FLI1 regulated genes. We reevaluated physical interactions between EWS-FLI1, EWSR1, and RNA Pol II, and employed a cross-linking based strategy to investigate protein assemblies associated with the proteins. The LC domain of EWS-FLI1 was required for the assemblies observed to form in cells. These results offer new insights into a protein assembly that may enable EWS-FLI1 to bind its wide network of protein partners and contribute to regulation of gene expression in Ewing sarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasiha S Ahmed
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85719
| | - Lucas M Harrell
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85719
| | - Daniel R Wieland
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85719
| | - Michelle A Lay
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85719
| | - Valery F Thompson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85719
| | - Jacob C Schwartz
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85719
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5
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Loci-specific phase separation of FET fusion oncoproteins promotes gene transcription. Nat Commun 2021; 12:1491. [PMID: 33674598 PMCID: PMC7935978 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-21690-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormally formed FUS/EWS/TAF15 (FET) fusion oncoproteins are essential oncogenic drivers in many human cancers. Interestingly, at the molecular level, they also form biomolecular condensates at specific loci. However, how these condensates lead to gene transcription and how features encoded in the DNA element regulate condensate formation remain unclear. Here, we develop an in vitro single-molecule assay to visualize phase separation on DNA. Using this technique, we observe that FET fusion proteins undergo phase separation at target binding loci and the phase separated condensates recruit RNA polymerase II and enhance gene transcription. Furthermore, we determine a threshold number of fusion-binding DNA elements that can enhance the formation of FET fusion protein condensates. These findings suggest that FET fusion oncoprotein promotes aberrant gene transcription through loci-specific phase separation, which may contribute to their oncogenic transformation ability in relevant cancers, such as sarcomas and leukemia.
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6
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Theisen ER, Selich-Anderson J, Miller KR, Tanner JM, Taslim C, Pishas KI, Sharma S, Lessnick SL. Chromatin profiling reveals relocalization of lysine-specific demethylase 1 by an oncogenic fusion protein. Epigenetics 2020; 16:405-424. [PMID: 32842875 PMCID: PMC7993145 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2020.1805678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Paediatric cancers commonly harbour quiet mutational landscapes and are instead characterized by single driver events such as the mutation of critical chromatin regulators, expression of oncohistones, or expression of oncogenic fusion proteins. These events ultimately promote malignancy through disruption of normal gene regulation and development. The driver protein in Ewing sarcoma, EWS/FLI, is an oncogenic fusion and transcription factor that reshapes the enhancer landscape, resulting in widespread transcriptional dysregulation. Lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) is a critical functional partner for EWS/FLI as inhibition of LSD1 reverses the transcriptional activity of EWS/FLI. However, how LSD1 participates in fusion-directed epigenomic regulation and aberrant gene activation is unknown. We now show EWS/FLI causes dynamic rearrangement of LSD1 and we uncover a role for LSD1 in gene activation through colocalization at EWS/FLI binding sites throughout the genome. LSD1 is integral to the establishment of Ewing sarcoma super-enhancers at GGAA-microsatellites, which ubiquitously overlap non-microsatellite loci bound by EWS/FLI. Together, we show that EWS/FLI induces widespread changes to LSD1 distribution in a process that impacts the enhancer landscape throughout the genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily R Theisen
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Julia Selich-Anderson
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Kyle R Miller
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Jason M Tanner
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Cenny Taslim
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Kathleen I Pishas
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA.,Cancer Genomics and Genetics, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, USA
| | - Sunil Sharma
- Applied Cancer Research and Drug Discovery, Translational Genomics Research Institute (Tgen), Phoenix, AX, USA
| | - Stephen L Lessnick
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA.,Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology/Blood and Marrow Transplant, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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7
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Theisen ER, Miller KR, Showpnil IA, Taslim C, Pishas KI, Lessnick SL. Transcriptomic analysis functionally maps the intrinsically disordered domain of EWS/FLI and reveals novel transcriptional dependencies for oncogenesis. Genes Cancer 2019; 10:21-38. [PMID: 30899417 PMCID: PMC6420793 DOI: 10.18632/genesandcancer.188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
EWS/FLI is the pathognomic fusion oncoprotein that drives Ewing sarcoma. The amino-terminal EWS portion coordinates transcriptional regulation and the carboxy-terminal FLI portion contains an ETS DNA-binding domain. EWS/FLI acts as an aberrant transcription factor, orchestrating a complex mix of gene activation and repression, from both high affinity ETS motifs and repetitive GGAA-microsatellites. Our overarching hypothesis is that executing multi-faceted transcriptional regulation requires EWS/FLI to use distinct molecular mechanisms at different loci. Many attempts have been made to map distinct functions to specific features of the EWS domain, but described deletion mutants are either fully active or completely "dead" and other approaches have been limited by the repetitive and disordered nature of the EWS domain. Here, we use transcriptomic approaches to show an EWS/FLI mutant, called DAF, previously thought to be nonfunctional, displays context-dependent and partial transcriptional activity but lacks transforming capacity. Using transcriptomic and phenotypic anchorage-independent growth profiles of other EWS/FLI mutants coupled with reported EWS/FLI localization data, we have mapped the critical structure-function requirements of the EWS domain for EWS/FLI-mediated oncogenesis. This approach defined unique classes of EWS/FLI response elements and revealed novel structure-function relationships required for EWS/FLI activation at these response elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily R Theisen
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Kyle R Miller
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Iftekhar A Showpnil
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA.,Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Cenny Taslim
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Kathleen I Pishas
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Stephen L Lessnick
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA.,Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.,Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology/Blood & Marrow Transplant, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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8
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Chong S, Dugast-Darzacq C, Liu Z, Dong P, Dailey GM, Cattoglio C, Heckert A, Banala S, Lavis L, Darzacq X, Tjian R. Imaging dynamic and selective low-complexity domain interactions that control gene transcription. Science 2018; 361:eaar2555. [PMID: 29930090 PMCID: PMC6961784 DOI: 10.1126/science.aar2555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 593] [Impact Index Per Article: 98.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2017] [Revised: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Many eukaryotic transcription factors (TFs) contain intrinsically disordered low-complexity sequence domains (LCDs), but how these LCDs drive transactivation remains unclear. We used live-cell single-molecule imaging to reveal that TF LCDs form local high-concentration interaction hubs at synthetic and endogenous genomic loci. TF LCD hubs stabilize DNA binding, recruit RNA polymerase II (RNA Pol II), and activate transcription. LCD-LCD interactions within hubs are highly dynamic, display selectivity with binding partners, and are differentially sensitive to disruption by hexanediols. Under physiological conditions, rapid and reversible LCD-LCD interactions occur between TFs and the RNA Pol II machinery without detectable phase separation. Our findings reveal fundamental mechanisms underpinning transcriptional control and suggest a framework for developing single-molecule imaging screens for drugs targeting gene regulatory interactions implicated in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shasha Chong
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Claire Dugast-Darzacq
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
- CIRM Center of Excellence, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Zhe Liu
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA, USA
| | - Peng Dong
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA, USA
| | - Gina M Dailey
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Claudia Cattoglio
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Alec Heckert
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Sambashiva Banala
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA, USA
| | - Luke Lavis
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA, USA
| | - Xavier Darzacq
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
- CIRM Center of Excellence, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Robert Tjian
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
- CIRM Center of Excellence, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
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9
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Shaik S, Kennis B, Maegawa S, Schadler K, Yanwen Y, Callegari K, Lulla RR, Goldman S, Nazarian J, Rajaram V, Fangusaro J, Gopalakrishnan V. REST upregulates gremlin to modulate diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma vasculature. Oncotarget 2018; 9:5233-5250. [PMID: 29435175 PMCID: PMC5797046 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.23750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2017] [Accepted: 12/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is a highly aggressive glial tumor that occurs in children. The extremely poor median and 5-year survival in children afflicted with DIPG highlights the need for novel biology-driven therapeutics. Here, we have implicated the chromatin remodeler and regulator of brain development called RE1 Silencing Transcription Factor (REST), in DIPG pathology. We show that REST protein is aberrantly elevated in at least 21% of DIPG tumors compared to normal controls. Its knockdown in DIPG cell lines diminished cell growth and decreased their tumorigenicity in mouse intracranial models. DIPGs are vascularized tumors and interestingly, REST loss in DIPG cells also caused a substantial decline in tumor vasculature as measured by a decrease in CD31 and VEGFR2 staining. These observations were validated in vitro, where a significant decline in tube formation by human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) was seen following REST-loss in DIPG cells. Mechanistically, REST controlled the secretion of a pro-angiogenic molecule and ligand for VEGFR2 called Gremlin-1 (GREM-1), and was associated with enhanced AKT activation. Importantly, the decline in tube formation caused by REST loss could be rescued by addition of recombinant GREM-1, which also caused AKT activation in HUVECs and human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs). In summary, our study is the first to demonstrate autocrine and paracrine functions for REST in DIPG development. It also provides the foundation for future investigations on anti-angiogenic therapies targeting GREM-1 in combination with drugs that target REST-associated chromatin remodeling activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shavali Shaik
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Bridget Kennis
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Shinji Maegawa
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Keri Schadler
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Yang Yanwen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Keri Callegari
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Rishi R. Lulla
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Stewart Goldman
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Javad Nazarian
- Department of Integrative Systems Biology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Veena Rajaram
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Jason Fangusaro
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Vidya Gopalakrishnan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- Center for Cancer Epigenetics, University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- Brain Tumor Center, University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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10
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Johnson KM, Taslim C, Saund RS, Lessnick SL. Identification of two types of GGAA-microsatellites and their roles in EWS/FLI binding and gene regulation in Ewing sarcoma. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0186275. [PMID: 29091716 PMCID: PMC5665490 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0186275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 09/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma is a bone malignancy of children and young adults, frequently harboring the EWS/FLI chromosomal translocation. The resulting fusion protein is an aberrant transcription factor that uses highly repetitive GGAA-containing elements (microsatellites) to activate and repress thousands of target genes mediating oncogenesis. However, the mechanisms of EWS/FLI interaction with microsatellites and regulation of target gene expression is not clearly understood. Here, we profile genome-wide protein binding and gene expression. Using a combination of unbiased genome-wide computational and experimental analysis, we define GGAA-microsatellites in a Ewing sarcoma context. We identify two distinct classes of GGAA-microsatellites and demonstrate that EWS/FLI responsiveness is dependent on microsatellite length. At close range “promoter-like” microsatellites, EWS/FLI binding and subsequent target gene activation is highly dependent on number of GGAA-motifs. “Enhancer-like” microsatellites demonstrate length-dependent EWS/FLI binding, but minimal correlation for activated and none for repressed targets. Our data suggest EWS/FLI binds to “promoter-like” and “enhancer-like” microsatellites to mediate activation and repression of target genes through different regulatory mechanisms. Such characterization contributes valuable insight to EWS/FLI transcription factor biology and clarifies the role of GGAA-microsatellites on a global genomic scale. This may provide unique perspective on the role of non-coding DNA in cancer susceptibility and therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten M. Johnson
- The Medical Scientist Training Program and the Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, Nationwide Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Cenny Taslim
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, Nationwide Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Ranajeet S. Saund
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, Nationwide Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Stephen L. Lessnick
- The Medical Scientist Training Program and the Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, Nationwide Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology/BMT, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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11
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Tanner JM, Bensard C, Wei P, Krah NM, Schell JC, Gardiner J, Schiffman J, Lessnick SL, Rutter J. EWS/FLI is a Master Regulator of Metabolic Reprogramming in Ewing Sarcoma. Mol Cancer Res 2017; 15:1517-1530. [PMID: 28720588 PMCID: PMC5668171 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-17-0182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2017] [Revised: 06/06/2017] [Accepted: 07/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma is a bone malignancy driven by a translocation event resulting in the fusion protein EWS/FLI1 (EF). EF functions as an aberrant and oncogenic transcription factor that misregulates the expression of thousands of genes. Previous work has focused principally on determining important transcriptional targets of EF, as well as characterizing important regulatory partnerships in EF-dependent transcriptional programs. Less is known, however, about EF-dependent metabolic changes or their role in Ewing sarcoma biology. Therefore, the metabolic effects of silencing EF in Ewing sarcoma cells were determined. Metabolomic analyses revealed distinct separation of metabolic profiles in EF-knockdown versus control-knockdown cells. Mitochondrial stress tests demonstrated that knockdown of EF increased respiratory as well as glycolytic functions. Enzymes and metabolites in several metabolic pathways were altered, including de novo serine synthesis and elements of one-carbon metabolism. Furthermore, phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH) was found to be highly expressed in Ewing sarcoma and correlated with worse patient survival. PHGDH knockdown or pharmacologic inhibition in vitro caused impaired proliferation and cell death. Interestingly, PHGDH modulation also led to elevated histone expression and methylation. These studies demonstrate that the translocation-derived fusion protein EF is a master regulator of metabolic reprogramming in Ewing sarcoma, diverting metabolites toward biosynthesis. As such, these data suggest that the metabolic aberrations induced by EF are important contributors to the oncogenic biology of these tumors.Implications: This previously unexplored role of EWS/FLI1-driven metabolic changes expands the understanding of Ewing sarcoma biology, and has potential to significantly inform development of therapeutic strategies. Mol Cancer Res; 15(11); 1517-30. ©2017 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason M Tanner
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Claire Bensard
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Peng Wei
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Nathan M Krah
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - John C Schell
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Jamie Gardiner
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Joshua Schiffman
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Stephen L Lessnick
- Center for Childhood Cancer & Blood Diseases, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Jared Rutter
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
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12
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Luo W, Xu C, Ayello J, Dela Cruz F, Rosenblum JM, Lessnick SL, Cairo MS. Protein phosphatase 1 regulatory subunit 1A in ewing sarcoma tumorigenesis and metastasis. Oncogene 2017; 37:798-809. [PMID: 29059150 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2017.378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2017] [Revised: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 09/07/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Protein phosphatase inhibitors are often considered as tumor promoters. Protein phosphatase 1 regulatory subunit 1A (PPP1R1A) is a potent protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) inhibitor; however, its role in tumor development is largely undefined. Here we characterize, for the first time, the functions of PPP1R1A in Ewing sarcoma (ES) pathogenesis. We found that PPP1R1A is one of the top ranked target genes of EWS/FLI, the master regulator of ES, and is upregulated by EWS/FLI via a GGAA microsatellite enhancer element. Depletion of PPP1R1A resulted in a significant decrease in oncogenic transformation and cell migration in vitro as well as xenograft tumor growth and metastasis in an orthotopic mouse model. RNA-sequencing and functional annotation analyses revealed that PPP1R1A regulates genes associated with various cellular functions including cell junction, adhesion and neurogenesis. Interestingly, we found a significant overlap of PPP1R1A-regulated gene set with that of ZEB2 and EWS, which regulates metastasis and neuronal differentiation in ES, respectively. Further studies for characterization of the molecular mechanisms revealed that activation of PPP1R1A by PKA phosphorylation at Thr35, and subsequent PP1 binding and inhibition, was required for PPP1R1A-mediated tumorigenesis and metastasis, likely by increasing the phosphorylation levels of various PP1 substrates. Furthermore, we found that a PKA inhibitor impaired ES cell proliferation, tumor growth and metastasis, which was rescued by the constitutively active PPP1R1A. Together, these results offered new insights into the role and mechanism of PPP1R1A in tumor development and identified an important kinase and phosphatase pathway, PKA/PPP1R1A/PP1, in ES pathogenesis. Our findings strongly suggest a potential therapeutic value of inhibition of the PKA/PPP1R1A/PP1 pathway in the treatment of primary and metastatic ES.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Luo
- Departments of Pediatrics, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA.,Departments of Pathology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - C Xu
- James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - J Ayello
- Departments of Pediatrics, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - F Dela Cruz
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - J M Rosenblum
- Departments of Pediatrics, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - S L Lessnick
- Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - M S Cairo
- Departments of Pediatrics, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA.,Departments of Pathology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA.,Departments of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA.,Departments of Immunology and Microbiology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA.,Departments of Cell Biology and Anatomy, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
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13
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Theisen ER, Pishas KI, Saund RS, Lessnick SL. Therapeutic opportunities in Ewing sarcoma: EWS-FLI inhibition via LSD1 targeting. Oncotarget 2017; 7:17616-30. [PMID: 26848860 PMCID: PMC4951237 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.7124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2015] [Accepted: 01/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma is an aggressive primary pediatric bone tumor, often diagnosed in adolescents and young adults. A pathognomonic reciprocal chromosomal translocation results in a fusion gene coding for a protein which derives its N-terminus from a FUS/EWS/TAF15 (FET) protein family member, commonly EWS, and C-terminus containing the DNA-binding domain of an ETS transcription factor, commonly FLI1. Nearly 85% of cases express the EWS-FLI protein which functions as a transcription factor and drives oncogenesis. As the primary genomic lesion and a protein which is not expressed in normal cells, disrupting EWS-FLI function is an attractive therapeutic strategy for Ewing sarcoma. However, transcription factors are notoriously difficult targets for the development of small molecules. Improved understanding of the oncogenic mechanisms employed by EWS-FLI to hijack normal cellular programming has uncovered potential novel approaches to pharmacologically block EWS-FLI function. In this review we examine targeting the chromatin regulatory enzymes recruited to conspire in oncogenesis with a focus on the histone lysine specific demethylase 1 (LSD1). LSD1 inhibitors are being aggressively investigated in acute myeloid leukemia and the results of early clinical trials will help inform the future use of LSD1 inhibitors in sarcoma. High LSD1 expression is observed in Ewing sarcoma patient samples and mechanistic and preclinical data suggest LSD1 inhibition globally disrupts the function of EWS-ETS proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily R Theisen
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Kathleen I Pishas
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Cancer Therapeutics Laboratory, Centre for Personalized Cancer Medicine, Discipline of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Ranajeet S Saund
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Stephen L Lessnick
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology/Bone Marrow Transplant at The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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14
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EWS/FLI utilizes NKX2-2 to repress mesenchymal features of Ewing sarcoma. Genes Cancer 2015; 6:129-43. [PMID: 26000096 PMCID: PMC4426950 DOI: 10.18632/genesandcancer.57] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2015] [Accepted: 04/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In Ewing sarcoma, NKX2-2 is a critical activated target of the oncogenic transcription factor EWS/FLI that is required for transformation. However, its biological function in this malignancy is unknown. Here we provide evidence that NKX2-2 mediates the EWS/FLI-controlled block of mesenchymal features. Transcriptome-wide RNA sequencing revealed that NKX2-2 represses cell adhesion and extracellular matrix organization genes. NKX2-2-depleted cells form more focal adhesions and organized actin stress fibers, and spread over a wider area—hallmarks of mesenchymally derived cells. Furthermore, NKX2-2 represses the actin-stabilizing protein zyxin, suggesting that these morphological changes are attributable to zyxin de-repression. In addition, NKX2-2-knockdown cells display marked increases in migration and substrate adhesion. However, only part of the EWS/FLI phenotype is NKX2-2-dependent; consequently, NKX2-2 is insufficient to rescue EWS/FLI repression of mesenchymalization. Strikingly, we found that EWS/FLI-and NKX22-repressed genes are activated by ZEB2, which was previously shown to block Ewing sarcoma epithelialization. Together, these data support an emerging theme wherein Ewing sarcoma cells highly express transcription factors that maintain an undifferentiated state. Importantly, co-opting epithelial and mesenchymal traits by Ewing sarcoma cells may explain how the primary tumor grows rapidly while also “passively” metastasizing, without the need for transitions toward differentiated states, as in carcinomas.
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15
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Hossain MM, Ray SK. EWS Knockdown and Taxifolin Treatment Induced Differentiation and Removed DNA Methylation from p53 Promoter to Promote Expression of Puma and Noxa for Apoptosis in Ewing's Sarcoma. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 5:1092-1113. [PMID: 27547487 PMCID: PMC4989871 DOI: 10.4236/jct.2014.512114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Ewing’s sarcoma is a pediatric tumor that mainly occurs in soft tissues and bones. Malignant characteristics of Ewing’s sarcoma are correlated with expression of EWS oncogene. We achieved knockdown of EWS expression using a plasmid vector encoding EWS short hairpin RNA (shRNA) to increase anti-tumor mechanisms of taxifolin (TFL), a new flavonoid, in human Ewing’s sarcoma cells in culture and animal models. Immunofluorescence microscopy and flow cytometric analysis showed high expression of EWS in human Ewing’s sarcoma SK-N-MC and RD-ES cell lines. EWS shRNA plus TFL inhibited 80% cell viability and caused the highest decreases in EWS expression at mRNA and protein levels in both cell lines. Knockdown of EWS expression induced morphological features of differentiation. EWS shRNA plus TFL caused more alterations in molecular markers of differentiation than either agent alone. EWS shRNA plus TFL caused the highest decreases in cell migration with inhibition of survival, angiogenic and invasive factors. Knockdown of EWS expression was associated with removal of DNA methylation from p53 promoter, promoting expression of p53, Puma, and Noxa. EWS shRNA plus TFL induced the highest amounts of apoptosis with activation of extrinsic and intrinsic pathways in both cell lines in culture. EWS shRNA plus TFL also inhibited growth of Ewing’s sarcoma tumors in animal models due to inhibition of differentiation inhibitors and angiogenic and invasive factors and also induction of activation of caspase-3 for apoptosis. Collectively, knockdown of EWS expression increased various anti-tumor mechanisms of TFL in human Ewing’s sarcoma in cell culture and animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Motarab Hossain
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Swapan Kumar Ray
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, USA
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16
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Sankar S, Theisen ER, Bearss J, Mulvihill T, Hoffman LM, Sorna V, Beckerle MC, Sharma S, Lessnick SL. Reversible LSD1 inhibition interferes with global EWS/ETS transcriptional activity and impedes Ewing sarcoma tumor growth. Clin Cancer Res 2014; 20:4584-97. [PMID: 24963049 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-14-0072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Ewing sarcoma is a pediatric bone tumor that absolutely relies on the transcriptional activity of the EWS/ETS family of fusion oncoproteins. While the most common fusion, EWS/FLI, utilizes lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) to repress critical tumor suppressors, small-molecule blockade of LSD1 has not yet been thoroughly explored as a therapeutic approach for Ewing sarcoma. We therefore evaluated the translational potential of potent and specific LSD1 inhibition with HCI2509 on the transcriptional program of both EWS/FLI and EWS/ERG as well as the downstream oncogenic phenotypes driven by EWS/ETS fusions in both in vitro and in vivo models of Ewing sarcoma. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN RNA-seq was used to compare the transcriptional profiles of EWS/FLI, EWS/ERG, and treatment with HCI2509 in both EWS/FLI- and EWS/ERG-containing cell lines. We then evaluated morphologic phenotypes of treated cells with immunofluorescence. The induction of apoptosis was evaluated using caspase-3/7 activation and TUNEL staining. Colony forming assays were used to test oncogenic transformation and xenograft studies with patient-derived cell lines were used to evaluate the effects of HCI2509 on tumorigenesis. RESULTS HCI2509 caused a dramatic reversal of both the up- and downregulated transcriptional profiles of EWS/FLI and EWS/ERG accompanied by the induction of apoptosis and disruption of morphologic and oncogenic phenotypes modulated by EWS/FLI. Importantly, HCI2509 displayed single-agent efficacy in multiple xenograft models. CONCLUSIONS These data support epigenetic modulation with HCI2509 as a therapeutic strategy for Ewing sarcoma, and highlight a critical dual role for LSD1 in the oncogenic transcriptional activity of EWS/ETS proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Savita Sankar
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Emily R Theisen
- Center for Investigational Therapeutics at Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah. Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Jared Bearss
- Center for Investigational Therapeutics at Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | | | - Laura M Hoffman
- Department of Biology, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Venkataswamy Sorna
- Center for Investigational Therapeutics at Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Mary C Beckerle
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah. Department of Biology, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Sunil Sharma
- Center for Investigational Therapeutics at Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah. Division of Medical Oncology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Stephen L Lessnick
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah. Center for Children's Cancer Research at Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, Utah. Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah.
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17
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Fu S, Pan X, Fang W. Differential co-expression analysis of a microarray gene expression profiles of pulmonary adenocarcinoma. Mol Med Rep 2014; 10:713-8. [PMID: 24913908 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2014.2300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2013] [Accepted: 03/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer severely reduces the quality of life worldwide and causes high socioeconomic burdens. However, key genes leading to the generation of pulmonary adenocarcinoma remain elusive despite intensive research efforts. The present study aimed to identify the potential associations between transcription factors (TFs) and differentially co‑expressed genes (DCGs) in the regulation of transcription in pulmonary adenocarcinoma. Gene expression profiles of pulmonary adenocarcinoma were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus, and gene expression was analyzed using a computational method. A total of 37,094 differentially co‑expressed links (DCLs) and 251 DCGs were identified, which were significantly enriched in 10 pathways. The construction of the regulatory network and the analysis of the regulatory impact factors revealed eight crucial TFs in the regulatory network. These TFs regulated the expression of DCGs by promoting or inhibiting their expression. In addition, certain TFs and target genes associated with DCGs did not appear in the DCLs, which indicated that those TFs could be synergistic with other factors. This is likely to provide novel insights for research into pulmonary adenocarcinoma. In conclusion, the present study may enhance the understanding of disease mechanisms and lead to an improved diagnosis of lung cancer. However, further studies are required to confirm these observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shijie Fu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200030, P.R. China
| | - Xufeng Pan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200030, P.R. China
| | - Wentao Fang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200030, P.R. China
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18
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Zhuo R, Kosak KM, Sankar S, Wiles ET, Sun Y, Zhang J, Ayello J, Prestwich GD, Shami PJ, Cairo MS, Lessnick SL, Luo W. Targeting Glutathione S-transferase M4 in Ewing sarcoma. Front Pediatr 2014; 2:83. [PMID: 25147782 PMCID: PMC4123608 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2014.00083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2014] [Accepted: 07/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma is a malignant pediatric bone and soft tissue tumor. Although the 5-year survival rate of localized disease approaches 75%, the prognosis of metastatic and/or therapy-resistant disease remains dismal despite the wide use of aggressive therapeutic strategies. We previously reported that high expression of glutathione S-transferase M4 (GSTM4) in primary tumors correlates with poor patient outcomes. GSTM4 is required for oncogenic transformation and mediates resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs in Ewing sarcoma cells. Here, we performed RNA-sequencing analyses of Ewing sarcoma cells and combined our results with publicly available datasets to demonstrate that GSTM4 is a major GST specifically expressed in Ewing sarcoma. Pharmacological inhibition of GSTM4 activity using a pan GST inhibitor, 6-(7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazol-4-ylthio) hexanol (NBDHEX), significantly limited cellular proliferation and oncogenic transformation of Ewing sarcoma cells. Moreover, combined use of NBDHEX and etoposide synergistically increased cytotoxicity, suggesting a role for GSTM4 as an inhibitor of apoptosis. Mechanistic studies revealed that GSTM4 limits apoptosis owing to its ability to interact with Apoptosis Signal-regulating Kinase 1 (ASK1) and inhibit signaling via the c-Jun N-terminal Kinase axis. To exploit our observation that GSTM4 expression is specifically up-regulated in Ewing sarcoma, we tested the effect of a GSTM4-activated anti-cancer agent, O(2)-(2,4-dinitrophenyl) 1-[(4-ethoxycarbonyl)piperazin-1-yl]diazen-1-ium-1,2-diolate or JS-K, on tumor growth and survival. We found that JS-K robustly decreased Ewing sarcoma cell viability and xenograft tumor growth and improved overall survival of xenograft mice. Our data suggest that GSTM4 is a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of high GSTM4-expressing Ewing sarcoma. Strategies that combine standard chemotherapy with agents that inhibit GSTM4, that are activated by GSTM4, or that block GSTM4/ASK1 interactions, can potentially be more specific and/or efficacious than standard therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rupeng Zhuo
- Center for Children's Cancer Research, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah , Salt Lake City, UT , USA
| | - Kenneth M Kosak
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Hematologic Malignancies, University of Utah , Salt Lake City, UT , USA
| | - Savita Sankar
- Center for Children's Cancer Research, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah , Salt Lake City, UT , USA
| | - Elizabeth T Wiles
- Center for Children's Cancer Research, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah , Salt Lake City, UT , USA
| | - Ying Sun
- Microarray and Genomic Analysis Core Facility, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah , Salt Lake City, UT , USA
| | - Jianxing Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Utah , Salt Lake City, UT , USA
| | - Janet Ayello
- Department of Pediatrics, New York Medical College , Valhalla, NY , USA
| | - Glenn D Prestwich
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Utah , Salt Lake City, UT , USA
| | - Paul J Shami
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Hematologic Malignancies, University of Utah , Salt Lake City, UT , USA
| | - Mitchell S Cairo
- Department of Pediatrics, New York Medical College , Valhalla, NY , USA ; Department of Medicine, New York Medical College , Valhalla, NY , USA ; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, New York Medical College , Valhalla, NY , USA ; Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, New York Medical College , Valhalla, NY , USA ; Department of Pathology, New York Medical College , Valhalla, NY , USA
| | - Stephen L Lessnick
- Center for Children's Cancer Research, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah , Salt Lake City, UT , USA ; Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Utah , Salt Lake City, UT , USA
| | - Wen Luo
- Department of Pediatrics, New York Medical College , Valhalla, NY , USA ; Department of Pathology, New York Medical College , Valhalla, NY , USA
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19
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Sankar S, Tanner JM, Bell R, Chaturvedi A, Randall RL, Beckerle MC, Lessnick SL. A novel role for keratin 17 in coordinating oncogenic transformation and cellular adhesion in Ewing sarcoma. Mol Cell Biol 2013; 33:4448-60. [PMID: 24043308 PMCID: PMC3838177 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.00241-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2013] [Accepted: 08/29/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Oncogenic transformation in Ewing sarcoma is caused by EWS/FLI, an aberrant transcription factor fusion oncogene. Glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1 (GLI1) is a critical target gene activated by EWS/FLI, but the mechanism by which GLI1 contributes to the transformed phenotype of Ewing sarcoma was unknown. In this work, we identify keratin 17 (KRT17) as a direct downstream target gene upregulated by GLI1. We demonstrate that KRT17 regulates cellular adhesion by activating AKT/PKB (protein kinase B) signaling. In addition, KRT17 is necessary for oncogenic transformation in Ewing sarcoma and accounts for much of the GLI1-mediated transformation function but via a mechanism independent of AKT signaling. Taken together, our data reveal previously unknown molecular functions for a cytoplasmic intermediate filament protein, KRT17, in coordinating EWS/FLI- and GLI1-mediated oncogenic transformation and cellular adhesion in Ewing sarcoma.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Bone Neoplasms/genetics
- Bone Neoplasms/metabolism
- Bone Neoplasms/pathology
- Cell Adhesion
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/genetics
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/metabolism
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/pathology
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Humans
- Keratin-17/genetics
- Keratin-17/metabolism
- Mice
- Mice, Nude
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/genetics
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/metabolism
- Proto-Oncogene Protein c-fli-1/genetics
- Proto-Oncogene Protein c-fli-1/metabolism
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism
- RNA-Binding Protein EWS/genetics
- RNA-Binding Protein EWS/metabolism
- Sarcoma, Ewing/genetics
- Sarcoma, Ewing/metabolism
- Sarcoma, Ewing/pathology
- Signal Transduction
- Transcription Factors/genetics
- Transcription Factors/metabolism
- Zinc Finger Protein GLI1
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Affiliation(s)
- Savita Sankar
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, University of Utah
| | - Jason M. Tanner
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, University of Utah
| | - Russell Bell
- Center for Children's Cancer Research, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah
| | - Aashi Chaturvedi
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, University of Utah
| | - R. Lor Randall
- Center for Children's Cancer Research, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah
- Department of Orthopedics, Sarcoma Services, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah
| | - Mary C. Beckerle
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, University of Utah
- Department of Biology, University of Utah
| | - Stephen L. Lessnick
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, University of Utah
- Center for Children's Cancer Research, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
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