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Yin H, Wang J, Tan Y, Jiang M, Zhang H, Meng G. Transcription factor abnormalities in B-ALL leukemogenesis and treatment. Trends Cancer 2023; 9:855-870. [PMID: 37407363 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2023.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
The biological regulation of transcription factors (TFs) and repressor proteins is an important mechanism for maintaining cell homeostasis. In B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) TF abnormalities occur at high frequency and are often recognized as the major driving factor in carcinogenesis. We provide an in-depth review of molecular mechanisms of six major TF rearrangements in B-ALL, including DUX4-rearranged (DUX4-R), MEF2D-R, ZNF384-R, ETV6-RUNX1 and TCF3-PBX1 fusions, and KMT2A-R. In addition, the therapeutic options and prognoses for patients who harbor these TF abnormalities are discussed. This review aims to provide an up-to-date panoramic view of how TF-based oncogenic fusions might drive carcinogenesis and impact on potential therapeutic exploration of B-ALL treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxin Yin
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital, School of Medicine and School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Junfei Wang
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital, School of Medicine and School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Yangxia Tan
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital, School of Medicine and School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Minghao Jiang
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital, School of Medicine and School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Institute for Translational Brain Research, Ministry of Education (MOE) Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, 200032 Shanghai, China.
| | - Guoyu Meng
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital, School of Medicine and School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200025, China.
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2
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Dander E, Palmi C, D’Amico G, Cazzaniga G. The Bone Marrow Niche in B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: The Role of Microenvironment from Pre-Leukemia to Overt Leukemia. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094426. [PMID: 33922612 PMCID: PMC8122951 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic lesions predisposing to pediatric B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) arise in utero, generating a clinically silent pre-leukemic phase. We here reviewed the role of the surrounding bone marrow (BM) microenvironment in the persistence and transformation of pre-leukemic clones into fully leukemic cells. In this context, inflammation has been highlighted as a crucial microenvironmental stimulus able to promote genetic instability, leading to the disease manifestation. Moreover, we focused on the cross-talk between the bulk of leukemic cells with the surrounding microenvironment, which creates a “corrupted” BM malignant niche, unfavorable for healthy hematopoietic precursors. In detail, several cell subsets, including stromal, endothelial cells, osteoblasts and immune cells, composing the peculiar leukemic niche, can actively interact with B-ALL blasts. Through deregulated molecular pathways they are able to influence leukemia development, survival, chemoresistance, migratory and invasive properties. The concept that the pre-leukemic and leukemic cell survival and evolution are strictly dependent both on genetic lesions and on the external signals coming from the microenvironment paves the way to a new idea of dual targeting therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Dander
- Correspondence: (E.D.); (C.P.); Tel.: +39-(0)-39-2332229 (E.D. & C.P.); Fax: +39-(0)39-2332167 (E.D. & C.P.)
| | - Chiara Palmi
- Correspondence: (E.D.); (C.P.); Tel.: +39-(0)-39-2332229 (E.D. & C.P.); Fax: +39-(0)39-2332167 (E.D. & C.P.)
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3
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Beneforti L, Dander E, Bresolin S, Bueno C, Acunzo D, Bertagna M, Ford A, Gentner B, Kronnie GT, Vergani P, Menéndez P, Biondi A, D'Amico G, Palmi C, Cazzaniga G. Pro-inflammatory cytokines favor the emergence of ETV6-RUNX1-positive pre-leukemic cells in a model of mesenchymal niche. Br J Haematol 2020; 190:262-273. [PMID: 32118299 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.16523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
ETV6-RUNX1 (E/R) fusion gene, arising in utero from translocation t(12;21)(p13:q22), is the most frequent alteration in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). However, E/R is insufficient to cause overt leukemia since it generates a clinically silent pre-leukemic clone which persists in the bone marrow but fails to out-compete normal progenitors. Conversely, pre-leukemic cells show increased susceptibility to transformation following additional genetic insults. Infections/inflammation are the most accredited triggers for mutations accumulation and leukemic transformation in E/R+ pre-leukemic cells. However, precisely how E/R and inflammation interact in promoting leukemia is still poorly understood. Here we demonstrate that IL6/TNFα/ILβ pro-inflammatory cytokines cooperate with BM-MSC in promoting the emergence of E/R+ Ba/F3 over their normal counterparts by differentially affecting their proliferation and survival. Moreover, IL6/TNFα/ILβ-stimulated BM-MSC strongly attract E/R+ Ba/F3 in a CXCR2-dependent manner. Interestingly, E/R-expressing human CD34+ IL7R+ progenitors, a putative population for leukemia initiation during development, were preserved in the presence of BM-MSC and IL6/TNFα/ILβ compared to their normal counterparts. Finally, the extent of DNA damage increases within the inflamed niche in both control and E/R-expressing Ba/F3, potentially leading to transformation in the apoptosis-resistant pre-leukemic clone. Overall, our data provide new mechanistic insights into childhood ALL pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Beneforti
- Centro Ricerca Tettamanti, University of Milano-Bicocca, MBBM Foundation, Monza, Italy
| | - Erica Dander
- Centro Ricerca Tettamanti, University of Milano-Bicocca, MBBM Foundation, Monza, Italy
| | - Silvia Bresolin
- Dipartimento della Salute della Donna e del Bambino, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Clara Bueno
- Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Denise Acunzo
- Centro Ricerca Tettamanti, University of Milano-Bicocca, MBBM Foundation, Monza, Italy
| | - Mayla Bertagna
- Centro Ricerca Tettamanti, University of Milano-Bicocca, MBBM Foundation, Monza, Italy
| | - Anthony Ford
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Bernhard Gentner
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-TIGET), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Geertruy Te Kronnie
- Dipartimento della Salute della Donna e del Bambino, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Pablo Menéndez
- Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBER-ONC), ISCIII, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andrea Biondi
- Centro Ricerca Tettamanti, University of Milano-Bicocca, MBBM Foundation, Monza, Italy.,Clinica Pediatrica, MBBM Foundation, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Giovanna D'Amico
- Centro Ricerca Tettamanti, University of Milano-Bicocca, MBBM Foundation, Monza, Italy
| | - Chiara Palmi
- Centro Ricerca Tettamanti, University of Milano-Bicocca, MBBM Foundation, Monza, Italy
| | - Giovanni Cazzaniga
- Centro Ricerca Tettamanti, University of Milano-Bicocca, MBBM Foundation, Monza, Italy
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4
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Montaño A, Ordoñez JL, Alonso-Pérez V, Hernández-Sánchez J, Santos S, González T, Benito R, García-Tuñón I, Hernández-Rivas JM. ETV6/ RUNX1 Fusion Gene Abrogation Decreases the Oncogenicity of Tumour Cells in a Preclinical Model of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. Cells 2020; 9:E215. [PMID: 31952221 PMCID: PMC7017301 DOI: 10.3390/cells9010215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2019] [Revised: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The t(12;21)(p13;q22), which fuses ETV6 and RUNX1 genes, is the most common genetic abnormality in children with B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. The implication of the fusion protein in leukemogenesis seems to be clear. However, its role in the maintenance of the disease continues to be controversial. METHODS Generation of an in vitroETV6/RUNX1 knock out model using the CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing system. Functional characterization by RNA sequencing, proliferation assays, apoptosis and pharmacologic studies, and generation of edited-cell xenograft model. RESULTS The expression of ETV6/RUNX1 fusion gene was completely eliminated, thus generating a powerful model on which to study the role of the fusion gene in leukemic cells. The loss of fusion gene expression led to the deregulation of biological processes affecting survival such as apoptosis resistance and cell proliferation capacity. Tumour cells showed higher levels of apoptosis, lower proliferation rate and a greater sensitivity to PI3K inhibitors in vitro along as a decrease in tumour growth in xenografts models after ETV6/RUNX1 fusion gene abrogation. CONCLUSIONS ETV6/RUNX1 fusion protein seems to play an important role in the maintenance of the leukemic phenotype and could thus become a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrián Montaño
- IBSAL, IBMCC, Cancer Research Center, Universidad de Salamanca-CSIC, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (A.M.); (J.L.O.); (V.A.-P.); (J.H.-S.); (S.S.); (T.G.); (R.B.)
| | - Jose Luis Ordoñez
- IBSAL, IBMCC, Cancer Research Center, Universidad de Salamanca-CSIC, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (A.M.); (J.L.O.); (V.A.-P.); (J.H.-S.); (S.S.); (T.G.); (R.B.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Salamanca, Campus Unamuno s/n, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Verónica Alonso-Pérez
- IBSAL, IBMCC, Cancer Research Center, Universidad de Salamanca-CSIC, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (A.M.); (J.L.O.); (V.A.-P.); (J.H.-S.); (S.S.); (T.G.); (R.B.)
| | - Jesús Hernández-Sánchez
- IBSAL, IBMCC, Cancer Research Center, Universidad de Salamanca-CSIC, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (A.M.); (J.L.O.); (V.A.-P.); (J.H.-S.); (S.S.); (T.G.); (R.B.)
| | - Sandra Santos
- IBSAL, IBMCC, Cancer Research Center, Universidad de Salamanca-CSIC, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (A.M.); (J.L.O.); (V.A.-P.); (J.H.-S.); (S.S.); (T.G.); (R.B.)
| | - Teresa González
- IBSAL, IBMCC, Cancer Research Center, Universidad de Salamanca-CSIC, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (A.M.); (J.L.O.); (V.A.-P.); (J.H.-S.); (S.S.); (T.G.); (R.B.)
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Rocío Benito
- IBSAL, IBMCC, Cancer Research Center, Universidad de Salamanca-CSIC, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (A.M.); (J.L.O.); (V.A.-P.); (J.H.-S.); (S.S.); (T.G.); (R.B.)
| | - Ignacio García-Tuñón
- IBSAL, IBMCC, Cancer Research Center, Universidad de Salamanca-CSIC, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (A.M.); (J.L.O.); (V.A.-P.); (J.H.-S.); (S.S.); (T.G.); (R.B.)
| | - Jesús María Hernández-Rivas
- IBSAL, IBMCC, Cancer Research Center, Universidad de Salamanca-CSIC, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (A.M.); (J.L.O.); (V.A.-P.); (J.H.-S.); (S.S.); (T.G.); (R.B.)
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Universidad de Salamanca and CIBERONC, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
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5
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Polak R, Bierings MB, van der Leije CS, Sanders MA, Roovers O, Marchante JRM, Boer JM, Cornelissen JJ, Pieters R, den Boer ML, Buitenhuis M. Autophagy inhibition as a potential future targeted therapy for ETV6-RUNX1-driven B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Haematologica 2018; 104:738-748. [PMID: 30381299 PMCID: PMC6442983 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2018.193631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Translocation t(12;21), resulting in the ETV6-RUNX1 (or TEL-AML1) fusion protein, is present in 25% of pediatric patients with B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia and is considered a first hit in leukemogenesis. A targeted therapy approach is not available for children with this subtype of leukemia. To identify the molecular mechanisms underlying ETV6-RUNX1-driven leukemia, we performed gene expression profiling of healthy hematopoietic progenitors in which we ectopically expressed ETV6-RUNX1. We reveal an ETV6-RUNX1-driven transcriptional network that induces proliferation, survival and cellular homeostasis. In addition, Vps34, an important regulator of autophagy, was found to be induced by ETV6-RUNX1 and up-regulated in ETV6-RUNX1-positive leukemic patient cells. We show that induction of Vps34 was transcriptionally regulated by ETV6-RUNX1 and correlated with high levels of autophagy. Knockdown of Vps34 in ETV6-RUNX1-positive cell lines severely reduced proliferation and survival. Inhibition of autophagy by hydroxychloroquine, a well-tolerated autophagy inhibitor, reduced cell viability in both ETV6-RUNX1-positive cell lines and primary acute lymphoblastic leukemia samples, and selectively sensitized primary ETV6-RUNX1-positive leukemia samples to L asparaginase. These findings reveal a causal relationship between ETV6-RUNX1 and autophagy, and provide pre-clinical evidence for the efficacy of autophagy inhibitors in ETV6-RUNX1-driven leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roel Polak
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Erasmus MC - Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam
| | - Marc B Bierings
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht.,Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht
| | | | - Mathijs A Sanders
- Department of Hematology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Onno Roovers
- Department of Hematology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - João R M Marchante
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Erasmus MC - Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam
| | - Judith M Boer
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Erasmus MC - Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam
| | - Jan J Cornelissen
- Department of Hematology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Rob Pieters
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht
| | - Monique L den Boer
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Erasmus MC - Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam .,Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht
| | - Miranda Buitenhuis
- Department of Hematology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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6
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Sundaresh A, Williams O. Mechanism of ETV6-RUNX1 Leukemia. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 962:201-216. [PMID: 28299659 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-10-3233-2_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The t(12;21)(p13;q22) translocation is the most frequently occurring single genetic abnormality in pediatric leukemia. This translocation results in the fusion of the ETV6 and RUNX1 genes. Since its discovery in the 1990s, the function of the ETV6-RUNX1 fusion gene has attracted intense interest. In this chapter, we will summarize current knowledge on the clinical significance of ETV6-RUNX1, the experimental models used to unravel its function in leukemogenesis, the identification of co-operating mutations and the mechanisms responsible for their acquisition, the function of the encoded transcription factor and finally, the future therapeutic approaches available to mitigate the associated disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aishwarya Sundaresh
- Cancer section, Developmental Biology and Cancer Programme, UCL Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Owen Williams
- Cancer section, Developmental Biology and Cancer Programme, UCL Institute of Child Health, London, UK.
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7
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Choi J, Polcher A, Joas A. Systematic literature review on Parkinson's disease and Childhood Leukaemia and mode of actions for pesticides. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.2903/sp.efsa.2016.en-955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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8
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Yang YL, Yen CT, Pai CH, Chen HY, Yu SL, Lin CY, Hu CY, Jou ST, Lin DT, Lin SR, Lin SW. A Double Negative Loop Comprising ETV6/RUNX1 and MIR181A1 Contributes to Differentiation Block in t(12;21)-Positive Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0142863. [PMID: 26580398 PMCID: PMC4651427 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0142863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2015] [Accepted: 10/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) with t(12;21), which results in expression of the ETV6/RUNX1 fusion gene, is the most common chromosomal lesion in precursor-B (pre-B) ALL. We identified 17 microRNAs that were downregulated in ETV6/RUNX1+ compared with ETV6/RUNX1- clinical samples. Among these microRNAs, miR-181a-1 was the most significantly reduced (by ~75%; P < 0.001). Using chromatin immunoprecipitation, we demonstrated that ETV6/RUNX1 directly binds the regulatory region of MIR181A1, and knockdown of ETV6/RUNX1 increased miR-181a-1 level. We further showed that miR-181a (functional counterpart of miR-181a-1) could target ETV6/RUNX1 and cause a reduction in the level of the oncoprotein ETV6/RUNX1, cell growth arrest, an increase in apoptosis, and induction of cell differentiation in ETV6/RUNX1+ cell line. Moreover, ectopic expression of miR-181a also resulted in decreased CD10 hyperexpression in ETV6/RUNX1+ primary patient samples. Taken together, our results demonstrate that MIR181A1 and ETV6/RUNX1 regulate each other, and we propose that a double negative loop involving MIR181A1 and ETV6/RUNX1 may contribute to ETV6/RUNX1-driven arrest of differentiation in pre-B ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yung-Li Yang
- Departments of Laboratory Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Departments of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Tzu Yen
- Departments of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Hsueh Pai
- Departments of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsuan-Yu Chen
- Institute of Statistical Science, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sung-Liang Yu
- Departments of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Yu Lin
- Institute of Statistical Science, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Yi Hu
- Departments of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shiann-Tarng Jou
- Departments of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Dong-Tsamn Lin
- Departments of Laboratory Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Departments of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Rung Lin
- Department of Bioscience Technology, College of Science, Chung-Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Center for Nanotechnology and Center for Biomedical Technology, College of Science, Chung-Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Wha Lin
- Departments of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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9
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de Laurentiis A, Hiscott J, Alcalay M. The TEL-AML1 fusion protein of acute lymphoblastic leukemia modulates IRF3 activity during early B-cell differentiation. Oncogene 2015; 34:6018-28. [DOI: 10.1038/onc.2015.50] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2014] [Revised: 12/16/2014] [Accepted: 12/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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10
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Palmi C, Fazio G, Savino AM, Procter J, Howell L, Cazzaniga V, Vieri M, Longinotti G, Brunati I, Andrè V, Della Mina P, Villa A, Greaves M, Biondi A, D'Amico G, Ford A, Cazzaniga G. Cytoskeletal regulatory gene expression and migratory properties of B-cell progenitors are affected by the ETV6-RUNX1 rearrangement. Mol Cancer Res 2014; 12:1796-806. [PMID: 25061103 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-14-0056-t] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Although the ETV6-RUNX1 fusion is a frequent initiating event in childhood leukemia, its role in leukemogenesis is only partly understood. The main impact of the fusion itself is to generate and sustain a clone of clinically silent preleukemic B-cell progenitors (BCP). Additional oncogenic hits, occurring even several years later, are required for overt disease. The understanding of the features and interactions of ETV6-RUNX1-positive cells during this "latency" period may explain how these silent cells can persist and whether they could be prone to additional genetic changes. In this study, two in vitro murine models were used to investigate whether ETV6-RUNX1 alters the cellular adhesion and migration properties of BCP. ETV6-RUNX1-expressing cells showed a significant defect in the chemotactic response to CXCL12, caused by a block in CXCR4 signaling, as demonstrated by inhibition of CXCL12-associated calcium flux and lack of ERK phosphorylation. Moreover, the induction of ETV6-RUNX1 caused changes in the expression of cell-surface adhesion molecules. The expression of genes regulating the cytoskeleton was also affected, resulting in a block of CDC42 signaling. The abnormalities described here could alter the interaction of ETV6-RUNX1 preleukemic BCP with the microenvironment and contribute to the pathogenesis of the disease. IMPLICATIONS Alterations in the expression of cytoskeletal regulatory genes and migration properties of BCP represent early events in the evolution of the disease, from the preleukemic phase to the clinical onset, and suggest new strategies for effective eradication of leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Palmi
- Centro Ricerca Tettamanti, Clinica Pediatrica, Università di Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Grazia Fazio
- Centro Ricerca Tettamanti, Clinica Pediatrica, Università di Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Angela M Savino
- Centro Ricerca Tettamanti, Clinica Pediatrica, Università di Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Julia Procter
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer, Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Louise Howell
- Haemato-Oncology Research Unit, Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Valeria Cazzaniga
- Centro Ricerca Tettamanti, Clinica Pediatrica, Università di Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Margherita Vieri
- Centro Ricerca Tettamanti, Clinica Pediatrica, Università di Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Giulia Longinotti
- Centro Ricerca Tettamanti, Clinica Pediatrica, Università di Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Ilaria Brunati
- Centro Ricerca Tettamanti, Clinica Pediatrica, Università di Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Valentina Andrè
- Centro Ricerca Tettamanti, Clinica Pediatrica, Università di Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Pamela Della Mina
- Microscopy and Image Analysis Consortium, Università di Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Antonello Villa
- Microscopy and Image Analysis Consortium, Università di Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Mel Greaves
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer, Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Andrea Biondi
- Centro Ricerca Tettamanti, Clinica Pediatrica, Università di Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy.
| | - Giovanna D'Amico
- Centro Ricerca Tettamanti, Clinica Pediatrica, Università di Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Anthony Ford
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer, Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Giovanni Cazzaniga
- Centro Ricerca Tettamanti, Clinica Pediatrica, Università di Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
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11
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Kaindl U, Morak M, Portsmouth C, Mecklenbräuker A, Kauer M, Zeginigg M, Attarbaschi A, Haas OA, Panzer-Grümayer R. Blocking ETV6/RUNX1-induced MDM2 overexpression by Nutlin-3 reactivates p53 signaling in childhood leukemia. Leukemia 2014; 28:600-8. [PMID: 24240203 PMCID: PMC3948158 DOI: 10.1038/leu.2013.345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2013] [Revised: 10/03/2013] [Accepted: 10/07/2013] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
ETV6/RUNX1 (E/R) is the most common fusion gene in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. It is responsible for the initiation of leukemia but also indispensable for disease maintenance and propagation, although its function in these latter processes is less clear. We therefore investigated the effects of the perceived p53 pathway alterations in model cell lines and primary leukemias and, in particular, how E/R upregulates MDM2, the predominant negative regulator of p53. We found that E/R transactivates MDM2 in both p53(+/+) and p53(-/-) HCT116 cells by binding to promoter-inherent RUNX1 motifs, which indicates that this activation occurs in a direct and p53-independent manner. Treatment of E/R-positive leukemic cell lines with Nutlin-3, a small molecule that inhibits the MDM2/p53 interaction, arrests their cell cycle and induces apoptosis. These phenomena concur with a p53-induced expression of p21, pro-apoptotic BAX and PUMA, as well as caspase 3 activation and poly ADP-ribose polymerase cleavage. The addition of DNA-damaging and p53-activating chemotherapeutic drugs intensifies apoptosis. Moreover, Nutlin-3 exposure leads to an analogous p53 accumulation and apoptotic surge in E/R-positive primary leukemic cells. Our findings clarify the role of p53 signaling in E/R-positive leukemias and outline the potential basis for its therapeutic exploitation in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- U Kaindl
- St Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, Children's Cancer Research Institute, Vienna, Austria
| | - M Morak
- St Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, Children's Cancer Research Institute, Vienna, Austria
| | - C Portsmouth
- St Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, Children's Cancer Research Institute, Vienna, Austria
| | - A Mecklenbräuker
- St Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, Children's Cancer Research Institute, Vienna, Austria
| | - M Kauer
- St Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, Children's Cancer Research Institute, Vienna, Austria
| | - M Zeginigg
- St Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, Children's Cancer Research Institute, Vienna, Austria
| | - A Attarbaschi
- St Anna Kinderspital, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - O A Haas
- St Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, Children's Cancer Research Institute, Vienna, Austria
- St Anna Kinderspital, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - R Panzer-Grümayer
- St Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, Children's Cancer Research Institute, Vienna, Austria
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12
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Diakos C, Xiao Y, Zheng S, Kager L, Dworzak M, Wiemels JL. Direct and indirect targets of the E2A-PBX1 leukemia-specific fusion protein. PLoS One 2014; 9:e87602. [PMID: 24503810 PMCID: PMC3913655 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0087602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2013] [Accepted: 12/20/2013] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
E2A-PBX1 is expressed as a result of the t(1;19) chromosomal translocation in nearly 5% of cases of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The E2A-PBX1 chimeric transcription factor contains the N-terminal transactivation domain of E2A (TCF3) fused to the C-terminal DNA-binding homeodomain of PBX1. While there is no doubt of its oncogenic potential, the mechanisms of E2A-PBX1-mediated pre-B cell transformation and the nature of direct E2A-PBX1 target genes and pathways remain largely unknown. Herein we used chromatin immunoprecipitation assays (ChIP-chip) to identify direct targets of E2A-PBX1, and we used gene expression arrays of siRNA E2A-PBX1-silenced cells to evaluate changes in expression induced by the fusion protein. Combined ChIP-chip and expression data analysis gave rise to direct and functional targets of E2A-PBX1. Further we observe that the set of ChIP-chip identified E2A-PBX1 targets show a collective down-regulation trend in the E2A-PBX1 silenced samples compared to controls suggesting an activating role of this fusion transcription factor. Our data suggest that the expression of the E2A-PBX1 fusion gene interferes with key regulatory pathways and functions of hematopoietic biology. Among these are members of the WNT and apoptosis/cell cycle control pathways, and thus may comprise an essential driving force for the propagation and maintenance of the leukemic phenotype. These findings may also provide evidence of potentially attractive therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christofer Diakos
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, St Anna Children’s Hospital, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Yuanyuan Xiao
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Shichun Zheng
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Leo Kager
- Department of Pediatrics, St Anna Children’s Hospital, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Dworzak
- Department of Pediatrics, St Anna Children’s Hospital, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Children’s Cancer Research Institute, St Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, Vienna, Austria
| | - Joseph L. Wiemels
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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13
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Abstract
Key Points
STAT3 activity is necessary for TEL-AML1 leukemia maintenance. TEL-AML1 induces STAT3 activation via RAC1 and leading to induction of MYC expression.
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14
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Husak Z, Dworzak MN. CD99 ligation upregulates HSP70 on acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells and concomitantly increases NK cytotoxicity. Cell Death Dis 2012; 3:e425. [PMID: 23152061 PMCID: PMC3542600 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2012.164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
CD99 is present in many human cell types, including high-level surface expression on pediatric B and T leukemias and Ewing tumors (ETs). On B lymphocytes and respective malignancies, its level decreases with the stage of maturation. Inter-individual variability of CD99 on B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL) blasts was shown recently to be associated with distinct cytogenetic backgrounds. However, CD99 targets remain mainly unknown. Here, we show that administration of an anti-CD99 antibody to B- and T-leukemia cell lines induces heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), both on the cell surface and in the cytoplasm. Investigation of primary BCP-ALL cells rendered similar results. Intriguingly, CD99-induced modulation of HSP70 on ET cells had profiles different from that on leukemia cells. Since HSP70 expression on tumor cells is a prerequisite for natural killer (NK) cell-mediated tumor lysis, we hypothesized that CD99-induced HSP70 may allow targeting of some CD99-positive malignancies via NK-cell cytotoxicity. Our experiments with NK92 cell line demonstrated that leukemia cells with upregulated HSP70 can be successfully killed by effector cells. We consider our data as a new view of CD99 functions and as a basis for the development of a potential anti-tumor strategy based on heat-shock protein activation via CD99 triggering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Husak
- Department of Immunological Diagnostics, St. Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, Children's Cancer Research Institute, Vienna, Austria.
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15
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Hoelzl C, Lorenz O, Haudek V, Gundacker N, Knasmüller S, Gerner C. Proteome alterations induced in human white blood cells by consumption of Brussels sprouts: Results of a pilot intervention study. Proteomics Clin Appl 2012; 2:108-17. [PMID: 21136784 DOI: 10.1002/prca.200780100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Epidemiological studies indicate a correlation of cruciferous vegetables consumption with reduced incidence of cancer. This study was designed to investigate molecular mechanisms, which may help to understand the beneficial effects of Brussels sprout consumption. In order to avoid the limitations of in vitro model systems, we performed a dietary intervention study with five participants. We investigated, whether sprout consumption affects the proteome profile of primary white blood cells. In order to achieve maximal sensitivity in detecting specific adaptive proteome alterations, we metabolically labelled freshly isolated cells in the presence of (35) S-methionine/cysteine and performed autoradiographic quantification of protein synthesis. Proteins were separated by 2-DE and spots of interest were cut out, digested and identified by MS. After the intervention, we found a significant up-regulation of the synthesis of manganese superoxide dismutase (1.56-fold) and significant down-regulation of the synthesis of heat shock 70 kDa protein (hsp70; 2.27-fold). Both proteins play a role in malignant transformation of cells. Hsp-70 is involved in the regulation of apoptosis, which leads to elimination of cancer cells, while SOD plays a key role in protection against reactive oxygen species mediated effects. Our findings indicate that the alteration of the synthesis of these proteins may be involved in the anticarcinogenic effects of cruciferous vegetables, which was observed in earlier laboratory studies with animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Hoelzl
- Internal Medicine Clinic I, Institute of Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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16
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Fuka G, Kantner HP, Grausenburger R, Inthal A, Bauer E, Krapf G, Kaindl U, Kauer M, Dworzak MN, Stoiber D, Haas OA, Panzer-Grümayer R. Silencing of ETV6/RUNX1 abrogates PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling and impairs reconstitution of leukemia in xenografts. Leukemia 2012; 26:927-33. [PMID: 22094587 DOI: 10.1038/leu.2011.322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2011] [Revised: 06/01/2011] [Accepted: 10/07/2011] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The ETV6/RUNX1 (E/R) gene fusion is generated by the t(12;21) and found in approximately 25% of childhood B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia. In contrast to the overwhelming evidence that E/R is critical for the initiation of leukemia, its relevance for the maintenance of overt disease is less clear. To investigate this issue, we suppressed the endogenous E/R fusion protein with lentivirally transduced short hairpin RNA in the leukemia cell lines REH and AT-2, and found a distinct reduction of proliferation and cell survival. In line with the observed concurrent inactivation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, pharmacological inhibition diminished the phosphorylation of AKT and ribosomal protein S6, and significantly increased the apoptosis rate in E/R-positive leukemias. Moreover, PI3K/mTOR inhibitors sensitized glucocorticoid-resistant REH cells to prednisolone, an observation of potential relevance for improving treatment of drug-resistant relapses. Of note, knockdown of the E/R fusion gene also severely impaired the repopulation capacity of REH cells in non-obese deficient/severe combined immunodeficient mice. Collectively, these data demonstrate that the E/R fusion protein activates the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and is indispensible for disease maintenance. Importantly, these results provide a first rationale and justification for targeting the fusion gene and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway therapeutically.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Fuka
- Children's Cancer Research Institute, St Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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17
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Consequences of heat shock protein 72 (Hsp72) expression and activity on stress-induced apoptosis in CD30+ NPM–ALK+ anaplastic large-cell lymphomas. Leukemia 2012; 26:1375-82. [DOI: 10.1038/leu.2011.367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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18
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Zorzi E, Bonvini P. Inducible hsp70 in the regulation of cancer cell survival: analysis of chaperone induction, expression and activity. Cancers (Basel) 2011; 3:3921-56. [PMID: 24213118 PMCID: PMC3763403 DOI: 10.3390/cancers3043921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2011] [Revised: 09/26/2011] [Accepted: 10/10/2011] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the mechanisms that control stress is central to realize how cells respond to environmental and physiological insults. All the more important is to reveal how tumour cells withstand their harsher growth conditions and cope with drug-induced apoptosis, since resistance to chemotherapy is the foremost complication when curing cancer. Intensive research on tumour biology over the past number of years has provided significant insights into the molecular events that occur during oncogenesis, and resistance to anti-cancer drugs has been shown to often rely on stress response and expression of inducible heat shock proteins (HSPs). However, with respect to the mechanisms guarding cancer cells against proteotoxic stresses and the modulatory effects that allow their survival, much remains to be defined. Heat shock proteins are molecules responsible for folding newly synthesized polypeptides under physiological conditions and misfolded proteins under stress, but their role in maintaining the transformed phenotype often goes beyond their conventional chaperone activity. Expression of inducible HSPs is known to correlate with limited sensitivity to apoptosis induced by diverse cytotoxic agents and dismal prognosis of several tumour types, however whether cancer cells survive because of the constitutive expression of heat shock proteins or the ability to induce them when adapting to the hostile microenvironment remains to be elucidated. Clear is that tumours appear nowadays more "addicted" to heat shock proteins than previously envisaged, and targeting HSPs represents a powerful approach and a future challenge for sensitizing tumours to therapy. This review will focus on the anti-apoptotic role of heat shock 70kDa protein (Hsp70), and how regulatory factors that control inducible Hsp70 synthesis, expression and activity may be relevant for response to stress and survival of cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Zorzi
- OncoHematology Clinic of Pediatrics, University-Hospital of Padova, 35100 Padova, Italy; E-Mail:
| | - Paolo Bonvini
- OncoHematology Clinic of Pediatrics, University-Hospital of Padova, 35100 Padova, Italy; E-Mail:
- Fondazione Città della Speranza, 36030 Monte di Malo, Vicenza, Italy
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19
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Fuka G, Kauer M, Kofler R, Haas OA, Panzer-Grümayer R. The leukemia-specific fusion gene ETV6/RUNX1 perturbs distinct key biological functions primarily by gene repression. PLoS One 2011; 6:e26348. [PMID: 22028862 PMCID: PMC3197637 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0026348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2011] [Accepted: 09/25/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND ETV6/RUNX1 (E/R) (also known as TEL/AML1) is the most frequent gene fusion in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and also most likely the crucial factor for disease initiation; its role in leukemia propagation and maintenance, however, remains largely elusive. To address this issue we performed a shRNA-mediated knock-down (KD) of the E/R fusion gene and investigated the ensuing consequences on genome-wide gene expression patterns and deducible regulatory functions in two E/R-positive leukemic cell lines. FINDINGS Microarray analyses identified 777 genes whose expression was substantially altered. Although approximately equal proportions were either up- (KD-UP) or down-regulated (KD-DOWN), the effects on biological processes and pathways differed considerably. The E/R KD-UP set was significantly enriched for genes included in the "cell activation", "immune response", "apoptosis", "signal transduction" and "development and differentiation" categories, whereas in the E/R KD-DOWN set only the "PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling" and "hematopoietic stem cells" categories became evident. Comparable expression signatures obtained from primary E/R-positive ALL samples underline the relevance of these pathways and molecular functions. We also validated six differentially expressed genes representing the categories "stem cell properties", "B-cell differentiation", "immune response", "cell adhesion" and "DNA damage" with RT-qPCR. CONCLUSION Our analyses provide the first preliminary evidence that the continuous expression of the E/R fusion gene interferes with key regulatory functions that shape the biology of this leukemia subtype. E/R may thus indeed constitute the essential driving force for the propagation and maintenance of the leukemic process irrespective of potential consequences of associated secondary changes. Finally, these findings may also provide a valuable source of potentially attractive therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerhard Fuka
- Children's Cancer Research Institute, St. Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, Vienna, Austria
| | - Maximilian Kauer
- Children's Cancer Research Institute, St. Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, Vienna, Austria
| | - Reinhard Kofler
- Division of Molecular Pathophysiology, Tyrolean Cancer Research Institute and Biocenter, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Renate Panzer-Grümayer
- Children's Cancer Research Institute, St. Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, Vienna, Austria
- St. Anna Kinderspital, Vienna, Austria
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20
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ETV6-RUNX1 promotes survival of early B lineage progenitor cells via a dysregulated erythropoietin receptor. Blood 2011; 118:4910-8. [PMID: 21900195 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2011-05-354266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
ETV6-RUNX1 gene fusion is usually an early, prenatal event in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Transformation results in the generation of a persistent (> 14 years) preleukemic clone, which postnatally converts to ALL after the acquisition of necessary secondary genetic alterations. Many cancer cells show some expression of the erythropoietin receptor (EPOR) gene, although the "functionality" of any EPOR complexes and their relevant signaling pathways in nonerythroid cells has not been validated. EPOR mRNA is selectively and ectopically expressed in ETV6-RUNX1(+) ALL, but the presence of a functional EPOR on the cell surface and its role in leukemogenesis driven by ETV6-RUNX1 remains to be identified. Here, we show that ETV6-RUNX1 directly binds the EPOR promoter and that expression of ETV6-RUNX1 alone in normal pre-B cells is sufficient to activate EPOR transcription. We further reveal that murine and human ETV6-RUNX1(+) cells expressing EPOR mRNA have EPO ligand binding activity that correlates with an increased cell survival through activation of the JAK2-STAT5 pathway and up-regulation of antiapoptotic BCL-XL. These data support the contention that ETV6-RUNX1 directly activates ectopic expression of a functional EPOR and provides cell survival signals that may contribute critically to persistence of covert premalignant clones in children.
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21
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Abstract
Translocation (12;21), the most frequent chromosomal aberration in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia, creates TEL/AML1 fusion gene. Resulting hybrid protein was shown to have a role in pre-leukemia establishment. To address its role for leukemic cell survival, we applied RNA interference to silence TEL/AML1 in leukemic cells. We designed and tested 11 different oligonucleotides targeting the TEL/AML1 fusion site. Using most efficient siRNAs, we achieved an average of 74-86% TEL/AML1 protein knockdown in REH and UOC-B6 leukemic cells, respectively. TEL/AML1 silencing neither decreased cell viability, nor induced apoptosis. On the contrary, it resulted in the modest but significant increase in the S phase fraction and in higher proliferation rate. Opposite effects on cell cycle distribution and proliferation were induced by AML1 silencing, thus, supporting our hypothesis that TEL/AML1 may block AML1-mediated promotion of G1/S progression through the cell cycle. In line with the lack of major effect on phenotype, we found no significant changes in clonogenic potential and global gene expression pattern upon TEL/AML1 depletion. Our data suggest that though TEL/AML1 is important for the (pre)leukemic clone development, it may be dispensable for leukemic cell survival and would not be a suitable target for gene-specific therapy.
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22
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Abstract
There is increasing evidence that miRNA and transcription factors interact in an instructive fashion in normal and malignant hematopoiesis. We explored the impact of TEL-AML1 (ETV6-RUNX1), the most common fusion protein in childhood leukemia, on miRNA expression and the leukemic phenotype. Using RNA interference, miRNA expression arrays, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction, we identified miRNA-494 and miRNA-320a to be up-regulated upon TEL-AML1 silencing independently of TEL expression. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis identified miRNA-494 as a direct miRNA target of the fusion protein TEL-AML1. Using bioinformatic analysis as well as functional luciferase experiments, we demonstrate that survivin is a target of the 2 miRNAs. miRNA-494 and miRNA-320a were introduced to the cells by transfection and survivin expression determined by Western blot analysis. These miRNAs blocked survivin expression and resulted in apoptosis in a similar manner as TEL-AML1 silencing by itself; this silencing was also shown to be Dicer-dependent. miRNAs-494 and -320a are expressed at lower levels in TEL-AML1+ leukemias compared with immunophenotype-matched nonTEL-AML1 acute lymphoblastic leukemia subtypes, and within TEL-AML1+ leukemias their expression is correlated to survivin levels. In summary our data suggest that TEL-AML1 might exert its antiapoptotic action at least in part by suppressing miRNA-494 and miRNA-320a, lowering their expression causing enhanced survivin expression.
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23
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Runx2 in normal tissues and cancer cells: A developing story. Blood Cells Mol Dis 2010; 45:117-23. [PMID: 20580290 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcmd.2010.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2010] [Accepted: 05/17/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The Runx transcription factors are essential for mammalian development, most notably in the haematopoietic and osteogenic lineages. Runx1 and its binding partner, CBFbeta, are frequently targeted in acute leukaemia but evidence is accumulating that all three Runx genes may have a role to play in a wider range of cancers, either as tumour promoters or tumour suppressors. Whilst Runx2 is renowned for its role as a master regulator of bone development we discuss here its expression pattern and putative functions beyond this lineage. Furthermore, we review the evidence that RUNX2 promotes neoplastic development in haematopoietic lineages and in advanced mammary and prostate cancer.
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24
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Abstract
Although the majority of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) can be cured with combination chemotherapy, the challenge remains to salvage patients with resistant disease and to reduce treatment related toxicity. To meet this challenge, it will be essential to incorporate new agents targeting the biological Achilles Heels of this cancer more rapidly into currently available treatment regimen. Here we review the principles of current ALL therapy, recent advances in understanding ALL biology and discuss a selection of promising areas for drug development that may take advantage of the underlying leukemia biology. We focus particularly on strategies to interfere with common effector mechanisms that can be trigged by different individual oncogenic lesions and on new agents from drug development programs in adult oncology, as such agents will come with better chances for sustainable commercial development.
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25
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Daniel-Cravioto A, Gonzalez-Bonilla CR, Mejia-Arangure JM, Perez-Saldivar ML, Fajardo-Gutierrez A, Jimenez-Hernandez E, Hernandez-Serrano M, Bekker-Mendez VC. Genetic rearrangement MLL/AF4 is most frequent in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemias in Mexico City. Leuk Lymphoma 2010; 50:1352-60. [PMID: 19579075 DOI: 10.1080/10428190903015636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
One of the highest incidences of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in the world has been reported in Mexico City. In the current study (26 cases), the frequencies of the most frequent genetic rearrangements TEL-AML1, MLL/AF4, BCR-ABL (major and minor) in ALL in children from Mexico City were determined. For the ALL, the frequency of MLL/AF4 was 65.4%, for TEL-AML1 and that of BCR/ABL was 3.8%. Only 6 of the 17 children with the MLL/AF4 rearrangement were less than 26 months old. The frequency reported for MLL/AF4 in Mexican children with ALL is one of the highest worldwide. These findings could potentially explain the higher frequency of ALL with poor prognosis for children in Mexico City.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alondra Daniel-Cravioto
- Unidad de Investigación Biomédica en Infectología e Inmunología, Unidad Medica de Alta Especialidad (UMAE), Hospital de Infectología Daniel Mendez Hernandez del Centro Medico Nacional La Raza, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Mexico City, Mexico
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26
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Abstract
Approximately 25% of childhood B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia have an ETV6/RUNX1 (E/R) gene fusion that results from a t(12;21). This genetic subgroup of leukemia is associated with near-triploidy, near-tetraploidy, and trisomy 21 as rather specific types of secondary changes. Here, we show that, unlike various controls, E/R-expressing Ba/F3 clones acquire a tetraploid karyotype on prolonged culture, corroborating the assumption that E/R may attenuate the mitotic checkpoint (MC). Consistent with this notion, E/R-expressing diploid murine and human cell lines have decreased proportions of cells with 4N DNA content and a lower mitotic index when treated with spindle toxins. Moreover, both RUNX1 and E/R regulate mitotic arrest-deficient 2 L1 (MAD2L1), an essential MC component, by binding to promoter-inherent RUNX1 sites, which results in down-regulation of MAD2L1 mRNA and protein in E/R-expressing cells. Forced expression of E/R also abolishes RUNX1-induced reporter activation, whereas E/R with a mutant DNA-binding site leads to only minor effects. Our data link for the first time E/R, MC, and MAD2L1 and provide new insights into the function of the E/R fusion gene product. Although tetraploidy is an almost exclusive feature of E/R-positive leukemias, its rarity within this particular subgroup implies that further yet unknown factors are required for its manifestation.
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27
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Ford AM, Palmi C, Bueno C, Hong D, Cardus P, Knight D, Cazzaniga G, Enver T, Greaves M. The TEL-AML1 leukemia fusion gene dysregulates the TGF-beta pathway in early B lineage progenitor cells. J Clin Invest 2009; 119:826-36. [PMID: 19287094 DOI: 10.1172/jci36428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2008] [Accepted: 02/04/2009] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromosome translocation to generate the TEL-AML1 (also known as ETV6-RUNX1) chimeric fusion gene is a frequent and early or initiating event in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Our starting hypothesis was that the TEL-AML1 protein generates and maintains preleukemic clones and that conversion to overt disease requires secondary genetic changes, possibly in the context of abnormal immune responses. Here, we show that a murine B cell progenitor cell line expressing inducible TEL-AML1 proliferates at a slower rate than parent cells but is more resistant to further inhibition of proliferation by TGF-beta. This facilitates the competitive expansion of TEL-AML1-expressing cells in the presence of TGF-beta. Further analysis indicated that TEL-AML1 binds to a principal TGF-beta signaling target, Smad3, and compromises its ability to activate target promoters. In mice expressing a TEL-AML1 transgene, early, pre-pro-B cells were increased in number and also showed reduced sensitivity to TGF-beta-mediated inhibition of proliferation. Moreover, expression of TEL-AML1 in human cord blood progenitor cells led to the expansion of a candidate preleukemic stem cell population that had an early B lineage phenotype (CD34+CD38-CD19+) and a marked growth advantage in the presence of TGF-beta. Collectively, these data suggest a plausible mechanism by which dysregulated immune responses to infection might promote the malignant evolution of TEL-AML1-expressing preleukemic clones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony M Ford
- Section of Haemato-Oncology, The Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, Surrey, United Kingdom
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28
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Inthal A, Krapf G, Beck D, Joas R, Kauer MO, Orel L, Fuka G, Mann G, Panzer-Grümayer ER. Role of the erythropoietin receptor in ETV6/RUNX1-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Clin Cancer Res 2009; 14:7196-204. [PMID: 19010836 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-07-5051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We explored the mechanisms leading to the distinct overexpression of EPOR as well as the effects of EPO signaling on ETV6/RUNX1-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemias. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN ETV6/RUNX1-expressing model cell lines and leukemic cells were used for real-time PCR of EPOR expression. Proliferation, viability, and apoptosis were analyzed on cells exposed to EPO, prednisone, or inhibitors of EPOR pathways by [3H]thymidine incorporation, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, and Annexin V/propidium iodide staining. Western blot analysis was done to detect activation of signaling proteins. Serum EPO levels and sequences of the EPOR (n = 53) as well as hemoglobin levels were taken from children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia enrolled in Austrian protocols. RESULTS We show here that ectopic expression of ETV6/RUNX1 induced EPOR up-regulation. Anemia, however, did not appear to influence EPOR expression on leukemic cells, although children with ETV6/RUNX1-positive leukemias had a lower median hemoglobin than controls. Exposure to EPO increased proliferation and survival of ETV6/RUNX1-positive leukemias in vitro, whereas blocking its binding site did not alter cell survival. The latter was not caused by activating mutations in the EPOR but might be triggered by constitutive activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt, the major signaling pathway of EPOR in these cells. Moreover, prednisone-induced apoptosis was attenuated in the presence of EPO in this genetic subgroup. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that ETV6/RUNX1 leads to EPOR up-regulation and that activation by EPO might be of relevance to the biology of this leukemia subtype. Further studies are, however, needed to assess the clinical implications of its apoptosis-modulating properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Inthal
- Children's Cancer Research Institute, St. Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, Vienna, Austria
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