1
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Spector BM, Santana JF, Pufall MA, Price DH. DFF-ChIP: a method to detect and quantify complex interactions between RNA polymerase II, transcription factors, and chromatin. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:e88. [PMID: 39248105 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Recently, we introduced a chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) technique utilizing the human DNA Fragmentation Factor (DFF) to digest the DNA prior to immunoprecipitation (DFF-ChIP) that provides the precise location of transcription complexes and their interactions with neighboring nucleosomes. Here we expand the technique to new targets and provide useful information concerning purification of DFF, digestion conditions, and the impact of crosslinking. DFF-ChIP analysis was performed individually for subunits of Mediator, DSIF, and NELF that that do not interact with DNA directly, but rather interact with RNA polymerase II (Pol II). We found that Mediator was associated almost exclusively with preinitiation complexes (PICs). DSIF and NELF were associated with engaged Pol II and, in addition, potential intermediates between PICs and early initiation complexes. DFF-ChIP was then used to analyze the occupancy of a tight binding transcription factor, CTCF, and a much weaker binding factor, glucocorticoid receptor (GR), with and without crosslinking. These results were compared to those from standard ChIP-Seq that employs sonication and to CUT&RUN which utilizes MNase to fragment the genomic DNA. Our findings indicate that DFF-ChIP reveals details of occupancy that are not available using other methods including information revealing pertinent protein:protein interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin M Spector
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Juan F Santana
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Miles A Pufall
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - David H Price
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
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2
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Zhuo Z, Wang J, Zhang Y, Meng G. Integrative alternative splicing analysis reveals new prognosis signature in B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Int J Biol Sci 2024; 20:4496-4512. [PMID: 39247833 PMCID: PMC11380455 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.98899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The dysregulation of alternative splicing (AS) is increasingly recognized as a pivotal player in the pathogenesis, progression, and treatment resistance of B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). Despite its significance, the clinical implications of AS events in B-ALL remain largely unexplored. This study developed a prognostic model based on 18 AS events (18-AS), derived from a meticulous integration of bioinformatics methodologies and advanced machine learning algorithms. The 18-AS signature observed in B-ALL distinctly categorized patients into different groups with significant differences in immune infiltration, V(D)J rearrangement, drug sensitivity, and immunotherapy outcomes. Patients classified within the high 18-AS group exhibited lower immune infiltration scores, poorer chemo- and immune-therapy responses, and worse overall survival, underscoring the model's potential in refining therapeutic strategies. To validate the clinical applicability of the 18-AS, we established an SF-AS regulatory network and identified candidate drugs. More importantly, we conducted in vitro cell proliferation assays to confirm our analysis, demonstrating that the High-18AS cell line (SUP-B15) exhibited significantly enhanced sensitivity to Dasatinib, Dovitinib, and Midostaurin compared to the Low-18AS cell line (REH). These findings reveal AS events as novel prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets, advancing personalized treatment strategies in B-ALL management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyi Zhuo
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 197 Ruijin Er Road, Shanghai 200025, P. R. China
- Department of Geriatrics and Medical Center on Aging, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Xinjiang, P. R. China
| | - Junfei Wang
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 197 Ruijin Er Road, Shanghai 200025, P. R. China
- Department of Geriatrics and Medical Center on Aging, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Xinjiang, P. R. China
| | - Yonglei Zhang
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 197 Ruijin Er Road, Shanghai 200025, P. R. China
- Department of Geriatrics and Medical Center on Aging, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Xinjiang, P. R. China
| | - Guoyu Meng
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 197 Ruijin Er Road, Shanghai 200025, P. R. China
- Department of Geriatrics and Medical Center on Aging, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Xinjiang, P. R. China
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3
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Jiao B, Zhang Q, Jin C, Yu H, Wu Q. IRF4 Participates in Pulmonary Fibrosis Induced by Silica Particles through Regulating Macrophage Polarization and Fibroblast Activation. Inflammation 2024; 47:45-59. [PMID: 37938462 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-023-01890-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
Long-term exposure to silica dust can cause silicosis, which is characterized by chronic progressive inflammatory injury, fibroblast activation, and the deposition of extracellular matrix. IRF4 is involved in immune response. However, the potential regulation of IRF4 in silicosis and pulmonary fibrosis remains largely unexplored. In this study, RNA-seq analysis identified the upregulated expression of IRF4 in fibrotic lung tissues of mice exposed to silica particles. And we verified the increased expression of IRF4 in SiO2-treated macrophages and TGF-β1-treated fibroblasts. We further found that the down-regulation of IRF4 impeded the macrophage polarization and the release of pro-fibrotic factors. Moreover, the down-regulation of IRF4 alleviated the migration, invasion, and the expression of fibrotic molecules in fibroblasts. Using ChIP-qPCR assay, we confirmed that IRF4 regulated the transcriptional activity of the IL-17A promoter, thus stimulated fibroblast activation, migration and invasion. In vivo experiment, the AAV-siIRF4 was designed to interfere with the expression of IRF4 in lung tissues of mice exposed to silica particles. Whole blood, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lung tissues were obtained from mice at 7, 14, 28 and 56 days after silica exposure. The results showed that the leukocyte content and inflammatory factors reached a peak at day 14 and remained peak for a long time after IRF4 knockdown. Furthermore, the fibrotic responses of mouse lung tissues were alleviated after IRF4 knockdown. Our study explored the important roles of IRF4 in inflammatory and fibrotic responses, which provided a new target for the treatment of silicosis and pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biyang Jiao
- School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China
| | - Qianyi Zhang
- School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China
| | - Chunmeng Jin
- School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China
| | - Hongmin Yu
- School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China
| | - Qiuyun Wu
- School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China.
- Key Laboratory of Human Genetics and Environmental Medicine, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China.
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Liu Y, Yang G, Huo S, Wu J, Ren P, Cao Y, Gao J, Tong L, Min D. Lutein suppresses ferroptosis of cardiac microvascular endothelial cells via positive regulation of IRF in cardiac hypertrophy. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 959:176081. [PMID: 37797674 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.176081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Cardiac microvascular dysfunction contributes to cardiac hypertrophy (CH) and can progress to heart failure. Lutein is a carotenoid with various pharmacological properties, such as anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. Limited research has been conducted on the effects of lutein on pressure overload-induced CH. Studies have shown that CH is accompanied by ferroptosis in the cardiac microvascular endothelial cells (CMECs). This study aimed to investigate the effect of lutein on ferroptosis of CMECs in CH. The transcription factor interferon regulatory factor (IRF) is associated with immune system function, tumor suppression, and apoptosis. The results of this study suggested that pressure overload primarily inhibits IRF expression, resulting in endothelial ferroptosis. Administration of lutein increased the expression of IRF, providing protection to endothelial cells during pressure overload. IRF silencing downregulated solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) expression, leading to the induction of ferroptosis in CMECs. Lutein supplementation suppressed endothelial ferroptosis by upregulating IRF. These data suggest that IRF may function as a transcription factor for SLC7A11 and that lutein represses ferroptosis in CMECs by upregulating IRF expression. Therefore, targeting IRF may be a promising therapeutic strategy for effective cardioprotection in patients with CH and heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- Department of Basic Nursing, Harbin Medical University-Daqing, Daqing, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Guanlin Yang
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Traditional Chinese Medicine Viscera-State Theory and Applications, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Shiqiao Huo
- Department of Rehabilitation, Beijing Rehabilitation Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiabi Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, Harbin Medical University-Daqing, Daqing, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Ping Ren
- Department of Pharmacology, Harbin Medical University-Daqing, Daqing, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yonggang Cao
- Department of Pharmacology, Harbin Medical University-Daqing, Daqing, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Jingquan Gao
- Department of Nursing, School of Medicine, Lishui University, Lishui, China.
| | - Liquan Tong
- Department of General Surgery, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Daqing, China.
| | - Dongyu Min
- Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenyang, China.
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5
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A multimorphic mutation in IRF4 causes human autosomal dominant combined immunodeficiency. Sci Immunol 2023; 8:eade7953. [PMID: 36662884 PMCID: PMC10825898 DOI: 10.1126/sciimmunol.ade7953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) is a transcription factor (TF) and key regulator of immune cell development and function. We report a recurrent heterozygous mutation in IRF4, p.T95R, causing an autosomal dominant combined immunodeficiency (CID) in seven patients from six unrelated families. The patients exhibited profound susceptibility to opportunistic infections, notably Pneumocystis jirovecii, and presented with agammaglobulinemia. Patients' B cells showed impaired maturation, decreased immunoglobulin isotype switching, and defective plasma cell differentiation, whereas their T cells contained reduced TH17 and TFH populations and exhibited decreased cytokine production. A knock-in mouse model of heterozygous T95R showed a severe defect in antibody production both at the steady state and after immunization with different types of antigens, consistent with the CID observed in these patients. The IRF4T95R variant maps to the TF's DNA binding domain, alters its canonical DNA binding specificities, and results in a simultaneous multimorphic combination of loss, gain, and new functions for IRF4. IRF4T95R behaved as a gain-of-function hypermorph by binding to DNA with higher affinity than IRF4WT. Despite this increased affinity for DNA, the transcriptional activity on IRF4 canonical genes was reduced, showcasing a hypomorphic activity of IRF4T95R. Simultaneously, IRF4T95R functions as a neomorph by binding to noncanonical DNA sites to alter the gene expression profile, including the transcription of genes exclusively induced by IRF4T95R but not by IRF4WT. This previously undescribed multimorphic IRF4 pathophysiology disrupts normal lymphocyte biology, causing human disease.
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6
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Maffei R, Fiorcari S, Atene CG, Martinelli S, Mesini N, Pilato F, Lagreca I, Barozzi P, Riva G, Nasillo V, Paolini A, Forghieri F, Potenza L, Trenti T, Tagliafico E, Luppi M, Marasca R. The dynamic functions of IRF4 in B cell malignancies. Clin Exp Med 2022:10.1007/s10238-022-00968-0. [PMID: 36495369 PMCID: PMC10390622 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-022-00968-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe trajectory of B cell development goes through subsequent steps governed by complex genetic programs, strictly regulated by multiple transcription factors. Interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) regulates key points from pre-B cell development and receptor editing to germinal center formation, class-switch recombination and plasma cell differentiation. The pleiotropic ability of IRF4 is mediated by its “kinetic control”, allowing different IRF4 expression levels to activate distinct genetic programs due to modulation of IRF4 DNA-binding affinity. IRF4 is implicated in B cell malignancies, acting both as tumor suppressor and as tumor oncogene in different types of precursors and mature B cell neoplasia. Here, we summarize the complexity of IRF4 functions related to different DNA-binding affinity, multiple IRF4-specific target DNA motif, and interactions with transcriptional partners. Moreover, we describe the unique role of IRF4 in acute leukemias and B cell mature neoplasia, focusing on pathogenetic implications and possible therapeutic strategies in multiple myeloma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
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7
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Wang X, Su W, Gao Y, Feng Y, Wang X, Chen X, Hu Y, Ma Y, Ou Q, Liang D, Huang H. A pilot study of the use of dynamic analysis of cell-free DNA from aqueous humor and vitreous fluid for the diagnosis and treatment monitoring of vitreoretinal lymphomas. Haematologica 2022; 107:2154-2162. [PMID: 35142151 PMCID: PMC9425330 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2021.279908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The diagnosis of vitreoretinal lymphoma (VRL), a rare subtype of primary central nervous system lymphoma, is challenging. We aimed to investigate the mutational landscape of VRL by sequencing circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) from aqueous humor (AH) and/or vitreous fluid (VF), as well as applying ctDNA sequencing to diagnosis and treatment monitoring. Baseline AH and/or VF specimens from 15 VRL patients underwent comprehensive genomic profiling using targeted next-generation sequencing. The molecular profiles of paired baseline AH and VF specimens were highly concordant, with comparable allele frequencies. However, the genetic alterations detected in cerebrospinal fluid ctDNA only partially overlapped with those from simultaneously collected AH/VF samples, with much lower allele frequencies. Serial post-treatment AH or VF samples were available for five patients and their changes in ctDNA allele frequency displayed a similar trend as the changes in interleukin-10 levels; an indicator of response to treatment. A cohort of 23 patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma was included as a comparison group for the genetic landscape and evaluations of the efficacy of ibrutinib. More MYD88 mutations, but fewer IRF4 mutations and CDKN2A/B copy number losses were observed in the baseline samples of primary central nervous system lymphoma than VRL patients. The objective response rate to ibrutinib treatment was much higher for patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma (64.7%, 11/17) than for those with VRL (14.3%, 1/7). In summary, we provide valuable clinical evidence that AH is a good source of tumor genomic information and can substitute VF. Moreover, molecular profiling of AH has clinical utility for the diagnosis of VRL and treatment monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxiao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China; Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou
| | - Wenru Su
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou
| | - Yan Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China; Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou
| | - Yanfen Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China; Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou
| | - Xiaoxia Wang
- Geneseeq Research Institute, Nanjing Geneseeq Technology Inc., Nanjing, Jiangsu
| | - Xiaoqing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou
| | - Yunwei Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou
| | - Yutong Ma
- Geneseeq Research Institute, Nanjing Geneseeq Technology Inc., Nanjing, Jiangsu
| | - Qiuxiang Ou
- Geneseeq Research Institute, Nanjing Geneseeq Technology Inc., Nanjing, Jiangsu
| | - Dan Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou.
| | - Huiqiang Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China; Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou.
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8
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Amanda S, Tan TK, Iida S, Sanda T. Lineage- and Stage-specific Oncogenicity of IRF4. Exp Hematol 2022; 114:9-17. [PMID: 35908629 DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2022.07.300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Dysregulation of transcription factor genes represents a unique molecular etiology of hematological malignancies. A number of transcription factors that play a role in hematopoietic cell development, lymphocyte activation or their maintenance have been identified as oncogenes or tumor suppressors. Many of them exert oncogenic abilities in a context-dependent manner by governing the key transcriptional program unique to each cell type. IRF4, a member of the interferon regulatory factor (IRF) family, acts as an essential regulator of the immune system and is a prime example of a stage-specific oncogene. The expression and oncogenicity of IRF4 are restricted to mature lymphoid neoplasms, while IRF4 potentially serves as a tumor suppressor in other cellular contexts. This is in marked contrast to its immediate downstream target, MYC, which can cause cancers in a variety of tissues. In this review article, we provide an overview of the roles of IRF4 in the development of the normal immune system and lymphoid neoplasms and discuss the potential mechanisms of lineage- and stage-specific oncogenicity of IRF4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella Amanda
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore
| | - Tze King Tan
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore
| | - Shinsuke Iida
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Aichi, 467-8601 Japan
| | - Takaomi Sanda
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore; Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore..
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9
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Amanda S, Tan TK, Ong JZL, Theardy MS, Wong RWJ, Huang XZ, Ali MZ, Li Y, Gong Z, Inagaki H, Foo EY, Pang B, Tan SY, Iida S, Sanda T. IRF4 drives clonal evolution and lineage choice in a zebrafish model of T-cell lymphoma. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2420. [PMID: 35504924 PMCID: PMC9065160 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30053-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [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: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
IRF4 is a master regulator of immunity and is also frequently overexpressed in mature lymphoid neoplasms. Here, we demonstrate the oncogenicity of IRF4 in vivo, its potential effects on T-cell development and clonal evolution using a zebrafish model. IRF4-transgenic zebrafish develop aggressive tumors with massive infiltration of abnormal lymphocytes that spread to distal organs. Many late-stage tumors are mono- or oligoclonal, and tumor cells can expand in recipient animals after transplantation, demonstrating their malignancy. Mutation of p53 accelerates tumor onset, increases penetrance, and results in tumor heterogeneity. Surprisingly, single-cell RNA-sequencing reveals that the majority of tumor cells are double-negative T-cells, many of which express tcr-γ that became dominant as the tumors progress, whereas double-positive T-cells are largely diminished. Gene expression and epigenetic profiling demonstrates that gata3, mycb, lrrn1, patl1 and psip1 are specifically activated in tumors, while genes responsible for T-cell differentiation including id3 are repressed. IRF4-driven tumors are sensitive to the BRD inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella Amanda
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Tze King Tan
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jolynn Zu Lin Ong
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Regina Wan Ju Wong
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Xiao Zi Huang
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Muhammad Zulfaqar Ali
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 117543, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Zhiyuan Gong
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 117543, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hiroshi Inagaki
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, 467-8601, Japan
| | - Ee Yong Foo
- Department of Pathology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Brendan Pang
- Department of Pathology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Soo Yong Tan
- Department of Pathology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shinsuke Iida
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Aichi, 467-8601, Japan
| | - Takaomi Sanda
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore, Singapore.
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore, Singapore.
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10
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Harasgama JC, Kasthuriarachchi TDW, Sirisena DMKP, Kwon H, Lee S, Wan Q, Lee J. Modulation of fish immune response by interferon regulatory factor 4 in redlip mullet (Liza haematocheilus): Delineation through expression profiling, antiviral assay, and macrophage polarization analysis. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2022; 130:104356. [PMID: 35065138 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2022.104356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) is a crucial member of IRF family, which acts as an imperative transcription factor in the development and maturation of multiple lineages of blood cells and also plays a pivotal role in host defense against microbial infections. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the detailed structural and functional aspects of a redlip mullet IRF4 homolog (LhIRF4). The LhIRF4 open reading frame consists of 1347 base pairs encoding 449 amino acids, with the DNA-binding domain sharing significant homology with that of other vertebrate IRF4 homologs. The highest transcription levels of LhIRF4 were observed in the mullet intestine and spleen under normal physiological conditions. Furthermore, a time-dependent upregulation of LhIRF4 transcription was observed in the spleen and head kidney tissues upon pathogenic challenges. When overexpressed in mullet cells, LhIRF4 was localized to the nucleus and significantly stimulated the transcription of several host antiviral genes. Moreover, the overexpression of LhIRF4 strongly inhibited the replication of viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV) in vitro. The function of LhIRF4 in regulation of macrophage M2 polarization has also been evidently demonstrated in RAW 264.7 cells. Taken together, our findings indicate the profound role of LhIRF4 in modulating immune responses against microbial infections in redlip mullet.
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Affiliation(s)
- J C Harasgama
- Department of Marine Life Sciences & Fish Vaccine Research Center, Jeju National University, Jeju Self-Governing Province, 63243, Republic of Korea; Marine Science Institute, Jeju National University, Jeju Self-Governing Province, 63333, Republic of Korea
| | - T D W Kasthuriarachchi
- Department of Marine Life Sciences & Fish Vaccine Research Center, Jeju National University, Jeju Self-Governing Province, 63243, Republic of Korea; Marine Science Institute, Jeju National University, Jeju Self-Governing Province, 63333, Republic of Korea
| | - D M K P Sirisena
- Department of Marine Life Sciences & Fish Vaccine Research Center, Jeju National University, Jeju Self-Governing Province, 63243, Republic of Korea; Marine Science Institute, Jeju National University, Jeju Self-Governing Province, 63333, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyukjae Kwon
- Department of Marine Life Sciences & Fish Vaccine Research Center, Jeju National University, Jeju Self-Governing Province, 63243, Republic of Korea; Marine Science Institute, Jeju National University, Jeju Self-Governing Province, 63333, Republic of Korea
| | - Seongdo Lee
- General Affairs Division, National Fishery Products Quality Management Service, Busan, 49111, Republic of Korea
| | - Qiang Wan
- Department of Marine Life Sciences & Fish Vaccine Research Center, Jeju National University, Jeju Self-Governing Province, 63243, Republic of Korea; Marine Science Institute, Jeju National University, Jeju Self-Governing Province, 63333, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jehee Lee
- Department of Marine Life Sciences & Fish Vaccine Research Center, Jeju National University, Jeju Self-Governing Province, 63243, Republic of Korea; Marine Science Institute, Jeju National University, Jeju Self-Governing Province, 63333, Republic of Korea.
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11
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Wu J, Leng X, Pan Z, Xu L, Zhang H. Overexpression of IRF3 Predicts Poor Prognosis in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma. Int J Gen Med 2021; 14:5675-5692. [PMID: 34557022 PMCID: PMC8454526 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s328225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Growing findings have demonstrated that interferon regulatory transcription factor (IRF) family members are linked to the progression of various cancers. However, the roles of IRFs in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) remain undefined. Herein, we conducted a comprehensive analysis using the bioinformatics method to evaluate the expression patterns, clinical significance, and regulation of IRFs-related mechanisms in patients with ccRCC. Methods Data from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGA), and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases were used for investigation comprehensively. Specifically, we carried out a series of analyses to identify the candidate IRF and to explore its potential action mechanisms using the gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses. What is more, we emphatically investigate the association of candidate IRF with tumor immunity in ccRCC through the CIBERSORT algorithm, TIMER and GEPIA databases. Results Herein, IRF3 was identified as candidate IRF, which was highly expressed in ccRCC, and its overexpression was significantly associated with worse clinical outcomes and adverse overall survival. Uni- and multi-variate Cox regression analysis demonstrated that IRF3 overexpression was an independent predictor of worse prognosis. Functional enrichment analysis showed that IRF3 might participate in several cancer-related biological processes and signaling pathways, thereby promoting the progression of ccRCC. Additionally, we found that IRF3 was remarkably associated with tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs) and various immune-related genes. Conclusion Herein, we identified IRF3 from the IRF gene family members, which could serve as promising prognostic marker and therapeutic target in ccRCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Wu
- Department of Urology, Naval 971 Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Qingdao City, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuefeng Leng
- Department of Urology, Naval 971 Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Qingdao City, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhengbo Pan
- Department of Urology, Municipal Hospital Affiliated to Taizhou University, Taizhou City, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Linfei Xu
- Department of Urology, Municipal Hospital Affiliated to Taizhou University, Taizhou City, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Haitao Zhang
- Department of Urology, Municipal Hospital Affiliated to Taizhou University, Taizhou City, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
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12
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Benatti S, Atene CG, Fiorcari S, Mesini N, Martinelli S, Zucchini P, Bacchelli F, Maccaferri M, Debbia G, Potenza L, Rossi D, Vallisa D, Trentin L, Gaidano G, Luppi M, Marasca R, Maffei R. IRF4 L116R mutation promotes proliferation of chronic lymphocytic leukemia B cells inducing MYC. Hematol Oncol 2021; 39:707-711. [PMID: 34431535 DOI: 10.1002/hon.2915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Benatti
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Claudio Giacinto Atene
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Stefania Fiorcari
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Nicolò Mesini
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Silvia Martinelli
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Patrizia Zucchini
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Francesca Bacchelli
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Monica Maccaferri
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, Hematology Division, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena-Policlinico, Modena, Italy
| | - Giulia Debbia
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Leonardo Potenza
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Davide Rossi
- Hematology, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland and Institute of Oncology Research, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Daniele Vallisa
- Division of Hematology, Guglielmo da Saliceto Hospital, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Livio Trentin
- Hematology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Gianluca Gaidano
- Division of Hematology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy
| | - Mario Luppi
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Roberto Marasca
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Rossana Maffei
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, Hematology Division, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena-Policlinico, Modena, Italy
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13
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Wang J, Clay-Gilmour AI, Karaesmen E, Rizvi A, Zhu Q, Yan L, Preus L, Liu S, Wang Y, Griffiths E, Stram DO, Pooler L, Sheng X, Haiman C, Van Den Berg D, Webb A, Brock G, Spellman S, Pasquini M, McCarthy P, Allan J, Stölzel F, Onel K, Hahn T, Sucheston-Campbell LE. Genome-Wide Association Analyses Identify Variants in IRF4 Associated With Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Myelodysplastic Syndrome Susceptibility. Front Genet 2021; 12:554948. [PMID: 34220922 PMCID: PMC8248805 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.554948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of common genetic variation in susceptibility to acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), a group of rare clonal hematologic disorders characterized by dysplastic hematopoiesis and high mortality, remains unclear. We performed AML and MDS genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in the DISCOVeRY-BMT cohorts (2,309 cases and 2,814 controls). Association analysis based on subsets (ASSET) was used to conduct a summary statistics SNP-based analysis of MDS and AML subtypes. For each AML and MDS case and control we used PrediXcan to estimate the component of gene expression determined by their genetic profile and correlate this imputed gene expression level with risk of developing disease in a transcriptome-wide association study (TWAS). ASSET identified an increased risk for de novo AML and MDS (OR = 1.38, 95% CI, 1.26-1.51, Pmeta = 2.8 × 10-12) in patients carrying the T allele at s12203592 in Interferon Regulatory Factor 4 (IRF4), a transcription factor which regulates myeloid and lymphoid hematopoietic differentiation. Our TWAS analyses showed increased IRF4 gene expression is associated with increased risk of de novo AML and MDS (OR = 3.90, 95% CI, 2.36-6.44, Pmeta = 1.0 × 10-7). The identification of IRF4 by both GWAS and TWAS contributes valuable insight on the role of genetic variation in AML and MDS susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junke Wang
- College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Alyssa I. Clay-Gilmour
- Department of Epidemiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Ezgi Karaesmen
- College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Abbas Rizvi
- College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Qianqian Zhu
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Li Yan
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Leah Preus
- College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Song Liu
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Yiwen Wang
- College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Elizabeth Griffiths
- Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Daniel O. Stram
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Loreall Pooler
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Xin Sheng
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Christopher Haiman
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - David Van Den Berg
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Amy Webb
- Department on Biomedical Informatics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Guy Brock
- Department on Biomedical Informatics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Stephen Spellman
- Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Marcelo Pasquini
- Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Philip McCarthy
- Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - James Allan
- Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Friedrich Stölzel
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Kenan Onel
- Department of Pediatrics, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, NY, United States
| | - Theresa Hahn
- Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Lara E. Sucheston-Campbell
- College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
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14
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Labreche K, Daniau M, Sud A, Law PJ, Royer-Perron L, Holroyd A, Broderick P, Went M, Benazra M, Ahle G, Soubeyran P, Taillandier L, Chinot OL, Casasnovas O, Bay JO, Jardin F, Oberic L, Fabbro M, Damaj G, Brion A, Mokhtari K, Philippe C, Sanson M, Houillier C, Soussain C, Hoang-Xuan K, Houlston RS, Alentorn A. A genome-wide association study identifies susceptibility loci for primary central nervous system lymphoma at 6p25.3 and 3p22.1: a LOC Network study. Neuro Oncol 2021; 21:1039-1048. [PMID: 31102405 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noz088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare form of extra-nodal non-Hodgkin lymphoma. PCNSL is a distinct subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, with over 95% of tumors belonging to the diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) group. We have conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) on immunocompetent patients to address the possibility that common genetic variants influence the risk of developing PCNSL. METHODS We performed a meta-analysis of 2 new GWASs of PCNSL totaling 475 cases and 1134 controls of European ancestry. To increase genomic resolution, we imputed >10 million single nucleotide polymorphisms using the 1000 Genomes Project combined with UK10K as reference. In addition we performed a transcription factor binding disruption analysis and investigated the patterns of local chromatin by Capture Hi-C data. RESULTS We identified independent risk loci at 3p22.1 (rs41289586, ANO10, P = 2.17 × 10-8) and 6p25.3 near EXOC2 (rs116446171, P = 1.95 x 10-13). In contrast, the lack of an association between rs41289586 and DLBCL suggests distinct germline predisposition to PCNSL and DLBCL. We found looping chromatin interactions between noncoding regions at 6p25.3 (rs11646171) with the IRF4 promoter and at 8q24.21 (rs13254990) with the MYC promoter, both genes with strong relevance to B-cell tumorigenesis. CONCLUSION To our knowledge this is the first study providing insight into the genetic predisposition to PCNSL. Our findings represent an important step in defining the contribution of common genetic variation to the risk of developing PCNSL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karim Labreche
- Division of Genetics and Epidemiology, Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, Surrey, UK.,(i) National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm) U 1127, Paris, France, (ii) National Center for Scientific Research, Joint Research Unit 7225, Paris, France, (iii) Brain and Spine Institute (ICM), Paris, France, and (iv) Sorbonne University, Pierre and Marie Curie University, Paris 6, Paris, France
| | - Mailys Daniau
- (i) National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm) U 1127, Paris, France, (ii) National Center for Scientific Research, Joint Research Unit 7225, Paris, France, (iii) Brain and Spine Institute (ICM), Paris, France, and (iv) Sorbonne University, Pierre and Marie Curie University, Paris 6, Paris, France.,ICM, iGenSeq Platform, Paris, France
| | - Amit Sud
- Division of Genetics and Epidemiology, Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, Surrey, UK
| | - Philip J Law
- Division of Genetics and Epidemiology, Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, Surrey, UK
| | - Louis Royer-Perron
- (i) National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm) U 1127, Paris, France, (ii) National Center for Scientific Research, Joint Research Unit 7225, Paris, France, (iii) Brain and Spine Institute (ICM), Paris, France, and (iv) Sorbonne University, Pierre and Marie Curie University, Paris 6, Paris, France.,Neurology Service 2 (Mazarin), Public Assistance-Hospitals of Paris, Hospital Group of Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France; Pierre and Marie Curie University, Paris 6, Paris, France
| | - Amy Holroyd
- Division of Genetics and Epidemiology, Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, Surrey, UK
| | - Peter Broderick
- Division of Genetics and Epidemiology, Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, Surrey, UK
| | - Molly Went
- Division of Genetics and Epidemiology, Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, Surrey, UK
| | - Marion Benazra
- (i) National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm) U 1127, Paris, France, (ii) National Center for Scientific Research, Joint Research Unit 7225, Paris, France, (iii) Brain and Spine Institute (ICM), Paris, France, and (iv) Sorbonne University, Pierre and Marie Curie University, Paris 6, Paris, France.,ICM, iGenSeq Platform, Paris, France
| | - Guido Ahle
- Department of Neurology, Colmar Civil Hospitals, Colmar Cedex, France
| | - Pierre Soubeyran
- Department of Medical Oncology, Bergnoié Institute, Bordeaux, France.,Inserm Research Unit U1218, Bordeaux, France
| | - Luc Taillandier
- Neuro-oncology Department, Nancy University Hospital and The Center of Research in Automatic Control of Nancy, Joint Research Unit 7039, National Center for Scientific Research, SBS BEAM Department, Nancy University, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Olivier L Chinot
- Department of Pathology and Neuropathology, Timone Hospital, Aix-Marseille University (AMU), Public Assistance-Hospitals of Marseille, Marseille, France.,AMU Research Center in Oncology Biology and Oncopharmacology, Marseille, France
| | | | - Jacques-Olivier Bay
- Department of Hematology, Clermont-Ferrand University Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Fabrice Jardin
- Department of Hematology, Henri Becquerel Cancer Center, Rouen, France and Inserm U1245, Henri Becquerel Cancer Center, Institute of Research and Innovation in Biomedicine, University of Normandy, Rouen, France
| | - Lucie Oberic
- Department of Hematology, University Cancer Institute of Toulouse-Oncopole, Toulouse, France
| | | | - Gandhi Damaj
- Department of Hematology, University Hospital of Caen, Caen, France
| | - Annie Brion
- Department of Hematology, Regional and University Hospitals Besançon, Besançon, France
| | - Karima Mokhtari
- (i) National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm) U 1127, Paris, France, (ii) National Center for Scientific Research, Joint Research Unit 7225, Paris, France, (iii) Brain and Spine Institute (ICM), Paris, France, and (iv) Sorbonne University, Pierre and Marie Curie University, Paris 6, Paris, France.,Raymond Escourolle Department of Neuropathology, Public Assistance-Hospitals of Paris, Hospital Group of Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France.,OncoNeuroTek, ICM, Paris, France
| | | | - Marc Sanson
- (i) National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm) U 1127, Paris, France, (ii) National Center for Scientific Research, Joint Research Unit 7225, Paris, France, (iii) Brain and Spine Institute (ICM), Paris, France, and (iv) Sorbonne University, Pierre and Marie Curie University, Paris 6, Paris, France.,Neurology Service 2 (Mazarin), Public Assistance-Hospitals of Paris, Hospital Group of Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France; Pierre and Marie Curie University, Paris 6, Paris, France.,OncoNeuroTek, ICM, Paris, France
| | - Caroline Houillier
- (i) National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm) U 1127, Paris, France, (ii) National Center for Scientific Research, Joint Research Unit 7225, Paris, France, (iii) Brain and Spine Institute (ICM), Paris, France, and (iv) Sorbonne University, Pierre and Marie Curie University, Paris 6, Paris, France
| | - Carole Soussain
- Department of Hematology, René Huguenin Hospital, Curie Institute, Saint-Cloud, France
| | - Khê Hoang-Xuan
- (i) National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm) U 1127, Paris, France, (ii) National Center for Scientific Research, Joint Research Unit 7225, Paris, France, (iii) Brain and Spine Institute (ICM), Paris, France, and (iv) Sorbonne University, Pierre and Marie Curie University, Paris 6, Paris, France.,Neurology Service 2 (Mazarin), Public Assistance-Hospitals of Paris, Hospital Group of Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France; Pierre and Marie Curie University, Paris 6, Paris, France
| | - Richard S Houlston
- Division of Genetics and Epidemiology, Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, Surrey, UK
| | - Agusti Alentorn
- (i) National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm) U 1127, Paris, France, (ii) National Center for Scientific Research, Joint Research Unit 7225, Paris, France, (iii) Brain and Spine Institute (ICM), Paris, France, and (iv) Sorbonne University, Pierre and Marie Curie University, Paris 6, Paris, France.,Neurology Service 2 (Mazarin), Public Assistance-Hospitals of Paris, Hospital Group of Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France; Pierre and Marie Curie University, Paris 6, Paris, France
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15
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Vernier M, McGuirk S, Dufour CR, Wan L, Audet-Walsh E, St-Pierre J, Giguère V. Inhibition of DNMT1 and ERRα crosstalk suppresses breast cancer via derepression of IRF4. Oncogene 2020; 39:6406-6420. [PMID: 32855526 PMCID: PMC7544553 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-020-01438-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
DNA methylation is implicated in the acquisition of malignant phenotypes, and the use of epigenetic modulating drugs is a promising anti-cancer therapeutic strategy. 5-aza-2'deoxycytidine (decitabine, 5-azadC) is an FDA-approved DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) inhibitor with proven effectiveness against hematological malignancies and more recently triple-negative breast cancer (BC). Herein, genetic or pharmacological studies uncovered a hitherto unknown feedforward molecular link between DNMT1 and the estrogen related receptor α (ERRα), a key transcriptional regulator of cellular metabolism. Mechanistically, DNMT1 promotes ERRα stability which in turn couples DNMT1 transcription with that of the methionine cycle and S-adenosylmethionine synthesis to drive DNA methylation. In vitro and in vivo investigation using a pre-clinical mouse model of BC demonstrated a clear therapeutic advantage for combined administration of the ERRα inhibitor C29 with 5-azadC. A large-scale bisulfite genomic sequencing analysis revealed specific methylation perturbations fostering the discovery that reversal of promoter hypermethylation and consequently derepression of the tumor suppressor gene, IRF4, is a factor underlying the observed BC suppressive effects. This work thus uncovers a critical role of ERRα in the crosstalk between transcriptional control of metabolism and epigenetics and illustrates the potential for targeting ERRα in combination with DNMT inhibitors for BC treatment and other epigenetics-driven malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Vernier
- Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, Montréal, H3A 1A3, QC, Canada.
| | - Shawn McGuirk
- Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, Montréal, H3A 1A3, QC, Canada
| | - Catherine R Dufour
- Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, Montréal, H3A 1A3, QC, Canada
| | - Liangxinyi Wan
- Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, Montréal, H3A 1A3, QC, Canada
| | - Etienne Audet-Walsh
- Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, Montréal, H3A 1A3, QC, Canada
- Département de Médecine Moléculaire, Faculté de Médicine, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Julie St-Pierre
- Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, Montréal, H3A 1A3, QC, Canada
- Departments of Biochemistry, Medicine and Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, H3G 1Y6, QC, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Vincent Giguère
- Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, Montréal, H3A 1A3, QC, Canada.
- Departments of Biochemistry, Medicine and Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, H3G 1Y6, QC, Canada.
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16
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Laurent AP, Siret A, Ignacimouttou C, Panchal K, Diop M, Jenni S, Tsai YC, Roos-Weil D, Aid Z, Prade N, Lagarde S, Plassard D, Pierron G, Daudigeos E, Lecluse Y, Droin N, Bornhauser BC, Cheung LC, Crispino JD, Gaudry M, Bernard OA, Macintyre E, Barin Bonnigal C, Kotecha RS, Geoerger B, Ballerini P, Bourquin JP, Delabesse E, Mercher T, Malinge S. Constitutive Activation of RAS/MAPK Pathway Cooperates with Trisomy 21 and Is Therapeutically Exploitable in Down Syndrome B-cell Leukemia. Clin Cancer Res 2020; 26:3307-3318. [PMID: 32220889 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-19-3519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2019] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Children with Down syndrome (constitutive trisomy 21) that develop acute lymphoblastic leukemia (DS-ALL) have a 3-fold increased likelihood of treatment-related mortality coupled with a higher cumulative incidence of relapse, compared with other children with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). This highlights the lack of suitable treatment for Down syndrome children with B-ALL. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN To facilitate the translation of new therapeutic agents into clinical trials, we built the first preclinical cohort of patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models of DS-ALL, comprehensively characterized at the genetic and transcriptomic levels, and have proven its suitability for preclinical studies by assessing the efficacy of drug combination between the MEK inhibitor trametinib and conventional chemotherapy agents. RESULTS Whole-exome and RNA-sequencing experiments revealed a high incidence of somatic alterations leading to RAS/MAPK pathway activation in our cohort of DS-ALL, as well as in other pediatric B-ALL presenting somatic gain of the chromosome 21 (B-ALL+21). In murine and human B-cell precursors, activated KRASG12D functionally cooperates with trisomy 21 to deregulate transcriptional networks that promote increased proliferation and self renewal, as well as B-cell differentiation blockade. Moreover, we revealed that inhibition of RAS/MAPK pathway activation using the MEK1/2 inhibitor trametinib decreased leukemia burden in several PDX models of B-ALL+21, and enhanced survival of DS-ALL PDX in combination with conventional chemotherapy agents such as vincristine. CONCLUSIONS Altogether, using novel and suitable PDX models, this study indicates that RAS/MAPK pathway inhibition represents a promising strategy to improve the outcome of Down syndrome children with B-cell precursor leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anouchka P Laurent
- INSERM U1170, Gustave Roussy Institute, Université Paris Saclay, Villejuif, France.,Université Paris Diderot, Paris, France
| | - Aurélie Siret
- INSERM U1170, Gustave Roussy Institute, Université Paris Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Cathy Ignacimouttou
- INSERM U1170, Gustave Roussy Institute, Université Paris Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Kunjal Panchal
- Telethon Kids Cancer Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - M'Boyba Diop
- Gustave Roussy Institute Cancer Campus, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Oncology, INSERM U1015, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Silvia Jenni
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Children's Research Centre, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Yi-Chien Tsai
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Children's Research Centre, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Damien Roos-Weil
- INSERM U1170, Gustave Roussy Institute, Université Paris Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Zakia Aid
- INSERM U1170, Gustave Roussy Institute, Université Paris Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Nais Prade
- Centre of Research on Cancer of Toulouse (CRCT), CHU Toulouse, Université Toulouse III, Toulouse, France
| | - Stephanie Lagarde
- Centre of Research on Cancer of Toulouse (CRCT), CHU Toulouse, Université Toulouse III, Toulouse, France
| | | | | | - Estelle Daudigeos
- Gustave Roussy Institute Cancer Campus, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Oncology, INSERM U1015, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Yann Lecluse
- Gustave Roussy Institute Cancer Campus, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Oncology, INSERM U1015, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Nathalie Droin
- INSERM U1170, Gustave Roussy Institute, Université Paris Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Beat C Bornhauser
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Children's Research Centre, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Laurence C Cheung
- Telethon Kids Cancer Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.,School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, Australia
| | - John D Crispino
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Muriel Gaudry
- INSERM U1170, Gustave Roussy Institute, Université Paris Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Olivier A Bernard
- INSERM U1170, Gustave Roussy Institute, Université Paris Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Elizabeth Macintyre
- Hematology, Université de Paris, Institut Necker-Enfants Malades and Assistance Publique-Hopitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | | | - Rishi S Kotecha
- Telethon Kids Cancer Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.,School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, Australia.,Department of Clinical Haematology, Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Perth Children's Hospital, Perth, Australia
| | - Birgit Geoerger
- Gustave Roussy Institute Cancer Campus, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Oncology, INSERM U1015, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Paola Ballerini
- Laboratoire d'Hématologie, Hôpital Trousseau, APHP, Paris-Sorbonne, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Pierre Bourquin
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Children's Research Centre, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Eric Delabesse
- Centre of Research on Cancer of Toulouse (CRCT), CHU Toulouse, Université Toulouse III, Toulouse, France
| | - Thomas Mercher
- INSERM U1170, Gustave Roussy Institute, Université Paris Saclay, Villejuif, France.,Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Paris, France
| | - Sebastien Malinge
- INSERM U1170, Gustave Roussy Institute, Université Paris Saclay, Villejuif, France. .,Telethon Kids Cancer Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
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17
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B-cell-specific IRF4 deletion accelerates chronic lymphocytic leukemia development by enhanced tumor immune evasion. Blood 2020; 134:1717-1729. [PMID: 31537531 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2019000973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a heterogenous disease that is highly dependent on a cross talk of CLL cells with the microenvironment, in particular with T cells. T cells derived from CLL patients or murine CLL models are skewed to an antigen-experienced T-cell subset, indicating a certain degree of antitumor recognition, but they are also exhausted, preventing an effective antitumor immune response. Here we describe a novel mechanism of CLL tumor immune evasion that is independent of T-cell exhaustion, using B-cell-specific deletion of the transcription factor IRF4 (interferon regulatory factor 4) in Tcl-1 transgenic mice developing a murine CLL highly similar to the human disease. We show enhanced CLL disease progression in IRF4-deficient Tcl-1 tg mice, associated with a severe downregulation of genes involved in T-cell activation, including genes involved in antigen processing/presentation and T-cell costimulation, which massively reduced T-cell subset skewing and exhaustion. We found a strong analogy in the human disease, with inferior prognosis of CLL patients with low IRF4 expression in independent CLL patient cohorts, failed T-cell skewing to antigen-experienced subsets, decreased costimulation capacity, and downregulation of genes involved in T-cell activation. These results have therapeutic relevance because our findings on molecular mechanisms of immune privilege may be responsible for the failure of immune-therapeutic strategies in CLL and may lead to improved targeting in the future.
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18
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Janz S, Zhan F, Sun F, Cheng Y, Pisano M, Yang Y, Goldschmidt H, Hari P. Germline Risk Contribution to Genomic Instability in Multiple Myeloma. Front Genet 2019; 10:424. [PMID: 31139207 PMCID: PMC6518313 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Genomic instability, a well-established hallmark of human cancer, is also a driving force in the natural history of multiple myeloma (MM) - a difficult to treat and in most cases fatal neoplasm of immunoglobulin producing plasma cells that reside in the hematopoietic bone marrow. Long recognized manifestations of genomic instability in myeloma at the cytogenetic level include abnormal chromosome numbers (aneuploidy) caused by trisomy of odd-numbered chromosomes; recurrent oncogene-activating chromosomal translocations that involve immunoglobulin loci; and large-scale amplifications, inversions, and insertions/deletions (indels) of genetic material. Catastrophic genetic rearrangements that either shatter and illegitimately reassemble a single chromosome (chromotripsis) or lead to disordered segmental rearrangements of multiple chromosomes (chromoplexy) also occur. Genomic instability at the nucleotide level results in base substitution mutations and small indels that affect both the coding and non-coding genome. Sometimes this generates a distinctive signature of somatic mutations that can be attributed to defects in DNA repair pathways, the DNA damage response (DDR) or aberrant activity of mutator genes including members of the APOBEC family. In addition to myeloma development and progression, genomic instability promotes acquisition of drug resistance in patients with myeloma. Here we review recent findings on the genetic predisposition to myeloma, including newly identified candidate genes suggesting linkage of germline risk and compromised genomic stability control. The role of ethnic and familial risk factors for myeloma is highlighted. We address current research gaps that concern the lack of studies on the mechanism by which germline risk alleles promote genomic instability in myeloma, including the open question whether genetic modifiers of myeloma development act in tumor cells, the tumor microenvironment (TME), or in both. We conclude with a brief proposition for future research directions, which concentrate on the biological function of myeloma risk and genetic instability alleles, the potential links between the germline genome and somatic changes in myeloma, and the need to elucidate genetic modifiers in the TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siegfried Janz
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Fenghuang Zhan
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, United States.,Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Fumou Sun
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Yan Cheng
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Michael Pisano
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States.,Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Immunology, The University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Ye Yang
- The Third Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.,Ministry of Education's Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Hartmut Goldschmidt
- Medizinische Klinik V, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Nationales Centrum für Tumorerkrankungen, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Parameswaran Hari
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
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19
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Spontaneous loss of B lineage transcription factors leads to pre-B leukemia in Ebf1 +/-Bcl-x LTg mice. Oncogenesis 2017; 6:e355. [PMID: 28692033 PMCID: PMC5541707 DOI: 10.1038/oncsis.2017.55] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2016] [Revised: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 05/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Early B-cell factor 1 (EBF1) plays a central role in B-cell lineage specification and commitment. Loss of this critical transcription factor is strongly associated with high-risk, relapsed and therapy-resistant B–cell-acute lymphoblastic leukemia, especially in children. However, Ebf1 haploinsufficient mice exhibit a normal lifespan. To determine whether prolonged survival of B cells would enable tumorigenesis in Ebf1 haploinsufficient animals, we generated Ebf1+/–Bcl-xLTg mice, which express the anti-apoptotic factor Bcl-xL in B cells. Approximately half of Ebf1+/–Bcl-xLTg mice develop aggressive oligoclonal leukemia as they age, which engrafts in congenic wild-type recipients without prior conditioning. The neoplastic cells display a pre-B phenotype and express early developmental- and natural killer cell/myeloid-markers inappropriately. In addition, we found tumor cell-specific loss of several transcription factors critical for maintaining differentiation: EBF1, TCF3 and RUNX1. However, in the majority of tumors, loss of Ebf1 expression was not due to loss of heterozygosity. This is the first spontaneous mouse model of pre-B leukemia to demonstrate inappropriate expression of non-B-cell-specific genes associated with loss of Ebf1, Tcf3 and Runx1 expression.
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20
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Pang SHM, Minnich M, Gangatirkar P, Zheng Z, Ebert A, Song G, Dickins RA, Corcoran LM, Mullighan CG, Busslinger M, Huntington ND, Nutt SL, Carotta S. PU.1 cooperates with IRF4 and IRF8 to suppress pre-B-cell leukemia. Leukemia 2016; 30:1375-87. [PMID: 26932576 PMCID: PMC5179358 DOI: 10.1038/leu.2016.27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2015] [Revised: 11/14/2015] [Accepted: 01/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The Ets family transcription factor PU.1 and the interferon regulatory factor (IRF)4 and IRF8 regulate gene expression by binding to composite DNA sequences known as Ets/interferon consensus elements. Although all three factors are expressed from the onset of B-cell development, single deficiency of these factors in B-cell progenitors only mildly impacts on bone marrow B lymphopoiesis. Here we tested whether PU.1 cooperates with IRF factors in regulating early B-cell development. Lack of PU.1 and IRF4 resulted in a partial block in development the pre-B-cell stage. The combined deletion of PU.1 and IRF8 reduced recirculating B-cell numbers. Strikingly, all PU.1/IRF4 and ~50% of PU.1/IRF8 double deficient mice developed pre-B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) associated with reduced expression of the established B-lineage tumor suppressor genes, Ikaros and Spi-B. These genes are directly regulated by PU.1/IRF4/IRF8, and restoration of Ikaros or Spi-B expression inhibited leukemic cell growth. In summary, we demonstrate that PU.1, IRF4 and IRF8 cooperate to regulate early B-cell development and to prevent pre-B-ALL formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swee Heng Milon Pang
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Martina Minnich
- The Institute of Molecular Pathology, Dr Bohr-Gasse 3, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Pradnya Gangatirkar
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Zhiqiang Zheng
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Anja Ebert
- The Institute of Molecular Pathology, Dr Bohr-Gasse 3, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Guangchun Song
- Department of Pathology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105-3678, USA
| | - Ross A Dickins
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Lynn M Corcoran
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Charles G. Mullighan
- Department of Pathology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105-3678, USA
| | - Meinrad Busslinger
- The Institute of Molecular Pathology, Dr Bohr-Gasse 3, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Nicholas D Huntington
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Stephen L Nutt
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Sebastian Carotta
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
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21
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CPEB4 and IRF4 expression in peripheral mononuclear cells are potential prognostic factors for advanced lung cancer. J Formos Med Assoc 2016; 116:114-122. [PMID: 27113098 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2016.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2015] [Revised: 08/25/2015] [Accepted: 01/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE Lung cancer is a heterogeneous disease with varied outcomes. Molecular markers are eagerly investigated to predict a patient's treatment response or outcome. Previous studies used frozen biopsy tissues to identify crucial genes as prognostic markers. We explored the prognostic value of peripheral blood (PB) molecular signatures in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS Peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) fractions from patients with advanced NSCLC were applied for RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the expression profiling of eight genes: DUSP6, MMD, CPEB4, RNF4, STAT2, NF1, IRF4, and ZNF264. Proportional hazard (PH) models were constructed to evaluate the association of the eight expressing genes and multiple clinical factors [e.g., sex, smoking status, and Charlson comorbidity index (CCI)] with overall survival. RESULTS One hundred and forty-one patients with advanced NSCLC were enrolled. They included 109 (77.30%) patients with adenocarcinoma, 12 (8.51%) patients with squamous cell carcinoma, and 20 (14.18%) patients with other pathological lung cancer types. A PH model containing two significant survival-associated genes, CPEB4 and IRF4, could help in predicting the overall survival of patients with advanced stage NSCLC [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.48, p < 0.0001). Adding multiple clinical factors further improved the prediction power of prognosis (HR = 0.33; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION Molecular signatures in PB can stratify the prognosis in patients with advanced NSCLC. Further prospective, interventional clinical trials should be performed to test if gene profiling also predicts resistance to chemotherapy.
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22
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Li S, Guo X, Lu LF, Lu XB, Wu N, Zhang YA. Regulation pattern of fish irf4 (the gene encoding IFN regulatory factor 4) by STAT6, c-Rel and IRF4. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2015; 51:65-73. [PMID: 25735871 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2015.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2014] [Revised: 02/14/2015] [Accepted: 02/24/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) plays pivotal roles in both innate and adaptive immune responses in mammals. In fish, there are two homologues of irf4, irf4a and irf4b. In this study, we examined the regulatory patterns of zebrafish irf4a and irf4b by STAT6 and c-Rel. Firstly, expression of irf4a and irf4b was monitored in several tissues at mRNA level. By infection with SVCV, irf4a and irf4b were upregulated in both kidney and spleen, and were immediately induced by treatment with poly I:C in ZF4 cells. Moreover, the activation of irf4a promoter was regulated by overexpression of stat6 and c-rel in a cooperation manner, which could be inhibited by mutation of the putative binding sites of STAT6 and c-Rel in irf4a promoter region. However, irf4b promoter was activated slightly only by STAT6 but not c-Rel. Furthermore, overexpression of irf4a inhibited the activation of its own promoter under induction of STAT6 and c-Rel, which was the result of that IRF4a bound to STAT6 and c-Rel directly. In addition, cellular location analysis showed that IRF4a was located only in nuclear region. These data indicate that fish irf4a can also be upregulated by STAT6 and c-Rel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun Li
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Xia Guo
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Long-Feng Lu
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiao-Bing Lu
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Nan Wu
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Yong-An Zhang
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China.
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23
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Abstract
The oncomir microRNA-125b (miR-125b) is upregulated in a variety of human neoplastic blood disorders and constitutive upregulation of miR-125b in mice can promote myeloid and B-cell leukemia. We found that miR-125b promotes myeloid and B-cell neoplasm by inducing tumorigenesis in hematopoietic progenitor cells. Our study demonstrates that miR-125b induces myeloid leukemia by enhancing myeloid progenitor output from stem cells as well as inducing immortality, self-renewal, and tumorigenesis in myeloid progenitors. Through functional and genetic analyses, we demonstrated that miR-125b induces myeloid and B-cell leukemia by inhibiting interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) but through distinct mechanisms; it induces myeloid leukemia through repressing IRF4 at the messenger RNA (mRNA) level without altering the genomic DNA and induces B-cell leukemia via genetic deletion of the gene encoding IRF4.
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24
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Abstract
Interferon Regulatory Factor 4 (IRF4) and IRF8 are critical regulators of immune system development and function. In B lymphocytes, IRF4 and IRF8 have been shown to control important events during their development and maturation including pre-B cell differentiation, induction of B cell tolerance pathways, marginal zone B cell development, germinal center reaction and plasma cell differentiation. Mechanistically, IRF4 and IRF8 are found to function redundantly to control certain stages of B cell development, but in other stages, they function nonredundantly to play distinct roles in B cell biology. In line with their essential roles in B cell development, deregulated expressions of IRF4 and IRF8 have been associated to the pathogenesis of several B cell malignancies and diseases. Recent studies have elucidated diverse transcriptional networks regulated by IRF4 and IRF8 at distinct B cell developmental stages and related malignancies. In this review we will discuss the recent advances for the roles of IRF4 and IRF8 during B cell development and associated diseases.
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25
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Pang SHM, Carotta S, Nutt SL. Transcriptional control of pre-B cell development and leukemia prevention. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2014; 381:189-213. [PMID: 24831348 DOI: 10.1007/82_2014_377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The differentiation of early B cell progenitors is controlled by multiple transcriptional regulators and growth-factor receptors. The triad of DNA-binding proteins, E2A, EBF1, and PAX5 is critical for both the early specification and commitment of B cell progenitors, while a larger number of secondary determinants, such as members of the Ikaros, ETS, Runx, and IRF families have more direct roles in promoting stage-specific pre-B gene-expression program. Importantly, it is now apparent that mutations in many of these transcription factors are associated with the progression to acute lymphoblastic leukemia. In this review, we focus on recent studies that have shed light on the transcriptional hierarchy that controls efficient B cell commitment and differentiation as well as focus on the oncogenic consequences of the loss of many of the same factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swee Heng Milon Pang
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
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26
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Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus viral interferon regulatory factor 4 (vIRF4) targets expression of cellular IRF4 and the Myc gene to facilitate lytic replication. J Virol 2013; 88:2183-94. [PMID: 24335298 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02106-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Besides an essential transcriptional factor for B cell development and function, cellular interferon regulatory factor 4 (c-IRF4) directly regulates expression of the c-Myc gene, which is not only associated with various B cell lymphomas but also required for herpesvirus latency and pathogenesis. Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), the etiological agent of Kaposi's sarcoma and primary effusion lymphoma, has developed a unique mechanism to deregulate host antiviral innate immunity and growth control by incorporating four viral homologs (vIRF1 to -4) of cellular IRFs into its genome. Previous studies have shown that several KSHV latent proteins, including vIRF3, vFLIP, and LANA, target the expression, function, and stability of c-Myc to establish and maintain viral latency. Here we report that the KSHV vIRF4 lytic protein robustly suppresses expression of c-IRF4 and c-Myc, reshaping host gene expression profiles to facilitate viral lytic replication. Genomewide gene expression analysis revealed that KSHV vIRF4 grossly affects host gene expression by upregulating and downregulating 118 genes and 166 genes, respectively, by at least 2-fold. Remarkably, vIRF4 suppressed c-Myc expression by 11-fold, which was directed primarily by the deregulation of c-IRF4 expression. Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), single-molecule in situ hybridization, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays showed that vIRF4 not only reduces c-IRF4 expression but also competes with c-IRF4 for binding to the specific promoter region of the c-Myc gene, resulting in drastic suppression of c-Myc expression. Consequently, the loss of vIRF4 function in the suppression of c-IRF4 and c-Myc expression ultimately led to a reduction of KSHV lytic replication capacity. These results indicate that the KSHV vIRF4 lytic protein comprehensively targets the expression and function of c-IRF4 to downregulate c-Myc expression, generating a favorable environment for viral lytic replication. Finally, this study further reinforces the important role of the c-Myc gene in KSHV lytic replication and latency.
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27
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Cai Q, Banerjee S, Cervini A, Lu J, Hislop AD, Dzeng R, Robertson ES. IRF-4-mediated CIITA transcription is blocked by KSHV encoded LANA to inhibit MHC II presentation. PLoS Pathog 2013; 9:e1003751. [PMID: 24204280 PMCID: PMC3814934 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1003751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2013] [Accepted: 09/23/2013] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Peptides presentation to T cells by MHC class II molecules is of importance in initiation of immune response to a pathogen. The level of MHC II expression directly influences T lymphocyte activation and is often targeted by various viruses. Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) encoded LANA is known to evade MHC class I peptide processing, however, the effect of LANA on MHC class II remains unclear. Here, we report that LANA down-regulates MHC II expression and presentation by inhibiting the transcription of MHC II transactivator (CIITA) promoter pIII and pIV in a dose-dependent manner. Strikingly, although LANA knockdown efficiently disrupts the inhibition of CIITA transcripts from its pIII and pIV promoter region, the expression of HLA-DQβ but no other MHC II molecules was significantly restored. Moreover, we revealed that the presentation of HLA-DQβ enhanced by LANA knockdown did not help LANA-specific CD4+ T cell recognition of PEL cells, and the inhibition of CIITA by LANA is independent of IL-4 or IFN-γ signaling but dependent on the direct interaction of LANA with IRF-4 (an activator of both the pIII and pIV CIITA promoters). This interaction dramatically blocked the DNA-binding ability of IRF-4 on both pIII and pIV promoters. Thus, our data implies that LANA can evade MHC II presentation and suppress CIITA transcription to provide a unique strategy of KSHV escape from immune surveillance by cytotoxic T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiliang Cai
- MOE&MOH Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuvomoy Banerjee
- Department of Microbiology and the Tumor Virology Program of Abramson Comprehensive Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States of America
| | - Amanda Cervini
- Department of Microbiology and the Tumor Virology Program of Abramson Comprehensive Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States of America
| | - Jie Lu
- Department of Microbiology and the Tumor Virology Program of Abramson Comprehensive Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States of America
| | - Andrew D. Hislop
- School of Cancer Sciences and Medical Research Council Centre for Immune Regulation, The University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Dzeng
- Department of Microbiology and the Tumor Virology Program of Abramson Comprehensive Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States of America
| | - Erle S. Robertson
- Department of Microbiology and the Tumor Virology Program of Abramson Comprehensive Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States of America
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28
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Adamaki M, Lambrou GI, Athanasiadou A, Tzanoudaki M, Vlahopoulos S, Moschovi M. Implication of IRF4 aberrant gene expression in the acute leukemias of childhood. PLoS One 2013; 8:e72326. [PMID: 23977280 PMCID: PMC3744475 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0072326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2013] [Accepted: 07/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The most frequent targets of genetic alterations in human leukemias are transcription factor genes with essential functions in normal blood cell development. The Interferon Regulatory Factor 4 (IRF4) gene encodes a transcription factor important for key developmental stages of hematopoiesis, with known oncogenic implications in multiple myeloma, adult leukemias and lymphomas. Very few studies have reported an association of IRF4 with childhood malignancy, whereas high transcript levels have been observed in the more mature immunophenotype of ALL. Our aim was to investigate the expression levels of IRF4 in the diagnostic samples of pediatric leukemias and compare them to those of healthy controls, in order to determine aberrant gene expression and whether it extends to leukemic subtypes other than the relatively mature ALL subpopulation. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR methodology was used to investigate IRF4 expression in 58 children with acute leukemias, 4 leukemic cell lines and 20 healthy children. We show that aberrant IRF4 gene expression is implicated in a variety of leukemic subtypes; higher transcript levels appear in the more immature B-common ALL subtype and in T-cell than in B-cell leukemias, with the highest expression levels appearing in the AML group. Interestingly, we show that childhood leukemia, irrespective of subtype or cell maturation stage, is characterised by a minimum of approximately twice the amount of IRF4 gene expression encountered in healthy children. A statistically significant correlation also appeared to exist between high IRF4 expression and relapse. Our results show that ectopic expression of IRF4 follows the reverse expression pattern of what is encountered in normal B-cell development and that there might be a dose-dependency of childhood leukemia for aberrantly expressed IRF4, a characteristic that could be explored therapeutically. It is also suggested that high IRF4 expression might be used as an additional prognostic marker of relapse at diagnosis.
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MESH Headings
- Adolescent
- Case-Control Studies
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Child
- Child, Preschool
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation, Leukemic
- Humans
- Infant
- Infant, Newborn
- Interferon Regulatory Factors/genetics
- Leukemia, B-Cell/genetics
- Leukemia, B-Cell/mortality
- Leukemia, B-Cell/pathology
- Leukemia, T-Cell/genetics
- Leukemia, T-Cell/mortality
- Leukemia, T-Cell/pathology
- Male
- Precursor B-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/genetics
- Precursor B-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/mortality
- Precursor B-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/pathology
- Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/genetics
- Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/mortality
- Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/pathology
- Recurrence
- Survival Analysis
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Adamaki
- Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Unit, First Department of Pediatrics, University of Athens, Aghia Sofia Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece.
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29
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Abstract
Interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) is a critical transcriptional regulator of B-cell development and function. A recent genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) association study identified IRF4 as a major susceptibility gene in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Although the SNPs located in the IRF4 gene were linked to a downregulation of IRF4 in CLL patients, whether a low level of IRF4 is critical for CLL development remains unclear. In rodents, CLL cells are derived from B1 cells whose population is dramatically expanded in immunoglobulin heavy chain Vh11 knock-in mice. We bred a Vh11 knock-in allele into IRF4-deficient mice (IRF4(-/-)Vh11). Here, we report that IRF4(-/-)Vh11 mice develop spontaneous early-onset CLL with 100% penetrance. Further analysis shows that IRF4(-/-)Vh11 CLL cells proliferate predominantly in spleen and express high levels of Mcl-1. IRF4(-/-)Vh11 CLL cells are resistant to apoptosis but reconstitution of IRF4 expression in the IRF4(-/-)Vh11 CLL cells inhibits their survival. Thus, our study demonstrates for the first time a causal relationship between low levels of IRF4 and the development of CLL. Moreover, our findings establish IRF4(-/-)Vh11 mice as a novel mouse model of CLL that not only is valuable for dissecting molecular pathogenesis of CLL but could also be used for therapeutic purposes.
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Ma S, Shukla V, Fang L, Gould KA, Joshi SS, Lu R. Accelerated development of chronic lymphocytic leukemia in New Zealand Black mice expressing a low level of interferon regulatory factor 4. J Biol Chem 2013; 288:26430-40. [PMID: 23897826 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.475913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
A recent genome-wide SNP association study identified IRF4 as a major susceptibility gene for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Moreover, the SNPs located in the 3' UTR of the IRF4 gene have been linked to a down-regulation of IRF4. However, whether a low level of IRF4 is critical for CLL development remains unclear. New Zealand Black (NZB) mice are a naturally occurring, late-onset mouse model of CLL. To examine the role of a reduced level of IRF4 in CLL development, we generated, through breeding, IRF4 heterozygous mutant mice in the NZB background (NZB IRF4(+/-)). Our results show that CLL development is accelerated dramatically in the NZB IRF4(+/-) mice. The average onset of CLL in NZB mice is 12 months, but CLL cells can be detected in NZB IRF4(+/-) mice at 3 months of age. By 5 months of age, 80% of NZB IRF4(+/-) mice developed CLL. CLL cells are derived from B1 cells in mice. Interestingly, NZB IRF4(+/-) B1 cells exhibit prolonged survival, accelerated self-renewal, and defects in differentiation. Although NZB IRF4(+/-) CLL cells are resistant to apoptosis, high levels of IRF4 inhibit their survival. High levels of IRF4 also reduce the survival of MEC-1 human CLL cells. Our analysis further reveals that high levels of IRF4 suppress Akt activity and can do so without the IRF4 DNA binding domain. Thus, our findings reveal a causal relationship between a low level of IRF4 and the development of CLL and establish IRF4 as a novel regulator in the pathogenesis of CLL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shibin Ma
- From the Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198
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31
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Banerjee S, Lu J, Cai Q, Saha A, Jha HC, Dzeng RK, Robertson ES. The EBV Latent Antigen 3C Inhibits Apoptosis through Targeted Regulation of Interferon Regulatory Factors 4 and 8. PLoS Pathog 2013; 9:e1003314. [PMID: 23658517 PMCID: PMC3642079 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1003314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2012] [Accepted: 03/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is linked to a broad spectrum of B-cell malignancies. EBV nuclear antigen 3C (EBNA3C) is an encoded latent antigen required for growth transformation of primary human B-lymphocytes. Interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) and 8 (IRF8) are transcription factors of the IRF family that regulate diverse functions in B cell development. IRF4 is an oncoprotein with anti-apoptotic properties and IRF8 functions as a regulator of apoptosis and tumor suppressor in many hematopoietic malignancies. We now demonstrate that EBNA3C can contribute to B-cell transformation by modulating the molecular interplay between cellular IRF4 and IRF8. We show that EBNA3C physically interacts with IRF4 and IRF8 with its N-terminal domain in vitro and forms a molecular complex in cells. We identified the Spi-1/B motif of IRF4 as critical for EBNA3C interaction. We also demonstrated that EBNA3C can stabilize IRF4, which leads to downregulation of IRF8 by enhancing its proteasome-mediated degradation. Further, si-RNA mediated knock-down of endogenous IRF4 results in a substantial reduction in proliferation of EBV-transformed lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs), as well as augmentation of DNA damage-induced apoptosis. IRF4 knockdown also showed reduced expression of its targeted downstream signalling proteins which include CDK6, Cyclin B1 and c-Myc all critical for cell proliferation. These studies provide novel insights into the contribution of EBNA3C to EBV-mediated B-cell transformation through regulation of IRF4 and IRF8 and add another molecular link to the mechanisms by which EBV dysregulates cellular activities, increasing the potential for therapeutic intervention against EBV-associated cancers. Interferon regulatory factor (IRF) family members have different roles in context of pathogen response, signal transduction, cell proliferation and hematopoietic development. IRF4 and IRF8 are members of the IRF family and are critical mediators of B-cell development. Enhanced expression of IRF4 is often associated with multiple myeloma and adult T-cell lymphomas. Furthermore, IRF8 can function as a tumor suppressor in myeloid cancers. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), one of the first characterized human tumor viruses is associated with several lymphoid malignancies. One of the essential antigens, EBV encoded nuclear antigen 3C (EBNA3C), plays a critical role in EBV-induced B-cell transformation. In our study, we now demonstrate that EBNA3C forms a molecular complex with IRF4 and IRF8 specifically through its N-terminal domain. We show that IRF4 is stabilized by EBNA3C, which resulted in downregulation of IRF8 through proteasome-mediated degradation and subsequent inhibition of its tumor suppressive activity. Moreover, si-RNA-mediated inhibition of IRF4 showed a substantial reduction in EBV transformed B-cell proliferation, and also enhanced their sensitivity to DNA-damage induced apoptosis. Therefore, our findings demonstrated that targeted disruption of EBNA3C-mediated differential regulation of IRF4 and IRF8 may have potential therapeutic value for treating EBV induced B-cell malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuvomoy Banerjee
- Department of Microbiology and the Tumor Virology Program, Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Jie Lu
- Department of Microbiology and the Tumor Virology Program, Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Qiliang Cai
- Department of Microbiology and the Tumor Virology Program, Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Abhik Saha
- Department of Microbiology and the Tumor Virology Program, Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Hem Chandra Jha
- Department of Microbiology and the Tumor Virology Program, Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Richard Kuo Dzeng
- Department of Microbiology and the Tumor Virology Program, Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Erle S. Robertson
- Department of Microbiology and the Tumor Virology Program, Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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32
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Jiang DS, Bian ZY, Zhang Y, Zhang SM, Liu Y, Zhang R, Chen Y, Yang Q, Zhang XD, Fan GC, Li H. Role of interferon regulatory factor 4 in the regulation of pathological cardiac hypertrophy. Hypertension 2013; 61:1193-202. [PMID: 23589561 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.111.00614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
IRF4, a member of the interferon regulatory factor (IRF) family, was previously shown to be restricted in the immune system and involved in the differentiation of immune cells. However, we interestingly observed that IRF4 was also highly expressed in both human and animal hearts. Given that several transcription factors have been shown to regulate the pathological cardiac hypertrophy, we then ask whether IRF4, as a new transcription factor, plays a critical role in pressure overload-elicited cardiac remodeling. A transgenic mouse model with cardiac-specific overexpression of IRF4 was generated and subjected to an aortic banding for 4 to 8 weeks. Our results demonstrated that overexpression of IRF4 aggravated pressure overload-triggered cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, and dysfunction. Conversely, IRF4 knockout mice showed an attenuated hypertrophic response to chronic pressure overload. Mechanistically, we discovered that the expression and activation of cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) were significantly increased in IRF4-overexpressing hearts, while being greatly reduced in IRF4-KO hearts on aortic banding, compared with control hearts, respectively. Similar results were observed in ex vivo cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes on the treatment with angiotensin II. Inactivation of CREB by dominant-negative mutation (dnCREB) offset the IRF4-mediated hypertrophic response in angiotensin II-treated myocytes. Furthermore, we identified that the promoter region of CREB contains 3 IRF4 binding sites. Altogether, these data indicate that IRF4 functions as a necessary modulator of hypertrophic response by activating the transcription of CREB in hearts. Thus, our study suggests that IRF4 might be a novel target for the treatment of pathological cardiac hypertrophy and failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ding-Sheng Jiang
- Department of Pharmacology and Cell Biophysics, University of Cincinnati, 231 Albert Sabin Way, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0575, USA
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Abstract
The last decade has seen the emergence of immunomodulators as therapeutic agents in cancer treatment. Interleukins (ILs) are a category of small cell-signaling molecules that organize communication and interaction between immune cells and therefore they could be used as perfect immunomodulators. IL-12 is a promising candidate for cancer immunotherapy since it plays a major role in development of antitumor immune response. Numerous studies report that IL-12 promotes an effective destruction of cancer cells both in vivo and in vitro. In addition, IL-12 has anti-angiogenic activity and it is able to dramatically decrease tumor-supportive activities of tumor-associated macrophages. The first part of the review is devoted to immunobiology of IL-12. Signaling pathways of IL-12 as well as clinical trials of this cytokine are discussed. The second part of the review is concerned on the inherited variations in IL-12A and IL-12B genes that could modulate cancer susceptibility, and as a consequence, possess predictive, therapeutic, or prognostic significance. It is known that functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in IL-12A and IL-12B genes may dramatically affect on protein expression level, or alter its functions, which may lead to immune disorders, autoimmune diseases, and eventually contribute to cancer occurrence. The list of genetic polymorphisms for further investigations might include the following: IL-12B_+1188A/C (rs3212227), IL-12A_+277G/A (rs568408), IL-12A_-798T/A (rs582054), IL-12A_-504T/G (rs190533), IL-12A_-1148T/C (rs2243123), and IL-12B_+16974 A/C. Perhaps, some of these SNPs may become an attractive target for oncogenomics and possibly could be used in programs of early cancer diagnosis as well as cancer prevention in the nearest future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arseniy E Yuzhalin
- Department of Genetics, Kemerovo State University, Kemerovo, Russian Federation.
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De Silva NS, Simonetti G, Heise N, Klein U. The diverse roles of IRF4 in late germinal center B-cell differentiation. Immunol Rev 2012; 247:73-92. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-065x.2012.01113.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Jo SH, Ren R. IRF-4 suppresses BCR/ABL transformation of myeloid cells in a DNA binding-independent manner. J Biol Chem 2011; 287:1770-8. [PMID: 22110133 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.289728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF-4) is essential for B and T cell development and immune response regulation, and has both nuclear and cytoplasmic functions. IRF-4 was originally identified as a proto-oncogene resulting from a t(6;14) chromosomal translocation in multiple myeloma and its expression was shown to be essential for multiple myeloma cell survival. However, we have previously shown that IRF-4 functions as a tumor suppressor in the myeloid lineage and in early stages of B cell development. In this study, we found that IRF-4 suppresses BCR/ABL transformation of myeloid cells. To gain insight into the molecular pathways that mediate IRF-4 tumor suppressor function, we performed a structure-function analysis of IRF-4 as a suppressor of BCR/ABL transformation. We found that the DNA binding domain deletion mutant of IRF-4, which is localized only in the cytoplasm, is still able to inhibit BCR/ABL transformation of myeloid cells. IRF-4 also functions as a tumor suppressor in bone marrow cells deficient in MyD88, an IRF-4-interacting protein found in the cytoplasm. However, IRF-4 tumor suppressor activity is lost in IRF association domain (IAD) deletion mutants. These results demonstrate that IRF-4 suppresses BCR/ABL transformation by a novel cytoplasmic function involving its IAD domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung-Hee Jo
- Rosenstiel Basic Medical Sciences Research Center and Department of Biology, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts 02454, USA
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Pathak S, Ma S, Trinh L, Eudy J, Wagner KU, Joshi SS, Lu R. IRF4 is a suppressor of c-Myc induced B cell leukemia. PLoS One 2011; 6:e22628. [PMID: 21818355 PMCID: PMC3144921 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0022628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2011] [Accepted: 06/27/2011] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) is a critical transcriptional regulator in B cell development and function. We have previously shown that IRF4, together with IRF8, orchestrates pre-B cell development by limiting pre-B cell expansion and by promoting pre-B cell differentiation. Here, we report that IRF4 suppresses c-Myc induced leukemia in EμMyc mice. Our results show that c-Myc induced leukemia was greatly accelerated in the IRF4 heterozygous mice (IRF4+/−Myc); the average age of mortality in the IRF4+/−Myc mice was only 7 to 8 weeks but was 20 weeks in the control mice. Our results show that IRF4+/−Myc leukemic cells were derived from large pre-B cells and were hyperproliferative and resistant to apoptosis. Further analysis revealed that the majority of IRF4+/−Myc leukemic cells inactivated the wild-type IRF4 allele and contained defects in Arf-p53 tumor suppressor pathway. p27kip is part of the molecular circuitry that controls pre-B cell expansion. Our results show that expression of p27kip was lost in the IRF4+/−Myc leukemic cells and reconstitution of IRF4 expression in those cells induced p27kip and inhibited their expansion. Thus, IRF4 functions as a classical tumor suppressor to inhibit c-Myc induced B cell leukemia in EμMyc mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simanta Pathak
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Shibin Ma
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Long Trinh
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - James Eudy
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Kay-Uwe Wagner
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Shantaram S. Joshi
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Runqing Lu
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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An RNAi-based system for loss-of-function analysis identifies Raf1 as a crucial mediator of BCR-ABL-driven leukemogenesis. Blood 2011; 118:2200-10. [PMID: 21715303 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2010-10-309583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic loss-of-function studies in murine tumor models have been essential in the analysis of downstream mediators of oncogenic transformation. Unfortunately, these studies are frequently limited by the availability of genetically modified mouse strains. Here we describe a versatile method allowing the efficient expression of an oncogene and simultaneous knockdown of targets of interest (TOI) from a single retroviral vector. Both oncogene and TOI-specific miR30-based shRNA are under the control of the strong viral long terminal repeat promoter, resulting in a single shared RNA transcript. Using this vector in a murine syngeneic BM transplantation model for BCR-ABL-induced chronic myeloid leukemia, we find that oncogene expression and target knockdown in primary hematopoietic cells with this vector is efficient both in vitro and in vivo, and demonstrate that Raf1, but not BRAF, modulates BCR-ABL-dependent ERK activation and transformation of hematopoietic cells. This expression system could facilitate genetic loss-of-function studies and allow the rapid validation of potential drug targets in a broad range of oncogene-driven murine tumor models.
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Lopez-Girona A, Heintel D, Zhang LH, Mendy D, Gaidarova S, Brady H, Bartlett JB, Schafer PH, Schreder M, Bolomsky A, Hilgarth B, Zojer N, Gisslinger H, Ludwig H, Daniel T, Jäger U, Chopra R. Lenalidomide downregulates the cell survival factor, interferon regulatory factor-4, providing a potential mechanistic link for predicting response. Br J Haematol 2011; 154:325-36. [PMID: 21707574 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2141.2011.08689.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Overexpression of the transcription factor interferon regulatory factor-4 (IRF4), which is common in multiple myeloma (MM), is associated with poor prognosis. Patients with higher IRF4 expression have significantly poorer overall survival than those with low IRF4 expression. Lenalidomide is an IMiD immunomodulatory compound that has both tumouricidal and immunomodulatory activity in MM. This study showed that lenalidomide downregulated IRF4 levels in MM cell lines and bone marrow samples within 8 h of drug exposure. This was associated with a decrease in MYC levels, as well as an initial G1 cell cycle arrest, decreased cell proliferation, and cell death by day 5 of treatment. In eight MM cell lines, high IRF4 levels correlated with increased lenalidomide sensitivity. The clinical significance of this observation was investigated in 154 patients with MM. Among MM patients with high levels of IRF4 expression, treatment with lenalidomide led to a significantly longer overall survival than other therapies in a retrospective analysis. These data confirm the central role of IRF4 in MM pathogenesis; indicate that this is an important mechanism by which lenalidomide exerts its antitumour effects; and may provide a mechanistic biomarker to predict response to lenalidomide.
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Xu D, Meyer F, Ehlers E, Blasnitz L, Zhang L. Interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF-4) targets IRF-5 to regulate Epstein-Barr virus transformation. J Biol Chem 2011; 286:18261-7. [PMID: 21454650 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m110.210542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The cellular interferon regulatory factor-4 (IRF-4), which is a member of IRF family, is involved in the development of multiple myeloma and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-mediated transformation of B lymphocytes. However, the molecular mechanism of IRF-4 in cellular transformation is unknown. We have found that knockdown of IRF-4 leads to high expression of IRF-5, a pro-apoptotic member in the IRF family. Overexpression of IRF-4 represses IRF-5 expression. Reduction of IRF-4 leads to growth inhibition, and the restoration of IRF-4 by exogenous plasmids correlates with the growth recovery and reduces IRF-5 expression. In addition, IRF-4 negatively regulates IRF-5 promoter reporter activities and binds to IRF-5 promoters in vivo and in vitro. Knockdown of IRF-5 rescues IRF-4 knockdown-mediated growth inhibition, and IRF-5 overexpression alone is sufficient to induce cellular growth inhibition of EBV-transformed cells. Therefore, IRF-5 is one of the targets of IRF-4, and IRF-4 regulates the growth of EBV-transformed cells partially through IRF-5. This work provides insight on how IRFs interact with one another to participate in viral pathogenesis and transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongsheng Xu
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska 68588, USA
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40
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Zhang J, Chen YH, Lu Q. Pro-oncogenic and anti-oncogenic pathways: opportunities and challenges of cancer therapy. Future Oncol 2010; 6:587-603. [PMID: 20373871 DOI: 10.2217/fon.10.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Carcinogenesis is the uncontrolled growth of cells gaining the potential to invade and disrupt vital tissue functions. This malignant process includes the occurrence of 'unwanted' gene mutations that induce the transformation of normal cells, for example, by overactivation of pro-oncogenic pathways and inactivation of tumor-suppressive or anti-oncogenic pathways. It is now recognized that the number of major signaling pathways that control oncogenesis is not unlimited; therefore, suppressing these pathways can conceivably lead to a cancer cure. However, the clinical application of cancer intervention has not matched up to scientific expectations. Increasing numbers of studies have revealed that many oncogenic-signaling elements show double faces, in which they can promote or suppress cancer pathogenesis depending on tissue type, cancer stage, gene dosage and their interaction with other players in carcinogenesis. This complexity of oncogenic signaling poses challenges to traditional cancer therapy and calls for considerable caution when designing an anticancer drug strategy. We propose future oncology interventions with the concept of integrative cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Zhang
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, The Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
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Cooperation between deficiencies of IRF-4 and IRF-8 promotes both myeloid and lymphoid tumorigenesis. Blood 2010; 116:2759-67. [PMID: 20585039 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2009-07-234559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF-4) plays important functions in B- and T-cell development and immune response regulation and was originally identified as the product of a proto-oncogene involved in chromosomal translocations in multiple myeloma. Although IRF-4 is expressed in myeloid cells, its function in that lineage is not known. The closely related family member IRF-8 is a critical regulator of myelopoiesis, which when deleted in mice results in a syndrome highly similar to human chronic myelogenous leukemia. In early lymphoid development, we have shown previously that IRF-4 and IRF-8 can function redundantly. We therefore investigated the effects of a combined loss of IRF-4 and IRF-8 on hematologic tumorigenesis. We found that mice deficient in both IRF-4 and IRF-8 develop from a very early age a more aggressive chronic myelogenous leukemia-like disease than mice deficient in IRF-8 alone, correlating with a greater expansion of granulocyte-monocyte progenitors. Although these results demonstrate, for the first time, that IRF-4 can function as tumor suppressor in myeloid cells, interestingly, all mice deficient in both IRF-4 and IRF-8 eventually develop and die of a B-lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma. Combined losses of IRF-4 and IRF-8 therefore can cooperate in the development of both myeloid and lymphoid tumors.
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