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Nakai R, Yokota T, Tokunaga M, Takaishi M, Yokomizo T, Sudo T, Shi H, Yasumizu Y, Okuzaki D, Kokubu C, Tanaka S, Takaoka K, Yamanishi A, Yoshida J, Watanabe H, Kondoh G, Horie K, Hosen N, Sano S, Takeda J. A newly identified gene Ahed plays essential roles in murine haematopoiesis. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5090. [PMID: 38918373 PMCID: PMC11199565 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49252-7] [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: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The development of haematopoiesis involves the coordinated action of numerous genes, some of which are implicated in haematological malignancies. However, the biological function of many genes remains elusive and unknown functional genes are likely to remain to be uncovered. Here, we report a previously uncharacterised gene in haematopoiesis, identified by screening mutant embryonic stem cells. The gene, 'attenuated haematopoietic development (Ahed)', encodes a nuclear protein. Conditional knockout (cKO) of Ahed results in anaemia from embryonic day 14.5 onward, leading to prenatal demise. Transplantation experiments demonstrate the incapacity of Ahed-deficient haematopoietic cells to reconstitute haematopoiesis in vivo. Employing a tamoxifen-inducible cKO model, we further reveal that Ahed deletion impairs the intrinsic capacity of haematopoietic cells in adult mice. Ahed deletion affects various pathways, and published databases present cancer patients with somatic mutations in Ahed. Collectively, our findings underscore the fundamental roles of Ahed in lifelong haematopoiesis, implicating its association with malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritsuko Nakai
- Department of Haematology and Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Takafumi Yokota
- Department of Haematology and Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
- Department of Haematology, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Osaka, Osaka, 541-8567, Japan.
| | - Masahiro Tokunaga
- Department of Haematology, Suita Municipal Hospital, Suita, Osaka, 564-0018, Japan
- Department of Genome Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Mikiro Takaishi
- Department of Dermatology, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Nankoku, Kochi, 783-8505, Japan
| | - Tomomasa Yokomizo
- Department of Microscopic and Developmental Anatomy, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162-8666, Japan
| | - Takao Sudo
- Department of Haematology and Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
- Department of Haematology, National Hospital Organisation Osaka National Hospital, Osaka, Osaka, 540-0006, Japan
| | - Henyun Shi
- Department of Haematology and Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Yasumizu
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Immunology Frontier Research Centre, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
- Integrated Frontier Research for Medical Science Division, Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Daisuke Okuzaki
- Integrated Frontier Research for Medical Science Division, Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
- Genome Information Research Centre, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Chikara Kokubu
- Department of Genome Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Sachiyo Tanaka
- Department of Genome Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Katsuyoshi Takaoka
- Developmental Genetics Group, Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Ayako Yamanishi
- Department of Genome Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Junko Yoshida
- Department of Genome Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
- Department of Physiology II, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8521, Japan
| | - Hitomi Watanabe
- Laboratory of Animal Experiments for Regeneration, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Gen Kondoh
- Laboratory of Animal Experiments for Regeneration, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Kyoji Horie
- Department of Genome Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
- Department of Physiology II, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8521, Japan
| | - Naoki Hosen
- Department of Haematology and Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
- Integrated Frontier Research for Medical Science Division, Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunotherapy, World Premier International Immunology Frontier Research Centre, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Shigetoshi Sano
- Department of Dermatology, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Nankoku, Kochi, 783-8505, Japan
| | - Junji Takeda
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
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Ng HL, Robinson ME, May PC, Innes AJ, Hiemeyer C, Feldhahn N. Promoter-centred chromatin interactions associated with EVI1 expression in EVI1+3q- myeloid leukaemia cells. Br J Haematol 2024; 204:945-958. [PMID: 38296260 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.19322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
EVI1 expression is associated with poor prognosis in myeloid leukaemia, which can result from Chr.3q alterations that juxtapose enhancers to induce EVI1 expression via long-range chromatin interactions. More often, however, EVI1 expression occurs unrelated to 3q alterations, and it remained unclear if, in these cases, EVI1 expression is similarly caused by aberrant enhancer activation. Here, we report that, in EVI1+3q- myeloid leukaemia cells, the EVI1 promoter interacts via long-range chromatin interactions with promoters of distally located, active genes, rather than with enhancer elements. Unlike in 3q+ cells, EVI1 expression and long-range interactions appear to not depend on CTCF/cohesin, though EVI1+3q- cells utilise an EVI1 promoter-proximal site to enhance its expression that is also involved in CTCF-mediated looping in 3q+ cells. Long-range interactions in 3q- cells connect EVI1 to promoters of multiple genes, whose transcription correlates with EVI1 in EVI1+3q- cell lines, suggesting a shared mechanism of transcriptional regulation. In line with this, CRISPR interference-induced silencing of two of these sites minimally, but consistently reduced EVI1 expression. Together, we provide novel evidence of features associated with EVI1 expression in 3q- leukaemia and consolidate the view that EVI1 in 3q- leukaemia is largely promoter-driven, potentially involving long-distance promoter clustering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Leng Ng
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Haematology, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Mark E Robinson
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Haematology, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Center of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Philippa C May
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Haematology, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Andrew J Innes
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Haematology, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Christina Hiemeyer
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Haematology, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Niklas Feldhahn
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Haematology, Imperial College London, London, UK
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3
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Lux S, Milsom MD. EVI1-mediated Programming of Normal and Malignant Hematopoiesis. Hemasphere 2023; 7:e959. [PMID: 37810550 PMCID: PMC10553128 DOI: 10.1097/hs9.0000000000000959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Ecotropic viral integration site 1 (EVI1), encoded at the MECOM locus, is an oncogenic zinc finger transcription factor with diverse roles in normal and malignant cells, most extensively studied in the context of hematopoiesis. EVI1 interacts with other transcription factors in a context-dependent manner and regulates transcription and chromatin remodeling, thereby influencing the proliferation, differentiation, and survival of cells. Interestingly, it can act both as a transcriptional activator as well as a transcriptional repressor. EVI1 is expressed, and fulfills important functions, during the development of different tissues, including the nervous system and hematopoiesis, demonstrating a rigid spatial and temporal expression pattern. However, EVI1 is regularly overexpressed in a variety of cancer entities, including epithelial cancers such as ovarian and pancreatic cancer, as well as in hematologic malignancies like myeloid leukemias. Importantly, EVI1 overexpression is generally associated with a very poor clinical outcome and therapy-resistance. Thus, EVI1 is an interesting candidate to study to improve the prognosis and treatment of high-risk patients with "EVI1high" hematopoietic malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Lux
- Division of Experimental Hematology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael D. Milsom
- Division of Experimental Hematology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Heidelberg Institute for Stem Cell Technology and Experimental Medicine (HI-STEM), Heidelberg, Germany
- DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, Heidelberg, Germany
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Shull LC, Lencer ES, Kim HM, Goyama S, Kurokawa M, Costello JC, Jones K, Artinger KB. PRDM paralogs antagonistically balance Wnt/β-catenin activity during craniofacial chondrocyte differentiation. Development 2022; 149:274527. [PMID: 35132438 PMCID: PMC8918787 DOI: 10.1242/dev.200082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Cranial neural crest cell (NCC)-derived chondrocyte precursors undergo a dynamic differentiation and maturation process to establish a scaffold for subsequent bone formation, alterations in which contribute to congenital birth defects. Here, we demonstrate that transcription factor and histone methyltransferase proteins Prdm3 and Prdm16 control the differentiation switch of cranial NCCs to craniofacial cartilage. Loss of either paralog results in hypoplastic and disorganized chondrocytes due to impaired cellular orientation and polarity. We show that these proteins regulate cartilage differentiation by controlling the timing of Wnt/β-catenin activity in strikingly different ways: Prdm3 represses whereas Prdm16 activates global gene expression, although both act by regulating Wnt enhanceosome activity and chromatin accessibility. Finally, we show that manipulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling pharmacologically or generating prdm3-/-;prdm16-/- double mutants rescues craniofacial cartilage defects. Our findings reveal upstream regulatory roles for Prdm3 and Prdm16 in cranial NCCs to control Wnt/β-catenin transcriptional activity during chondrocyte differentiation to ensure proper development of the craniofacial skeleton.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lomeli C. Shull
- Department of Craniofacial Biology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Ezra S. Lencer
- Department of Craniofacial Biology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Hyun Min Kim
- Department of Pharmacology and University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Susumu Goyama
- Division of Cellular Therapy, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan
| | - Mineo Kurokawa
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - James C. Costello
- Department of Pharmacology and University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Kenneth Jones
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Kristin B. Artinger
- Department of Craniofacial Biology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA,Author for correspondence ()
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Chiarella E, Aloisio A, Scicchitano S, Todoerti K, Cosentino EG, Lico D, Neri A, Amodio N, Bond HM, Mesuraca M. ZNF521 Enhances MLL-AF9-Dependent Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transformation in Acute Myeloid Leukemias by Altering the Gene Expression Landscape. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910814. [PMID: 34639154 PMCID: PMC8509509 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Leukemias derived from the MLL-AF9 rearrangement rely on dysfunctional transcriptional networks. ZNF521, a transcription co-factor implicated in the control of hematopoiesis, has been proposed to sustain leukemic transformation in collaboration with other oncogenes. Here, we demonstrate that ZNF521 mRNA levels correlate with specific genetic aberrations: in particular, the highest expression is observed in AMLs bearing MLL rearrangements, while the lowest is detected in AMLs with FLT3-ITD, NPM1, or CEBPα double mutations. In cord blood-derived CD34+ cells, enforced expression of ZNF521 provides a significant proliferative advantage and enhances MLL-AF9 effects on the induction of proliferation and the expansion of leukemic progenitor cells. Transcriptome analysis of primary CD34+ cultures displayed subsets of genes up-regulated by MLL-AF9 or ZNF521 single transgene overexpression as well as in MLL-AF9/ZNF521 combinations, at either the early or late time points of an in vitro leukemogenesis model. The silencing of ZNF521 in the MLL-AF9 + THP-1 cell line coherently results in an impairment of growth and clonogenicity, recapitulating the effects observed in primary cells. Taken together, these results underscore a role for ZNF521 in sustaining the self-renewal of the immature AML compartment, most likely through the perturbation of the gene expression landscape, which ultimately favors the expansion of MLL-AF9-transformed leukemic clones.
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MESH Headings
- Apoptosis
- Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics
- Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism
- Cell Proliferation
- DNA-Binding Proteins/genetics
- DNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Hematopoietic Stem Cells/metabolism
- Hematopoietic Stem Cells/pathology
- Humans
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/genetics
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/metabolism
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/pathology
- Myeloid-Lymphoid Leukemia Protein/genetics
- Myeloid-Lymphoid Leukemia Protein/metabolism
- Nucleophosmin
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/genetics
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/metabolism
- Prognosis
- Survival Rate
- Tumor Cells, Cultured
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Chiarella
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (A.A.); (S.S.); (E.G.C.); (N.A.)
- Correspondence: (E.C.); (H.M.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Annamaria Aloisio
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (A.A.); (S.S.); (E.G.C.); (N.A.)
| | - Stefania Scicchitano
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (A.A.); (S.S.); (E.G.C.); (N.A.)
| | - Katia Todoerti
- Hematology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (K.T.); (A.N.)
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Emanuela G. Cosentino
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (A.A.); (S.S.); (E.G.C.); (N.A.)
- Exiris S.r.l., 00128 Roma, Italy
- Department of Hematology, Cancer Research Centre Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, 9712 CP Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Daniela Lico
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Pugliese-Ciaccio Hospital, University Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Antonino Neri
- Hematology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (K.T.); (A.N.)
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Nicola Amodio
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (A.A.); (S.S.); (E.G.C.); (N.A.)
| | - Heather Mandy Bond
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (A.A.); (S.S.); (E.G.C.); (N.A.)
- Correspondence: (E.C.); (H.M.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Maria Mesuraca
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (A.A.); (S.S.); (E.G.C.); (N.A.)
- Correspondence: (E.C.); (H.M.B.); (M.M.)
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Zheng Y, Huang Y, Le S, Zheng H, Hua X, Chen Z, Feng X, Li C, Zheng M, Xu H, He Y, He X, Li J, Hu J. High EVI1 Expression Predicts Adverse Outcomes in Children With De Novo Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Front Oncol 2021; 11:712747. [PMID: 34589425 PMCID: PMC8474639 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.712747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background A high ecotropic viral integration site 1 (EVI1) expression (EVI1high) is an independent prognostic factor in adult acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, little is known of the prognostic value of EVI1high in pediatric AML. This study aimed to examine the biological and prognostic significance of EVI1high in uniformly treated pediatric patients with AML from a large cohort of seven centers in China. Methods A diagnostic assay was developed to determine the relative EVI1 expression using a single real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction in 421 newly diagnosed pediatric AML patients younger than 14 years from seven centers in southern China. All patients were treated with a uniform protocol, but only 383 patients were evaluated for their treatment response. The survival data were included in the subsequent analysis (n = 35 for EVI1high, n = 348 for EVI1low). Results EVI1high was found in 9.0% of all 421 pediatric patients with de novo AML. EVI1high was predominantly found in acute megakaryoblastic leukemia (FAB M7), MLL rearrangements, and unfavorable cytogenetic aberrance, whereas it was mutually exclusive with t (8; 21), inv (16)/t (16; 16), CEBPA, NPM1, or C-KIT mutations. In the univariate Cox regression analysis, EVI1high had a significantly adverse 5-year event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.821 and 2.401, p = 0.036 and 0.005, respectively]. In the multivariate Cox regression analysis, EVI1high was an independent prognostic factor for the OS (HR = 2.447, p = 0.015) but not EFS (HR = 1.556, p = 0.174). Furthermore, EVI1high was an independent adverse predictor of the OS and EFS of patients with MLL rearrangements (univariate analysis: HR = 9.921 and 7.253, both p < 0.001; multivariate analysis: HR = 7.186 and 7.315, p = 0.005 and 0.001, respectively). Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in first complete remission (CR1) provided EVI1high patients with a tendential survival benefit when compared with chemotherapy as a consolidation (5-year EFS: 68.4% vs. 50.8%, p = 0.26; 5-year OS: 65.9% vs. 54.8%, p = 0.45). Conclusion It could be concluded that EVI1high can be detected in approximately 10% of pediatric AML cases. It is predominantly present in unfavorable cytogenetic subtypes and predicts adverse outcomes. Whether pediatric patients with EVI1high AML can benefit from HSCT in CR1 needs to be researched further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongzhi Zheng
- Department of Hematology, Fujian Institute of Hematology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory on Hematology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yan Huang
- Department of Hematology, Fujian Institute of Hematology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory on Hematology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Shaohua Le
- Department of Hematology, Fujian Institute of Hematology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory on Hematology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Hao Zheng
- Department of Hematology, Fujian Institute of Hematology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory on Hematology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xueling Hua
- Department of Hematology, Fujian Institute of Hematology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory on Hematology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zaisheng Chen
- Department of Hematology, Fujian Institute of Hematology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory on Hematology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiaoqin Feng
- Department of Pediatrics, Southern Medical University/Nanfang Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chunfu Li
- Nanfang-Chunfu Children's Institute of Hematology & Oncology, TaiXin Hospital, Dongguan, China
| | - Mincui Zheng
- Hematology and Oncology, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Honggui Xu
- Department of Pediatric Hematology & Oncology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yingyi He
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiangling He
- Pediatrics, People's Hospital of Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Jian Li
- Department of Hematology, Fujian Institute of Hematology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory on Hematology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jianda Hu
- Department of Hematology, Fujian Institute of Hematology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory on Hematology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
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EVI1 dysregulation: impact on biology and therapy of myeloid malignancies. Blood Cancer J 2021; 11:64. [PMID: 33753715 PMCID: PMC7985498 DOI: 10.1038/s41408-021-00457-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Ecotropic viral integration site 1 (Evi1) was discovered in 1988 as a common site of ecotropic viral integration resulting in myeloid malignancies in mice. EVI1 is an oncogenic zinc-finger transcription factor whose overexpression contributes to disease progression and an aggressive phenotype, correlating with poor clinical outcome in myeloid malignancies. Despite progress in understanding the biology of EVI1 dysregulation, significant improvements in therapeutic outcome remain elusive. Here, we highlight advances in understanding EVI1 biology and discuss how this new knowledge informs development of novel therapeutic interventions. EVI1 is overexpression is correlated with poor outcome in some epithelial cancers. However, the focus of this review is the genetic lesions, biology, and current therapeutics of myeloid malignancies overexpressing EVI1.
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Tet1 is not required for myeloid leukemogenesis by MLL-ENL in novel mouse models. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0248425. [PMID: 33705482 PMCID: PMC7951824 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0248425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The Ten Eleven Translocation 1 (TET1) gene encodes an epigenetic modifying molecule that is involved in demethylation of 5-methylcytosine. In hematological malignancies, loss-of-function mutations of TET2, which is one of the TET family genes including TET1, are frequently found, while the mutations of TET1 are not. However, clinical studies have revealed that TET1 is highly expressed in some cases of the hematological malignancies including acute myeloid leukemia. Indeed, studies by mouse models using conventional Tet1 knockout mice demonstrated that Tet1 is involved in myeloid leukemogenesis by Mixed Lineage Leukemia (MLL) fusion gene or TET2 mutant. Meanwhile, the other study showed that Tet1 is highly expressed in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), and that deletion of Tet1 in HSCs enhances potential self-renewal capacity, which is potentially associated with myeloid leukemogenesis. To examine the role of Tet1 in myeloid leukemogenesis more precisely, we generated novel conditional Tet1-knockout mice, which were used to generate the compound mutant mice by crossing with the inducible MLL-ENL transgenic mice that we developed previously. The leukemic immortalization in vitro was not critically affected by conditional ablation of Tet1 in HSCs with the induced expression of MLL-ENL or in hematopoietic progenitor cells retrovirally transduced with MLL-ENL. In addition, the leukemic phenotypes caused by the induced expression of MLL-ENL in vivo was not also critically affected in the compound mutant mouse model by conditional ablation of Tet1, although we found that the expression of Evi1, which is one of critical target genes of MLL fusion gene, in tumor cells was remarkably low under Tet1-ablated condition. These results revealed that Tet1 was dispensable for the myeloid leukemogenesis by MLL-ENL, suggesting that the therapeutic application of Tet1 inhibition may need careful assessment.
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9
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Emerging Roles of PRDM Factors in Stem Cells and Neuronal System: Cofactor Dependent Regulation of PRDM3/16 and FOG1/2 (Novel PRDM Factors). Cells 2020; 9:cells9122603. [PMID: 33291744 PMCID: PMC7761934 DOI: 10.3390/cells9122603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
PRDI-BF1 (positive regulatory domain I-binding factor 1) and RIZ1 (retinoblastoma protein-interacting zinc finger gene 1) (PR) homologous domain containing (PRDM) transcription factors are expressed in neuronal and stem cell systems, and they exert multiple functions in a spatiotemporal manner. Therefore, it is believed that PRDM factors cooperate with a number of protein partners to regulate a critical set of genes required for maintenance of stem cell self-renewal and differentiation through genetic and epigenetic mechanisms. In this review, we summarize recent findings about the expression of PRDM factors and function in stem cell and neuronal systems with a focus on cofactor-dependent regulation of PRDM3/16 and FOG1/2. We put special attention on summarizing the effects of the PRDM proteins interaction with chromatin modulators (NuRD complex and CtBPs) on the stem cell characteristic and neuronal differentiation. Although PRDM factors are known to possess intrinsic enzyme activity, our literature analysis suggests that cofactor-dependent regulation of PRDM3/16 and FOG1/2 is also one of the important mechanisms to orchestrate bidirectional target gene regulation. Therefore, determining stem cell and neuronal-specific cofactors will help better understanding of PRDM3/16 and FOG1/2-controlled stem cell maintenance and neuronal differentiation. Finally, we discuss the clinical aspect of these PRDM factors in different diseases including cancer. Overall, this review will help further sharpen our knowledge of the function of the PRDM3/16 and FOG1/2 with hopes to open new research fields related to these factors in stem cell biology and neuroscience.
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EVI1 in Leukemia and Solid Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12092667. [PMID: 32962037 PMCID: PMC7564095 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12092667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Ecotropic viral integration site 1 (EVI1) is transcriptionally activated in a subset of myeloid leukemias. Since its discovery, other isoforms of EVI1 have been identified. It has been shown that EVI1 and its isoforms mainly function as transcription factors and to play important roles not only in leukemia but also in a variety of solid tumors. To provide a comprehensive understanding of this family of proteins, we summarize the currently available knowledge of expression and function of EVI1 and its isoforms in leukemia and solid tumors and provide insights of future studies. Abstract The EVI1 gene encodes for a transcription factor with two zinc finger domains and is transcriptionally activated in a subset of myeloid leukemias. In leukemia, the transcriptional activation of EVI1 usually results from chromosomal rearrangements. Besides leukemia, EVI1 has also been linked to solid tumors including breast cancer, lung cancer, ovarian cancer and colon cancer. The MDS1/EVI1 gene is encoded by the same locus as EVI1. While EVI1 functions as a transcription repressor, MDS1/EVI1 acts as a transcription activator. The fusion protein encoded by the AML1/MDS1/EVI1 chimeric gene, resulting from chromosomal translocations in a subset of chronic myeloid leukemia, exhibits a similar function to EVI1. EVI1 has been shown to regulate cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis, whereas the functions of MDS1/EVI1 and AML1/MDS1/EVI1 remain elusive. In this review, we summarize the genetic structures, biochemical properties and biological functions of these proteins in cancer.
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11
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Nguyen CH, Grandits AM, Purton LE, Sill H, Wieser R. All-trans retinoic acid in non-promyelocytic acute myeloid leukemia: driver lesion dependent effects on leukemic stem cells. Cell Cycle 2020; 19:2573-2588. [PMID: 32900260 PMCID: PMC7644151 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2020.1810402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive, often fatal hematopoietic malignancy. All-trans retinoic acid (atRA), one of the first molecularly targeted drugs in oncology, has greatly improved the outcome of a subtype of AML, acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). In contrast, atRA has so far provided little therapeutic benefit in the much larger group of patients with non-APL AML. Attempts to identify genetically or molecularly defined subgroups of patients that may respond to atRA have not yielded consistent results. Since AML is a stem cell-driven disease, understanding the effectiveness of atRA may require an appreciation of its impact on AML stem cells. Recent studies reported that atRA decreased stemness of AML with an FLT3-ITD mutation, yet increased it in AML1-ETO driven or EVI1-overexpressing AML. This review summarizes the role of atRA in normal hematopoiesis and in AML, focusing on its impact on AML stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi H Nguyen
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna , Vienna, Austria.,Comprehensive Cancer Center , Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexander M Grandits
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna , Vienna, Austria.,Comprehensive Cancer Center , Vienna, Austria
| | - Louise E Purton
- Stem Cell Regulation Unit, St. Vincent's Institute of Medical Research and Department of Medicine at St. Vincent's Hospital, The University of Melbourne , Melbourne, Australia
| | - Heinz Sill
- Division of Hematology, Medical University of Graz , Graz, Austria
| | - Rotraud Wieser
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna , Vienna, Austria.,Comprehensive Cancer Center , Vienna, Austria
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12
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The role of EVI1 gene quantification in AML patients with 11q23/MLL rearrangement after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Bone Marrow Transplant 2020; 56:470-480. [PMID: 32892217 DOI: 10.1038/s41409-020-01048-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
It remains unclear about the role of the EVI1 gene in AML patients with 11q23/MLL rearrangement (MLL-r AML) undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). We analyzed the clinical value of EVI1 gene quantification in 96 MLL-r AML patients. High EVI1 expression was found in 73% (70/96) of MLL-r AML patients, and EVI1-high MLL-r AML patients were characterized by high WBC counts (P = 0.046) and low platelet counts (P < 0.001) and commonly had t(6;11) (P = 0.032). In addition, a significant difference was observed in the SETD2 gene mutation between the EVI1 high and low groups (0% vs. 50%, P < 0.001). EVI1-high MLL-r AML patients had worse 2-year OS (49.8% vs. 79.7%, P = 0.01) and 2-year PFS (40.2% vs. 68.1%, P = 0.014) than EVI1-low patients. In 57 MLL-r AML patients undergoing allo-HSCT, poorer 2-year PFS (48.6% vs. 72.4%, P = 0.039) and higher CIR (33.2% vs. 11.1%, P = 0.035) were observed in the EVI1-high patients. Multivariate analysis revealed that pre-EVI1+ was the sole independent factor of high CIR (P = 0.035, HR = 4.97, 95% CI: 1.12-22.04). EVI1+ at 100 days post allo-HSCT was associated with a significantly higher 2-year CIR (P = 0.017). The quantification of the EVI1 gene could be used as an additional marker for early predicting relapse in allo-HSCT MLL-r AML patients.
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13
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Emerging evidence has shown that epigenetic derangements might drive and promote tumorigenesis in various types of malignancies and is prevalent in both B cell and T cell lymphomas. The purpose of this review is to explain how the epigenetic derangements result in a chromatin-remodeled state in lymphoma and contribute to the biology and clinical features of these tumors. RECENT FINDINGS Studies have explored on the functional role of epigenetic derangements in chromatin remodeling and lymphomagenesis. For example, the haploinsufficiency of CREBBP facilitates malignant transformation in mice and directly implicates the importance to re-establish the physiologic acetylation level. New findings identified 4 prominent DLBCL subtypes, including EZB-GC-DLBCL subtype that enriched in mutations of CREBBP, EP300, KMT2D, and SWI/SNF complex genes. EZB subtype has a worse prognosis than other GCB-tumors. Moreover, the action of the histone modifiers as well as chromatin-remodeling factors (e.g., SWI/SNF complex) cooperates to influence the chromatin state resulting in transcription repression. Drugs that alter the epigenetic landscape have been approved in T cell lymphoma. In line with this finding, epigenetic lesions in histone modifiers have recently been uncovered in this disease, further confirming the vulnerability to the therapies targeting epigenetic derangements. Modulating the chromatin state by epigenetic-modifying agents provides precision-medicine opportunities to patients with lymphomas that depend on this biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxuan Liu
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, USA
| | - Yulissa Gonzalez
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, USA
| | - Jennifer E Amengual
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, USA.
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14
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Sarrou E, Richmond L, Carmody RJ, Gibson B, Keeshan K. CRISPR Gene Editing of Murine Blood Stem and Progenitor Cells Induces MLL-AF9 Chromosomal Translocation and MLL-AF9 Leukaemogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21124266. [PMID: 32549410 PMCID: PMC7352880 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21124266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Chromosomal rearrangements of the mixed lineage leukaemia (MLL, also known as KMT2A) gene on chromosome 11q23 are amongst the most common genetic abnormalities observed in human acute leukaemias. MLL rearrangements (MLLr) are the most common cytogenetic abnormalities in infant and childhood acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and acute lymphocytic leukaemia (ALL) and do not normally acquire secondary mutations compared to other leukaemias. To model these leukaemias, we have used clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 gene editing to induce MLL-AF9 (MA9) chromosomal rearrangements in murine hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell lines and primary cells. By utilizing a dual-single guide RNA (sgRNA) approach targeting the breakpoint cluster region of murine Mll and Af9 equivalent to that in human MA9 rearrangements, we show efficient de novo generation of MA9 fusion product at the DNA and RNA levels in the bulk population. The leukaemic features of MA9-induced disease were observed including increased clonogenicity, enrichment of c-Kit-positive leukaemic stem cells and increased MA9 target gene expression. This approach provided a rapid and reliable means of de novo generation of Mll-Af9 genetic rearrangements in murine haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs), using CRISPR/Cas9 technology to produce a cellular model of MA9 leukaemias which faithfully reproduces many features of the human disease in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgenia Sarrou
- Paul O’Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 0YN, UK; (E.S.); (L.R.)
| | - Laura Richmond
- Paul O’Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 0YN, UK; (E.S.); (L.R.)
| | - Ruaidhrí J. Carmody
- Centre for Immunobiology, Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation, College of Medicine, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK;
| | | | - Karen Keeshan
- Paul O’Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 0YN, UK; (E.S.); (L.R.)
- Correspondence:
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15
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Casamassimi A, Rienzo M, Di Zazzo E, Sorrentino A, Fiore D, Proto MC, Moncharmont B, Gazzerro P, Bifulco M, Abbondanza C. Multifaceted Role of PRDM Proteins in Human Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21072648. [PMID: 32290321 PMCID: PMC7177584 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21072648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The PR/SET domain family (PRDM) comprise a family of genes whose protein products share a conserved N-terminal PR [PRDI-BF1 (positive regulatory domain I-binding factor 1) and RIZ1 (retinoblastoma protein-interacting zinc finger gene 1)] homologous domain structurally and functionally similar to the catalytic SET [Su(var)3-9, enhancer-of-zeste and trithorax] domain of histone methyltransferases (HMTs). These genes are involved in epigenetic regulation of gene expression through their intrinsic HMTase activity or via interactions with other chromatin modifying enzymes. In this way they control a broad spectrum of biological processes, including proliferation and differentiation control, cell cycle progression, and maintenance of immune cell homeostasis. In cancer, tumor-specific dysfunctions of PRDM genes alter their expression by genetic and/or epigenetic modifications. A common characteristic of most PRDM genes is to encode for two main molecular variants with or without the PR domain. They are generated by either alternative splicing or alternative use of different promoters and play opposite roles, particularly in cancer where their imbalance can be often observed. In this scenario, PRDM proteins are involved in cancer onset, invasion, and metastasis and their altered expression is related to poor prognosis and clinical outcome. These functions strongly suggest their potential use in cancer management as diagnostic or prognostic tools and as new targets of therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia Casamassimi
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via L. De Crecchio, 80138 Naples, Italy; (E.D.Z.); (A.S.)
- Correspondence: (A.C.); (C.A.); Tel.: +39-081-566-7579 (A.C.); +39-081-566-7568 (C.A.)
| | - Monica Rienzo
- Department of Environmental, Biological, and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81100 Caserta, Italy;
| | - Erika Di Zazzo
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via L. De Crecchio, 80138 Naples, Italy; (E.D.Z.); (A.S.)
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences “V. Tiberio”, University of Molise, 86100 Campobasso, Italy;
| | - Anna Sorrentino
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via L. De Crecchio, 80138 Naples, Italy; (E.D.Z.); (A.S.)
| | - Donatella Fiore
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano (SA), Italy; (D.F.); (M.C.P.); (P.G.)
| | - Maria Chiara Proto
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano (SA), Italy; (D.F.); (M.C.P.); (P.G.)
| | - Bruno Moncharmont
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences “V. Tiberio”, University of Molise, 86100 Campobasso, Italy;
| | - Patrizia Gazzerro
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano (SA), Italy; (D.F.); (M.C.P.); (P.G.)
| | - Maurizio Bifulco
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Ciro Abbondanza
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via L. De Crecchio, 80138 Naples, Italy; (E.D.Z.); (A.S.)
- Correspondence: (A.C.); (C.A.); Tel.: +39-081-566-7579 (A.C.); +39-081-566-7568 (C.A.)
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16
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Shull LC, Sen R, Menzel J, Goyama S, Kurokawa M, Artinger KB. The conserved and divergent roles of Prdm3 and Prdm16 in zebrafish and mouse craniofacial development. Dev Biol 2020; 461:132-144. [PMID: 32044379 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2020.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The formation of the craniofacial skeleton is a highly dynamic process that requires proper orchestration of various cellular processes in cranial neural crest cell (cNCC) development, including cell migration, proliferation, differentiation, polarity and cell death. Alterations that occur during cNCC development result in congenital birth defects and craniofacial abnormalities such as cleft lip with or without cleft palate. While the gene regulatory networks facilitating neural crest development have been extensively studied, the epigenetic mechanisms by which these pathways are activated or repressed in a temporal and spatially regulated manner remain largely unknown. Chromatin modifiers can precisely modify gene expression through a variety of mechanisms including histone modifications such as methylation. Here, we investigated the role of two members of the PRDM (Positive regulatory domain) histone methyltransferase family, Prdm3 and Prdm16 in craniofacial development using genetic models in zebrafish and mice. Loss of prdm3 or prdm16 in zebrafish causes craniofacial defects including hypoplasia of the craniofacial cartilage elements, undefined posterior ceratobranchials, and decreased mineralization of the parasphenoid. In mice, while conditional loss of Prdm3 in the early embryo proper causes mid-gestation lethality, loss of Prdm16 caused craniofacial defects including anterior mandibular hypoplasia, clefting in the secondary palate and severe middle ear defects. In zebrafish, prdm3 and prdm16 compensate for each other as well as a third Prdm family member, prdm1a. Combinatorial loss of prdm1a, prdm3, and prdm16 alleles results in severe hypoplasia of the anterior cartilage elements, abnormal formation of the jaw joint, complete loss of the posterior ceratobranchials, and clefting of the ethmoid plate. We further determined that loss of prdm3 and prdm16 reduces methylation of histone 3 lysine 9 (repression) and histone 3 lysine 4 (activation) in zebrafish. In mice, loss of Prdm16 significantly decreased histone 3 lysine 9 methylation in the palatal shelves but surprisingly did not change histone 3 lysine 4 methylation. Taken together, Prdm3 and Prdm16 play an important role in craniofacial development by maintaining temporal and spatial regulation of gene regulatory networks necessary for proper cNCC development and these functions are both conserved and divergent across vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lomeli Carpio Shull
- Department of Craniofacial Biology, School of Dental Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Rwik Sen
- Department of Craniofacial Biology, School of Dental Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Johannes Menzel
- Molecular Biology Graduate Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Susumu Goyama
- Division of Cellular Therapy, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mineo Kurokawa
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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17
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Idel C, Ribbat-Idel J, Kuppler P, Krupar R, Offermann A, Vogel W, Rades D, Kirfel J, Wollenberg B, Perner S. EVI1 as a Marker for Lymph Node Metastasis in HNSCC. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21030854. [PMID: 32013033 PMCID: PMC7038015 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21030854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HNSCC is the sixth most common cancer in humans and has still a very poor prognosis. The treatment methods so far are very often associated with mutilation and impairment in the quality of life. Except for p16 expression, there are no reliable prognostic markers in HNSCC so far. Ecotropic Viral Integration Site 1 (EVI1) is a well-described prognostic marker in leukemia and different types of solid cancers. In these, a high EVI1 expression is associated with a poor prognosis. In HNSCC, it is not known so far if EVI1 has any prognostic relevance. MATERIALS AND METHODS We used our representative tissue cohort of 389 primary HNSCCs, of which 57.2% had one or more lymph node metastases. Here EVI1 expression was analyzed via immunohistochemistry and correlated with the clinical characteristics of these patients. RESULTS Although in HNSCC EVI1 expression does not predict poor survival, a high EVI1 expression in the primary tumor correlates with a lymph node metastatic disease. CONCLUSION Consequently, EVI1 may serve as a biomarker to predict an occult lymph node metastasis in a clinical nodal negative (cN0) HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Idel
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Luebeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538 Luebeck, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-451-500-42001
| | - Julika Ribbat-Idel
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Luebeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538 Luebeck, Germany
| | - Patrick Kuppler
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Luebeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538 Luebeck, Germany
| | - Rosemarie Krupar
- Pathology, Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Lung Center, Parkallee 1-40, 23845 Borstel, Germany; (R.K.)
| | - Anne Offermann
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Luebeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538 Luebeck, Germany
| | - Wenzel Vogel
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Luebeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538 Luebeck, Germany
| | - Dirk Rades
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Luebeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Jutta Kirfel
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Luebeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538 Luebeck, Germany
| | - Barbara Wollenberg
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Luebeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538 Luebeck, Germany
| | - Sven Perner
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Luebeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538 Luebeck, Germany
- Pathology, Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Lung Center, Parkallee 1-40, 23845 Borstel, Germany; (R.K.)
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18
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Nguyen CH, Bauer K, Hackl H, Schlerka A, Koller E, Hladik A, Stoiber D, Zuber J, Staber PB, Hoelbl-Kovacic A, Purton LE, Grebien F, Wieser R. All-trans retinoic acid enhances, and a pan-RAR antagonist counteracts, the stem cell promoting activity of EVI1 in acute myeloid leukemia. Cell Death Dis 2019; 10:944. [PMID: 31822659 PMCID: PMC6904467 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-019-2172-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Revised: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Ecotropic virus integration site 1 (EVI1), whose overexpression characterizes a particularly aggressive subtype of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), enhanced anti-leukemic activities of all-trans retinoic acid (atRA) in cell lines and patient samples. However, the drivers of leukemia formation, therapy resistance, and relapse are leukemic stem cells (LSCs), whose properties were hardly reflected in these experimental setups. The present study was designed to address the effects of, and interactions between, EVI1 and retinoids in AML LSCs. We report that Evi1 reduced the maturation of leukemic cells and promoted the abundance, quiescence, and activity of LSCs in an MLL-AF9-driven mouse model of AML. atRA further augmented these effects in an Evi1 dependent manner. EVI1 also strongly enhanced atRA regulated gene transcription in LSC enriched cells. One of their jointly regulated targets, Notch4, was an important mediator of their effects on leukemic stemness. In vitro exposure of leukemic cells to a pan-RAR antagonist caused effects opposite to those of atRA. In vivo antagonist treatment delayed leukemogenesis and reduced LSC abundance, quiescence, and activity in Evi1high AML. Key results were confirmed in human myeloid cell lines retaining some stem cell characteristics as well as in primary human AML samples. In summary, our study is the first to report the importance of EVI1 for key properties of AML LSCs. Furthermore, it shows that atRA enhances, and a pan-RAR antagonist counteracts, the effects of EVI1 on AML stemness, thus raising the possibility of using RAR antagonists in the therapy of EVI1high AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Huu Nguyen
- Division of Oncology, Clinic of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Comprehensive Cancer Center, Vienna, Austria
| | - Katharina Bauer
- Division of Oncology, Clinic of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Comprehensive Cancer Center, Vienna, Austria
| | - Hubert Hackl
- Division of Bioinformatics, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Angela Schlerka
- Division of Oncology, Clinic of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Comprehensive Cancer Center, Vienna, Austria
| | - Elisabeth Koller
- Medical Department for Leukemia Research and Hematology, Hanusch Hospital, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anastasiya Hladik
- Research Laboratory of Infection Biology, Clinic of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Dagmar Stoiber
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cancer Research, Vienna, Austria.,Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Philipp B Staber
- Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, Clinic of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andrea Hoelbl-Kovacic
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Louise E Purton
- Stem Cell Regulation Unit, St. Vincent's Institute of Medical Research and Department of Medicine at St. Vincent's Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Florian Grebien
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cancer Research, Vienna, Austria.,Institute of Medical Biochemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rotraud Wieser
- Division of Oncology, Clinic of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria. .,Comprehensive Cancer Center, Vienna, Austria.
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Suzuki M, Katayama S, Yamamoto M. Two effects of GATA2 enhancer repositioning by 3q chromosomal rearrangements. IUBMB Life 2019; 72:159-169. [PMID: 31820561 DOI: 10.1002/iub.2191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Chromosomal inversion and translocation between 3q21 and 3q26 [inv (3)(q21.3q26.2) and t(3;3)(q21.3;q26.2), respectively] give rise to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), which have poor prognoses. The chromosomal rearrangements reposition a GATA2 distal hematopoietic enhancer from the original 3q21 locus to the EVI1 (also known as MECOM) locus on 3q26. Therefore, the GATA2 enhancer from one of two GATA2 alleles drives EVI1 gene expression in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, which promotes the accumulation of abnormal progenitors and induces leukemogenesis. On the other hand, one allele of the GATA2 gene loses its enhancer, which results in reduced GATA2 expression. The GATA2 gene encodes a transcription factor critical for the generation and maintenance of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. GATA2 haploinsufficiency has been known to cause immunodeficiency and myeloid leukemia. Notably, reduced GATA2 expression suppresses the differentiation but promotes the proliferation of EVI1-expressing leukemic cells, which accelerates EVI1-driven leukemogenesis. A series of studies have shown that the GATA2 enhancer repositioning caused by the chromosomal rearrangements between 3q21 and 3q26 provokes misexpression of both the EVI1 and GATA2 genes and that these two effects coordinately elicit high-risk leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikiko Suzuki
- Center for Radioisotope Sciences, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Saori Katayama
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan.,Department of Pediatrics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan.,Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Masayuki Yamamoto
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan.,Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
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Expression Pattern and Prognostic Significance of EVI1 Gene in Adult Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patients with Normal Karyotype. Indian J Hematol Blood Transfus 2019; 36:292-299. [PMID: 32425380 DOI: 10.1007/s12288-019-01227-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
According to current criteria, patients with acute myeloid leukemia with normal karyotype (AML-NK) are classified as intermediate risk patients. There is a constant need for additional molecular markers that will help in substratification into more precise prognostic groups. One of the potential new markers is Ecotropic viral integration 1 site (EVI1) transcriptional factor, whose expression is dissregulated in abnormal hematopoietic process. The purpose of this study was to examine EVI1 gene expression in 104 adult AML-NK patients and on 10 healthy bone marrow donors using real-time polymerase chain reaction method, and to evaluate association between EVI1 expression level and other molecular and clinical features, and to examine its potential influence on the prognosis of the disease. Overexpression of EVI1 gene (EVI1 + status) was present in 17% of patients. Increased EVI1 expression was predominantly found in patients with lower WBC count (P = 0.003) and lower bone marrow blast percentage (P = 0.005). EVI1 + patients had lower WT1 expression level (P = 0.041), and were negative for FLT3-ITD and NPM1 mutations (P = 0.036 and P = 0.003). Patients with EVI1 + status had higher complete remission rate (P = 0.047), but EVI1 expression didn't influence overall and disease free survival. EVI1 expression status alone, cannot be used as a new marker for more precise substratification of AML-NK patients. Further investigations conducted on larger number of patients may indicate how EVI1 expression could influence the prognosis and outcome of AML-NK patients, by itself, or in the context of other molecular and clinical parameters.
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21
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Ivanochko D, Halabelian L, Henderson E, Savitsky P, Jain H, Marcon E, Duan S, Hutchinson A, Seitova A, Barsyte-Lovejoy D, Filippakopoulos P, Greenblatt J, Lima-Fernandes E, Arrowsmith CH. Direct interaction between the PRDM3 and PRDM16 tumor suppressors and the NuRD chromatin remodeling complex. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 47:1225-1238. [PMID: 30462309 PMCID: PMC6379669 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gky1192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Revised: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Aberrant isoform expression of chromatin-associated proteins can induce epigenetic programs related to disease. The MDS1 and EVI1 complex locus (MECOM) encodes PRDM3, a protein with an N-terminal PR-SET domain, as well as a shorter isoform, EVI1, lacking the N-terminus containing the PR-SET domain (ΔPR). Imbalanced expression of MECOM isoforms is observed in multiple malignancies, implicating EVI1 as an oncogene, while PRDM3 has been suggested to function as a tumor suppressor through an unknown mechanism. To elucidate functional characteristics of these N-terminal residues, we compared the protein interactomes of the full-length and ΔPR isoforms of PRDM3 and its closely related paralog, PRDM16. Unlike the ΔPR isoforms, both full-length isoforms exhibited a significantly enriched association with components of the NuRD chromatin remodeling complex, especially RBBP4. Typically, RBBP4 facilitates chromatin association of the NuRD complex by binding to histone H3 tails. We show that RBBP4 binds to the N-terminal amino acid residues of PRDM3 and PRDM16, with a dissociation constant of 3.0 μM, as measured by isothermal titration calorimetry. Furthermore, high-resolution X-ray crystal structures of PRDM3 and PRDM16 N-terminal peptides in complex with RBBP4 revealed binding to RBBP4 within the conserved histone H3-binding groove. These data support a mechanism of isoform-specific interaction of PRDM3 and PRDM16 with the NuRD chromatin remodeling complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danton Ivanochko
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada.,Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 2M9, Canada.,Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Levon Halabelian
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Henderson
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
| | - Pavel Savitsky
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
| | - Harshika Jain
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Edyta Marcon
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada.,Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Shili Duan
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 2M9, Canada
| | - Ashley Hutchinson
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Alma Seitova
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | | | - Panagis Filippakopoulos
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
| | - Jack Greenblatt
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada.,Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Evelyne Lima-Fernandes
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada.,Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 2M9, Canada.,Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Cheryl H Arrowsmith
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada.,Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 2M9, Canada.,Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada
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22
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Chen Y, Ernst P. Hematopoietic transformation in the absence of MLL1/KMT2A: distinctions in target gene reactivation. Cell Cycle 2019; 18:1525-1531. [PMID: 31161857 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2019.1618642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The deregulation of hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transcriptional networks is a common theme in acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). Chromosomal translocations that alter the Mixed Lineage Leukemia 1 gene (MLL1, MLL, KMT2A) occur in infant, childhood and adult leukemia and at the same time, wild-type MLL1 is a critical regulator of HSC homeostasis. Typically, the endogenous, wild-type (WT) MLL1 and MLL fusion oncoproteins (MLL-FPs) remain both expressed in leukemia. WT and MLL-FPs activate overlapping sets of target genes, presenting a challenge for the selective therapeutic targeting of leukemic cells. We previously demonstrated that endogenous MLL1 is not required for the maintenance of MLL-FP-driven AML but is required for normal HSC homeostasis. Here we address the role of MLL-FPs in the initiation of leukemia in the absence of endogenous MLL1. We show that loss of endogenous Mll1 results in a rapid decrease in expression of shared HSC/leukemia target genes, yet MLL-AF9 restores the expression of most of these target genes in the absence of WT MLL1, with the critical exception of Mecom/Evi1. These observations underscore the sufficiency of MLL-fusion oncoproteins for initiating leukemia, but also illustrate that WT MLL1 target genes differ in their ability to be re-activated by MLL-FPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufei Chen
- a Department of Pediatrics , Section of Hematology/Oncology/Bone Marrow Transplant, University of Colorado/Anschutz Medical Campus , Aurora , CO , USA
| | - Patricia Ernst
- a Department of Pediatrics , Section of Hematology/Oncology/Bone Marrow Transplant, University of Colorado/Anschutz Medical Campus , Aurora , CO , USA.,b Pharmacology , University of Colorado/Anschutz Medical Campus , Aurora , CO , USA
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23
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Zhou J, Ng Y, Chng WJ. ENL: structure, function, and roles in hematopoiesis and acute myeloid leukemia. Cell Mol Life Sci 2018; 75:3931-3941. [PMID: 30066088 PMCID: PMC11105289 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-018-2895-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2018] [Revised: 07/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
ENL/MLLT1 is a distinctive member of the KMT2 family based on its structural homology. ENL is a histone acetylation reader and a critical component of the super elongation complex. ENL plays pivotal roles in the regulation of chromatin remodelling and gene expression of many important proto-oncogenes, such as Myc, Hox genes, via histone acetylation. Novel insights of the key role of the YEATS domain of ENL in the transcriptional control of leukemogenic gene expression has emerged from whole genome Crisp-cas9 studies in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In this review, we have summarized what is currently known about the structure and function of the ENL molecule. We described the ENL's role in normal hematopoiesis, and leukemogenesis. We have also outlined the detailed molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of target gene expression by ENL, as well as its major interacting partners and complexes involved. Finally, we discuss the emerging knowledge of different approaches for the validation of ENL as a therapeutic target and the development of small-molecule inhibitors disrupting the YEATS reader pocket of ENL protein, which holds great promise for the treatment of AML. This review will not only provide a fundamental understanding of the structure and function of ENL and update on the roles of ENL in AML, but also the development of new therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianbiao Zhou
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, Centre for Translational Medicine, National University of Singapore, 14 Medical Drive, Singapore, 117599, Republic of Singapore.
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117597, Republic of Singapore.
| | - Yvonne Ng
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, Centre for Translational Medicine, National University of Singapore, 14 Medical Drive, Singapore, 117599, Republic of Singapore
| | - Wee-Joo Chng
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, Centre for Translational Medicine, National University of Singapore, 14 Medical Drive, Singapore, 117599, Republic of Singapore.
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117597, Republic of Singapore.
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute of Singapore (NCIS), The National University Health System (NUHS), 1E, Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 119228, Republic of Singapore.
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24
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Germano G, Morello G, Aveic S, Pinazza M, Minuzzo S, Frasson C, Persano L, Bonvini P, Viola G, Bresolin S, Tregnago C, Paganin M, Pigazzi M, Indraccolo S, Basso G. ZNF521 sustains the differentiation block in MLL-rearranged acute myeloid leukemia. Oncotarget 2018; 8:26129-26141. [PMID: 28412727 PMCID: PMC5432245 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.15387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2016] [Accepted: 01/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Zinc finger protein 521 (ZNF521) is a multiple zinc finger transcription factor and a strong candidate as regulator of hematopoietic stem cell homeostasis. Recently, independent gene expression profile studies have evidenced a positive correlation between ZNF521 mRNA overexpression and MLL-rearranged acute myeloid leukemia (AML), leaving open the question on the role of ZNF521 in this subtype of leukemia. In this study, we sought to analyze the effect of ZNF521 depletion on MLL-rearranged AML cell lines and MLL-AF9 xenograft primary cells. Knockdown of ZNF521 with short-hairpin RNA (shRNA) led to decreased leukemia proliferation, reduced colony formation and caused cell cycle arrest in MLL-rearranged AML cell lines. Importantly, we showed that loss of ZNF521 substantially caused differentiation of both MLL-rearranged cell lines and primary cells. Moreover, gene profile analysis in ZNF521-silenced THP-1 cells revealed a loss of MLL-AF9-directed leukemic signature and an increase of the differentiation program. Finally, we determined that both MLL-AF9 and MLL-ENL fusion proteins directly interacted with ZNF521 promoter activating its transcription. In conclusion, our findings identify ZNF521 as a critical effector of MLL fusion proteins in blocking myeloid differentiation and highlight ZNF521 as a potential therapeutic target for this subtype of leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Germano
- Foundation Institute of Pediatric Research Città della Speranza, Padova, Italy
| | - Giulia Morello
- Foundation Institute of Pediatric Research Città della Speranza, Padova, Italy
| | - Sanja Aveic
- Foundation Institute of Pediatric Research Città della Speranza, Padova, Italy
| | - Marica Pinazza
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Italy
| | - Sonia Minuzzo
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Italy
| | - Chiara Frasson
- Department of Woman and Child Health, University of Padova, Italy
| | - Luca Persano
- Foundation Institute of Pediatric Research Città della Speranza, Padova, Italy
| | - Paolo Bonvini
- Foundation Institute of Pediatric Research Città della Speranza, Padova, Italy
| | - Giampietro Viola
- Department of Woman and Child Health, University of Padova, Italy
| | - Silvia Bresolin
- Department of Woman and Child Health, University of Padova, Italy
| | - Claudia Tregnago
- Department of Woman and Child Health, University of Padova, Italy
| | | | - Martina Pigazzi
- Department of Woman and Child Health, University of Padova, Italy
| | - Stefano Indraccolo
- Immunology and Molecular Oncology Unit, Istituto Oncologico Veneto IRCCS, Padova, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Basso
- Department of Woman and Child Health, University of Padova, Italy
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25
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The IRX1/HOXA connection: insights into a novel t(4;11)- specific cancer mechanism. Oncotarget 2018; 7:35341-52. [PMID: 27175594 PMCID: PMC5085233 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.9241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2016] [Accepted: 04/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
One hallmark of MLL-r leukemia is the highly specific gene expression signature indicative for commonly deregulated target genes. An usual read-out for this transcriptional deregulation is the HOXA gene cluster, where upregulated HOXA genes are detected in MLL-r AML and ALL patients. In case of t(4;11) leukemia, this simple picture becomes challenged, because these patients separate into HOXAhi- and HOXAlo-patients. HOXAlo-patients showed a reduced HOXA gene transcription, but instead overexpressed the homeobox gene IRX1. This transcriptional pattern was associated with a higher relapse rate and worse outcome. Here, we demonstrate that IRX1 binds to the MLL-AF4 complex at target gene promotors and counteract its promotor activating function. In addition, IRX1 induces transcription of HOXB4 and EGR family members. HOXB4 is usually a downstream target of c-KIT, WNT and TPO signaling pathways and necessary for maintaining and expanding in hematopoietic stem cells. EGR proteins control a p21-dependent quiescence program for hematopoietic stem cells. Both IRX1-dependend actions may help t(4;11) leukemia cells to establish a stem cell compartment. We also demonstrate that HDACi administration is functionally interfering with IRX1 and MLL-AF4, a finding which could help to improve new treatment options for t(4;11) patients.
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26
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Marneth AE, Prange KHM, Al Hinai ASA, Bergevoet SM, Tesi N, Janssen-Megens EM, Kim B, Sharifi N, Yaspo ML, Kuster J, Sanders MA, Stoetman ECG, Knijnenburg J, Arentsen-Peters TCJM, Zwaan CM, Stunnenberg HG, van den Heuvel-Eibrink MM, Haferlach T, Fornerod M, Jansen JH, Valk PJM, van der Reijden BA, Martens JHA. C-terminal BRE overexpression in 11q23-rearranged and t(8;16) acute myeloid leukemia is caused by intragenic transcription initiation. Leukemia 2017; 32:828-836. [PMID: 28871137 DOI: 10.1038/leu.2017.280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2017] [Revised: 07/16/2017] [Accepted: 08/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Overexpression of the BRE (brain and reproductive organ-expressed) gene defines a distinct pediatric and adult acute myeloid leukemia (AML) subgroup. Here we identify a promoter enriched for active chromatin marks in BRE intron 4 causing strong biallelic expression of a previously unknown C-terminal BRE transcript. This transcript starts with BRE intron 4 sequences spliced to exon 5 and downstream sequences, and if translated might code for an N terminally truncated BRE protein. Remarkably, the new BRE transcript was highly expressed in over 50% of 11q23/KMT2A (lysine methyl transferase 2A)-rearranged and t(8;16)/KAT6A-CREBBP cases, while it was virtually absent from other AML subsets and normal tissues. In gene reporter assays, the leukemia-specific fusion protein KMT2A-MLLT3 transactivated the intragenic BRE promoter. Further epigenome analyses revealed 97 additional intragenic promoter marks frequently bound by KMT2A in AML with C-terminal BRE expression. The corresponding genes may be part of a context-dependent KMT2A-MLLT3-driven oncogenic program, because they were higher expressed in this AML subtype compared with other groups. C-terminal BRE might be an important contributor to this program because in a case with relapsed AML, we observed an ins(11;2) fusing CHORDC1 to BRE at the region where intragenic transcription starts in KMT2A-rearranged and KAT6A-CREBBP AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- A E Marneth
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Hematology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - K H M Prange
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, RIMLS, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - A S A Al Hinai
- Department of Hematology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - S M Bergevoet
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Hematology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - N Tesi
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, RIMLS, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - E M Janssen-Megens
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, RIMLS, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - B Kim
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, RIMLS, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - N Sharifi
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, RIMLS, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - M L Yaspo
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
| | - J Kuster
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, RIMLS, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - M A Sanders
- Department of Hematology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - E C G Stoetman
- Department of Hematology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - J Knijnenburg
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - T C J M Arentsen-Peters
- Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Erasmus University Medical Center-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - C M Zwaan
- Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Erasmus University Medical Center-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - H G Stunnenberg
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, RIMLS, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - M M van den Heuvel-Eibrink
- Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Erasmus University Medical Center-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Princess Maxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - T Haferlach
- MLL Munich Leukemia Laboratory, Munich, Germany
| | - M Fornerod
- Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Erasmus University Medical Center-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - J H Jansen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Hematology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - P J M Valk
- Department of Hematology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - B A van der Reijden
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Hematology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - J H A Martens
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, RIMLS, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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27
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Reimer J, Knöß S, Labuhn M, Charpentier EM, Göhring G, Schlegelberger B, Klusmann JH, Heckl D. CRISPR-Cas9-induced t(11;19)/MLL-ENL translocations initiate leukemia in human hematopoietic progenitor cells in vivo. Haematologica 2017; 102:1558-1566. [PMID: 28572162 PMCID: PMC5685230 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2017.164046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2017] [Accepted: 05/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromosomal translocations that generate oncogenic fusion proteins are causative for most pediatric leukemias and frequently affect the MLL/KMT2A gene. In vivo modeling of bona fide chromosomal translocations in human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells is challenging but essential to determine their actual leukemogenic potential. We therefore developed an advanced lentiviral CRISPR-Cas9 vector that efficiently transduced human CD34+ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells and induced the t(11;19)/MLL-ENL translocation. Leveraging this system, we could demonstrate that hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells harboring the translocation showed only a transient clonal growth advantage in vitro In contrast, t(11;19)/MLL-ENL-harboring CD34+ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells not only showed long-term engraftment in primary immunodeficient recipients, but t(11;19)/MLL-ENL also served as a first hit to initiate a monocytic leukemia-like disease. Interestingly, secondary recipients developed acute lymphoblastic leukemia with incomplete penetrance. These findings indicate that environmental cues not only contribute to the disease phenotype, but also to t(11;19)/MLL-ENL-mediated oncogenic transformation itself. Thus, by investigating the true chromosomal t(11;19) rearrangement in its natural genomic context, our study emphasizes the importance of environmental cues for the pathogenesis of pediatric leukemias, opening an avenue for novel treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Reimer
- Pediatric Hematology & Oncology, Hannover Medical School, Germany
| | - Sabine Knöß
- Pediatric Hematology & Oncology, Hannover Medical School, Germany
| | - Maurice Labuhn
- Pediatric Hematology & Oncology, Hannover Medical School, Germany
| | - Emmanuelle M Charpentier
- Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Berlin, Germany.,The Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden, Umeå University, Sweden
| | | | | | - Jan-Henning Klusmann
- Pediatric Hematology & Oncology, Hannover Medical School, Germany Klusmann.Jan-Henning@mh-hannover
| | - Dirk Heckl
- Pediatric Hematology & Oncology, Hannover Medical School, Germany Klusmann.Jan-Henning@mh-hannover
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28
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Goyama S, Kitamura T. Epigenetics in normal and malignant hematopoiesis: An overview and update 2017. Cancer Sci 2017; 108:553-562. [PMID: 28100030 PMCID: PMC5406607 DOI: 10.1111/cas.13168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2016] [Revised: 01/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic regulation in hematopoiesis has been a field of rapid expansion. Genome‐wide analyses have revealed, and will continue to identify genetic alterations in epigenetic genes that are present in various types of hematopoietic neoplasms. Development of new mouse models for individual epigenetic modifiers has revealed their novel, sometimes unexpected, functions. In this review, we provide an overview of genetic alterations within epigenetic genes in various types of hematopoietic neoplasms. We then summarize the physiologic roles of these epigenetic modifiers during hematopoiesis, and describe therapeutic approaches targeting the epigenetic modifications. Interestingly, the mutational spectrum of epigenetic genes indicates that myeloid neoplasms are similar to T‐cell neoplasms, whereas B‐cell lymphomas have distinct features. Furthermore, it appears that the epigenetic mutations related to active transcription are more associated with myeloid/T‐cell neoplasms, whereas those that repress transcription are associated with B‐cell lymphomas. These observations may imply that the global low‐level or high‐level transcriptional activity underlies the development of myeloid/T‐cell tumors or B‐cell tumors, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susumu Goyama
- Division of Cellular Therapy, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshio Kitamura
- Division of Cellular Therapy, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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29
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Maicas M, Vázquez I, Alis R, Marcotegui N, Urquiza L, Cortés-Lavaud X, Cristóbal I, García-Sánchez MA, Odero MD. The MDS and EVI1 complex locus (MECOM) isoforms regulate their own transcription and have different roles in the transformation of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2017; 1860:721-729. [PMID: 28391050 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2017.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2016] [Revised: 03/14/2017] [Accepted: 03/14/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Transcriptional activation of the EVI1 oncogene (3q26) leads to aggressive forms of human acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, the mechanism of EVI1-mediated leukemogenesis has not been fully elucidated. Previously, by characterizing the EVI1 promoter, we have shown that RUNX1 and ELK1 directly regulate EVI1 transcription. Intriguingly, bioinformatic analysis of the EVI1 promoter region identified the presence of several EVI1 potential binding sites. Thus, we hypothesized that EVI1 could bind to these sites regulating its own transcription. In this study, we show that there is a functional interaction between EVI1 and its promoter, and that the different EVI1 isoforms (EVI1-145kDa, EVI1-Δ324 and MDS1-EVI1) regulate the transcription of EVI1 transcripts through distinct promoter regions. Moreover, we determine that the EVI1-145kDa isoform activates EVI1 transcription, whereas EVI1-Δ324 and MDS1-EVI1 act as repressors. Finally, we demonstrate that these EVI1 isoforms are involved in cell transformation; functional experiments show that EVI1-145kDa prolongs the maintenance of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells; conversely, MDS1-EVI1 repressed hematopoietic stem and progenitor colony replating capacity. We demonstrate for the first time that EVI1 acts as a regulator of its own expression, highlighting the complex regulation of EVI1, and open new directions to better understand the mechanisms of EVI1 overexpressing leukemias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miren Maicas
- Program of Hematology-Oncology, CIMA, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.
| | - Iria Vázquez
- Program of Hematology-Oncology, CIMA, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Rafael Alis
- School of Medicine and Research Institute "Dr. Viña Giner", Molecular and Mitochondrial Medicine, Catholic University of Valencia San Vicente Mártir, Valencia, Spain
| | - Nerea Marcotegui
- Program of Hematology-Oncology, CIMA, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Leire Urquiza
- Program of Hematology-Oncology, CIMA, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Xabier Cortés-Lavaud
- Program of Hematology-Oncology, CIMA, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ion Cristóbal
- Program of Hematology-Oncology, CIMA, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | | | - María D Odero
- Program of Hematology-Oncology, CIMA, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IDISNA), Spain
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30
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Cadherins Associate with Distinct Stem Cell-Related Transcription Factors to Coordinate the Maintenance of Stemness in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Stem Cells Int 2017; 2017:5091541. [PMID: 28392805 PMCID: PMC5368378 DOI: 10.1155/2017/5091541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Revised: 01/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive type of breast cancer with poor prognosis and is enriched in cancer stem cells (CSCs). However, it is not completely understood how the CSCs were maintained in TNBC. In this study, by analyzing The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) provisional datasets and several small-size breast datasets, we found that cadherins (CDHs) 2, 4, 6, and 17 were frequently amplified/overexpressed in 47% of TNBC while E-cadherin (CDH1) was downregulated/mutated at 10%. The alterations of CDH2/4/6/17 were strongly associated with the elevated levels of several stem cell-related transcription factors (SC-TFs) including FOXM1, MCM2, WWTR1, SNAI1, and SOX9. CDH2/4/6/17-enriched genes including FOXM1 and MCM2 were also clustered and regulated by NFY (nuclear transcription factor Y) and/or EVI1/MECOM. Meanwhile, these SC-TFs including NFYA were upregulated in TNBC cells, but they were downregulated in luminal type of cells. Furthermore, small compounds might be predicted via the Connectivity Map analysis to target TNBC with the alterations of CDH2/4/6/17 and SC-TFs. Together with the important role of these SC-TFs in the stem cell regulation, our data provide novel insights into the maintenance of CSCs in TNBC and the discovery of these SC-TFs associated with the alterations of CDH2/4/6/17 has an implication in targeted therapy of TNBC.
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[Clinical significance of expressions of EVI1 and BRE genes in 47 acute leukemia patients with MLL rearrangement]. ZHONGHUA XUE YE XUE ZA ZHI = ZHONGHUA XUEYEXUE ZAZHI 2017; 38:22-27. [PMID: 28219220 PMCID: PMC7348406 DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.issn.0253-2727.2017.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
目的 分析伴有11q23/MLL重排急性白血病(AL)患者中EVI1及BRE基因高表达的发生率、相关性及其临床意义。 方法 采用骨髓细胞短期培养法制备染色体,R显带技术进行核型分析;采用MLL双色断裂点分离探针和FISH技术对47例患者进行MLL重排检测;实时定量RT-PCR(RQ-PCR)法检测患者EVI1和BRE基因的表达,并对其相关性和临床意义进行分析。 结果 47例患者核型均涉及11q23易位,FISH检测MLL重排均为阳性。其中37例患者行免疫表型检测,5例表达B淋系抗原CD19、CD79a或CD10,1例表达T淋系抗原CD7,余表达髓系或髓单核系抗原CD33、CD13、CD14和CD15,其中16例同时CD34(+)。RQ-PCR检测显示18例患者EVI1基因高表达,其中以t(6;11)核型和M4/M5亚型最多见;t(6;11)组和t(9;11)组EVI1表达水平均高于正常对照组(P值分别为0.038和0.022)。15例患者BRE基因高表达,其中以t(9;11)核型和M4/M5亚型最多见。t(4;11)、t(6;11)、t(9;11)、t(11;19)组EVI1表达水平与正常对照组相比均增高(P值均<0.05);t(4;11)、t(9;11)组均高于t(6;11)组(P值分别为0.004和0.012)。47例患者中35例死亡,12例存活,中位生存期为10.0个月。总体比较EVI1基因高表达组中位生存期较低表达组短(P=0.049)。各MLL对手基因组中,仅t(9;11)组EVI1基因高表达者中位生存期短于低表达者(P=0.024)。t(9;11)伴BRE高表达者中位生存期较低表达者长(P=0.024)。在t(9;11)组中可见BRE高表达而EVI1低表达者预后好于BRE低表达而EVI1高表达者。 结论 11q23/MLL重排AL患者中EVI1基因高表达发生率高,为预后不良指标。其中尤以t(6;11)和M4/M5多见。BRE基因高表达在该类白血病中发生率较高,以t(9;11)和M5多见。
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Marschalek R. Systematic Classification of Mixed-Lineage Leukemia Fusion Partners Predicts Additional Cancer Pathways. Ann Lab Med 2017; 36:85-100. [PMID: 26709255 PMCID: PMC4713862 DOI: 10.3343/alm.2016.36.2.85] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2015] [Revised: 11/26/2015] [Accepted: 12/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromosomal translocations of the human mixed-lineage leukemia (MLL) gene have been analyzed for more than 20 yr at the molecular level. So far, we have collected about 80 direct MLL fusions (MLL-X alleles) and about 120 reciprocal MLL fusions (X-MLL alleles). The reason for the higher amount of reciprocal MLL fusions is that the excess is caused by 3-way translocations with known direct fusion partners. This review is aiming to propose a solution for an obvious problem, namely why so many and completely different MLL fusion alleles are always leading to the same leukemia phenotypes (ALL, AML, or MLL). This review is aiming to explain the molecular consequences of MLL translocations, and secondly, the contribution of the different fusion partners. A new hypothesis will be posed that can be used for future research, aiming to find new avenues for the treatment of this particular leukemia entity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rolf Marschalek
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biology/DCAL, Goethe-University of Frankfurt, Biocenter, Frankfurt/Main, Germany.
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Yokoyama A. Transcriptional activation by MLL fusion proteins in leukemogenesis. Exp Hematol 2016; 46:21-30. [PMID: 27865805 DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2016.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2016] [Revised: 10/14/2016] [Accepted: 10/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Chromosomal translocations involving the mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) gene cause aggressive leukemia. Fusion proteins of MLL and a component of the AF4 family/ENL family/P-TEFb complex (AEP) are responsible for two-thirds of MLL-associated leukemia cases. MLL-AEP fusion proteins trigger aberrant self-renewal of hematopoietic progenitors by constitutively activating self-renewal-related genes. MLL-AEP fusion proteins activate transcription initiation by loading the TATA-binding protein (TBP) to the TATA element via selectivity factor 1. Although AEP retains transcription elongation and mediator recruiting activities, the rate-limiting step activated by MLL-AEP fusion proteins appears to be the TBP-loading step. This is contrary to prevailing views, in which the recruitment of transcription elongation activities are emphasized. Here, I review recent advances towards elucidating the mechanisms underlying gene activation by MLL-AEP fusion proteins in leukemogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akihiko Yokoyama
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan; Division of Hematological Malignancy, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan.
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Cytoprotective autophagy maintains leukemia-initiating cells in murine myeloid leukemia. Blood 2016; 128:1614-24. [DOI: 10.1182/blood-2015-12-684696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2015] [Accepted: 07/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Key Points
Autophagy is required for maintenance of AML-initiating cells and peripheral myeloblast survival. Loss of autophagy potentiates the therapeutic effects of AraC in vivo.
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Abstract
In this issue of Cancer Cell, Stavropoulou et al. report that expression of the MLL-AF9 fusion results in acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) with different behaviors depending on cell context, which leads them to identify a transcriptional signature surprisingly resembling that of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal (EMT) transition, correlating with aggressiveness of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuro Watanabe
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 East 19th Avenue, MS #8302, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Patricia Ernst
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 East 19th Avenue, MS #8302, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
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The molecular mechanics of mixed lineage leukemia. Oncogene 2016; 35:5215-5223. [PMID: 26923329 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2016.30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2015] [Revised: 01/14/2016] [Accepted: 01/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Mixed lineage leukemia caused by MLL fusion proteins is still a mostly incurable disease. Research on novel treatment strategies has gained momentum in the last years with the elucidation of the molecular mechanisms underlying the transforming potential of these powerful oncoproteins. This review summarizes the recent developments in this area including new attempts to treat MLL in a rational way by exploiting the biochemical vulnerabilities of the leukemogenic process.
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The role of PRDMs in cancer: one family, two sides. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2016; 36:83-91. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2016.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2015] [Accepted: 03/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Quantification of EVI1 transcript levels in acute myeloid leukemia by RT-qPCR analysis: A study by the ALFA Group. Leuk Res 2015; 39:1443-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.leukres.2015.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2015] [Revised: 09/23/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Hauer J, Borkhardt A, Sánchez-García I, Cobaleda C. Genetically engineered mouse models of human B-cell precursor leukemias. Cell Cycle 2015; 13:2836-46. [PMID: 25486471 PMCID: PMC4613455 DOI: 10.4161/15384101.2014.949137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemias (pB-ALLs) are the most frequent type of malignancies of the childhood, and also affect an important proportion of adult patients. In spite of their apparent homogeneity, pB-ALL comprises a group of diseases very different both clinically and pathologically, and with very diverse outcomes as a consequence of their biology, and underlying molecular alterations. Their understanding (as a prerequisite for their cure) will require a sustained multidisciplinary effort from professionals coming from many different fields. Among all the available tools for pB-ALL research, the use of animal models stands, as of today, as the most powerful approach, not only for the understanding of the origin and evolution of the disease, but also for the development of new therapies. In this review we go over the most relevant (historically, technically or biologically) genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) of human pB-ALLs that have been generated over the last 20 years. Our final aim is to outline the most relevant guidelines that should be followed to generate an “ideal” animal model that could become a standard for the study of human pB-ALL leukemia, and which could be shared among research groups and drug development companies in order to unify criteria for studies like drug testing, analysis of the influence of environmental risk factors, or studying the role of both low-penetrance mutations and cancer susceptibility alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Hauer
- a Department of Pediatric Oncology ; Hematology and Clinical Immunology ; Heinrich-Heine University Dusseldorf ; Medical Faculty ; Dusseldorf , Germany
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Clinical and prognostic significance of 3q26.2 and other chromosome 3 abnormalities in CML in the era of tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Blood 2015; 126:1699-706. [PMID: 26243778 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2015-05-646489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2015] [Accepted: 08/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Chromosome 3q26.2 abnormalities in acute myeloid leukemia, including inv(3)/t(3;3) and t(3;21), have been studied and are associated with a poor prognosis. Their prevalence, response to tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment, and prognostic significance in chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) are largely unknown. In this study, we explored these aspects using a cohort of 2013 patients with CML diagnosed in the era of TKI therapy. Chromosome 3 abnormalities were observed in 116 (5.8%) of 2013 cases. These cases were divided into 5 distinct groups: A, inv(3)(q21q26.2)/t(3;3)(q21;q26.2), 26%; B, t(3;21)(q26.2;q22), 17%; C, other 3q26.2 rearrangements, 7%; D, rearrangements involving chromosome 3 other than 3q26.2 locus, 32%; and E, gain or loss of partial or whole chromosome 3, 18%. In all, 3q26.2 rearrangements were the most common chromosome 3 abnormalities (50%, groups A-C). 3q26.2 rearrangements emerged at different leukemic phases. For cases with 3q26.2 rearrangements that initially emerged in chronic or accelerated phase, they had a high rate of transformation to blast phase. Patients with 3q26.2 abnormalities showed a marginal response to TKI treatment, and no patients achieved a long-term sustainable response at a cytogenetic or molecular level. Compared with other chromosomal abnormalities in CML, patients with 3q26.2 rearrangements had poorer overall survival. The presence or absence of other concurrent chromosomal abnormalities did not affect survival in these patients, reflecting the predominant role of 3q26.2 rearrangements in determining prognosis. Interestingly, although heterogeneous, chromosome 3 abnormalities involving non-3q26.2 loci (groups D, E) also conferred a worse prognosis compared with changes involving other chromosomes in this cohort.
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Li BE, Ernst P. Two decades of leukemia oncoprotein epistasis: the MLL1 paradigm for epigenetic deregulation in leukemia. Exp Hematol 2014; 42:995-1012. [PMID: 25264566 PMCID: PMC4307938 DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2014.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2014] [Accepted: 09/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
MLL1, located on human chromosome 11, is disrupted in distinct recurrent chromosomal translocations in several leukemia subsets. Studying the MLL1 gene and its oncogenic variants has provided a paradigm for understanding cancer initiation and maintenance through aberrant epigenetic gene regulation. Here we review the historical development of model systems to recapitulate oncogenic MLL1-rearrangement (MLL-r) alleles encoding mixed-lineage leukemia fusion proteins (MLL-FPs) or internal gene rearrangement products. These largely mouse and human cell/xenograft systems have been generated and used to understand how MLL-r alleles affect diverse pathways to result in a highly penetrant, drug-resistant leukemia. The particular features of the animal models influenced the conclusions of mechanisms of transformation. We discuss significant downstream enablers, inhibitors, effectors, and collaborators of MLL-r leukemia, including molecules that directly interact with MLL-FPs and endogenous mixed-lineage leukemia protein, direct target genes of MLL-FPs, and other pathways that have proven to be influential in supporting or suppressing the leukemogenic activity of MLL-FPs. The use of animal models has been complemented with patient sample, genome-wide analyses to delineate the important genomic and epigenomic changes that occur in distinct subsets of MLL-r leukemia. Collectively, these studies have resulted in rapid progress toward developing new strategies for targeting MLL-r leukemia and general cell-biological principles that may broadly inform targeting aberrant epigenetic regulators in other cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin E Li
- Department of Genetics, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Patricia Ernst
- Department of Genetics, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA; Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA; Department of Pediatrics Hematology/Oncology/BMT, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Center, Aurora, CO, USA.
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Thrombopoietin/MPL signaling confers growth and survival capacity to CD41-positive cells in a mouse model of Evi1 leukemia. Blood 2014; 124:3587-96. [PMID: 25298035 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2013-12-546275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Ecotropic viral integration site 1 (Evi1) is a transcription factor that is highly expressed in hematopoietic stem cells and is crucial for their self-renewal capacity. Aberrant expression of Evi1 is observed in 5% to 10% of de novo acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients and predicts poor prognosis, reflecting multiple leukemogenic properties of Evi1. Here, we show that thrombopoietin (THPO) signaling is implicated in growth and survival of Evi1-expressing cells using a mouse model of Evi1 leukemia. We first identified that the expression of megakaryocytic surface molecules such as ITGA2B (CD41) and the THPO receptor, MPL, positively correlates with EVI1 expression in AML patients. In agreement with this finding, a subpopulation of bone marrow and spleen cells derived from Evi1 leukemia mice expressed both CD41 and Mpl. CD41(+) Evi1 leukemia cells induced secondary leukemia more efficiently than CD41(-) cells in a serial bone marrow transplantation assay. Importantly, the CD41(+) cells predominantly expressing Mpl effectively proliferated and survived on OP9 stromal cells in the presence of THPO via upregulating BCL-xL expression, suggesting an essential role of the THPO/MPL/BCL-xL cascade in enhancing the progression of Evi1 leukemia. These observations provide a novel aspect of the diverse functions of Evi1 in leukemogenesis.
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Jancuskova T, Plachy R, Zemankova L, Hardekopf DW, Stika J, Zejskova L, Praulich I, Kreuzer KA, Rothe A, Othman MA, Kosyakova N, Pekova S. Molecular characterization of the rare translocation t(3;10)(q26;q21) in an acute myeloid leukemia patient. Mol Cytogenet 2014; 7:47. [PMID: 25071866 PMCID: PMC4113123 DOI: 10.1186/1755-8166-7-47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2014] [Accepted: 07/02/2014] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In acute myeloid leukemia (AML), the MDS1 and EVI1 complex locus - MECOM, also known as the ecotropic virus integration site 1 - EVI1, located in band 3q26, can be rearranged with a variety of partner chromosomes and partner genes. Here we report on a 57-year-old female with AML who presented with the rare translocation t(3;10)(q26;q21) involving the MECOM gene. Our aim was to identify the fusion partner on chromosome 10q21 and to characterize the precise nucleotide sequence of the chromosomal breakpoint. Methods Cytogenetic and molecular-cytogenetic techniques, chromosome microdissection, next generation sequencing, long-range PCR and direct Sanger sequencing were used to map the chromosomal translocation. Results Using a combination of cytogenetic and molecular approaches, we mapped the t(3;10)(q26;q21) to the single nucleotide level, revealing a fusion of the MECOM gene (3q26.2) and C10orf107 (10q21.2). Conclusions The approach described here opens up new possibilities in characterizing acquired as well as congenital chromosomal aberrations. In addition, DNA sequences of chromosomal breakpoints may be a useful tool for unique molecular minimal residual disease target identification in acute leukemia patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tereza Jancuskova
- Laboratory for Molecular Diagnostics, synlab genetics s.r.o., Evropska 176/16, Prague 6 16000, Czech Republic
| | - Radek Plachy
- Laboratory for Molecular Diagnostics, synlab genetics s.r.o., Evropska 176/16, Prague 6 16000, Czech Republic
| | - Lucie Zemankova
- Laboratory for Molecular Diagnostics, synlab genetics s.r.o., Evropska 176/16, Prague 6 16000, Czech Republic
| | - David Warren Hardekopf
- Laboratory for Molecular Diagnostics, synlab genetics s.r.o., Evropska 176/16, Prague 6 16000, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Stika
- Laboratory for Molecular Diagnostics, synlab genetics s.r.o., Evropska 176/16, Prague 6 16000, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Zejskova
- Laboratory for Molecular Diagnostics, synlab genetics s.r.o., Evropska 176/16, Prague 6 16000, Czech Republic
| | - Inka Praulich
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University at Cologne, Kerpener Str., Cologne, Germany
| | - Karl-Anton Kreuzer
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University at Cologne, Kerpener Str., Cologne, Germany
| | - Achim Rothe
- Oncological Therapy Center, Buchforststr., Cologne, Germany
| | - Moneeb Ak Othman
- Jena University Hospital, Institute of Human Genetics, Kollegiengasse 10, Jena, Germany
| | - Nadezda Kosyakova
- Jena University Hospital, Institute of Human Genetics, Kollegiengasse 10, Jena, Germany
| | - Sona Pekova
- Laboratory for Molecular Diagnostics, synlab genetics s.r.o., Evropska 176/16, Prague 6 16000, Czech Republic
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Matsuo H, Kajihara M, Tomizawa D, Watanabe T, Saito AM, Fujimoto J, Horibe K, Kodama K, Tokumasu M, Itoh H, Nakayama H, Kinoshita A, Taga T, Tawa A, Taki T, Shiba N, Ohki K, Hayashi Y, Yamashita Y, Shimada A, Tanaka S, Adachi S. EVI1 overexpression is a poor prognostic factor in pediatric patients with mixed lineage leukemia-AF9 rearranged acute myeloid leukemia. Haematologica 2014; 99:e225-7. [PMID: 25015941 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2014.107128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hidemasa Matsuo
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Kyoto University, Japan
| | - Mio Kajihara
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Kyoto University, Japan
| | - Daisuke Tomizawa
- Department of Pediatrics, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Watanabe
- Department of Nutritional Science, Aichi Gakuin University, Nisshin, Japan
| | - Akiko Moriya Saito
- Clinical Research Center, National Hospital Organization Nagoya Medical Center, Japan
| | - Junichiro Fujimoto
- Epidemiology and Clinical Research Center for Children's Cancer, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keizo Horibe
- Clinical Research Center, National Hospital Organization Nagoya Medical Center, Japan
| | - Kumi Kodama
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Kyoto University, Japan
| | | | - Hiroshi Itoh
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Kyoto University, Japan
| | - Hideki Nakayama
- Department of Pediatrics, National Hospital Organization Fukuoka-Higashi Medical Center, Koga, Japan
| | - Akitoshi Kinoshita
- Department of Pediatrics, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Takashi Taga
- Department of Pediatrics, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
| | - Akio Tawa
- Department of Pediatrics, National Hospital Organization Osaka National Hospital, Japan
| | - Tomohiko Taki
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Japan
| | - Norio Shiba
- Department of Pediatrics, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Kentaro Ohki
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Gunma Children's Medical Center, Shibukawa, Japan
| | - Yasuhide Hayashi
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Gunma Children's Medical Center, Shibukawa, Japan
| | - Yuka Yamashita
- Department of Pediatrics, National Hospital Organization Nagoya Medical Center, Japan
| | - Akira Shimada
- Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Hospitaland, Japan
| | - Shiro Tanaka
- Department of Pharmacoepidemiology, Kyoto University, Japan
| | - Souichi Adachi
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Kyoto University, Japan
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Su G, Lian X, Tan D, Tao H, Liu H, Chen S, Yin H, Wu D, Yin B. Aberrant expression of ecotropic viral integration site-1 in acute myeloid leukemia and acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Leuk Lymphoma 2014; 56:472-9. [DOI: 10.3109/10428194.2014.924118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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46
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Evi1 defines leukemia-initiating capacity and tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance in chronic myeloid leukemia. Oncogene 2014; 33:5028-38. [PMID: 24747972 PMCID: PMC4217142 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2014.108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2013] [Revised: 02/17/2014] [Accepted: 03/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Relapse of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is triggered by stem cells with a reconstituting capacity similar to that of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and CML stem cells are a source of resistance in drug therapy with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Ecotropic viral integration site 1 (EVI1), a key transcription factor in HSC regulation, is known to predict poor outcomes in myeloid malignancies, however, incapability of prospective isolation of EVI1-high leukemic cells precludes the functional evaluation of intraindividual EVI1-high cells. Introduction of CML into Evi1-internal ribosomal entry site (IRES)-green fluorescent protein (GFP) knock-in mice, a versatile HSC-reporter strain, enables us to separate Evi1-high CML cells from the individual. Evi1-IRES-GFP allele models of CML in chronic phase (CML-CP), by retroviral overexpression of BCR-ABL and by crossing BCR-ABL transgenic mice, revealed that Evi1 is predominantly enriched in the stem cell fraction and associated with an enhanced proliferative as well as a leukemia-initiating capacity and that Evi1-high CML-CP cells exhibit resistance to TKIs. Overexpressing BCR-ABL and NUP98-HOXA9 in Evi1-IRES-GFP knock-in mice to model CML in blast crisis (CML-BC), in which Evi1-high cells turned to be a major population as opposed to a minor population in CML-CP models, showed that Evi1-high CML-BC cells have a greater potential to recapitulate the disease and appear resistant to TKIs. Furthermore, given that Evi1 heterozygosity ameliorates CML-CP and CML-BC development and that the combination of Evi1 and BCR-ABL causes acute myeloid leukemia resembling CML-BC, Evi1 could regulate CML development as a potent driver. In addition, in human CML-CP cases, we show that EVI1 is highly expressed in stem cell-enriched CD34+CD38-CD90+ fraction at single-cell level. This is the first report to clarify directly that Evi1-high leukemic cells themselves possess the superior potential to Evi1-low cells in oncogenic self-renewal, which highlights the role of Evi1 as a valuable and a functional marker of CML stem cells.
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Ueda K, Yoshimi A, Kagoya Y, Nishikawa S, Marquez VE, Nakagawa M, Kurokawa M. Inhibition of histone methyltransferase EZH2 depletes leukemia stem cell of mixed lineage leukemia fusion leukemia through upregulation of p16. Cancer Sci 2014; 105:512-9. [PMID: 24612037 PMCID: PMC4317832 DOI: 10.1111/cas.12386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2013] [Revised: 02/19/2014] [Accepted: 02/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Leukemia stem cells (LSC) are resistant to conventional chemotherapy and persistent LSC after chemotherapy are supposed to be a major cause of relapse. However, information on genetic or epigenetic regulation of stem cell properties is still limited and LSC-targeted drugs have scarcely been identified. Epigenetic regulators are associated with many cellular processes including maintenance of stem cells. Of note are polycomb group proteins, because they potentially control stemness, and can be pharmacologically targeted by a selective inhibitor (DZNep). Therefore, we investigated the therapeutic potential of EZH2 inhibition in mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) fusion leukemia. Intriguingly, EZH2 inhibition by DZNep or shRNA not only suppressed MLL fusion leukemia proliferation but also reduced leukemia initiating cells (LIC) frequency. Expression analysis suggested that p16 upregulation was responsible for LICs reduction. Knockdown of p16 canceled the survival advantage of mice treated with DZNep. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated that EZH2 was highly enriched around the transcription-start-site of p16, together with H3K27 methylation marks in MLL/ENL and Hoxa9/Meis1 transduced cells but not in E2A/HLF transduced cells. Although high expression of Hoxa9 in MLL fusion leukemia is supposed to be responsible for the recruitment of EZH2, our data also suggest that there may be some other mechanisms independent of Hoxa9 activation to suppress p16 expression, because expression levels of Hoxa9 and p16 were not inversely related between MLL/ENL and Hoxa9/Meis1 transduced cells. In summary, our findings show that EZH2 is a potential therapeutic target of MLL fusion leukemia stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koki Ueda
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Xu X, Su M, Levy NB, Mohtashamian A, Monaghan S, Kaur P, Zaremba C, Garcia R, Broome HE, Dell’Aquila ML, Wang HY. Myeloid neoplasm with t(3;8)(q26;q24): report of six cases and review of the literature. Leuk Lymphoma 2014; 55:2532-7. [DOI: 10.3109/10428194.2013.878460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiangdong Xu
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University in St. Louis,
St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Mu Su
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas,
Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Norman B. Levy
- Department of Pathology, Dartmonth-Hitchcook Medical Center,
Lebanon, NH, USA
| | | | - Sara Monaghan
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas,
Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Prabhjot Kaur
- Department of Pathology, Dartmonth-Hitchcook Medical Center,
Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Charles Zaremba
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas,
Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Rolando Garcia
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas,
Dallas, TX, USA
| | - H. Elizabeth Broome
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego Health System,
La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Marie L. Dell’Aquila
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego Health System,
La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Huan-You Wang
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego Health System,
La Jolla, CA, USA
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Abstract
NF-κB is involved in a variety of biological processes, including cancer development. In this issue of Cancer Cell, Kuo et al. show the essential role for IKK/NF-κB signaling in epigenetic regulation by MLL oncoproteins to maintain leukemia stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susumu Goyama
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati
Children’s Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine,
Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - James C. Mulloy
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati
Children’s Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine,
Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
- Correspondence:
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50
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Transcriptional regulation of haematopoietic stem cells. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2013; 786:187-212. [PMID: 23696358 DOI: 10.1007/978-94-007-6621-1_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are a rare cell population found in the bone marrow of adult mammals and are responsible for maintaining the entire haematopoietic system. Definitive HSCs are produced from mesoderm during embryonic development, from embryonic day 10 in the mouse. HSCs seed the foetal liver before migrating to the bone marrow around the time of birth. In the adult, HSCs are largely quiescent but have the ability to divide to self-renew and expand, or to proliferate and differentiate into any mature haematopoietic cell type. Both the specification of HSCs during development and their cellular choices once formed are tightly controlled at the level of transcription. Numerous transcriptional regulators of HSC specification, expansion, homeostasis and differentiation have been identified, primarily from analysis of mouse gene knockout experiments and transplantation assays. These include transcription factors, epigenetic modifiers and signalling pathway effectors. This chapter reviews the current knowledge of these HSC transcriptional regulators, predominantly focusing on the transcriptional regulation of mouse HSCs, although transcriptional regulation of human HSCs is also mentioned where relevant. Due to the breadth and maturity of this field, we have prioritised recently identified examples of HSC transcriptional regulators. We go on to highlight additional layers of control that regulate expression and activity of HSC transcriptional regulators and discuss how chromosomal translocations that result in fusion proteins of these HSC transcriptional regulators commonly drive leukaemias through transcriptional dysregulation.
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