Gene expression profiling of chronic myeloid leukemia with variant t(9;22) reveals a different signature from cases with classic translocation

Hinokiflavone induces apoptosis, cell cycle arrest and autophagy in chronic myeloid leukemia cells through MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway

Background

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative tumor originating from hematopoietic stem cells, and resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) has become a major cause of treatment failure. Alternative drug therapy is one of the important ways to overcome TKI resistance. Hinokiflavone (HF) is a C-O-C type biflavonoid with low toxicity and antitumor activity. This study investigated the antitumor effect and possible mechanisms of HF in CML cells.

Methods

Cell viability was measured by CCK-8 assay. Cell apoptosis and cell cycle distribution were analyzed by flow cytometry. Western blotting was used to assess protein expression levels.

Results

Our results showed that HF significantly inhibited the viability of K562 cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner and induced G₂/M phase arrest by up-regulating p21 and down-regulating Cdc2 protein. Furthermore, HF induced caspase-dependent apoptosis by activating JNK/p38 MAPK signaling pathway and inhibiting NF-κB activity. In addition, HF induced autophagy by increasing LC3-II expression and p62 degradation. Pretreatment with CQ, a late autophagy inhibitor, significantly increased the levels of LC3-II and p62 proteins and promoted cell survival.

Conclusion

HF shows a good anti-leukemia effect and is expected to become a potential therapeutic drug for CML.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12906-022-03580-7.

Transcriptomic profiling of the telomerase transformed Mesenchymal stromal cells derived adipocytes in response to rosiglitazone

Background

Differentiation of Immortalized Human Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stromal Cells - hTERT (iMSC3) into adipocytes is in vitro model of obesity. In our earlier study, rosiglitazone enhanced adipogenesis particularly the brown adipogenesis of iMSC3. In this study, the transcriptomic profiles of iMSC3 derived adipocytes with and without rosiglitazone were analyzed through mRNA sequencing.

Results

A total of 1508 genes were differentially expressed between iMSC3 and the derived adipocytes without rosiglitazone treatment. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses revealed that rosiglitazone regulates PPAR and PI3K-Akt pathways. The constant rosiglitazone treatment enhanced the expression of Fatty Acid Binding Protein 4 (FABP4) which enriched GO terms such as fatty acid binding, lipid droplet, as well as white and brown fat cell differentiation. Moreover, the constant treatment upregulated several lipid droplets (LDs) associated proteins such as PLIN1. Rosiglitazone also activated the receptor complex PTK2B that has essential roles in beige adipocytes thermogenic program. Several uniquely expressed novel regulators of brown adipogenesis were also expressed in adipocytes derived with rosiglitazone: PRDM16, ZBTB16, HOXA4, and KLF15 in addition to other uniquely expressed genes.

Conclusions

Rosiglitazone regulated several differentially regulated genes and non-coding RNAs that warrant further investigation about their roles in adipogenesis particularly brown adipogenesis.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12863-022-01027-z.

Molecular Pathogenesis of BCR-ABL-Negative Atypical Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

Atypical chronic myeloid leukemia is a rare disease whose pathogenesis has long been debated. It currently belongs to the group of myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative disorders. In this review, an overview on the current knowledge about diagnosis, prognosis, and genetics is presented, with a major focus on the recent molecular findings. We describe here the molecular pathogenesis of the disease, focusing on the mechanisms of action of the main mutations as well as on gene expression profiling. We also present the treatment options focusing on emerging targeted therapies.

Deciphering the Key Pharmacological Pathways and Targets of Yisui Qinghuang Powder That Acts on Myelodysplastic Syndromes Using a Network Pharmacology-Based Strategy

Background

Yisui Qinghuang powder (YSQHP) is an effective traditional Chinese medicinal formulation used for the treatment of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). However, its pharmacological mechanism of action is unclear.

Materials and Methods

In this study, the active compounds of YSQHP were screened using the traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology (TCMSP) and HerDing databases, and the putative target genes of YSQHP were predicted using the STITCH and DrugBank databases. Then, we further screened the correlative biotargets of YSQHP and MDS. Finally, the compound-target-disease (C-T-D) network was conducted using Cytoscape, while GO and KEGG analyses were conducted using R software. Furthermore, DDI-CPI, a web molecular docking analysis tool, was used to verify potential targets and pathways. Finally, binding site analysis was performed to identify core targets using MOE software.

Results

Our results identified 19 active compounds and 273 putative target genes of YSQHP. The findings of the C-T-D network revealed that Rb1, CASP3, BCL2, and MAPK3 showed the most number of interactions, whereas indirubin, tryptanthrin, G-Rg1, G-Rb1, and G-Rh2 showed the most number of potential targets. The GO analysis showed that 17 proteins were related with STPK activity, PUP ligase binding, and kinase regulator activity. The KEGG analysis showed that PI3K/AKT, apoptosis, and the p53 pathways were the main pathways involved. DDI-CPI identified the top 25 proteins related with PI3K/AKT, apoptosis, and the p53 pathways. CASP8, GSK3B, PRKCA, and VEGFR2 were identified as the correlative biotargets of DDI-CPI and PPI, and their binding sites were found to be indirubin, G-Rh2, and G-Rf.

Conclusion

Taken together, our results revealed that YSQHP likely exerts its antitumor effects by binding to CASP8, GSK3B, PRKCA, and VEGFR2 and by regulating the apoptosis, p53, and PI3K/AKT pathways.

Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase Gene C677T and A1298C Polymorphic Sequence Variations Influences the Susceptibility to Chronic Myeloid Leukemia in Kashmiri Population

Background: Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene is a crucial regulator of folate metabolism and its two prominent polymorphic variants C677T and A1298C lead to decreased MTHFR enzyme activity. Aim of the Study: We planned this case-control study based on numerous studies supporting the association of MTHFR polymorphisms (C677T and A1298C) with CML risk in different ethnic populations. Therefore, the influence of these polymorphisms on CML susceptibility was investigated among Kashmiri population (North India). Materials and Methods: Polymerase chain reaction/restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) technique was employed for genotyping MTHFR C677T and A1298C SNP's in 125 CML patients as against 150 age and gender matched healthy controls. Results: A significant difference was observed in frequency of 677CT genotype between cases and controls [46.4 vs. 27.3% (p = 0.0005)]. Similarly combined 677CT+TT genotype showed significant difference between cases and controls [50.4 vs. 28.6% (p = 0.0002)]. Both MTHFR 677CT and 677CT+TT genotypes imposed greater than 2-fold risk of developing CML (OR = 2.4, 95%CI: 1.46-4.05; OR = 2.5, 95%CI: 1.53-4.16). In case of A1298C SNP, the frequency of 1298AC genotype was higher in controls (64.0%) as compared to CML cases (48.8%) (p = 0.04) and imparted a significant protective role from CML predisposition. Furthermore, haplotype analysis revealed only "677CT/1298AA" haplotype significantly increased the risk of CML predisposition [(p = 0.008) (OR = 3.2, 95% CI: 1.3-7.4)]. Conclusion: We conclude that both MTHFR C677T and A1298C polymorphisms may be important genetic modifiers and seem to have a plausible role to confer risk of CML in Kashmiri population, where C677T SNP strongly increases the risk of CML while as A1298C SNP has a protective effect.

Multidrug resistance phenotype: Relation between phenotype induction and its characteristics in erythroleukemia cells

Chemotherapy may be followed by multiple drug resistance (MDR). This is an obstacle in the treatment of cancer. It is therefore essential to understand the mechanisms underlying tumor resistance, especially those involved in the cell target/MDR relationship. To investigate this, the effects of exposing cells to UVB (to target DNA), UVA, and H₂ O₂ (to target the cell membrane) were observed in K562 (non MDR) and FEPS (MDR) cell lines. The K562 cells were more sensitive to UVA than the FEPS cells. The FEPS cell line was more resistant to H₂ O₂ than K562, only presenting cytotoxicity 72 h after being exposed to 40 mM, with no ROS increase until 48 h. Both cell lines were sensitive to UVB, presenting cytotoxicity after 24 h, mainly by apoptosis, and showed an increase in ROS levels. Our results indicate that agents acting on DNA may be able to overcome the MDR phenotype.

Depression accelerates the development of gastric cancer through reactive oxygen species‑activated ABL1 (Review)

Depression is a common symptom among gastric cancer (GC) patients and serves as a potential indication of poor prognosis and advanced cancer clinical stage. However, the molecular mechanism of depression‑associated poor prognoses of GC patients remains unclear. Recent studies have revealed that GC patients with depression are under high levels of oxidative stress (OS) status that is accompanied by the dysfunction of numerous proto‑oncogenes, including the ABL proto‑oncogene 1 (ABL1), which is a non‑receptor tyrosine kinase. Recent evidence indicates that ABL1 was dysregulated in both major depressive disorder (MDD) and cancer patients with depression, and high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) can lead to the activation of ABL1 in response to OS and that activated ABL1 subsequently contributes to development of GC via interactions with the downstream targets and corresponding signaling pathways. In this review, we examine the evidence to illuminate the molecular mechanism of ABL1 in the progression of GC patients with depression and identify out new and effective methods for the initial and long‑term treatment of GC.

Protein signatures as potential surrogate biomarkers for stratification and prediction of treatment response in chronic myeloid leukemia patients

There is unmet need for prediction of treatment response for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients. The present study aims to identify disease-specific/disease-associated protein biomarkers detectable in bone marrow and peripheral blood for objective prediction of individual’s best treatment options and prognostic monitoring of CML patients. Bone marrow plasma (BMP) and peripheral blood plasma (PBP) samples from newly-diagnosed chronic-phase CML patients were subjected to expression-proteomics using quantitative two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and label-free liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Analysis of 2-DE protein fingerprints preceding therapy commencement accurately predicts 13 individuals that achieved major molecular response (MMR) at 6 months from 12 subjects without MMR (No-MMR). Results were independently validated using LC-MS/MS analysis of BMP and PBP from patients that have more than 24 months followed-up. One hundred and sixty-four and 138 proteins with significant differential expression profiles were identified from PBP and BMP, respectively and only 54 proteins overlap between the two datasets. The protein panels also discriminates accurately patients that stay on imatinib treatment from patients ultimately needing alternative treatment. Among the identified proteins are TYRO3, a member of TAM family of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), the S100A8, and MYC and all of which have been implicated in CML. Our findings indicate analyses of a panel of protein signatures is capable of objective prediction of molecular response and therapy choice for CML patients at diagnosis as ‘personalized-medicine-model’.

Cytogenetic and Molecular Analyses of Philadelphia Chromosome Variants in CML (chronic myeloid leukemia) Patients from Sindh using Karyotyping and RT-PCR

Objective:

To determine the frequency of Philadelphia chromosome (Ph) and its variants in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) cases at a tertiary care hospital of Sindh.

Methods:

The study was conducted at the Department of Pathology, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro and Isra University Hospital, Hyderabad during May-to-September 2014. Bone marrow and peripheral blood samples from a total of 145 diagnosed cases of CML were collected. Cytogenetic analyses were performed using karyotyping as per the International System for Human Cytogenetic Nomenclature guidelines. All karyotypic images were analyzed using the Cytovision software. In order to identify BCR-ABL transcripts, RT-PCR was performed. Statistical analysis of the data was done using SPSS-version-21.0.

Results:

Of the 145 samples, a total of 133 (91.7%) were positive for the Ph (Ph+) while 12 (8.3%) were negative for the Ph (Ph-). Of the 133 Ph+ samples, standard karyotypes were noted in 121 (91%), simple variants in 9 (6.7%) and complex variants in 3 (2.3%) of the samples. All the Ph+ samples (n=133) showed BCR-ABL positivity. Of the 12 Ph- samples, a total of 7 (58.3%) were BCR-ABL-positive and 5 (41.6%) were BCR-ABL-negative.

Conclusion:

Frequency of the Ph was found to be of 90.9% in CML patients using a highly sensitive technique, the RT-PCR. Cytogenetic abnormalities were at a lower frequency. Cytogenetic and molecular studies must be conducted for better management of CML cases. These findings could be very useful in guiding the appropriate therapeutic options for CML patients.

Gene expression profile of circulating CD34(+) cells and granulocytes in chronic myeloid leukemia

PURPOSE

We compared the gene expression profile of peripheral blood CD34(+) cells and granulocytes in subjects with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), with the accent on signaling pathways affected by BCR-ABL oncogene.

METHODS

The microarray analyses have been performed in circulating CD34(+) cells and granulocytes from peripheral blood of 7 subjects with CML and 7 healthy donors. All studied BCR-ABL positive CML patients were in chronic phase, with a mean value of 2012±SD of CD34(+)cells/μl in peripheral blood.

RESULTS

The gene expression profile was more prominent in CML CD34(+) cells (3553 genes) compared to granulocytes (2701 genes). The 41 and 39 genes were significantly upregulated in CML CD34(+) cells (HINT1, TXN, SERBP1) and granulocytes, respectively. BCR-ABL oncogene activated PI3K/AKT and MAPK signaling through significant upregulation of PTPN11, CDK4/6, and MYC and reduction of E2F1, KRAS, and NFKBIA gene expression in CD34(+) cells. Among genes linked to the inhibition of cellular proliferation by BCR-ABL inhibitor Imatinib, the FOS and STAT1 demonstrated significantly decreased expression in CML.

CONCLUSION

The presence of BCR-ABL fusion gene doubled the expression quantity of genes involved in the regulation of cell cycle, proliferation and apoptosis of CD34(+) cells. These results determined the modified genes in PI3K/AKT and MAPK signaling of CML subjects.

Diversity of breakpoints of variant Philadelphia chromosomes in chronic myeloid leukemia in Brazilian patients

BACKGROUND

Chronic myeloid leukemia is a myeloproliferative disorder characterized by the Philadelphia chromosome or t(9;22)(q34.1;q11.2), resulting in the break-point cluster region-Abelson tyrosine kinase fusion gene, which encodes a constitutively active tyrosine kinase protein. The Philadelphia chromosome is detected by karyotyping in around 90% of chronic myeloid leukemia patients, but 5-10% may have variant types. Variant Philadelphia chromosomes are characterized by the involvement of another chromosome in addition to chromosome 9 or 22. It can be a simple type of variant when one other chromosome is involved, or complex, in which two or more chromosomes take part in the translocation. Few studies have reported the incidence of variant Philadelphia chromosomes or the breakpoints involved among Brazilian chronic myeloid leukemia patients.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this report is to describe the diversity of the variant Philadelphia chromosomes found and highlight some interesting breakpoint candidates for further studies.

METHODS

the Cytogenetics Section Database was searched for all cases with diagnoses of chronic myeloid leukemia during a 12-year period and all the variant Philadelphia chromosomes were listed.

RESULTS

Fifty (5.17%) cases out of 1071 Philadelphia-positive chronic myeloid leukemia were variants. The most frequently involved chromosome was 17, followed by chromosomes: 1, 20, 6, 11, 2, 10, 12 and 15.

CONCLUSION

Among all the breakpoints seen in this survey, six had previously been described: 11p15, 14q32, 15q11.2, 16p13.1, 17p13 and 17q21. The fact that some regions get more frequently involved in such rare rearrangements calls attention to possible predisposition that should be further studied. Nevertheless, the pathological implication of these variants remains unclear.