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Bruserud Ø, Selheim F, Hernandez-Valladares M, Reikvam H. Monocytic Differentiation in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells: Diagnostic Criteria, Biological Heterogeneity, Mitochondrial Metabolism, Resistance to and Induction by Targeted Therapies. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6356. [PMID: 38928061 PMCID: PMC11203697 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
We review the importance of monocytic differentiation and differentiation induction in non-APL (acute promyelocytic leukemia) variants of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a malignancy characterized by proliferation of immature myeloid cells. Even though the cellular differentiation block is a fundamental characteristic, the AML cells can show limited signs of differentiation. According to the French-American-British (FAB-M4/M5 subset) and the World Health Organization (WHO) 2016 classifications, monocytic differentiation is characterized by morphological signs and the expression of specific molecular markers involved in cellular communication and adhesion. Furthermore, monocytic FAB-M4/M5 patients are heterogeneous with regards to cytogenetic and molecular genetic abnormalities, and monocytic differentiation does not have any major prognostic impact for these patients when receiving conventional intensive cytotoxic therapy. In contrast, FAB-M4/M5 patients have decreased susceptibility to the Bcl-2 inhibitor venetoclax, and this seems to be due to common molecular characteristics involving mitochondrial regulation of the cellular metabolism and survival, including decreased dependency on Bcl-2 compared to other AML patients. Thus, the susceptibility to Bcl-2 inhibition does not only depend on general resistance/susceptibility mechanisms known from conventional AML therapy but also specific mechanisms involving the molecular target itself or the molecular context of the target. AML cell differentiation status is also associated with susceptibility to other targeted therapies (e.g., CDK2/4/6 and bromodomain inhibition), and differentiation induction seems to be a part of the antileukemic effect for several targeted anti-AML therapies. Differentiation-associated molecular mechanisms may thus become important in the future implementation of targeted therapies in human AML.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- Cell Differentiation
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/metabolism
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/pathology
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/diagnosis
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/genetics
- Mitochondria/metabolism
- Monocytes/metabolism
- Monocytes/pathology
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/genetics
- Molecular Targeted Therapy
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use
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Affiliation(s)
- Øystein Bruserud
- Acute Leukemia Research Group, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, 5007 Bergen, Norway; (M.H.-V.); (H.R.)
- Section for Hematology, Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, 5009 Bergen, Norway
| | - Frode Selheim
- Proteomics Unit of University of Bergen (PROBE), University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 91, 5009 Bergen, Norway;
| | - Maria Hernandez-Valladares
- Acute Leukemia Research Group, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, 5007 Bergen, Norway; (M.H.-V.); (H.R.)
- Department of Physical Chemistry, University of Granada, Avenida de la Fuente Nueva S/N, 18071 Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, 18012 Granada, Spain
| | - Håkon Reikvam
- Acute Leukemia Research Group, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, 5007 Bergen, Norway; (M.H.-V.); (H.R.)
- Section for Hematology, Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, 5009 Bergen, Norway
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2
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Elgamal OA, Fobare S, Vibhute S, Mehmood A, Vroom DC, Johnson ML, Stearns B, Lerma JR, Truxall J, Stahl E, Carmichael B, Orwick SJ, Mims AS, Curran E, Santhanam R, Tridandapani S, Phelps MA, Xie Z, Coss CC, Baker SD, Patrick J, Ezzell JK, Rai J, Pan J, Rai SN, Stillwell C, Wunderlich M, Abdulrahim M, Goodwin TE, Hilinski G, Bennett CE, Hertlein E, Byrd JC. Pyrimidine depletion enhances targeted and immune therapy combinations in acute myeloid leukemia. JCI Insight 2024; 9:e173646. [PMID: 38646934 PMCID: PMC11141866 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.173646] [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: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a fatal disease characterized by the accumulation of undifferentiated myeloblasts, and agents that promote differentiation have been effective in this disease but are not curative. Dihydroorotate dehydrogenase inhibitors (DHODHi) have the ability to promote AML differentiation and target aberrant malignant myelopoiesis. We introduce HOSU-53, a DHODHi with significant monotherapy activity, which is further enhanced when combined with other standard-of-care therapeutics. We further discovered that DHODHi modulated surface expression of CD38 and CD47, prompting the evaluation of HOSU-53 combined with anti-CD38 and anti-CD47 therapies, where we identified a compelling curative potential in an aggressive AML model with CD47 targeting. Finally, we explored using plasma dihydroorotate (DHO) levels to monitor HOSU-53 safety and found that the level of DHO accumulation could predict HOSU-53 intolerability, suggesting the clinical use of plasma DHO to determine safe DHODHi doses. Collectively, our data support the clinical translation of HOSU-53 in AML, particularly to augment immune therapies. Potent DHODHi to date have been limited by their therapeutic index; however, we introduce pharmacodynamic monitoring to predict tolerability while preserving antitumor activity. We additionally suggest that DHODHi is effective at lower doses with select immune therapies, widening the therapeutic index.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ola A. Elgamal
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine
| | - Sydney Fobare
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine
| | - Sandip Vibhute
- Medicinal Chemistry Shared Resource, Comprehensive Cancer Center
| | - Abeera Mehmood
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine
| | - Dennis C. Vroom
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Mariah L. Johnson
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine
| | - Blaise Stearns
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - James R. Lerma
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Jean Truxall
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine
| | - Emily Stahl
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine
| | - Bridget Carmichael
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine
| | - Shelley J. Orwick
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine
| | - Alice S. Mims
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine
| | - Emily Curran
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Ramasamy Santhanam
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine
| | | | | | - Zhiliang Xie
- College of Pharmacy and Comprehensive Cancer Center; and
| | - Christopher C. Coss
- Drug Development Institute, Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | | | - Jeffrey Patrick
- Drug Development Institute, Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Janel K. Ezzell
- Drug Development Institute, Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Jayesh Rai
- Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, College of Medicine
- Cancer Data Science Center, College of Medicine; and
- Biostatistics and Informatics Shared Resource, University of Cincinnati Cancer Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Jianmin Pan
- Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, College of Medicine
- Cancer Data Science Center, College of Medicine; and
- Biostatistics and Informatics Shared Resource, University of Cincinnati Cancer Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Shesh N. Rai
- Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, College of Medicine
- Cancer Data Science Center, College of Medicine; and
- Biostatistics and Informatics Shared Resource, University of Cincinnati Cancer Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Cody Stillwell
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Mark Wunderlich
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | | | | | - Gerard Hilinski
- Drug Development Institute, Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Chad E. Bennett
- Medicinal Chemistry Shared Resource, Comprehensive Cancer Center
- Drug Development Institute, Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Erin Hertlein
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine
| | - John C. Byrd
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine
- College of Pharmacy and Comprehensive Cancer Center; and
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Selheim F, Aasebø E, Bruserud Ø, Hernandez-Valladares M. High Mitochondrial Protein Expression as a Potential Predictor of Relapse Risk in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patients with the Monocytic FAB Subtypes M4 and M5. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 16:8. [PMID: 38201437 PMCID: PMC10778527 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16010008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
AML is a highly aggressive and heterogeneous form of hematological cancer. Proteomics-based stratification of patients into more refined subgroups may contribute to a more precise characterization of the patient-derived AML cells. Here, we reanalyzed liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) generated proteomic and phosphoproteomic data from 26 FAB-M4/M5 patients. The patients achieved complete hematological remission after induction therapy. Twelve of them later developed chemoresistant relapse (RELAPSE), and 14 patients were relapse-free (REL_FREE) long-term survivors. We considered not only the RELAPSE and REL_FREE characteristics but also integrated the French-American-British (FAB) classification, along with considering the presence of nucleophosmin 1 (NPM1) mutation and cytogenetically normal AML. We found a significant number of differentially enriched proteins (911) and phosphoproteins (257) between the various FAB subtypes in RELAPSE patients. Patients with the myeloblastic M1/M2 subtype showed higher levels of RNA processing-related routes and lower levels of signaling related to terms like translation and degranulation when compared with the M4/M5 subtype. Moreover, we found that a high abundance of proteins associated with mitochondrial translation and oxidative phosphorylation, particularly observed in the RELAPSE M4/M5 NPM1 mutated subgroup, distinguishes relapsing from non-relapsing AML patient cells with the FAB subtype M4/M5. Thus, the discovery of subtype-specific biomarkers through proteomic profiling may complement the existing classification system for AML and potentially aid in selecting personalized treatment strategies for individual patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frode Selheim
- Proteomics Unit of University of Bergen (PROBE), University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 91, 5009 Bergen, Norway
| | - Elise Aasebø
- Acute Leukemia Research Group, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 91, 5009 Bergen, Norway; (E.A.); (Ø.B.)
| | - Øystein Bruserud
- Acute Leukemia Research Group, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 91, 5009 Bergen, Norway; (E.A.); (Ø.B.)
- Section for Hematology, Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, 5009 Bergen, Norway
| | - Maria Hernandez-Valladares
- Proteomics Unit of University of Bergen (PROBE), University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 91, 5009 Bergen, Norway
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Institute of Biotechnology, Excellence Unit in Chemistry Applied to Biomedicine and Environment, School of Sciences, University of Granada, Campus Fuentenueva s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, 18012 Granada, Spain
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4
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Abdel-Aziz AK. Advances in acute myeloid leukemia differentiation therapy: A critical review. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 215:115709. [PMID: 37506924 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is characterized by impaired differentiation and indefinite proliferation of abnormal myeloid progenitors. Although differentiating agents were deemed to revolutionize AML therapy, most treated non-APL AML patients are refractory or relapse. According to cancer stem cell model, leukemia-initiating cells are the root cause of relapse given their unidirectional potential to generate differentiated AML blasts. Nonetheless, accumulating evidences emphasize the de-differentiation plasticity and leukemogenic potential of mature AML blasts and the frailty of targeting leukemic stem cells per se. This review critically discusses the potential and challenges of (lessons learnt from) conventional and novel differentiating agents in AML therapy. Although differentiating agents might hold promise, they should be exploited within the context of a rationale combination regimen eradicating all maturation/differentiation states of AML cells. The results of the routinely used immunophenotypic markers and/or morphological analyses of differentiation should be carefully interpreted given their propensity to underestimate AML burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amal Kamal Abdel-Aziz
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt; Smart Health Initiative, Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955, Saudia Arabia.
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5
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Li J, Kalev‐Zylinska ML. Advances in molecular characterization of pediatric acute megakaryoblastic leukemia not associated with Down syndrome; impact on therapy development. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1170622. [PMID: 37325571 PMCID: PMC10267407 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1170622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute megakaryoblastic leukemia (AMKL) is a rare subtype of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in which leukemic blasts have megakaryocytic features. AMKL makes up 4%-15% of newly diagnosed pediatric AML, typically affecting young children (less than 2 years old). AMKL associated with Down syndrome (DS) shows GATA1 mutations and has a favorable prognosis. In contrast, AMKL in children without DS is often associated with recurrent and mutually exclusive chimeric fusion genes and has an unfavorable prognosis. This review mainly summarizes the unique features of pediatric non-DS AMKL and highlights the development of novel therapies for high-risk patients. Due to the rarity of pediatric AMKL, large-scale multi-center studies are needed to progress molecular characterization of this disease. Better disease models are also required to test leukemogenic mechanisms and emerging therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jixia Li
- Blood and Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Foshan University, Foshan, China
| | - Maggie L. Kalev‐Zylinska
- Blood and Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Haematology Laboratory, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
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Górecki M, Kozioł I, Kopystecka A, Budzyńska J, Zawitkowska J, Lejman M. Updates in KMT2A Gene Rearrangement in Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11030821. [PMID: 36979800 PMCID: PMC10045821 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11030821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The KMT2A (formerly MLL) encodes the histone lysine-specific N-methyltransferase 2A and is mapped on chromosome 11q23. KMT2A is a frequent target for recurrent translocations in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), or mixed lineage (biphenotypic) leukemia (MLL). Over 90 KMT2A fusion partners have been identified until now, including the most recurring ones—AFF1, MLLT1, and MLLT3—which encode proteins regulating epigenetic mechanisms. The presence of distinct KMT2A rearrangements is an independent dismal prognostic factor, while very few KMT2A rearrangements display either a good or intermediate outcome. KMT2A-rearranged (KMT2A-r) ALL affects more than 70% of new ALL diagnoses in infants (<1 year of age), 5–6% of pediatric cases, and 15% of adult cases. KMT2A-rearranged (KMT2A-r) ALL is characterized by hyperleukocytosis, a relatively high incidence of central nervous system (CNS) involvement, an aggressive course with early relapse, and early relapses resulting in poor prognosis. The exact pathways of fusions and the effects on the final phenotypic activity of the disease are still subjects of much research. Future trials could consider the inclusion of targeted immunotherapeutic agents and prioritize the identification of prognostic factors, allowing for the less intensive treatment of some infants with KMT2A ALL. The aim of this review is to summarize our knowledge and present current insight into the mechanisms of KMT2A-r ALL, portray their characteristics, discuss the clinical outcome along with risk stratification, and present novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Górecki
- Student Scientific Society of Independent Laboratory of Genetic Diagnostics, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Ilona Kozioł
- Student Scientific Society of the Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Transplantology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Kopystecka
- Student Scientific Society of the Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Transplantology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Julia Budzyńska
- Student Scientific Society of the Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Transplantology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Joanna Zawitkowska
- Department of Paediatric Haematology, Oncology and Transplantology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Monika Lejman
- Independent Laboratory of Genetic Diagnostics, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
- Correspondence:
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Targeted Epigenetic Interventions in Cancer with an Emphasis on Pediatric Malignancies. Biomolecules 2022; 13:biom13010061. [PMID: 36671446 PMCID: PMC9855367 DOI: 10.3390/biom13010061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past two decades, novel hallmarks of cancer have been described, including the altered epigenetic landscape of malignant diseases. In addition to the methylation and hyd-roxymethylation of DNA, numerous novel forms of histone modifications and nucleosome remodeling have been discovered, giving rise to a wide variety of targeted therapeutic interventions. DNA hypomethylating drugs, histone deacetylase inhibitors and agents targeting histone methylation machinery are of distinguished clinical significance. The major focus of this review is placed on targeted epigenetic interventions in the most common pediatric malignancies, including acute leukemias, brain and kidney tumors, neuroblastoma and soft tissue sarcomas. Upcoming novel challenges include specificity and potential undesirable side effects. Different epigenetic patterns of pediatric and adult cancers should be noted. Biological significance of epigenetic alterations highly depends on the tissue microenvironment and widespread interactions. An individualized treatment approach requires detailed genetic, epigenetic and metabolomic evaluation of cancer. Advances in molecular technologies and clinical translation may contribute to the development of novel pediatric anticancer treatment strategies, aiming for improved survival and better patient quality of life.
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Matthews AH, Pratz KW, Carroll MP. Targeting Menin and CD47 to Address Unmet Needs in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14235906. [PMID: 36497385 PMCID: PMC9735817 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14235906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
After forty years of essentially unchanged treatment in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), innovation over the past five years has been rapid, with nine drug approvals from 2016 to 2021. Increased understanding of the molecular changes and genetic ontology of disease have led to targeting mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase, FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3), B-cell lymphoma 2 and hedgehog pathways. Yet outcomes remain variable; especially in defined molecular and genetic subgroups such as NPM1 (Nucleophosmin 1) mutations, 11q23/KMT2A rearranged and TP53 mutations. Emerging therapies seek to address these unmet needs, and all three of these subgroups have promising new therapeutic approaches. Here, we will discuss the normal biological roles of menin in acute leukemia, notably in KMT2A translocations and NPM1 mutation, as well as current drug development. We will also explore how CD47 inhibition may move immunotherapy into front-line settings and unlock new treatment strategies in TP53 mutated disease. We will then consider how these new therapeutic advances may change the management of AML overall.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew H. Matthews
- Department of Medicine, Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Keith W. Pratz
- Department of Medicine, Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Martin P. Carroll
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 715 Biomedical Research Building II/III, 421 Curie Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Correspondence:
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Yi Y, Ge S. Targeting the histone H3 lysine 79 methyltransferase DOT1L in MLL-rearranged leukemias. J Hematol Oncol 2022; 15:35. [PMID: 35331314 PMCID: PMC8944089 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-022-01251-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Disrupting the methylation of telomeric silencing 1-like (DOT1L)-mediated histone H3 lysine 79 has been implicated in MLL fusion-mediated leukemogenesis. Recently, DOT1L has become an attractive therapeutic target for MLL-rearranged leukemias. Rigorous studies have been performed, and much progress has been achieved. Moreover, one DOT1L inhibitor, EPZ-5676, has entered clinical trials, but its clinical activity is modest. Here, we review the recent advances and future trends of various therapeutic strategies against DOT1L for MLL-rearranged leukemias, including DOT1L enzymatic activity inhibitors, DOT1L degraders, protein-protein interaction (PPI) inhibitors, and combinatorial interventions. In addition, the limitations, challenges, and prospects of these therapeutic strategies are discussed. In summary, we present a general overview of DOT1L as a target in MLL-rearranged leukemias to provide valuable guidance for DOT1L-associated drug development in the future. Although a variety of DOT1L enzymatic inhibitors have been identified, most of them require further optimization. Recent advances in the development of small molecule degraders, including heterobifunctional degraders and molecular glues, provide valuable insights and references for DOT1L degraders. However, drug R&D strategies and platforms need to be developed and preclinical experiments need to be performed with the purpose of blocking DOT1L-associated PPIs. DOT1L epigenetic-based combination therapy is worth considering and exploring, but the therapy should be based on a thorough understanding of the regulatory mechanism of DOT1L epigenetic modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Yi
- Departments of Hematology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Shenglei Ge
- Departments of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 139 Renmin Middle Street, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, People's Republic of China.
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10
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Differentiation therapy for myeloid malignancies: beyond cytotoxicity. Blood Cancer J 2021; 11:193. [PMID: 34864823 PMCID: PMC8643352 DOI: 10.1038/s41408-021-00584-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Blocked cellular differentiation is a central pathologic feature of the myeloid malignancies, myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Treatment regimens promoting differentiation have resulted in incredible cure rates in certain AML subtypes, such as acute promyelocytic leukemia. Over the past several years, we have seen many new therapies for MDS/AML enter clinical practice, including epigenetic therapies (e.g., 5-azacitidine), isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) inhibitors, fms-like kinase 3 (FLT3) inhibitors, and lenalidomide for deletion 5q (del5q) MDS. Despite not being developed with the intent of manipulating differentiation, induction of differentiation is a major mechanism by which several of these novel agents function. In this review, we examine the new therapeutic landscape for these diseases, focusing on the role of hematopoietic differentiation and the impact of inflammation and aging. We review how current therapies in MDS/AML promote differentiation as a part of their therapeutic effect, and the cellular mechanisms by which this occurs. We then outline potential novel avenues to achieve differentiation in the myeloid malignancies for therapeutic purposes. This emerging body of knowledge about the importance of relieving differentiation blockade with anti-neoplastic therapies is important to understand how current novel agents function and may open avenues to developing new treatments that explicitly target cellular differentiation. Moving beyond cytotoxic agents has the potential to open new and unexpected avenues in the treatment of myeloid malignancies, hopefully providing more efficacy with reduced toxicity.
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Disruptor of telomeric silencing 1-like promotes ovarian cancer tumor growth by stimulating pro-tumorigenic metabolic pathways and blocking apoptosis. Oncogenesis 2021; 10:48. [PMID: 34253709 PMCID: PMC8275629 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-021-00339-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of gynecological malignancy-related deaths. Current therapies for ovarian cancer do not provide meaningful and sustainable clinical benefits, highlighting the need for new therapies. We show that the histone H3K79 methyltransferase disruptor of telomeric silencing 1-like (DOT1L) is overexpressed in ovarian cancer and that a higher level of DOT1L expression correlates with shorter progression-free and overall survival (OS). Pharmacological inhibition of DOT1L (EPZ-5676, EPZ004777, and SGC0946) or genetic inhibition of DOT1L attenuates the growth of ovarian cancer cells in cell culture and in a mouse xenograft model of ovarian cancer. Transcriptome-wide mRNA expression profiling shows that DOT1L inhibition results in the downregulation of genes involved in cellular biosynthesis pathways and the upregulation of proapoptotic genes. Consistent with the results of transcriptome analysis, the unbiased large-scale metabolomic analysis showed reduced levels of several metabolites of the amino acid and nucleotide biosynthesis pathways after DOT1L inhibition. DOT1L inhibition also resulted in the upregulation of the NKG2D ligand ULBP1 and subsequent increase in natural killer (NK) cell-mediated ovarian cancer eradication. Collectively, our results demonstrate that DOT1L promotes ovarian cancer tumor growth by regulating apoptotic and metabolic pathways as well as NK cell-mediated eradication of ovarian cancer and identifies DOT1L as a new pharmacological target for ovarian cancer therapy.
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12
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Fathi AT, Stein EM, DiNardo CD, Levis MJ, Montesinos P, Botton S. Differentiation syndrome with lower-intensity treatments for acute myeloid leukemia. Am J Hematol 2021; 96:735-746. [PMID: 33625753 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.26142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Differentiation Syndrome (DS) has been identified in a subset of patients undergoing treatment with novel classes of differentiating therapies for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) such as IDH and FLT3 inhibitors. While DS is a well-known treatment-related complication in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), efforts are still ongoing to standardize diagnostic and treatment parameters for DS in AML. Though the rates of incidence vary, many of the signs and symptoms of DS are common between APL and AML. So, DS can lead to fatal complications in AML, but prompt management is usually effective and rarely necessitates interruption or discontinuation of AML therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir T. Fathi
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center Boston Massachusetts USA
- Harvard Medical School Boston Massachusetts USA
| | - Eytan M. Stein
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center New York New York USA
- Weill Cornell Medical College New York New York USA
| | | | - Mark J. Levis
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center Johns Hopkins University Baltimore Maryland USA
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13
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Antherieu G, Bidet A, Huet S, Hayette S, Migeon M, Boureau L, Sujobert P, Thomas X, Ghesquières H, Pigneux A, Heiblig M. Allogenic Stem Cell Transplantation Abrogates Negative Impact on Outcome of AML Patients with KMT2A Partial Tandem Duplication. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13092272. [PMID: 34068470 PMCID: PMC8126020 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13092272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, a new subset of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) presenting a direct partial tandem duplication (PTD) of the KMT2A gene was described. The consequences of this alteration in terms of outcome and response to treatment remain unclear. We analyzed retrospectively a cohort of KMT2A-PTD-mutated patients with newly diagnosed AML. With a median follow-up of 3.6 years, the median overall survival was 12.1 months. KMT2A-PTD-mutated patients were highly enriched in mutations affecting epigenetic actors and the RTK/RAS signaling pathway. Integrating KMT2A-PTD in ELN classification abrogates its predictive value on survival suggesting that this mutation may overcome other genomic marker effects. In patients receiving intensive chemotherapy, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) significantly improved the outcome compared to non-transplanted patients. In the multivariate analysis, only HSCT at any time in complete remission (HR = 2.35; p = 0.034) and FLT3-ITD status (HR = 0.29; p = 0.014) were independent variables associated with overall survival, whereas age was not. In conclusion, our results emphasize that KMT2A-PTD should be considered as a potential adverse prognostic factor. However, as KMT2A-PTD-mutated patients are usually considered an intermediate risk group, upfront HSCT should be considered in first CR due to the high relapse rate observed in this subset of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Antherieu
- Department of Hematology, Lyon-Sud Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69495 Pierre Bénite, France; (G.A.); (X.T.); (H.G.)
| | - Audrey Bidet
- Hematology Biology, Molecular Hematology, Bordeaux University Hospital, 33600 Pessac, France; (A.B.); (M.M.); (L.B.)
| | - Sarah Huet
- Department of Molecular Hematology, Lyon-Sud Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69495 Pierre Bénite, France; (S.H.); (S.H.); (P.S.)
| | - Sandrine Hayette
- Department of Molecular Hematology, Lyon-Sud Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69495 Pierre Bénite, France; (S.H.); (S.H.); (P.S.)
| | - Marina Migeon
- Hematology Biology, Molecular Hematology, Bordeaux University Hospital, 33600 Pessac, France; (A.B.); (M.M.); (L.B.)
| | - Lisa Boureau
- Hematology Biology, Molecular Hematology, Bordeaux University Hospital, 33600 Pessac, France; (A.B.); (M.M.); (L.B.)
| | - Pierre Sujobert
- Department of Molecular Hematology, Lyon-Sud Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69495 Pierre Bénite, France; (S.H.); (S.H.); (P.S.)
| | - Xavier Thomas
- Department of Hematology, Lyon-Sud Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69495 Pierre Bénite, France; (G.A.); (X.T.); (H.G.)
| | - Hervé Ghesquières
- Department of Hematology, Lyon-Sud Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69495 Pierre Bénite, France; (G.A.); (X.T.); (H.G.)
| | - Arnaud Pigneux
- Hematology and Cell Therapy, Bordeaux University Hospital, 33600 Pessac, France;
| | - Mael Heiblig
- Department of Hematology, Lyon-Sud Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69495 Pierre Bénite, France; (G.A.); (X.T.); (H.G.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-478-862-240; Fax: +33-472-678-880
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14
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Qi HZ, Xu N, Xu J, Dai M, Liu H, Yu GP, Fan ZP, Huang F, Shi PC, Sun J, Liu QF, Zhang Y. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation overcomes the poor prognosis in MLL-rearranged solid tumor therapy related-acute myeloid leukemia. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:1683-1696. [PMID: 33948382 PMCID: PMC8085874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
MLL rearrangement is very common in solid tumor therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia (t-AML). To investigated the prognosis of solid tumor MLL t-AML, 157 patients were divided into 3 groups: non-MLL t-AML (n=41), MLL t-AML (n=18) and MLL de novo AML (n=98). Of the 150 patients underwent anti-leukemia therapy, the complete remission (CR) was similar in MLL t-AML, non-MLL t-AML and MLL de novo AML (P=0.251). 3-years overall survival (OS) was 37.5%, 21.5% and 20.4% (P=0.046), and leukemia-free survival (LFS) was 28.0%, 32.2% and 22.7% (P=0.031), and the incidence of relapse was 30.0%, 50.4% and 53.5% (P=0.382), respectively, in the three groups. Multivariate analysis revealed that MLL t-AML was a risk factor while allo-HSCT was a protective factor for OS, LFS, and relapse (P<0.001, P<0.001 and P=0.005) (P=0.002, P<0.001 and P<0.001, respectively). The 3-years OS was 0%, 17.9% and 2.3% (P=0.038), and LFS was 0%, 23.1% and 3.3% (P=0.017), and relapse was 100%, 53.1% and 74.4% (P=0.001), respectively, among three groups in patients undergoing chemotherapy alone, while OS was 64.3%, 52.7% and 40.7% (P=0.713), LFS was 60.0%, 48.8% and 37.0% (P=0.934), and relapse was 25.0%, 47.4% and 47.5% (P=0.872), respectively, among these groups in patients undergoing allo-HSCT. Intriguingly, MLL t-AML was no longer risk factor for relapse and LFS (P=0.882 and P=0.484, respectively), and it became a favorable factor for OS (P=0.011) in patients undergoing allo-HSCT. In conclusion, MLL t-AML had poor prognosis compared with non-MLL t-AML and MLL de novo AML, but allo-HSCT might overcome the poor prognosis of MLL t-AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han-Zhou Qi
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University Guangzhou, China
| | - Na Xu
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun Xu
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University Guangzhou, China
| | - Min Dai
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University Guangzhou, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University Guangzhou, China
| | - Guo-Pan Yu
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Ping Fan
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University Guangzhou, China
| | - Fen Huang
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University Guangzhou, China
| | - Peng-Cheng Shi
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing Sun
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University Guangzhou, China
| | - Qi-Fa Liu
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University Guangzhou, China
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15
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Li X, Song Y. Structure, function and inhibition of critical protein-protein interactions involving mixed lineage leukemia 1 and its fusion oncoproteins. J Hematol Oncol 2021; 14:56. [PMID: 33823889 PMCID: PMC8022399 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-021-01057-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mixed lineage leukemia 1 (MLL1, also known as MLL or KMT2A) is an important transcription factor and histone-H3 lysine-4 (H3K4) methyltransferase. It is a master regulator for transcription of important genes (e.g., Hox genes) for embryonic development and hematopoiesis. However, it is largely dispensable in matured cells. Dysregulation of MLL1 leads to overexpression of certain Hox genes and eventually leukemia initiation. Chromosome translocations involving MLL1 cause ~ 75% of acute leukemia in infants and 5–10% in children and adults with a poor prognosis. Targeted therapeutics against oncogenic fusion MLL1 (onco-MLL1) are therefore needed. Onco-MLL1 consists of the N-terminal DNA-interacting domains of MLL1 fused with one of > 70 fusion partners, among which transcription cofactors AF4, AF9 and its paralog ENL, and ELL are the most frequent. Wild-type (WT)- and onco-MLL1 involve numerous protein–protein interactions (PPI), which play critical roles in regulating gene expression in normal physiology and leukemia. Moreover, WT-MLL1 has been found to be essential for MLL1-rearranged (MLL1-r) leukemia. Rigorous studies of such PPIs have been performed and much progress has been achieved in understanding their structures, structure–function relationships and the mechanisms for activating gene transcription as well as leukemic transformation. Inhibition of several critical PPIs by peptides, peptidomimetic or small-molecule compounds has been explored as a therapeutic approach for MLL1-r leukemia. This review summarizes the biological functions, biochemistry, structure and inhibition of the critical PPIs involving MLL1 and its fusion partner proteins. In addition, challenges and perspectives of drug discovery targeting these PPIs for the treatment of MLL1-r leukemia are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Yongcheng Song
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA. .,Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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16
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Bhat KP, Ümit Kaniskan H, Jin J, Gozani O. Epigenetics and beyond: targeting writers of protein lysine methylation to treat disease. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2021; 20:265-286. [PMID: 33469207 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-020-00108-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Protein lysine methylation is a crucial post-translational modification that regulates the functions of both histone and non-histone proteins. Deregulation of the enzymes or 'writers' of protein lysine methylation, lysine methyltransferases (KMTs), is implicated in the cause of many diseases, including cancer, mental health disorders and developmental disorders. Over the past decade, significant advances have been made in developing drugs to target KMTs that are involved in histone methylation and epigenetic regulation. The first of these inhibitors, tazemetostat, was recently approved for the treatment of epithelioid sarcoma and follicular lymphoma, and several more are in clinical and preclinical evaluation. Beyond chromatin, the many KMTs that regulate protein synthesis and other fundamental biological processes are emerging as promising new targets for drug development to treat diverse diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamakoti P Bhat
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - H Ümit Kaniskan
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jian Jin
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. .,Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. .,Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. .,Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Or Gozani
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
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17
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Shi W, Jin W, Xia L, Hu Y. Novel agents targeting leukemia cells and immune microenvironment for prevention and treatment of relapse of acute myeloid leukemia after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Acta Pharm Sin B 2020; 10:2125-2139. [PMID: 32837873 PMCID: PMC7326461 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2020.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Relapse remains the worst life-threatening complications after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), whose prognosis has been historically dismal. Given the rapid development of genomics and immunotherapies, the interference strategies for AML recurrence have been changing these years. More and more novel targeting agents that have received the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for de novo AML treatment have been administrated in the salvage or maintenance therapy of post-HSCT relapse. Targeted strategies that regulate the immune microenvironment of and optimize the graft versus leukemia (GVL) effect of immune cells are gradually improved. Such agents not only have been proven to achieve clinical benefits from a single drug, but if combined with classic therapies, can significantly improve the poor prognosis of AML patients who relapse after allo-HSCT. This review will focus on currently available and promising upcoming agents and also discuss the challenges and limitations of targeted therapies in the allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Shi
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109-1024, USA
| | - Weiwei Jin
- Department of Cardiovascular, Optical Valley School District, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430061, China
- Hubei Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Linghui Xia
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Yu Hu
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
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18
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Chen ZH, Chen TQ, Zeng ZC, Wang D, Han C, Sun YM, Huang W, Sun LY, Fang K, Chen YQ, Luo XQ, Wang WT. Nuclear export of chimeric mRNAs depends on an lncRNA-triggered autoregulatory loop in blood malignancies. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:566. [PMID: 32703936 PMCID: PMC7378249 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-02795-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Revised: 07/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Aberrant chromosomal translocations leading to tumorigenesis have been ascribed to the heterogeneously oncogenic functions. However, how fusion transcripts exporting remains to be declared. Here, we showed that the nuclear speckle-specific long noncoding RNA MALAT1 controls chimeric mRNA export processes and regulates myeloid progenitor cell differentiation in malignant hematopoiesis. We demonstrated that MALAT1 regulates chimeric mRNAs export in an m6A-dependent manner and thus controls hematopoietic cell differentiation. Specifically, reducing MALAT1 or m6A methyltransferases and the 'reader' YTHDC1 result in the universal retention of distinct oncogenic gene mRNAs in nucleus. Mechanically, MALAT1 hijacks both the chimeric mRNAs and fusion proteins in nuclear speckles during chromosomal translocations and mediates the colocalization of oncogenic fusion proteins with METTL14. MALAT1 and fusion protein complexes serve as a functional loading bridge for the interaction of chimeric mRNA and METTL14. This study demonstrated a universal mechanism of chimeric mRNA transport that involves lncRNA-fusion protein-m6A autoregulatory loop for controlling myeloid cell differentiation. Targeting the lncRNA-triggered autoregulatory loop to disrupt chimeric mRNA transport might represent a new common paradigm for treating blood malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen-Hua Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 510275, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tian-Qi Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 510275, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhan-Cheng Zeng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 510275, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dan Wang
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, 510060, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Cai Han
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 510275, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu-Meng Sun
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 510275, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Huang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 510275, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lin-Yu Sun
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 510275, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ke Fang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 510275, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yue-Qin Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 510275, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xue-Qun Luo
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 510080, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wen-Tao Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 510275, Guangzhou, China.
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19
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Qiao J, Chen Y, Mi Y, Jin H, Wang L, Huang T, Li H, Song Y, Cao J, Wu B, Wang Q, Zou Z. Macrophages confer resistance to BET inhibition in triple-negative breast cancer by upregulating IKBKE. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 180:114126. [PMID: 32603665 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BET inhibitors (BETi) exhibit a strong anti-tumor activity in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). However, BETi resistance has been reported in TNBC. The mechanisms of resistance have not been demonstrated. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are frequently involved in cancer cells resistance to chemotherapy, also associated with poor prognosis in TNBC. However, the role of TAMs in BETi resistance remains unknown. Here, we found that BETi JQ1 and I-BET151 exerted anti-tumor effects in TNBC by decreasing IKBKE expression to attenuate NF-κB signaling. TAMs have been reported to associate with chemoresistance in breast cancer. Here, we firstly found that TNBC-stimulated TAMs activated NF-κB signaling by upregulating IKBKE expression to enhance breast cancer cells resistance to BETi. The IKBKE levels were also proved to be higher in clinical TNBC tissues than Non-TNBC tissues, suggesting feedback induction of IKBKE expression by TNBC-stimulated TAMs in TNBC. Moreover, the induction of IKBKE by TAMs in TNBC cells was identified to be associated with STAT3 signaling, which was activated by TAM-secreted IL-6 and IL-10. Lastly, the combination of inhibitors of BET and STAT3 exerted a synergistic inhibition effects in TAM-cocultured or TAM CM-treated TNBC cells in vitro and in vivo. Altogether, our findings illustrated TNBC-activated macrophages conferred TNBC cells resistance to BETi via IL-6 or IL-10/STAT3/IKBKE/NF-κB axis. Blockade of IKBKE or double inhibition of BET and STAT3 might be a novel strategy for treatment of TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianghua Qiao
- Department of Breast Disease, Henan Breast Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital. Zhengzhou 450008 China
| | - Yibing Chen
- Genetic and Prenatal Diagnosis Center, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Yanjun Mi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Antitumor Drug Transformation Research and Thoracic Tumor Diagnosis & Treatment, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Teaching Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Xiamen 361003, China
| | - Huan Jin
- MOE Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science, Institute of Laser Life Science, College of Biophotonics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science, College of Biophotonics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Lina Wang
- Department of Breast Disease, Henan Breast Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital. Zhengzhou 450008 China
| | - Ting Huang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science, Institute of Laser Life Science, College of Biophotonics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science, College of Biophotonics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Haolong Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science, Institute of Laser Life Science, College of Biophotonics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science, College of Biophotonics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Yucen Song
- Genetic and Prenatal Diagnosis Center, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Jun Cao
- Genetic and Prenatal Diagnosis Center, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Baoyan Wu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science, Institute of Laser Life Science, College of Biophotonics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science, College of Biophotonics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Qiming Wang
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital. Zhengzhou 450008, China.
| | - Zhengzhi Zou
- MOE Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science, Institute of Laser Life Science, College of Biophotonics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science, College of Biophotonics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China.
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20
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Wang WT, Chen TQ, Zeng ZC, Pan Q, Huang W, Han C, Fang K, Sun LY, Yang QQ, Wang D, Luo XQ, Sun YM, Chen YQ. The lncRNA LAMP5-AS1 drives leukemia cell stemness by directly modulating DOT1L methyltransferase activity in MLL leukemia. J Hematol Oncol 2020; 13:78. [PMID: 32552847 PMCID: PMC7302350 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-020-00909-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mixed-lineage leukemia (MLL) gene rearrangements trigger aberrant epigenetic modification and gene expression in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, which generates one of the most aggressive subtypes of leukemia with an apex self-renewal. It remains a challenge to directly inhibit rearranged MLL itself because of its multiple fusion partners and the poorly annotated downstream genes of MLL fusion proteins; therefore, novel therapeutic targets are urgently needed. METHODS qRT-PCR, receiver operating characteristic (ROC), and leukemia-free survival analysis were used to validate LAMP5-AS1 (LAMP5 antisense 1) expression and evaluate its clinical value. We performed in vitro and in vivo experiments to investigate the functional relevance of LAMP5-AS1 in MLL leukemia progression and leukemia cell stemness. RNA electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA), histone methyltransferase assay, RNA pull-down assay, and RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were used to validate the relationship between LAMP5-AS1 and the methyltransferase activity of DOT1L. The downstream ectopic target genes of LAMP5-AS1/DOT1L were validated by the chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and western blot. RESULTS We discovered that a long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) LAMP5-AS1 can promote higher degrees of H3K79 methylation, followed by upregulated expression of the self-renewal genes in the HOXA cluster, which are responsible for leukemia stemness in context of MLL rearrangements. We found that LAMP5-AS1 is specifically overexpressed in MLL leukemia patients (n = 58) than that in the MLL-wt leukemia (n = 163) (p < 0.001), and the patients with a higher expression level of LAMP5-AS1 exhibited a reduced 5-year leukemia-free survival (p < 0.01). LAMP5-AS1 suppression significantly reduced colony formation and increased differentiation of primary MLL leukemia CD34+ cells. Mechanistically, LAMP5-AS1 facilitated the methyltransferase activity of DOT1L by directly binding its Lys-rich region of catalytic domain, thus promoting the global patterns of H3K79 dimethylation and trimethylation in cells. These observations supported that LAMP5-AS1 upregulated H3K79me2/me3 and the transcription of DOT1L ectopic target genes. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study that a lncRNA regulates the self-renewal program and differentiation block in MLL leukemia cells by facilitating the methyltransferase activity of DOT1L and global H3K79 methylation, showing its potential as a therapeutic target for MLL leukemia.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Cell Self Renewal/genetics
- Child, Preschool
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation, Leukemic/genetics
- Genetic Vectors/genetics
- Heterografts
- Histone-Lysine N-Methyltransferase/genetics
- Histone-Lysine N-Methyltransferase/metabolism
- Histones/metabolism
- Homeodomain Proteins/metabolism
- Humans
- Infant
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/enzymology
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/genetics
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/pathology
- Lysine/metabolism
- Lysosomal Membrane Proteins/genetics
- Male
- Methylation
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred NOD
- Mice, SCID
- Myeloid-Lymphoid Leukemia Protein/genetics
- Neoplastic Stem Cells/enzymology
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/genetics
- Precursor B-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/enzymology
- Precursor B-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/genetics
- Precursor B-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/pathology
- Primary Cell Culture
- Protein Processing, Post-Translational
- RNA Interference
- RNA, Antisense/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Neoplasm/genetics
- RNA, Small Interfering/genetics
- RNA, Small Interfering/pharmacology
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/metabolism
- Specific Pathogen-Free Organisms
- Tumor Cells, Cultured
- Tumor Stem Cell Assay
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Tao Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275 China
| | - Tian-Qi Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275 China
| | - Zhan-Cheng Zeng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275 China
| | - Qi Pan
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275 China
| | - Wei Huang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275 China
| | - Cai Han
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275 China
| | - Ke Fang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275 China
| | - Lin-Yu Sun
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275 China
| | - Qian-Qian Yang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275 China
| | - Dan Wang
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangzhou, 510060 Guangdong China
| | - Xue-Qun Luo
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080 China
| | - Yu-Meng Sun
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275 China
| | - Yue-Qin Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275 China
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21
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Banday S, Farooq Z, Ganai SA, Altaf M. Therapeutic strategies against hDOT1L as a potential drug target in MLL-rearranged leukemias. Clin Epigenetics 2020; 12:73. [PMID: 32450905 PMCID: PMC7249331 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-020-00860-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic intervention of proteins participating in chromatin-mediated signaling with small-molecules is a novel option to reprogram expression networks for restraining disease states. Protein methyltransferases form the prominent family of such proteins regulating gene expression via epigenetic mechanisms thereby representing novel targets for pharmacological intervention. Disruptor of telomeric silencing, hDot1L is the only non-SET domain containing histone methyltransferase that methylates histone H3 at lysine 79. H3K79 methylation mediated by hDot1L plays a crucial role in mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) pathosis. MLL fusion protein mediated mistargeting of DOT1L to aberrant gene locations results in ectopic H3K79 methylation culminating in aberrant expression of leukemogenic genes like HOXA9 and MEIS1. hDOT1L has thus been proposed as a potential target for therapeutic intervention in MLL. This review presents the general overview of hDOT1L and its functional role in distinct biological processes. Furthermore, we discuss various therapeutic strategies against hDOT1L as a promising drug target to vanquish therapeutically challenging MLL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahid Banday
- Chromatin and Epigenetics Lab, Department of Biotechnology, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal, Srinagar, 190006, India
| | - Zeenat Farooq
- Chromatin and Epigenetics Lab, Department of Biotechnology, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal, Srinagar, 190006, India
| | - Shabir Ahmad Ganai
- Chromatin and Epigenetics Lab, Department of Biotechnology, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal, Srinagar, 190006, India.,Present Address: Division of Basic Sciences and Humanities, Faculty of Agriculture, SKUAST-Kashmir, Wadura, Sopore, Jammu and Kashmir, 193201, India
| | - Mohammad Altaf
- Chromatin and Epigenetics Lab, Department of Biotechnology, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal, Srinagar, 190006, India. .,Centre for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovations, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal, Srinagar, 190006, India.
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22
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Characterization of the Menin-MLL Interaction as Therapeutic Cancer Target. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12010201. [PMID: 31947537 PMCID: PMC7016952 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12010201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Inhibiting the interaction of menin with the histone methyltransferase MLL1 (KMT2A) has recently emerged as a novel therapeutic strategy. Beneficial therapeutic effects have been postulated in leukemia, prostate, breast, liver and in synovial sarcoma models. In those indications, MLL1 recruitment by menin was described to critically regulate the expression of disease associated genes. However, most findings so far rely on single study reports. Here we independently evaluated the pathogenic functions of the menin-MLL interaction in a large set of different cancer models with a potent and selective probe inhibitor BAY-155. We characterized the inhibition of the menin-MLL interaction for anti-proliferation, gene transcription effects, and for efficacy in several in vivo xenografted tumor models. We found a specific therapeutic activity of BAY-155 primarily in AML/ALL models. In solid tumors, we observed anti-proliferative effects of BAY-155 in a surprisingly limited fraction of cell line models. These findings were further validated in vivo. Overall, our study using a novel, highly selective and potent inhibitor, shows that the menin-MLL interaction is not essential for the survival of most solid cancer models. We can confirm that disrupting the menin-MLL complex has a selective therapeutic benefit in MLL-fused leukemia. In solid cancers, effects are restricted to single models and more limited than previously claimed.
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