The histone methyltransferase DOT1L is required for proper DNA damage response, DNA repair, and modulates chemotherapy responsiveness

DOT1L-mediated RAP80 methylation promotes BRCA1 recruitment to elicit DNA repair

Breast Cancer Type 1 Susceptibility Protein (BRCA1) is a tumor-suppressor protein that regulates various cellular pathways, including those that are essential for preserving genome stability. One essential mechanism involves a BRCA1-A complex that is recruited to double-strand breaks (DSBs) by RAP80 before initiating DNA damage repair (DDR). How RAP80 itself is recruited to DNA damage sites, however, is unclear. Here, we demonstrate an intrinsic correlation between a methyltransferase DOT1L-mediated RAP80 methylation and BRCA1-A complex chromatin recruitment that occurs during cancer cell radiotherapy resistance. Mechanistically, DOT1L is quickly recruited onto chromatin and methylates RAP80 at multiple lysines in response to DNA damage. Methylated RAP80 is then indispensable for binding to ubiquitinated H2A and subsequently triggering BRCA1-A complex recruitment onto DSBs. Importantly, DOT1L-catalyzed RAP80 methylation and recruitment of BRCA1 have clinical relevance, as inhibition of DOT1L or RAP80 methylation seems to enhance the radiosensitivity of cancer cells both in vivo and in vitro. These data reveal a crucial role for DOT1L in DDR through initiating recruitment of RAP80 and BRCA1 onto chromatin and underscore a therapeutic strategy based on targeting DOT1L to overcome tumor radiotherapy resistance.

Keep calm and reboot - how cells restart transcription after DNA damage and DNA repair

The effects of genotoxic agents on DNA and the processes involved in their removal have been thoroughly studied; however, very little is known about the mechanisms governing the reinstatement of cellular activities after DNA repair, despite restoration of the damage-induced block of transcription being essential for cell survival. In addition to impeding transcription, DNA lesions have the potential to disrupt the precise positioning of chromatin domains within the nucleus and alter the meticulously organized architecture of the nucleolus. Alongside the necessity of resuming transcription mediated by RNA polymerase 1 and 2 transcription, it is crucial to restore the structure of the nucleolus to facilitate optimal ribosome biogenesis and ensure efficient and error-free translation. Here, we examine the current understanding of how transcriptional activity from RNA polymerase 2 is reinstated following DNA repair completion and explore the mechanisms involved in reassembling the nucleolus to safeguard the correct progression of cellular functions. Given the lack of information on this vital function, this Review seeks to inspire researchers to explore deeper into this specific subject and offers essential suggestions on how to investigate this complex and nearly unexplored process further.

β-hydroxybutyrate resensitizes colorectal cancer cells to oxaliplatin by suppressing H3K79 methylation in vitro and in vivo

BACKGROUND

Ketone β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) has been reported to prevent tumor cell proliferation and improve drug resistance. However, the effectiveness of BHB in oxaliplatin (Oxa)-resistant colorectal cancer (CRC) and the underlying mechanism still require further proof.

METHODS

CRC-Oxa-resistant strains were established by increasing concentrations of CRC cells to Oxa. CRC-Oxa cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, migration, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were checked following BHB intervention in vitro. The subcutaneous and metastasis models were established to assess the effects of BHB on the growth and metastasis of CRC-Oxa in vivo. Eight Oxa responders and seven nonresponders with CRC were enrolled in the study. Then, the serum BHB level and H3K79me, H3K27ac, H3K14ac, and H3K9me levels in tissues were detected. DOT1L (H3K79me methyltransferase) gene knockdown or GNE-049 (H3K27ac inhibitor) use was applied to analyze further whether BHB reversed CRC-Oxa resistance via H3K79 demethylation and/or H3K27 deacetylation in vivo and in vitro.

RESULTS

Following BHB intervention based on Oxa, the proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT of CRC-Oxa cells and the growth and metastasis of transplanted tumors in mice were suppressed. Clinical analysis revealed that the differential change in BHB level was associated with drug resistance and was decreased in drug-resistant patient serum. The H3K79me, H3K27ac, and H3K14ac expressions in CRC were negatively correlated with BHB. Furthermore, results indicated that H3K79me inhibition may lead to BHB target deletion, resulting in its inability to function.

CONCLUSIONS

β-hydroxybutyrate resensitized CRC cells to Oxa by suppressing H3K79 methylation in vitro and in vivo.

An emerging maestro of immune regulation: how DOT1L orchestrates the harmonies of the immune system

The immune system comprises a complex yet tightly regulated network of cells and molecules that play a critical role in protecting the body from infection and disease. The activity and development of each immune cell is regulated in a myriad of ways including through the cytokine milieu, the availability of key receptors, via tailored intracellular signalling cascades, dedicated transcription factors and even by directly modulating gene accessibility and expression; the latter is more commonly known as epigenetic regulation. In recent years, epigenetic regulators have begun to emerge as key players involved in modulating the immune system. Among these, the lysine methyltransferase DOT1L has gained significant attention for its involvement in orchestrating immune cell formation and function. In this review we provide an overview of the role of DOT1L across the immune system and the implications of this role on health and disease. We begin by elucidating the general mechanisms of DOT1L-mediated histone methylation and its impact on gene expression within immune cells. Subsequently, we provide a detailed and comprehensive overview of recent studies that identify DOT1L as a crucial regulator of immune cell development, differentiation, and activation. Next, we discuss the potential mechanisms of DOT1L-mediated regulation of immune cell function and shed light on how DOT1L might be contributing to immune cell homeostasis and dysfunction. We then provide food for thought by highlighting some of the current obstacles and technical limitations precluding a more in-depth elucidation of DOT1L's role. Finally, we explore the potential therapeutic implications of targeting DOT1L in the context of immune-related diseases and discuss ongoing research efforts to this end. Overall, this review consolidates the current paradigm regarding DOT1L's role across the immune network and emphasises its critical role in governing the healthy immune system and its potential as a novel therapeutic target for immune-related diseases. A deeper understanding of DOT1L's immunomodulatory functions could pave the way for innovative therapeutic approaches which fine-tune the immune response to enhance or restore human health.

Proline-directed yeast and human MAP kinases phosphorylate the Dot1p/DOT1L histone H3K79 methyltransferase

Disruptor of telomeric silencing 1 (Dot1p) is an exquisitely conserved histone methyltransferase and is the sole enzyme responsible for H3K79 methylation in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. It has been shown to be highly phosphorylated in vivo; however, the upstream kinases that act on Dot1p are almost entirely unknown in yeast and all other eukaryotes. Here, we used in vitro and in vivo kinase discovery approaches to show that mitogen-activated protein kinase HOG1 (Hog1p) is a bona fide kinase of the Dot1p methyltransferase. In vitro kinase assays showed that Hog1p phosphorylates Dot1p at multiple sites, including at several proline-adjacent sites that are consistent with known Hog1p substrate preferences. The activity of Hog1p was specifically enhanced at these proline-adjacent sites on Dot1p upon Hog1p activation by the osmostress-responsive MAP kinase kinase PBS2 (Pbs2p). Genomic deletion of HOG1 reduced phosphorylation at specific sites on Dot1p in vivo, providing further evidence for Hog1p kinase activity on Dot1p in budding yeast cells. Phenotypic analysis of knockout and phosphosite mutant yeast strains revealed the importance of Hog1p-catalysed phosphorylation of Dot1p for cellular responses to ultraviolet-induced DNA damage. In mammalian systems, this kinase-substrate relationship was found to be conserved: human DOT1L (the ortholog of yeast Dot1p) can be phosphorylated by the proline-directed kinase p38β (also known as MAPK11; the ortholog of yeast Hog1p) at multiple sites in vitro. Taken together, our findings establish Hog1p and p38β as newly identified upstream kinases of the Dot1p/DOT1L H3K79 methyltransferase enzymes in eukaryotes.

PARP1-DOT1L transcription axis drives acquired resistance to PARP inhibitor in ovarian cancer

BACKGROUND

Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor (PARPi) resistance poses a significant challenge in ovarian carcinoma (OC). While the role of DOT1L in cancer and chemoresistance is acknowledged, its specific role in PARPi resistance remains unclear. This study aims to elucidate the molecular mechanism of DOT1L in PARPi resistance in OC patients.

METHODS

This study analyzed the expression of DOT1L in PARPi-resistant cell lines compared to sensitive ones and correlated it with clinical outcomes in OC patients. Comprehensive in vitro and in vivo functional experiments were conducted using cellular and mouse models. Molecular investigations, including RNA sequencing, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and Cleavage Under Targets and Tagmentation (CUT&Tag) assays, were employed to unravel the molecular mechanisms of DOT1L-mediated PARPi resistance.

RESULTS

Our investigation revealed a robust correlation between DOT1L expression and clinical PARPi resistance in non-BRCA mutated OC cells. Upregulated DOT1L expression in PARPi-resistant tissues was associated with diminished survival in OC patients. Mechanistically, we identified that PARP1 directly binds to the DOT1L gene promoter, promoting transcription independently of its enzyme activity. PARP1 trapping induced by PARPi treatment amplified this binding, enhancing DOT1L transcription and contributing to drug resistance. Sequencing analysis revealed that DOT1L plays a crucial role in the transcriptional regulation of PLCG2 and ABCB1 via H3K79me2. This established the PARP1-DOT1L-PLCG2/ABCB1 axis as a key contributor to PARPi resistance. Furthermore, we discovered that combining a DOT1L inhibitor with PARPi demonstrated a synergistic effect in both cell line-derived xenograft mouse models (CDXs) and patient-derived organoids (PDOs).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate that DOT1L is an independent prognostic marker for OC patients. The PARP1-DOT1L/H3K79me2-PLCG2/ABCB1 axis is identified as a pivotal contributor to PARPi resistance. Targeted inhibition of DOT1L emerges as a promising therapeutic strategy for enhancing PARPi treatment outcomes in OC patients.

Histone and DNA Methylation as Epigenetic Regulators of DNA Damage Repair in Gastric Cancer and Emerging Therapeutic Opportunities

Gastric cancer (GC), one of the most common malignancies worldwide, is a heterogeneous disease developing from the accumulation of genetic and epigenetic changes. One of the most critical epigenetic alterations in GC is DNA and histone methylation, which affects multiple processes in the cell nucleus, including gene expression and DNA damage repair (DDR). Indeed, the aberrant expression of histone methyltransferases and demethylases influences chromatin accessibility to the DNA repair machinery; moreover, overexpression of DNA methyltransferases results in promoter hypermethylation, which can suppress the transcription of genes involved in DNA repair. Several DDR mechanisms have been recognized so far, with homologous recombination (HR) being the main pathway involved in the repair of double-strand breaks. An increasing number of defective HR genes are emerging in GC, resulting in the identification of important determinants of therapeutic response to DDR inhibitors. This review describes how both histone and DNA methylation affect DDR in the context of GC and discusses how alterations in DDR can help identify new molecular targets to devise more effective therapeutic strategies for GC, with a particular focus on HR-deficient tumors.

Nucleophosmin 1 cooperates with the methyltransferase DOT1L to preserve peri-nucleolar heterochromatin organization by regulating H3K27me3 levels and DNA repeats expression

BACKGROUND

NPM1 is a phosphoprotein highly abundant in the nucleolus. However, additional nuclear functions have been attributed to NPM1, probably through interaction with other nuclear factors. DOT1L is one interaction partner of NPM1 that catalyzes methylation of histone H3 at lysine 79 (H3K79). DOT1L, playing functional roles in several biological processes, is known for its capability to organize and regulate chromatin. For example, DOT1L modulates DNA repeats expression within peri-nucleolar heterochromatin. NPM1 also affects peri-nucleolar heterochromatin spatial organization. However, it is unclear as of yet whether NPM1 and DOT1L functionally synergize to preserve nucleoli organization and genome stability, and generally, which molecular mechanisms would be involved.

RESULTS

We characterized the nuclear function of NPM1 on peri-nucleolar heterochromatin organization. We show that (i) monomeric NPM1 interacts preferentially with DOT1L in the nucleus; (ii) NPM1 acts in concert with DOT1L to maintain each other's protein homeostasis; (iii) NPM1 depletion results in H3K79me2 upregulation and differential enrichment at chromatin binding genes including Ezh2; (iv) NPM1 and DOT1L modulate DNA repeats expression and peri-nucleolar heterochromatin organization via epigenetic mechanisms dependent on H3K27me3.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings give insights into molecular mechanisms employed by NPM1 and DOT1L to regulate heterochromatin activity and structural organization around the nucleoli and shed light on one aspect of the complex role of both proteins in chromatin dynamics.

The role of histone H3 lysine demethylases in glioblastoma

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive primary brain tumor in adults with an average survival of 15-18 months. Part of its malignancy derives from epigenetic regulation that occurs as the tumor develops and after therapeutic treatment. Specifically, enzymes involved in removing methylations from histone proteins on chromatin, i.e., lysine demethylases (KDMs), have a significant impact on GBM biology and reoccurrence. This knowledge has paved the way to considering KDMs as potential targets for GBM treatment. For example, increases in trimethylation of histone H3 on the lysine 9 residue (H3K9me3) via inhibition of KDM4C and KDM7A has been shown to lead to cell death in Glioblastoma initiating cells. KDM6 has been shown to drive Glioma resistance to receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors and its inhibition decreases tumor resistance. In addition, increased expression of the histone methyltransferase MLL4 and UTX histone demethylase are associated with prolonged survival in a subset of GBM patients, potentially by regulating histone methylation on the promoter of the mgmt gene. Thus, the complexity of how histone modifiers contribute to glioblastoma pathology and disease progression is yet to be fully understood. To date, most of the current work on histone modifying enzymes in GBM are centered upon histone H3 demethylase enzymes. In this mini-review, we summarize the current knowledge on the role of histone H3 demethylase enzymes in Glioblastoma tumor biology and therapy resistance. The objective of this work is to highlight the current and future potential areas of research for GBM epigenetics therapy.

Post-translational modifications of histones: Mechanisms, biological functions, and therapeutic targets

Histones are DNA-binding basic proteins found in chromosomes. After the histone translation, its amino tail undergoes various modifications, such as methylation, acetylation, phosphorylation, ubiquitination, malonylation, propionylation, butyrylation, crotonylation, and lactylation, which together constitute the "histone code." The relationship between their combination and biological function can be used as an important epigenetic marker. Methylation and demethylation of the same histone residue, acetylation and deacetylation, phosphorylation and dephosphorylation, and even methylation and acetylation between different histone residues cooperate or antagonize with each other, forming a complex network. Histone-modifying enzymes, which cause numerous histone codes, have become a hot topic in the research on cancer therapeutic targets. Therefore, a thorough understanding of the role of histone post-translational modifications (PTMs) in cell life activities is very important for preventing and treating human diseases. In this review, several most thoroughly studied and newly discovered histone PTMs are introduced. Furthermore, we focus on the histone-modifying enzymes with carcinogenic potential, their abnormal modification sites in various tumors, and multiple essential molecular regulation mechanism. Finally, we summarize the missing areas of the current research and point out the direction of future research. We hope to provide a comprehensive understanding and promote further research in this field.

PKCδ regulates chromatin remodeling and DNA repair through SIRT6

Protein kinase C delta (PKCδ) is a ubiquitous kinase whose function is defined in part by localization to specific cellular compartments. Nuclear PKCδ is both necessary and sufficient for IR-induced apoptosis, while inhibition of PKCδ activity provides radioprotection in vivo. How nuclear PKCδ regulates DNA-damage induced cell death is poorly understood. Here we show that PKCδ regulates histone modification, chromatin accessibility, and double stranded break (DSB) repair through a mechanism that requires SIRT6. Overexpression of PKCδ promotes genomic instability and increases DNA damage and apoptosis. Conversely, depletion of PKCδ increases DNA repair via non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) and homologous recombination (HR) as evidenced by more rapid formation of NHEJ (DNA-PK) and HR (Rad51) DNA damage foci, increased expression of repair proteins, and increased repair of NHEJ and HR fluorescent reporter constructs. Nuclease sensitivity indicates that PKCδ depletion is associated with more open chromatin, while overexpression of PKCδ reduces chromatin accessibility. Epiproteome analysis revealed that PKCδ depletion increases chromatin associated H3K36me2, and reduces ribosylation of KDM2A and chromatin bound KDM2A. We identify SIRT6 as a downstream mediator of PKCδ. PKCδ-depleted cells have increased expression of SIRT6, and depletion of SIRT6 reverses the changes in chromatin accessibility, histone modification and NHEJ and HR DNA repair seen with PKCδ-depletion. Furthermore, depletion of SIRT6 reverses radioprotection in PKCδ-depleted cells. Our studies describe a novel pathway whereby PKCδ orchestrates SIRT6-dependent changes in chromatin accessibility to increase DNA repair, and define a mechanism for regulation of radiation-induced apoptosis by PKCδ.

DOT1L promotes spermatid differentiation by regulating expression of genes required for histone-to-protamine replacement

Unique chromatin remodeling factors orchestrate dramatic changes in nuclear morphology during differentiation of the mature sperm head. A crucial step in this process is histone-to-protamine exchange, which must be executed correctly to avoid sperm DNA damage, embryonic lethality and male sterility. Here, we define an essential role for the histone methyltransferase DOT1L in the histone-to-protamine transition. We show that DOT1L is abundantly expressed in mouse meiotic and postmeiotic germ cells, and that methylation of histone H3 lysine 79 (H3K79), the modification catalyzed by DOT1L, is enriched in developing spermatids in the initial stages of histone replacement. Elongating spermatids lacking DOT1L fail to fully replace histones and exhibit aberrant protamine recruitment, resulting in deformed sperm heads and male sterility. Loss of DOT1L results in transcriptional dysregulation coinciding with the onset of histone replacement and affecting genes required for histone-to-protamine exchange. DOT1L also deposits H3K79me2 and promotes accumulation of elongating RNA Polymerase II at the testis-specific bromodomain gene Brdt. Together, our results indicate that DOT1L is an important mediator of transcription during spermatid differentiation and an indispensable regulator of male fertility.

Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Cancer: A 2022 Update

Gastric cancer is ranked fifth among the most commonly diagnosed cancers, and is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The majority of gastric cancers are sporadic, while only a small percentage, less than 1%, are hereditary. Hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC) is a rare malignancy, characterized by early-onset, highly-penetrant autosomal dominant inheritance mainly of the germline alterations in the E-cadherin gene (CDH1) and β-catenin (CTNNA1). In the present study, we provide an overview on the molecular basis of HDGC and outline the essential elements of genetic counseling and surveillance. We further provide a practical summary of current guidelines on clinical management and treatment of individuals at risk and patients with early disease.

Dipeptidyl peptidase 9 triggers BRCA2 degradation and promotes DNA damage repair

N-terminal sequences are important sites for post-translational modifications that alter protein localization, activity, and stability. Dipeptidyl peptidase 9 (DPP9) is a serine aminopeptidase with the rare ability to cleave off N-terminal dipeptides with imino acid proline in the second position. Here, we identify the tumor-suppressor BRCA2 as a DPP9 substrate and show this interaction to be induced by DNA damage. We present crystallographic structures documenting intracrystalline enzymatic activity of DPP9, with the N-terminal Met1-Pro2 of a BRCA21-40 peptide captured in its active site. Intriguingly, DPP9-depleted cells are hypersensitive to genotoxic agents and are impaired in the repair of DNA double-strand breaks by homologous recombination. Mechanistically, DPP9 targets BRCA2 for degradation and promotes the formation of RAD51 foci, the downstream function of BRCA2. N-terminal truncation mutants of BRCA2 that mimic a DPP9 product phenocopy reduced BRCA2 stability and rescue RAD51 foci formation in DPP9-deficient cells. Taken together, we present DPP9 as a regulator of BRCA2 stability and propose that by fine-tuning the cellular concentrations of BRCA2, DPP9 alters the BRCA2 interactome, providing a possible explanation for DPP9's role in cancer.

Targeting Histone Epigenetic Modifications and DNA Damage Responses in Synthetic Lethality Strategies in Cancer?

Synthetic lethality strategies are likely to be integrated in effective and specific cancer treatments. These strategies combine different specific targets, either in similar or cooperating pathways. Chromatin remodeling underlies, directly or indirectly, all processes of tumor biology. In this context, the combined targeting of proteins associated with different aspects of chromatin remodeling can be exploited to find new alternative targets or to improve treatment for specific individual tumors or patients. There are two major types of proteins, epigenetic modifiers of histones and nuclear or chromatin kinases, all of which are druggable targets. Among epigenetic enzymes, there are four major families: histones acetylases, deacetylases, methylases and demethylases. All these enzymes are druggable. Among chromatin kinases are those associated with DNA damage responses, such as Aurora A/B, Haspin, ATM, ATR, DNA-PK and VRK1-a nucleosomal histone kinase. All these proteins converge on the dynamic regulation chromatin organization, and its functions condition the tumor cell viability. Therefore, the combined targeting of these epigenetic enzymes, in synthetic lethality strategies, can sensitize tumor cells to toxic DNA-damage-based treatments, reducing their toxicity and the selective pressure for tumor resistance and increasing their immunogenicity, which will lead to an improvement in disease-free survival and quality of life.

TP53-dependent toxicity of CRISPR/Cas9 cuts is differential across genomic loci and can confound genetic screening

CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing can inactivate genes in a precise manner. This process involves DNA double-strand breaks (DSB), which may incur a loss of cell fitness. We hypothesize that DSB toxicity may be variable depending on the chromatin environment in the targeted locus. Here, by analyzing isogenic cell line pair CRISPR experiments jointly with previous screening data from across ~900 cell lines, we show that TP53-associated break toxicity is higher in genomic regions that harbor active chromatin, such as gene regulatory elements or transcription elongation histone marks. DSB repair pathway choice and DNA sequence context also associate with toxicity. We also show that, due to noise introduced by differential toxicity of sgRNA-targeted sites, the power of genetic screens to detect conditional essentiality is reduced in TP53 wild-type cells. Understanding the determinants of Cas9 cut toxicity will help improve design of CRISPR reagents to avoid incidental selection of TP53-deficient and/or DNA repair deficient cells.

Genome maintenance in retinoblastoma: Implications for therapeutic vulnerabilities (Review)

Retinoblastoma (RB) is a pediatric ocular malignancy that is initiated mostly by biallelic inactivation of the RB transcriptional corepressor 1 (RB1) tumor suppressor gene in the developing retina. Unlike the prevailing prediction based on multiple studies involving RB1 gene disruption in experimental models, human RB tumors have been demonstrated to possess a relatively stable genome, characterized by a low mutation rate and a few recurrent chromosomal alterations related to somatic copy number changes. This suggests that RB may harbor heightened genome maintenance mechanisms to counteract or compensate for the risk of massive genome instability, which can potentially be driven by the early RB1 loss as a tumor-initiating event. Although the genome maintenance mechanisms might have been evolved to promote RB cell survival by preventing lethal genomic defects, emerging evidence suggests that the dependency of RB cells on these mechanisms also exposes their unique vulnerability to chemotherapy, particularly when the genome maintenance machineries are tumor cell-specific. This review summarizes the genome maintenance mechanisms identified in RB, including findings on the roles of chromatin regulators in DNA damage response/repair and protein factors involved in maintaining chromosome stability and promoting survival in RB. In addition, advantages and challenges for exploiting these therapeutic vulnerabilities in RB are discussed.

Histone Methyltransferase DOT1L as a Promising Epigenetic Target for Treatment of Solid Tumors

The histone lysine methyltransferase DOT1L (DOT1-like histone lysine methyltransferase) is responsible for the epigenetic regulation of gene expression through specific methylation of lysine79 residue of histone H3 (H3K79) in actively transcribed genes. Its normal activity is crucial for embryonic development and adult tissues functions, whereas its aberrant functioning is known to contribute to leukemogenesis. DOT1L is the only lysine methyltransferase that does not contain a SET domain, which is a feature that allowed the development of selective DOT1L inhibitors that are currently investigated in Phase I clinical trials for cancer treatment. Recently, abnormal expression of this enzyme has been associated with poor survival and increased aggressiveness of several solid tumors. In this review evidences of aberrant DOT1L expression and activity in breast, ovarian, prostate, colon, and other solid tumors, and its relationships with biological and clinical behavior of the disease and response to therapies, are summarized. Current knowledge of the structural basis of DOT1L ability to regulate cell proliferation, invasion, plasticity and stemness, cell cycle progression, cell-to-cell signaling, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and chemoresistance, through cooperation with several molecular partners including noncoding RNAs, is also reviewed. Finally, available options for the treatment of therapeutically challenging solid tumors by targeting DOT1L are discussed.

Primitive Erythropoiesis in the Mouse is Independent of DOT1L Methyltransferase Activity

DOT1-like (DOT1L) histone methyltransferase is essential for mammalian erythropoiesis. Loss of DOT1L in knockout (Dot1l-KO) mouse embryos resulted in lethal anemia at midgestational age. The only recognized molecular function of DOT1L is its methylation of histone H3 lysine 79 (H3K79). We generated a Dot1l methyltransferase mutant (Dot1l-MM) mouse model to determine the role of DOT1L methyltransferase activity in early embryonic hematopoiesis. Dot1l-MM embryos failed to survive beyond embryonic day 13.5 (E13.5), similarly to Dot1l-KO mice. However, when examined at E10.5, Dot1l-MM embryos did not exhibit overt anemia like the Dot1l-KO. Vascularity and the presence of red blood cells in the Dot1l-MM yolk sacs as well as in the AGM region of Dot1l-MM embryos appeared to be similar to that of wildtype. In ex vivo cultures of yolk sac cells, Dot1l-MM primitive erythroblasts formed colonies comparable to those of the wildtype. Although ex vivo cultures of Dot1l-MM definitive erythroblasts formed relatively smaller colonies, inhibition of DOT1L methyltransferase activity in vivo by administration of EPZ-5676 minimally affected the erythropoiesis. Our results indicate that early embryonic erythropoiesis in mammals requires a DOT1L function that is independent of its intrinsic methyltransferase activity.

A novel screening strategy to identify histone methyltransferase inhibitors reveals a crosstalk between DOT1L and CARM1

Epigenetic regulation is a dynamic and reversible process that controls gene expression. Abnormal function results in human diseases such as cancer, thus the enzymes that establish epigenetic marks, such as...

Epigenetic Regulation Towards Acquired Drug Resistance in Cancer

Therapy resistance remains the most challenging obstacle in cancer treatment. Substantial efforts and evidences have accumulated over decades suggesting not only genetic but non-genomic mechanisms underlying this adaptation of tumor cells. Alterations in epigenome can have a fundamental effect on cellular functions and response to stresses like anticancer therapy. This chapter discusses the principal mechanisms by which epigenetic modifications in the genome and transcriptome aid tumor cells toward acquisition of resistance to chemotherapy.

Targeting of histone methyltransferase DOT1L plays a dual role in chemosensitization of retinoblastoma cells and enhances the efficacy of chemotherapy

Aberrant and exclusive expression of chromatin regulators in retinoblastoma (RB) in contrast to terminally differentiated normal retina presents a unique opportunity of selective targeting for RB. However, precise roles of these chromatin regulators in RB development and their potential as therapeutic targets have not been defined thoroughly. Here, we report that targeting of disruptor of telomeric silencing 1-like (DOT1L), a histone H3K79 methyltransferase, sensitizes RB cells to chemotherapeutic drugs by impairing the DNA damage response and thereby potentiating apoptosis while it is largely inefficacious as a single-agent therapy. Moreover, we identified high mobility group AT-hook 2 (HMGA2) as a novel DOT1L target gene in RB cells and found that its aberrant expression is dependent on DOT1L. As HMGA2 depletion reduced CHK1 phosphorylation during DNA damage response and augmented the drug sensitivity in RB cells, our results suggested that DOT1L targeting has a dual role in chemosensitization of RB cells by directly interfering with the immediate involvement of DOT1L in early DNA damage response upon genotoxic insults and also by downregulating the expression of HMGA2 as a rather late effect of DOT1L inhibition. Furthermore, we provide the first preclinical evidence demonstrating that combined therapy with a DOT1L inhibitor significantly improves the therapeutic efficacy of etoposide in murine orthotopic xenografts of RB by rendering the response to etoposide more potent and stable. Taken together, these results support the therapeutic benefits of DOT1L targeting in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents in RB, with mechanistic insights into how DOT1L targeting can improve the current chemotherapy in an RB cell-selective manner.

Collateral Victim or Rescue Worker?-The Role of Histone Methyltransferases in DNA Damage Repair and Their Targeting for Therapeutic Opportunities in Cancer

Disrupted DNA damage signaling greatly threatens cell integrity and plays significant roles in cancer. With recent advances in understanding the human genome and gene regulation in the context of DNA damage, chromatin biology, specifically biology of histone post-translational modifications (PTMs), has emerged as a popular field of study with great promise for cancer therapeutics. Here, we discuss how key histone methylation pathways contribute to DNA damage repair and impact tumorigenesis within this context, as well as the potential for their targeting as part of therapeutic strategies in cancer.

Drug resistance in colorectal cancer: An epigenetic overview

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Despite significant progress that has been made in therapies against CRC over the past decades, drug resistance is still a major limitation in CRC treatment. Numerous investigations have unequivocally shown that epigenetic regulation plays an important role in CRC drug resistance because of the high rate of epigenetic alterations in multiple genes during cancer development or drug treatment. Furthermore, the reversibility of epigenetic alterations provides novel therapeutic strategies to overcome drug resistance using small molecules, which can target non-coding RNAs or reverse histone modification and DNA methylation. In this review, we discuss epigenetic regulation in CRC drug resistance and the possible role of preventing or reversing CRC drug resistance using epigenetic therapy in CRC treatment.

DOT1L modulates the senescence-associated secretory phenotype through epigenetic regulation of IL1A

Oncogene-induced senescence (OIS) is a stable cell cycle arrest that occurs in normal cells upon oncogene activation. Cells undergoing OIS express a wide variety of secreted factors that affect the senescent microenvironment termed the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), which is beneficial or detrimental in a context-dependent manner. OIS cells are also characterized by marked epigenetic changes. We globally assessed histone modifications of OIS cells and discovered an increase in the active histone marks H3K79me2/3. The H3K79 methyltransferase disruptor of telomeric silencing 1-like (DOT1L) was necessary and sufficient for increased H3K79me2/3 occupancy at the IL1A gene locus, but not other SASP genes, and was downstream of STING. Modulating DOT1L expression did not affect the cell cycle arrest. Together, our studies establish DOT1L as an epigenetic regulator of the SASP, whose expression is uncoupled from the senescence-associated cell cycle arrest, providing a potential strategy to inhibit the negative side effects of senescence while maintaining the beneficial inhibition of proliferation.

The Role of Histone Lysine Methylation in the Response of Mammalian Cells to Ionizing Radiation

Eukaryotic genomes are wrapped around nucleosomes and organized into different levels of chromatin structure. Chromatin organization has a crucial role in regulating all cellular processes involving DNA-protein interactions, such as DNA transcription, replication, recombination and repair. Histone post-translational modifications (HPTMs) have a prominent role in chromatin regulation, acting as a sophisticated molecular code, which is interpreted by HPTM-specific effectors. Here, we review the role of histone lysine methylation changes in regulating the response to radiation-induced genotoxic damage in mammalian cells. We also discuss the role of histone methyltransferases (HMTs) and histone demethylases (HDMs) and the effects of the modulation of their expression and/or the pharmacological inhibition of their activity on the radio-sensitivity of different cell lines. Finally, we provide a bioinformatic analysis of published datasets showing how the mRNA levels of known HMTs and HDMs are modulated in different cell lines by exposure to different irradiation conditions.

Germline and Somatic Whole-Exome Sequencing Identifies New Candidate Genes Involved in Familial Predisposition to Serrated Polyposis Syndrome

The serrated polyposis syndrome (SPS) is the most common and yet underdiagnosed colorectal polyposis syndrome. It is characterized by multiple and/or large colonic serrated polyps and a higher associated risk for colorectal cancer (CRC). The main objective of this study was to identify new candidate genes involved in the germline predisposition to SPS/CRC. Thirty-nine SPS patients from 16 families (≥2 patients per family) were recruited without alterations in well-known hereditary CRC genes, and germline and somatic whole-exome sequencing were performed. Germline rare variants with plausible pathogenicity, located in genes involved in cancer development, senescence and epigenetic regulation were selected. Somatic mutational profiling and signature analysis was pursued in one sample per family, when possible. After data filtering, ANXA10, ASXL1, CFTR, DOT1L, HIC1, INO80, KLF3, MCM3AP, MCM8, PDLIM2, POLD1, TP53BP1, WNK2 and WRN were highlighted as the more promising candidate genes for SPS germline predisposition with potentially pathogenic variants shared within families. Somatic analysis characterized mutational profiles in advanced serrated polyps/tumors, revealing a high proportion of hypermutated samples, with a prevalence of clock-like mutational signatures in most samples and the presence of DNA mismatch repair-defective signatures in some cases. In conclusion, we identified new candidate genes to be involved in familial SPS. Further functional studies and replication in additional cohorts are required to confirm the selected candidates.

Epigenetic Modifications in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: From Cellular Mechanisms to Therapeutics

BACKGROUND

Epigenetic modification pattern is considered as a characteristic feature in blood malignancies. Modifications in the DNA methylation modulators are recurrent in lymphoma and leukemia, so that the distinct methylation pattern defines different types of leukemia. Generally, the role of epigenetics is less understood, and most investigations are focused on genetic abnormalities and cytogenic studies to develop novel treatments for patients with hematologic disorders. Recently, understanding the underlying mechanism of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), especially epigenetic alterations as a driving force in the development of ALL opens a new era of investigation for developing promising strategy, beyond available conventional therapy.

OBJECTIVE

This review will focus on a better understanding of the epigenetic mechanisms in cancer development and progression, with an emphasis on epigenetic alterations in ALL including, DNA methylation, histone modification, and microRNA alterations. Other topics that will be discussed include the use of epigenetic alterations as a promising therapeutic target in order to develop novel, well-suited approaches against ALL.

CONCLUSION

According to the literature review, leukemogenesis of ALL is extensively influenced by epigenetic modifications, particularly DNA hyper-methylation, histone modification, and miRNA alteration.

Telomere maintenance in interplay with DNA repair in pathogenesis and treatment of colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) continues to be one of the leading malignancies and causes of tumour-related deaths worldwide. Both impaired DNA repair mechanisms and disrupted telomere length homeostasis represent key culprits in CRC initiation, progression and prognosis. Mechanistically, altered DNA repair results in the accumulation of mutations in the genome and, ultimately, in genomic instability. DNA repair also determines the response to chemotherapeutics in CRC treatment, suggesting its utilisation in the prediction of therapy response and individual approach to patients. Telomere attrition resulting in replicative senescence, simultaneously by-passing cell cycle checkpoints, is a hallmark of malignant transformation of the cell. Telomerase is almost ubiquitous in advanced solid cancers, including CRC, and its expression is fundamental to cell immortalisation. Therefore, there is a persistent effort to develop therapeutics, which are telomerase-specific and gentle to non-malignant tissues. However, in practice, we are still at the level of clinical trials. The current state of knowledge and the route, which the research takes, gives us a positive perspective that the problem of molecular models of telomerase activation and telomere length stabilisation will finally be solved. We summarise the current literature herein, by pointing out the crosstalk between proteins involved in DNA repair and telomere length homeostasis in relation to CRC.

Targeting DNA Repair and Chromatin Crosstalk in Cancer Therapy

Simple Summary

Targeting aberrant DNA repair in cancers in addition to transcription and replication is an area of interest for cancer researchers. Inhibition of DNA repair selectively in cancer cells leads to cytotoxic or cytostatic effects and overcomes survival advantages imparted by chromosomal translocations or mutations. In this review, we highlight the relevance of DNA repair-linked events in developmental diseases and cancers and also discuss mechanisms to overcome these events that participate in different cellular processes.

Abstract

Aberrant DNA repair pathways that underlie developmental diseases and cancers are potential targets for therapeutic intervention. Targeting DNA repair signal effectors, modulators and checkpoint proteins, and utilizing the synthetic lethality phenomena has led to seminal discoveries. Efforts to efficiently translate the basic findings to the clinic are currently underway. Chromatin modulation is an integral part of DNA repair cascades and an emerging field of investigation. Here, we discuss some of the key advancements made in DNA repair-based therapeutics and what is known regarding crosstalk between chromatin and repair pathways during various cellular processes, with an emphasis on cancer.

Histone methyltransferase DOT1L controls state-specific identity during B cell differentiation

Differentiation of naïve peripheral B cells into terminally differentiated plasma cells is characterized by epigenetic alterations, yet the epigenetic mechanisms that control B‐cell fate remain unclear. Here, we identified a role for the histone H3K79 methyltransferase DOT1L in controlling B‐cell differentiation. Mouse B cells lacking Dot1L failed to establish germinal centers (GC) and normal humoral immune responses in vivo. In vitro, activated B cells in which Dot1L was deleted showed aberrant differentiation and prematurely acquired plasma cell characteristics. Similar results were obtained when DOT1L was chemically inhibited in mature B cells in vitro. Mechanistically, combined epigenomics and transcriptomics analysis revealed that DOT1L promotes expression of a pro‐proliferative, pro‐GC program. In addition, DOT1L indirectly supports the repression of an anti‐proliferative plasma cell differentiation program by maintaining the repression of Polycomb Repressor Complex 2 (PRC2) targets. Our findings show that DOT1L is a key modulator of the core transcriptional and epigenetic landscape in B cells, establishing an epigenetic barrier that warrants B‐cell naivety and GC B‐cell differentiation.

Histone Monoubiquitination in Chromatin Remodelling: Focus on the Histone H2B Interactome and Cancer

Chromatin remodelling is a major mechanism by which cells control fundamental processes including gene expression, the DNA damage response (DDR) and ensuring the genomic plasticity required by stem cells to enable differentiation. The post-translational modification of histone H2B resulting in addition of a single ubiquitin, in humans at lysine 120 (K120; H2Bub1) and in yeast at K123, has key roles in transcriptional elongation associated with the RNA polymerase II-associated factor 1 complex (PAF1C) and in the DDR. H2Bub1 itself has been described as having tumour suppressive roles and a number of cancer-related proteins and/or complexes are recognised as part of the H2Bub1 interactome. These include the RING finger E3 ubiquitin ligases RNF20, RNF40 and BRCA1, the guardian of the genome p53, the PAF1C member CDC73, subunits of the switch/sucrose non-fermenting (SWI/SNF) chromatin remodelling complex and histone methyltransferase complexes DOT1L and COMPASS, as well as multiple deubiquitinases including USP22 and USP44. While globally depleted in many primary human malignancies, including breast, lung and colorectal cancer, H2Bub1 is selectively enriched at the coding region of certain highly expressed genes, including at p53 target genes in response to DNA damage, functioning to exercise transcriptional control of these loci. This review draws together extensive literature to cement a significant role for H2Bub1 in a range of human malignancies and discusses the interplay between key cancer-related proteins and H2Bub1-associated chromatin remodelling.

Histone methyltransferase DOT1L coordinates AR and MYC stability in prostate cancer

The histone methyltransferase DOT1L methylates lysine 79 (K79) on histone H3 and is involved in Mixed Lineage Leukemia (MLL) fusion leukemogenesis; however, its role in prostate cancer (PCa) is undefined. Here we show that DOT1L is overexpressed in PCa and is associated with poor outcome. Genetic and chemical inhibition of DOT1L selectively impaired the viability of androgen receptor (AR)-positive PCa cells and organoids, including castration-resistant and enzalutamide-resistant cells. The sensitivity of AR-positive cells is due to a distal K79 methylation-marked enhancer in the MYC gene bound by AR and DOT1L not present in AR-negative cells. DOT1L inhibition leads to reduced MYC expression and upregulation of MYC-regulated E3 ubiquitin ligases HECTD4 and MYCBP2, which promote AR and MYC degradation. This leads to further repression of MYC in a negative feed forward manner. Thus DOT1L selectively regulates the tumorigenicity of AR-positive prostate cancer cells and is a promising therapeutic target for PCa.

Histone methyltransferase, DOTL1 is implicated in the pathogenesis of MLL-rearranged leukemia, however, not much is known of its role in prostate cancer (PCa). Here, the authors report that DOTL1 inhibition suppresses both androgen receptor and MYC pathways in a negative feed forward manner to reduce growth of AR-positive PCa.

The role of histone methylation in the development of digestive cancers: a potential direction for cancer management

Digestive cancers are the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide and have high risks of morbidity and mortality. Histone methylation, which is mediated mainly by lysine methyltransferases, lysine demethylases, and protein arginine methyltransferases, has emerged as an essential mechanism regulating pathological processes in digestive cancers. Under certain conditions, aberrant expression of these modifiers leads to abnormal histone methylation or demethylation in the corresponding cancer-related genes, which contributes to different processes and phenotypes, such as carcinogenesis, proliferation, metabolic reprogramming, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, invasion, and migration, during digestive cancer development. In this review, we focus on the association between histone methylation regulation and the development of digestive cancers, including gastric cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, and colorectal cancer, as well as on its clinical application prospects, aiming to provide a new perspective on the management of digestive cancers.

Histone Methyltransferase DOT1L is Involved in Larval Molting and Second Stage Nymphal Feeding in Ornithodoros Moubata

Epigenetic mechanisms have not been characterized in ticks despite their importance as vectors of human and animal diseases worldwide. Our investigation identifies and functionally characterizes the orthologue of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) binding methyltransferase enzyme, disruptor of telomeric silencing 1-like (DOT1L) in Ornithodoros moubata (OmDOT1L), a soft tick vector for the relapsing fever pathogen Borrelia duttonii and the African swine fever virus. The OmDOT1L tertiary structure was predicted and compared to the Homo sapiens DOT1L which had been co-crystalized with SGC0946, a DOT1L-specific inhibitor. The amino acid residues crucial for SAM and SGC0946 binding conserved in most DOT1L sequences available, are also conserved in OmDOT1L. Quantitative PCR of Omdot1l during O. moubata life stages showed that transcripts were significantly upregulated in first-stage nymphs. O. moubata larvae exposed to SGC0946 displayed high mortality during molting to first-stage nymphs. Furthermore, a significant decrease in weight was observed in second-stage nymphs fed on recombinant OmDOT1L-immunized rabbits. In contrast, artificial blood feeding supplemented with SGC0946 did not affect survival and reproductive performance of adult female ticks. We concluded that OmDOT1L plays an essential role in the regulation of larval molting and the feeding of O. moubata second-stage nymphs.

Does genome surveillance explain the global discrepancy between binding and effect of chromatin factors?

Knocking out a chromatin factor often does not alter the transcription of its binding targets. What explains the observed disconnect between binding and effect? We hypothesize that this discrepancy could be associated with the role of chromatin factors in maintaining genetic and epigenetic integrity at promoters, and not necessarily with transcription. Through re-analysis of published datasets, we present several lines of evidence that support our hypothesis and deflate the popular assumptions. We also tested the hypothesis through mutation accumulation assays on yeast knockouts of chromatin factors. Altogether, the proposed hypothesis presents a simple explanation for the global discord between chromatin factor binding and effect. Future work in this direction might fortify the hypothesis and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

CBP mediated DOT1L acetylation confers DOT1L stability and promotes cancer metastasis

Background and Aim: DOT1L regulates various genes involved in cancer onset and progression by catalyzing H3K79 methylation, but how DOT1L activity itself is regulated is unclear. Here, we aimed to identify specific DOT1L post-translational modifications that might regulate DOT1L activity and thus impact on colorectal cancer (CRC) progression. Methods: We conducted affinity purification and mass spectrometry to explore DOT1L post-translational modifications. We then established transwell migration and invasion assays to specifically investigate the role of DOT1L(K358) acetylation on CRC cellular behavior in vitro and a bioluminescence imaging approach to determine the role of DOT1L(K358) acetylation in CRC metastasis in vivo. We performed chromatin immunoprecipitation to identify DOT1L acetylation-controlled target genes. Finally, we used immunohistochemical staining of human tissue arrays to examine the relevance of DOT1L(K358) acetylation in CRC progression and metastasis and the correlation between DOT1L acetylation and CBP. Results: We found that CBP mediates DOT1L K358 acetylation in human colon cancer cells and positively correlates with CRC stages. Mechanistically, DOT1L acetylation confers DOT1L stability by preventing the binding of RNF8 to DOT1L and subsequent proteasomal degradation, but does not affect its enzyme activity. Once stabilized, DOT1L can catalyze the H3K79 methylation of genes involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transition, including SNAIL and ZEB1. An acetylation mimic DOT1L mutant (Q358) could induce a cancer-like phenotype in vitro, characterized by metastasis and invasion. Finally, DOT1L(K358) acetylation correlated with CRC progression and a poor survival rate as well as with high CBP expression. Conclusions: DOT1L acetylation by CBP drives CRC progression and metastasis. Targeting DOT1L deacetylation signaling is a potential therapeutic strategy for DOT1L-driven cancers.

Silencing or inhibition of H3K79 methyltransferase DOT1L induces cell cycle arrest by epigenetically modulating c-Myc expression in colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Epigenetic regulations play pivotal roles in tumorigenesis and cancer development. Disruptor of telomeric silencing-1-like (DOT1L), also known as KMT4, is the only identified histone methyltransferase that catalyzes the mono-, di-, and tri-methylation of lysine 79 histone 3 (H3K79). However, little is known about the effect of H3K79 methylation on the modulation of colorectal cancer (CRC) development.

METHODS

DOT1L expression profiles in different subgroups of CRC tissues and its clinical significances were analyzed from some online datasheets. DOT1L in CRC cell lines was silenced by either lentivirus-mediated knockdown or inhibited by its specific inhibitor, EPZ004777. Then cell proliferation was detected by MTT assay, BrdU assay, and soft agar assay; cell cycle was detected by cytometry; and tumorigenicity was detected by using nude mice xenograft models. Clinical co-expression was analyzed between DOT1L and c-Myc. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay was used to determine whether the translation of c-Myc was epigenetically regulated by H3K79me2 induced by DOT1L. c-Myc overexpression was used to rescue the cell cycle arrest and tumor growth induced by DOT1L silencing or inhibition in CRC.

RESULTS

We found that DOT1L was highly expressed in colorectal cancer and was negatively related to the prognosis of patients with CRC. Silencing or inhibition of DOT1L blocked cell proliferation, BrdU incorporation, self-renewal capability in vitro, and tumorigenicity in vivo. Besides, inhibition or silencing of DOT1L also induced cell cycle arrest at S phase, as well as decreased the expression of CDK2 and Cyclin A2. Furthermore, in the clinical databases of CRC, we found that the expression of DOT1L was positively correlated with that of c-Myc, a major regulator in the upstream of cell cycle-related factors. Besides, c-Myc expression was downregulated after DOT1L knockdown and c-Myc restoration rescued decrease of cell proliferation, BrdU corporation, self-renewal capability, cell cycle progression in vitro and tumorigenicity in vivo induced by DOT1L silencing. Then we found that H3K79 methylation was decreased after DOT1L knockdown. ChIP assay showed that H3K79me2 was enriched on the - 682~+ 284 region of c-Myc promoter, and the enrichment was decreased after DOT1L inhibition.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that DOT1L epigenetically promotes the transcription of c-Myc via H3K79me2. DOT1L silencing or inhibition induces cell cycle arrest at S phase. DOT1L is a potential marker for colorectal cancer and EPZ004777 may be a potential drug for the treatment of colorectal cancer.

DOT1L: a key target in normal chromatin remodelling and in mixed-lineage leukaemia treatment

Methylation of histone 3 at lysine 79 (H3K79) is one of the principal mechanisms involved in gene expression. The histone methyltransferase DOT1L, which mono-, di- and trimethylates H3K79 using S-adenosyl-L-methionine as a co-factor, is involved in cell development, cell cycle progression, and DNA damage repair. However, changes in normal expression levels of this enzyme are found in prostate, breast, and ovarian cancer. High levels of H3K79me are also detected in acute myeloid leukaemia patients bearing MLL rearrangements (MLL-r). MLL translocations are found in approximately 80% of paediatric patients, leading to poor prognosis. DOT1L is recruited on DNA and induces hyperexpression of HOXA9 and MEIS1. Based on these findings, selective drugs have been developed to induce apoptosis in MLL-r leukaemia cells by specifically inhibiting DOT1L. The most potent DOT1L inhibitor pinometostat has been investigated in Phase I clinical trials for treatment of paediatric and adult patients with MLL-driven leukaemia, showing promising results.

The Histone Methyltransferase DOT1L Is a Functional Component of Estrogen Receptor Alpha Signaling in Ovarian Cancer Cells

Although a large fraction of high-grade serous epithelial ovarian cancers (OCs) expresses Estrogen Receptor alpha (ERα), anti-estrogen-based therapies are still not widely used against these tumors due to a lack of sufficient evidence. The histone methyltransferase Disruptor of telomeric silencing-1-like (DOT1L), which is a modulator of ERα transcriptional activity in breast cancer, controls chromatin functions involved in tumor initiation and progression and has been proposed as a prognostic OC biomarker. As molecular and clinico-pathological data from TCGA suggest a correlation between ERα and DOT1L expression and OC prognosis, the presence and significance of ERα/DOT1L association was investigated in chemotherapy-sensitive and chemotherapy-resistant ER+ OC cells. RNA sequencing before and after inhibition of these factors showed that their activity is implicated in OC cell proliferation and that they functionally cooperate with each other to control the transcription of genes involved in key cancer cell features, such as the cell cycle, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), drug metabolism, and cell-to-cell signaling, as well as expression of the ERα gene itself. Together with evidence from loss-of-function genetic screens showing that ERα and DOT1L behave as core fitness factors in OC cells, these results suggest that combined inhibition of their activity might be effective against ERα-expressing, chemotherapy-resistant ovarian tumors.

Amplification of the Mutation-Carrying BRCA2 Allele Promotes RAD51 Loading and PARP Inhibitor Resistance in the Absence of Reversion Mutations

Patients harboring germline breast cancer susceptibility genes 1 and 2 (BRCA1/2) mutations are predisposed to developing breast, pancreatic, and ovarian cancers. BRCA2 plays a critical role in homologous recombination (HR) DNA repair and deleterious mutations in BRCA2 confer sensitivity to PARP inhibition. Recently, the PARP inhibitors olaparib and rucaparib were FDA approved for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer and patients with recurrent ovarian cancer with mutations in BRCA1/2. Despite their initial antitumor activity, the development of resistance limits the clinical utility of PARP inhibitor therapy. Multiple resistance mechanisms have been described, including reversion mutations that restore the reading frame of the BRCA2 gene. In this study, we generated olaparib- and rucaparib-resistant BRCA2-mutant Capan1 cell lines. We did not detect secondary reversion mutations in the olaparib- or rucaparib-resistant clones. Several of the resistant clones had gene duplication and amplification of the mutant BRCA2 allele, with a corresponding increase in expression of a truncated BRCA2 protein. In addition, HR-mediated DNA repair was rescued, as evidenced by the restoration of RAD51 foci formation. Using mass spectrometry, we identified Disruptor Of Telomeric silencing 1-Like (DOT1L), as an interacting partner of truncated BRCA2. RNAi-mediated knockdown of BRCA2 or DOT1L was sufficient to resensitize cells to olaparib. The results demonstrate that independent of a BRCA2 reversion, mutation amplification of a mutant-carrying BRCA2 contributes to PARP inhibitor resistance.