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Stafeev YS, Shevchenko EK, Boldireva MA, Penkov DN. Possible Role of Prep1 Homeodomain Transcription Factor in Cardiac Mesenchymal Stromal Cells. Mol Biol 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s0026893321050125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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2
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Blasi F, Bruckmann C. MEIS1 in Hematopoiesis and Cancer. How MEIS1-PBX Interaction Can Be Used in Therapy. J Dev Biol 2021; 9:jdb9040044. [PMID: 34698191 PMCID: PMC8544432 DOI: 10.3390/jdb9040044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently MEIS1 emerged as a major determinant of the MLL-r leukemic phenotype. The latest and most efficient drugs effectively decrease the levels of MEIS1 in cancer cells. Together with an overview of the latest drugs developed to target MEIS1 in MLL-r leukemia, we review, in detail, the role of MEIS1 in embryonic and adult hematopoiesis and suggest how a more profound knowledge of MEIS1 biochemistry can be used to design potent and effective drugs against MLL-r leukemia. In addition, we present data showing that the interaction between MEIS1 and PBX1 can be blocked efficiently and might represent a new avenue in anti-MLL-r and anti-leukemic therapy.
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Bruckmann C, Tamburri S, De Lorenzi V, Doti N, Monti A, Mathiasen L, Cattaneo A, Ruvo M, Bachi A, Blasi F. Mapping the native interaction surfaces of PREP1 with PBX1 by cross-linking mass-spectrometry and mutagenesis. Sci Rep 2020; 10:16809. [PMID: 33033354 PMCID: PMC7545097 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-74032-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Both onco-suppressor PREP1 and the oncogene MEIS1 bind to PBX1. This interaction stabilizes the two proteins and allows their translocation into the nucleus and thus their transcriptional activity. Here, we have combined cross-linking mass-spectrometry and systematic mutagenesis to detail the binding geometry of the PBX1-PREP1 (and PBX1-MEIS1) complexes, under native in vivo conditions. The data confirm the existence of two distinct interaction sites within the PBC domain of PBX1 and unravel differences among the highly similar binding sites of MEIS1 and PREP1. The HR2 domain has a fundamental role in binding the PBC-B domain of PBX1 in both PREP1 and MEIS1. The HR1 domain of MEIS1, however, seem to play a less stringent role in PBX1 interaction with respect to that of PREP1. This difference is also reflected by the different binding affinity of the two proteins to PBX1. Although partial, this analysis provides for the first time some ideas on the tertiary structure of the complexes not available before. Moreover, the extensive mutagenic analysis of PREP1 identifies the role of individual hydrophobic HR1 and HR2 residues, both in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Bruckmann
- IFOM (Foundation FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology), Via Adamello 16, 20139, Milan, Italy.
| | - Simone Tamburri
- IFOM (Foundation FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology), Via Adamello 16, 20139, Milan, Italy
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology, Via Adamello 16, 20139, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina De Lorenzi
- IFOM (Foundation FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology), Via Adamello 16, 20139, Milan, Italy
- Center for Nanotechnology Innovation@NEST, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Piazza San Silvestro 12, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Nunzianna Doti
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB)-CNR, Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandra Monti
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB)-CNR, Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134, Naples, Italy
| | - Lisa Mathiasen
- IFOM (Foundation FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology), Via Adamello 16, 20139, Milan, Italy
| | - Angela Cattaneo
- IFOM (Foundation FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology), Via Adamello 16, 20139, Milan, Italy
- Cogentech S.R.L. Benefit Corporation IT, Via Adamello 16, 20139, Milan, Italy
| | - Menotti Ruvo
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB)-CNR, Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134, Naples, Italy
| | - Angela Bachi
- IFOM (Foundation FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology), Via Adamello 16, 20139, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Blasi
- IFOM (Foundation FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology), Via Adamello 16, 20139, Milan, Italy.
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Mahmoudian RA, Bahadori B, Rad A, Abbaszadegan MR, Forghanifard MM. MEIS1 knockdown may promote differentiation of esophageal squamous carcinoma cell line KYSE-30. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2019; 7:e00746. [PMID: 31090196 PMCID: PMC6625128 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Revised: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background MEIS1 (Myeloid ecotropic viral integration site 1), as a homeobox (HOX) transcription factor, has a dual function in different types of cancer. Although numerous roles are proposed for MEIS1 in differentiation, stem cell function, gastrointestinal development and tumorigenesis, the involved molecular mechanisms are poor understood. Our aim in this study was to elucidate the functional correlation between MEIS1, as regulator of differentiation process, and the involved genes in cell differentiation in human esophageal squamous carcinoma (ESC) cell line KYSE‐30. Methods The KYSE‐30 cells were transduced using recombinant retroviral particles containing specific shRNA sequence against MEIS1 to knockdown MEIS1 gene expression. Following RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis, mRNA expression of MEIS1 and the selected genes including TWIST1, EGF, CDX2, and KRT4 was examined using relative comparative real‐time PCR. Results Retroviral transduction caused a significant underexpression of MEIS1 in GFP‐hMEIS1 compared to control GFP cells approximately 5.5‐fold. While knockdown of MEIS1 expression caused a significant decrease in EGF and TWIST1 mRNA expression, nearly ‐8‐ and ‐12‐fold respectively, it caused a significant increase in mRNA expression of differentiation markers including KRT4 and CDX2, approximately 34‐ and 1.14‐fold, correspondingly. Conclusion MEIS1 gene silencing in KYSE‐30 cells increased expression of epithelial markers and decreased expression of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) marker TWIST1. It may highlight the role of MEIS1 in differentiation process of KYSE‐30 cells. These results may confirm that MEIS1 silencing promotes differentiation and decreases EMT capability of ESC cell line KYSE‐30.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bahareh Bahadori
- Department of Biology, Damghan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Damghan, Iran
| | - Abolfazl Rad
- Cellular and Molecular Research center, Sabzevar Univeristy of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran
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Bernardini A, Lorenzo M, Nardini M, Mantovani R, Gnesutta N. The phosphorylatable Ser320 of NF-YA is involved in DNA binding of the NF-Y trimer. FASEB J 2018; 33:4790-4801. [PMID: 30589568 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201801989r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Nuclear factor Y (NF-Y) is a transcription factor trimer binding to the functionally important CCAAT box, present in promoters of growth-promoting and cell cycle-regulated genes. The regulatory nuclear factor YA (NF-YA) subunit confers sequence-specificity to the histone-like nuclear factor YB/YC dimer. NF-YA harbors 2 serines-Ser320 and Ser326-shown to be phosphorylated by cyclin-dependent kinase 2. High-throughput proteomics data indicate that they are phosphorylated in vivo. Specifically, Ser320 makes structural contacts with the DNA phosphate backbone; Ser320-P is the major NF-YA phosphorylation isoform following overexpression in HeLa cells, increasing upon mitotic arrest. EMSA with recombinant Ala and Glu mutants confirm a role of Ser320, but not Ser326, in stabilization of DNA binding. Transactivation assays of the CCAAT-dependent MDR1 and RHOB promoters show loss in transcription function for Ser320Glu and Ser320Ala NF-YA mutants. Phylogenetic analysis of NF-YA proteins indicates that Ser320 is indeed evolutionarily conserved. We conclude that phosphorylation of this residue belongs to the core mechanisms of DNA-binding control, possibly driven by the necessity to unfasten binding of or to evict NF-Y from CCAAT sites under specific conditions of growth regulation.-Bernardini, A., Lorenzo, M., Nardini, M., Mantovani, R., Gnesutta, N. The phosphorylatable Ser320 of NF-YA is involved in DNA binding of the NF-Y trimer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Bernardini
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Mariangela Lorenzo
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Nardini
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Mantovani
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Nerina Gnesutta
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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Palmigiano A, Santaniello F, Cerutti A, Penkov D, Purushothaman D, Makhija E, Luzi L, di Fagagna FD, Pelicci PG, Shivashankar V, Dellino GI, Blasi F. PREP1 tumor suppressor protects the late-replicating DNA by controlling its replication timing and symmetry. Sci Rep 2018; 8:3198. [PMID: 29453404 PMCID: PMC5816642 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-21363-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2017] [Accepted: 02/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The synthesis of middle-to-late-replicating DNA can be affected independently of the rest of the genome by down-regulating the tumor suppressor PREP1 (PKNOX1). Indeed, DNA combing shows that PREP1 down-regulation affects DNA replication rate, increases the number of simultaneously firing origins and the asymmetry of DNA replication, leading to DNA damage. Genome-wide analysis of replication timing by Repli-seq shows that, upon PREP1 down-regulation, 25% of the genome is replicated earlier in the S-phase. The targeted DNA sequences correspond to Lamin-Associated Domains (LADs), and include late-replicating (LRRs) and temporal transition regions (TTRs). Notably, the distribution of PREP1 DNA binding sites and of its target genes indicates that DNA replication defects are independent of the overall PREP1 transcriptional activity. Finally, PREP1 down-regulation causes a substantial decrease in Lamin B1 levels. This suggests that DNA is released from the nuclear lamina earlier than in the control cells and is available for replication, thus explaining timing defects and DNA damage.This is the first evidence that the replication timing of a specific fraction of the human genome is affected by PREP1 tumor suppressor. This previously unknown function might significantly contribute to the genomic instability observed in human tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Palmigiano
- IFOM (Foundation FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology), via Adamello 16, 20139, Milan, Italy
- Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, via Olgettina 60, Milan, 20138, Italy
| | - Francesco Santaniello
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology, via Adamello 16, 20139, Milan, Italy
| | - Aurora Cerutti
- IFOM (Foundation FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology), via Adamello 16, 20139, Milan, Italy
- Oncogenomics Department, Netherland Cancer Institute (NKI), Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dmitry Penkov
- IFOM (Foundation FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology), via Adamello 16, 20139, Milan, Italy
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskiye Gori 1, 119991, Moscow, Russia
| | - Divya Purushothaman
- IFOM (Foundation FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology), via Adamello 16, 20139, Milan, Italy
| | - Ekta Makhija
- Mechano-Biology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Lucilla Luzi
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology, via Adamello 16, 20139, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabrizio d'Adda di Fagagna
- IFOM (Foundation FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology), via Adamello 16, 20139, Milan, Italy
- Istituto di Genetica Molecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (IGM-CNR), Via Abbiategrasso 207, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Pier Giuseppe Pelicci
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology, via Adamello 16, 20139, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Via Santa Sofia 9, 20142, Milan, Italy
| | - Viveswara Shivashankar
- IFOM (Foundation FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology), via Adamello 16, 20139, Milan, Italy
- Mechano-Biology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Gaetano Ivan Dellino
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology, via Adamello 16, 20139, Milan, Italy.
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Via Santa Sofia 9, 20142, Milan, Italy.
| | - Francesco Blasi
- IFOM (Foundation FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology), via Adamello 16, 20139, Milan, Italy.
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MEIS-1 level in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma can predict the post-treatment outcomes of radiofrequency ablation. Oncotarget 2018; 9:15252-15265. [PMID: 29632641 PMCID: PMC5880601 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.24165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a local-ablative therapy for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). At present, there is no predictive marker for RFA treatment outcomes. This work aimed to valuate myeloid ecotropic viral integration site 1 (MEIS-1) in predicting post-RFA treatment outcomes of unresectable HCC patients. The time to progression (TTP) and overall survival (OS) of 81 HCC patients who received RFA treatment were measured. The protein level of MEIS-1 in tumor specimens was measured by western blot. The role of MEIS-1 in RFA-treating HCC in vivo growth nude mouse model was examined via PET/CT imaging. Higher level of MEIS-1 in tumor tissue is associated with better RFA treatment outcomes. The median TTP was 9.0 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 6.8–11.3) months in patients with high MEIS-1 expression (n = 43) versus 6.0 (95% CI: 4.6–7.4) months in patients with low MEIS-1 expression (n = 38). Moreover, in rodent HCC model we found overexpression of MEIS-1 enhanced the anti-tumor effect of RFA treatment. We conclude that high level of MEIS-1 expression predicts better RFA treatment outcome in HCC.
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Prep1 prevents premature adipogenesis of mesenchymal progenitors. Sci Rep 2017; 7:15573. [PMID: 29138456 PMCID: PMC5686065 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-15828-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcriptional regulators are crucial in adipocyte differentiation. We now show that the homeodomain-containing transcription factor Prep1 is a repressor of adipogenic differentiation since its down-regulation (DR) in both ex vivo bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) and in vitro 3T3-L1 preadipocytes significantly increases their adipogenic differentiation ability. Prep1 acts at a stage preceding the activation of the differentiation machinery because its DR makes cells more prone to adipogenic differentiation even in the absence of the adipogenic inducers. Prep1 DR expands the DNA binding landscape of C/EBPβ (CCAAT enhancer binding protein β) without affecting its expression or activation. The data indicate that Prep1 normally acts by restricting DNA binding of transcription factors to adipogenic enhancers, in particular C/EBPβ.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW HOXA9 is a homeodomain transcription factor that plays an essential role in normal hematopoiesis and acute leukemia, in which its overexpression is strongly correlated with poor prognosis. The present review highlights recent advances in the understanding of genetic alterations leading to deregulation of HOXA9 and the downstream mechanisms of HOXA9-mediated transformation. RECENT FINDINGS A variety of genetic alterations including MLL translocations, NUP98-fusions, NPM1 mutations, CDX deregulation, and MOZ-fusions lead to high-level HOXA9 expression in acute leukemias. The mechanisms resulting in HOXA9 overexpression are beginning to be defined and represent attractive therapeutic targets. Small molecules targeting MLL-fusion protein complex members, such as DOT1L and menin, have shown promising results in animal models, and a DOT1L inhibitor is currently being tested in clinical trials. Essential HOXA9 cofactors and collaborators are also being identified, including transcription factors PU.1 and C/EBPα, which are required for HOXA9-driven leukemia. HOXA9 targets including IGF1, CDX4, INK4A/INK4B/ARF, mir-21, and mir-196b and many others provide another avenue for potential drug development. SUMMARY HOXA9 deregulation underlies a large subset of aggressive acute leukemias. Understanding the mechanisms regulating the expression and activity of HOXA9, along with its critical downstream targets, shows promise for the development of more selective and effective leukemia therapies.
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Blasi F, Bruckmann C, Penkov D, Dardaei L. A tale of TALE, PREP1, PBX1, and MEIS1: Interconnections and competition in cancer. Bioessays 2017; 39. [DOI: 10.1002/bies.201600245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Blasi
- IFOM, Foundation FIRC (Italian Foundation for Cancer Research) Institute of Molecular Oncology; Milan Italy
| | - Chiara Bruckmann
- IFOM, Foundation FIRC (Italian Foundation for Cancer Research) Institute of Molecular Oncology; Milan Italy
| | - Dmitry Penkov
- IFOM, Foundation FIRC (Italian Foundation for Cancer Research) Institute of Molecular Oncology; Milan Italy
| | - Leila Dardaei
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center; Charlestown MA USA
- Department of Medicine; Harvard Medical School; Boston MA USA
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New Insights into Cooperative Binding of Homeodomain Transcription Factors PREP1 and PBX1 to DNA. Sci Rep 2017; 7:40665. [PMID: 28094776 PMCID: PMC5240567 DOI: 10.1038/srep40665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 12/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
PREP1 and PBX1 are homeodomain (HD) transcription factors that play crucial roles in embryonic development. Here, we present the first biophysical characterization of a PREP1 HD, and the NMR spectroscopic study of its DNA binding pocket. The data show that residues flanking the HD participate in DNA binding. The kinetic parameters for DNA binding of individual PREP1 and PBX1 HDs, and of their combination, show that isolated PREP1 and PBX1 HDs bind to DNA in a cooperative manner. A novel PREP1 motif, flanking the HD at the C-terminus, is required for cooperativity.
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Mathiasen L, Valentini E, Boivin S, Cattaneo A, Blasi F, Svergun DI, Bruckmann C. The flexibility of a homeodomain transcription factor heterodimer and its allosteric regulation by DNA binding. FEBS J 2016; 283:3134-54. [PMID: 27390177 DOI: 10.1111/febs.13801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2016] [Revised: 05/20/2016] [Accepted: 07/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Transcription factors are known to modify the DNA that they bind. However, DNA can also serve as an allosteric ligand whose binding modifies the conformation of transcriptional regulators. Here, we describe how heterodimer PBX1:PREP1, formed by proteins playing major roles in embryonic development and tumorigenesis, undergoes an allosteric transition upon DNA binding. We demonstrate through a number of biochemical and biophysical methods that PBX1:PREP1 exhibits a structural change upon DNA binding. Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), circular dichroism (CD), isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), and limited proteolysis demonstrate a different shape, α-helical content, thermodynamic behavior, and solution environment of the holo-complex (with DNA) compared to the apo-complex (without DNA). Given that PBX1 as such does not have a defined DNA selectivity, structural changes upon DNA binding become major factors in the function of the PBX1:PREP1 complex. The observed changes are mapped at both the amino- and carboxy-terminal regions of the two proteins thereby providing important insights to determine how PBX1:PREP1 dimer functions. DATABASE Small-angle scattering data are available in SASBDB under accession numbers SASDAP7, SASDAQ7, and SASDAR7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Mathiasen
- FIRC (Foundation for Italian Cancer Research) Institute of Molecular Oncology (IFOM), Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Angela Cattaneo
- FIRC (Foundation for Italian Cancer Research) Institute of Molecular Oncology (IFOM), Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Blasi
- FIRC (Foundation for Italian Cancer Research) Institute of Molecular Oncology (IFOM), Milan, Italy
| | | | - Chiara Bruckmann
- FIRC (Foundation for Italian Cancer Research) Institute of Molecular Oncology (IFOM), Milan, Italy
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Patel AV, Chaney KE, Choi K, Largaespada DA, Kumar AR, Ratner N. An ShRNA Screen Identifies MEIS1 as a Driver of Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors. EBioMedicine 2016; 9:110-119. [PMID: 27333032 PMCID: PMC4972548 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2016.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2016] [Revised: 05/27/2016] [Accepted: 06/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST) are rare soft tissue sarcomas that are a major source of mortality in neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) patients. To identify MPNST driver genes, we performed a lentiviral short hairpin (sh) RNA screen, targeting all 130 genes up-regulated in neurofibroma and MPNSTs versus normal human nerve Schwann cells. NF1 mutant cells show activation of RAS/MAPK signaling, so a counter-screen in RAS mutant carcinoma cells was performed to exclude common RAS-pathway driven genes. We identified 7 genes specific for survival of MPSNT cells, including MEIS1. MEIS1 was frequently amplified or hypomethylated in human MPSNTs, correlating with elevated MEIS1 gene expression. In MPNST cells and in a genetically engineered mouse model, MEIS1 expression in developing nerve glial cells was necessary for MPNST growth. Mechanistically, MEIS1 drives MPNST cell growth via the transcription factor ID1, thereby suppressing expression of the cell cycle inhibitor p27Kip and maintaining cell survival. Targeting over-expressed genes facilitates identification of sarcoma driver genes. We identify MEIS1 as a MPNST oncogene. MEIS1 suppresses p27Kip enabling MPNST survival.
We identify MEIS1 as a sarcoma oncogene, and identify an additional 7 genes specific for survival of malignant peripheral nerve sheath cells. MEIS1 was frequently amplified or hypomethylated in human tumors, correlating with elevated MEIS1 gene and protein expression. MEIS1 enables cell cycle progression in these tumor cells through downregulation of expression of a pro-cell death protein p27Kip. Thus, inhibitors targeting cell cycle checkpoints and/or upregulating p27Kip may have therapeutic value for these patients, and perhaps for other tumor types in which MEIS1 is an oncogene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ami V Patel
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45229-0713, United States
| | - Katherine E Chaney
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45229-0713, United States
| | - Kwangmin Choi
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45229-0713, United States
| | - David A Largaespada
- Department of Pediatrics, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States
| | - Ashish R Kumar
- Division of Bone Marrow Transplantation & Immune Deficiency, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45229-0713, United States
| | - Nancy Ratner
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45229-0713, United States.
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