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Bian Z, Benjamin MM, Bialousow L, Tian Y, Hobbs GA, Karan D, Choo YM, Hamann MT, Wang X. Targeting sine oculis homeoprotein 1 (SIX1): A review of oncogenic roles and potential natural product therapeutics. Heliyon 2024; 10:e33204. [PMID: 39022099 PMCID: PMC11252760 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e33204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Sine oculis homeoprotein 1 (SIX1), a prominent representative of the homeodomain transcription factors within the SIX family, has attracted significant interest owing to its role in tumorigenesis, cancer progression, and prognostic assessments. Initially recognized for its pivotal role in embryonic development, SIX1 has emerged as a resurgent factor across a diverse set of mammalian cancers. Over the past two decades, numerous investigations have emphasized SIX1's dual significance as a developmental regulator and central player in oncogenic processes. A mounting body of evidence links SIX1 to the initiation of diverse cancers, encompassing enhanced cellular metabolism and advancement. This review provides an overview of the multifaceted roles of SIX1 in both normal development and oncogenic processes, emphasizing its importance as a possible therapeutic target and prognostic marker. Additionally, this review discusses the natural product agents that inhibit various pro-oncogenic mechanisms associated with SIX1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei Bian
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, China
| | - Menny M. Benjamin
- Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Lucas Bialousow
- Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Yintai Tian
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, China
| | - G. Aaron Hobbs
- Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Dev Karan
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Yeun-Mun Choo
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mark T. Hamann
- Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Xiaojuan Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, China
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Hardy S, Choo YM, Hamann M, Cray J. Manzamine-A Alters In Vitro Calvarial Osteoblast Function. Mar Drugs 2022; 20:647. [PMID: 36286470 PMCID: PMC9604769 DOI: 10.3390/md20100647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Manzamine-A is a marine-derived alkaloid which has anti-viral and anti-proliferative properties and is currently being investigated for its efficacy in the treatment of certain viruses (malaria, herpes, HIV-1) and cancers (breast, cervical, colorectal). Manzamine-A has been found to exert effects via modulation of SIX1 gene expression, a gene critical to craniofacial development via the WNT, NOTCH, and PI3K/AKT pathways. To date little work has focused on Manzamine-A and how its use may affect bone. We hypothesize that Manzamine-A, through SIX1, alters bone cell activity. Here, we assessed the effects of Manzamine-A on cells that are responsible for the generation of bone, pre-osteoblasts and osteoblasts. PCR, qrtPCR, MTS cell viability, Caspase 3/7, and functional assays were used to test the effects of Manzamine-A on these cells. Our data suggests Six1 is highly expressed in osteoblasts and their progenitors. Further, osteoblast progenitors and osteoblasts exhibit great sensitivity to Manzamine-A treatment exhibited by a significant decrease in cell viability, increase in cellular apoptosis, and decrease in alkaline phosphatase activity. In silico binding experiment showed that manzamine A potential as an inhibitor of cell proliferation and survival proteins, i.e., Iκb, JAK2, AKT, PKC, FAK, and Bcl-2. Overall, our data suggests Manzamine-A may have great effects on bone health overall and may disrupt skeletal development, homeostasis, and repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Hardy
- Department of Biomedical Education and Anatomy, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Yeun-Mun Choo
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Mark Hamann
- Departments of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Colleges of Pharmacy and Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - James Cray
- Department of Biomedical Education and Anatomy, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Division of Biosciences, The Ohio State College of Dentistry, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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NKL Homeobox Genes NKX2-3 and NKX2-4 Deregulate Megakaryocytic-Erythroid Cell Differentiation in AML. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111434. [PMID: 34768865 PMCID: PMC8583893 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
NKL homeobox genes encode transcription factors that impact normal development and hematopoietic malignancies if deregulated. Recently, we established an NKL-code that describes the physiological expression pattern of eleven NKL homeobox genes in the course of hematopoiesis, allowing evaluation of aberrantly activated NKL genes in leukemia/lymphoma. Here, we identify ectopic expression of NKL homeobox gene NKX2-4 in an erythroblastic acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell line OCI-M2 and describe investigation of its activating factors and target genes. Comparative expression profiling data of AML cell lines revealed in OCI-M2 an aberrantly activated program for endothelial development including master factor ETV2 and the additional endothelial signature genes HEY1, IRF6, and SOX7. Corresponding siRNA-mediated knockdown experiments showed their role in activating NKX2-4 expression. Furthermore, the ETV2 locus at 19p13 was genomically amplified, possibly underlying its aberrant expression. Target gene analyses of NKX2-4 revealed activated ETV2, HEY1, and SIX5 and suppressed FLI1. Comparative expression profiling analysis of public datasets for AML patients and primary megakaryocyte–erythroid progenitor cells showed conspicuous similarities to NKX2-4 activating factors and the target genes we identified, supporting the clinical relevance of our findings and developmental disturbance by NKX2-4. Finally, identification and target gene analysis of aberrantly expressed NKX2-3 in AML patients and a megakaryoblastic AML cell line ELF-153 showed activation of FLI1, contrasting with OCI-M2. FLI1 encodes a master factor for myelopoiesis, driving megakaryocytic differentiation and suppressing erythroid differentiation, thus representing a basic developmental target of these homeo-oncogenes. Taken together, we have identified aberrantly activated NKL homeobox genes NKX2-3 and NKX2-4 in AML, deregulating genes involved in megakaryocytic and erythroid differentiation processes, and thereby contributing to the formation of specific AML subtypes.
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Creed TM, Baldeosingh R, Eberly CL, Schlee CS, Kim M, Cutler JA, Pandey A, Civin CI, Fossett NG, Kingsbury TJ. The PAX-SIX-EYA-DACH network modulates GATA-FOG function in fly hematopoiesis and human erythropoiesis. Development 2020; 147:dev.177022. [PMID: 31806659 DOI: 10.1242/dev.177022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The GATA and PAX-SIX-EYA-DACH transcriptional networks (PSEDNs) are essential for proper development across taxa. Here, we demonstrate novel PSEDN roles in vivo in Drosophila hematopoiesis and in human erythropoiesis in vitro Using Drosophila genetics, we show that PSEDN members function with GATA to block lamellocyte differentiation and maintain the prohemocyte pool. Overexpression of human SIX1 stimulated erythroid differentiation of human erythroleukemia TF1 cells and primary hematopoietic stem-progenitor cells. Conversely, SIX1 knockout impaired erythropoiesis in both cell types. SIX1 stimulation of erythropoiesis required GATA1, as SIX1 overexpression failed to drive erythroid phenotypes and gene expression patterns in GATA1 knockout cells. SIX1 can associate with GATA1 and stimulate GATA1-mediated gene transcription, suggesting that SIX1-GATA1 physical interactions contribute to the observed functional interactions. In addition, both fly and human SIX proteins regulated GATA protein levels. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that SIX proteins enhance GATA function at multiple levels, and reveal evolutionarily conserved cooperation between the GATA and PSEDN networks that may regulate developmental processes beyond hematopoiesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Michael Creed
- Center for Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Rajkumar Baldeosingh
- Center for Vascular and Inflammatory Diseases University of Maryland School of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.,Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.,Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Christian L Eberly
- Center for Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Caroline S Schlee
- Center for Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - MinJung Kim
- Center for Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Jevon A Cutler
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Departments of Biological Chemistry, Oncology and Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Akhilesh Pandey
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Departments of Biological Chemistry, Oncology and Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Curt I Civin
- Center for Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.,Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.,Department of Physiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Nancy G Fossett
- Center for Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA .,Center for Vascular and Inflammatory Diseases University of Maryland School of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.,Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Tami J Kingsbury
- Center for Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA .,Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.,Department of Physiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
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Nagel S, Pommerenke C, MacLeod RAF, Meyer C, Kaufmann M, Fähnrich S, Drexler HG. Deregulated expression of NKL homeobox genes in T-cell lymphomas. Oncotarget 2019; 10:3227-3247. [PMID: 31143370 PMCID: PMC6524933 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.26929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, we have presented a scheme, termed "NKL-code", which describes physiological expression patterns of NKL homeobox genes in early hematopoiesis and in lymphopoiesis including main stages of T-, B- and NK-cell development. Aberrant activity of these genes underlies the generation of hematological malignancies notably T-cell leukemia. Here, we searched for deregulated NKL homeobox genes in main entities of T-cell lymphomas comprising angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL), anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL), hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma (HSTL), NK/T-cell lymphoma (NKTL) and peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL). Our data revealed altogether 19 aberrantly overexpressed genes in these types, demonstrating deregulated NKL homeobox genes involvement in T-cell lymphomas as well. For detailed analysis we focused on NKL homeobox gene MSX1 which is normally expressed in NK-cells. MSX1 was overexpressed in subsets of HSTL patients and HSTL-derived sister cell lines DERL-2 and DERL-7 which served as models to characterize mechanisms of deregulation. We performed karyotyping, genomic and expression profiling, and whole genome sequencing to reveal mutated and deregulated gene candidates, including the fusion gene CD53-PDGFRB. Subsequent knockdown experiments allowed the reconstruction of an aberrant network involved in MSX1 deregulation, including chromatin factors AUTS2 and mutated histone HIST1H3B(K27M). The gene encoding AUTS2 is located at chromosome 7q11 and may represent a basic target of the HSTL hallmark aberration i(7q). Taken together, our findings highlight an oncogenic role for deregulated NKL homeobox genes in T-cell lymphoma and identify MSX1 as a novel player in HSTL, implicated in aberrant NK- and T-cell differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Nagel
- Department of Human and Animal Cell Lines, Leibniz-Institute DSMZ-German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Claudia Pommerenke
- Department of Human and Animal Cell Lines, Leibniz-Institute DSMZ-German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Roderick A F MacLeod
- Department of Human and Animal Cell Lines, Leibniz-Institute DSMZ-German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Corinna Meyer
- Department of Human and Animal Cell Lines, Leibniz-Institute DSMZ-German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Maren Kaufmann
- Department of Human and Animal Cell Lines, Leibniz-Institute DSMZ-German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Silke Fähnrich
- Department of Human and Animal Cell Lines, Leibniz-Institute DSMZ-German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Hans G Drexler
- Department of Human and Animal Cell Lines, Leibniz-Institute DSMZ-German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Braunschweig, Germany
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Song W, Ma J, Lei B, Yuan X, Cheng B, Yang H, Wang M, Feng Z, Wang L. Sine oculis homeobox 1 promotes proliferation and migration of human colorectal cancer cells through activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Cancer Sci 2019; 110:608-616. [PMID: 30548112 PMCID: PMC6361609 DOI: 10.1111/cas.13905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Revised: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 12/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Sine oculis homeobox 1 (Six1) is a homeodomain transcription factor that is aberrantly expressed in a variety of human cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC). Six1 has been reported to play a key role in the proliferation and migration of CRC cells but the underlying molecular mechanisms are still poorly characterized. In the present study, we found that Six1 overexpression promoted the proliferation and migration of CRC cells. Consistently, Six1 knockdown (KD) significantly inhibited proliferation and migration of CRC cells. In addition, we showed that Six1 promoted proliferation and migration of CRC cells through activation of Wnt/β‐catenin signaling, as evidenced by promotion of nuclear localization of β‐catenin. Silencing of β‐catenin expression with siRNA or inhibiting Wnt signaling with a specific inhibitor, xav939, significantly blocked Six1‐induced nuclear localization of β‐catenin and mitigated Six1‐promoted proliferation and migration of CRC cells. We further confirmed the involvement of β‐catenin in Six1‐promoted proliferation and migration of CRC cells by activation of Wnt signaling with lithium chloride (LiCl) in Six1 KD CRC cells and results showed that LiCl restores defective β‐catenin nuclear localization and proliferation and migration of CRC cells. Taken together, these results suggest that Six1 homeoprotein promotes the proliferation and migration of CRC cells by activating the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway, and strategies targeting Six1 may be promising for the treatment of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxin Song
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China.,Henan Collaborative Innovation Center of Molecular Diagnosis and Laboratory Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Jian Ma
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Bingbing Lei
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Xin Yuan
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Binfeng Cheng
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Haijie Yang
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Mian Wang
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Zhiwei Feng
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China.,Henan Collaborative Innovation Center of Molecular Diagnosis and Laboratory Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Lei Wang
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
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Kingsbury TJ, Kim M, Civin CI. Regulation of cancer stem cell properties by SIX1, a member of the PAX-SIX-EYA-DACH network. Adv Cancer Res 2019; 141:1-42. [PMID: 30691681 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2018.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The PAX-SIX-EYA-DACH network (PSEDN) is a central developmental transcriptional regulatory network from Drosophila to humans. The PSEDN is comprised of four conserved protein families; including paired box (PAX), sine oculis (SIX), eyes absent (EYA), and dachshund (DACH). Aberrant expression of PSEDN members, particularly SIX1, has been observed in multiple human cancers, where SIX1 expression correlates with increased aggressiveness and poor prognosis. In conjunction with its transcriptional activator EYA, the SIX1 transcription factor increases cancer stem cell (CSC) numbers and induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). SIX1 promotes multiple hallmarks and enabling characteristics of cancer via regulation of cell proliferation, senescence, apoptosis, genome stability, and energy metabolism. SIX1 also influences the tumor microenvironment, enhancing recruitment of tumor-associated macrophages and stimulating angiogenesis, to promote tumor development and progression. EYA proteins are multifunctional, possessing a transcriptional activation domain and tyrosine phosphatase activity, that each contributes to cancer stem cell properties. DACH proteins function as tumor suppressors in solid cancers, opposing the actions of SIX-EYA and reducing CSC prevalence. Multiple mechanisms can lead to increased SIX1 expression, including loss of SIX1-targeting tumor suppressor microRNAs (miRs), whose expression correlates inversely with SIX1 expression in cancer patient samples. In this review, we discuss the major mechanisms by which SIX1 confers CSC and EMT features and other important cancer cell characteristics. The roles of EYA and DACH in CSCs and cancer progression are briefly highlighted. Finally, we summarize the clinical significance of SIX1 in cancer to emphasize the potential therapeutic benefits of effective strategies to disrupt PSEDN protein interactions and functions.
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Zhang LS, Kang X, Lu J, Zhang Y, Wu X, Wu G, Zheng J, Tuladhar R, Shi H, Wang Q, Morlock L, Yao H, Huang LJS, Maire P, Kim J, Williams N, Xu J, Chen C, Zhang CC, Lum L. Installation of a cancer promoting WNT/SIX1 signaling axis by the oncofusion protein MLL-AF9. EBioMedicine 2019; 39:145-158. [PMID: 30528456 PMCID: PMC6354558 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2018.11.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Revised: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chromosomal translocation-induced expression of the chromatin modifying oncofusion protein MLL-AF9 promotes acute myelocytic leukemia (AML). Whereas WNT/β-catenin signaling has previously been shown to support MLL-AF9-driven leukemogenesis, the mechanism underlying this relationship remains unclear. METHODS We used two novel small molecules targeting WNT signaling as well as a genetically modified mouse model that allow targeted deletion of the WNT protein chaperone Wntless (WLS) to evaluate the role of WNT signaling in AML progression. ATAC-seq and transcriptome profiling were deployed to understand the cellular consequences of disrupting a WNT signaling in leukemic initiating cells (LICs). FINDINGS We identified Six1 to be a WNT-controlled target gene in MLL-AF9-transformed leukemic initiating cells (LICs). MLL-AF9 alters the accessibility of Six1 DNA to the transcriptional effector TCF7L2, a transducer of WNT/β-catenin gene expression changes. Disruption of WNT/SIX1 signaling using inhibitors of the Wnt signaling delays the development of AML. INTERPRETATION By rendering TCF/LEF-binding elements controlling Six1 accessible to TCF7L2, MLL-AF9 promotes WNT/β-catenin-dependent growth of LICs. Small molecules disrupting WNT/β-catenin signaling block Six1 expression thereby disrupting leukemia driven by MLL fusion proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Shu Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Xunlei Kang
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Jianming Lu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Yuannyu Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Children's Medical Center Research Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Xiaofeng Wu
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Guojin Wu
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Junke Zheng
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Rubina Tuladhar
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Heping Shi
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Qiaoling Wang
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Lorraine Morlock
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Huiyu Yao
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Lily Jun-Shen Huang
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Pascal Maire
- Institut Cochin, Université Paris-Descartes, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR, 8104, Paris, France; Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1016, Paris, France
| | - James Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Noelle Williams
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Jian Xu
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Children's Medical Center Research Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Chuo Chen
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Cheng Cheng Zhang
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Lawrence Lum
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
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NKL homeobox gene NKX2-2 is aberrantly expressed in Hodgkin lymphoma. Oncotarget 2018; 9:37480-37496. [PMID: 30680064 PMCID: PMC6331023 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.26459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
NKL homeobox genes encode basic transcriptional regulators of cell and tissue differentiation. Recently, we described a hematopoietic NKL-code comprising nine specific NKL homeobox genes expressed in normal hematopoietic stem cells, lymphoid progenitors and during lymphopoiesis, highlighting their physiological role in the development of T-, B- and NK-cells. Here, we identified aberrant expression of the non-hematopoietic neural NKL homeobox gene NKX2-2 in about 12% of both, classical Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and nodular lymphocyte predominant (NLP) HL patients. The NKX2-2 expressing NLPHL-derived cell line DEV served as a model by analysing chromosomal configurations and expression profiling data to reveal activating mechanisms and downstream targets of this developmental regulator. While excluding chromosomal rearrangements at the locus of NKX2-2 we identified t(3;14)(p21;q32) resulting in overexpression of the IL17 receptor gene IL17RB via juxtaposition with the IGH-locus. SiRNA-mediated knockdown experiments demonstrated that IL17RB activated NKX2-2 transcription. Overexpression of IL17RB-cofactor DAZAP2 via chromosomal gain of 12q13 and deletion of its proteasomal inhibitor SMURF2 at 17q24 supported expression of NKX2-2. IL17RB activated transcription factors FLI1 and FOXG1 which in turn mediated NKX2-2 expression. In addition, overexpressed chromatin-modulator AUTS2 contributed to NKX2-2 activation as well. Downstream analyses indicated that NKX2-2 inhibits transcription of lymphoid NKL homeobox gene MSX1 and activates expression of basic helix-loop-helix factor NEUROD1 which may disturb B-cell differentiation processes via reported interaction with TCF3/E2A. Taken together, our data reveal ectopic activation of a neural gene network in HL placing NKX2-2 at its hub, highlighting a novel oncogenic impact of NKL homeobox genes in B-cell malignancies.
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Grewal RK, Chetty M, Abayomi EA, Tomuleasa C, Fromm JR. Use of flow cytometry in the phenotypic diagnosis of hodgkin's lymphoma. CYTOMETRY PART B-CLINICAL CYTOMETRY 2018; 96:116-127. [PMID: 30350336 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.b.21724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Revised: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) has a unique immunophenotype derived from immunohistochemistry (positive for CD15, CD30, and Pax-5; negative for CD3, CD20 in most cases, and CD45). The knowledge gained over recent years enables better diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of HL. Flow cytometry as a tool for the diagnosis of classic HL has not been useful in the past due to the difficulty in isolating Reed-Sternberg cells as they are admixed in a rich inflammatory background which consists mainly of T cells, B cells, eosinophils, histiocytes, and plasma cells. However, in the recent past, several studies have tried to identify Reed-Sternberg cells using flow cytometry on fine needle aspiration or tissue biopsy of lymph nodes to confirm or supplement immunohistochemistry staining in diagnosis. Newer and more sensitive tools such as flow cytometry can be used for diagnosis, technology that may have been difficult in the past for diagnosis of this lymphoma subtype. Using flow cytometry, diagnosis is faster and could lead to point-of-care technology especially where we have typical immunophenotype signatures. © 2018 International Clinical Cytometry Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravnit-Kaur Grewal
- MBCHB South African National Bioinformatics Institute, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| | - Manogari Chetty
- Department of Oral and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Ciprian Tomuleasa
- Department of Hematology/Research Center for Functional Genomics and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy-Ion Chiricuta Oncology Institute, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Jonathan R Fromm
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
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Di Giorgio E, Hancock WW, Brancolini C. MEF2 and the tumorigenic process, hic sunt leones. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2018; 1870:261-273. [PMID: 29879430 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2018.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Revised: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 05/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
While MEF2 transcription factors are well known to cooperate in orchestrating cell fate and adaptive responses during development and adult life, additional studies over the last decade have identified a wide spectrum of genetic alterations of MEF2 in different cancers. The consequences of these alterations, including triggering and maintaining the tumorigenic process, are not entirely clear. A deeper knowledge of the molecular pathways that regulate MEF2 expression and function, as well as the nature and consequences of MEF2 mutations are necessary to fully understand the many roles of MEF2 in malignant cells. This review discusses the current knowledge of MEF2 transcription factors in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eros Di Giorgio
- Department of Medicine, Università degli Studi di Udine, P.le Kolbe 4, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Wayne W Hancock
- Division of Transplant Immunology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Biesecker Center for Pediatric Liver Diseases, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Claudio Brancolini
- Department of Medicine, Università degli Studi di Udine, P.le Kolbe 4, 33100 Udine, Italy.
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Nagel S, Meyer C, Kaufmann M, Zaborski M, MacLeod RAF, Drexler HG. Aberrant activity of NKL homeobox gene NKX3-2 in a T-ALL subset. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0197194. [PMID: 29746601 PMCID: PMC5944955 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0197194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is a hematopoietic malignancy originating from T-cell progenitors in which differentiation is blocked at early stages. Physiological expression of specific NKL homeobox genes obeys a hematopoietic NKL-code implicated in the process of lymphopoiesis while in differentiated T-cells these genes are silenced. We propose that this developmental expression pattern underlies the observation that NKL homeobox genes are the most ubiquitous group of transcription factors deregulated in T-ALL, including TLX1, TLX3, NKX2-5 and NKX3-1. Here, we describe a novel member of the NKL homeobox gene subclass, NKX3-2 (BAPX1), which is aberrantly activated in 18% of pediatric T-ALL patients analyzed while being normally expressed in developing spleen. Identification of NKX3-2 expression in T-ALL cell line CCRF-CEM qualified these cells to model its deregulation and function in a leukemic context. Genomic and chromosomal analyses demonstrated normal configuration of the NKX3-2 locus at chromosome 4p15, thus excluding cytogenetic dysregulation. Comparative expression profiling analysis of NKX3-2 patient data revealed deregulated activity of BMP- and MAPK-signalling. These candidate pathways were experimentally confirmed to mediate aberrant NKX3-2 expression. We also show that homeobox gene SIX6, plus MIR17HG and GATA3 are downstream targets of NKX3-2 and plausibly contribute to the pathogenesis of this malignancy by suppressing T-cell differentiation. Finally, NKL homeobox gene NKX2-5 was activated by NKX3-2 in CCRF-CEM and by FOXG1 in PEER, representing mutually inhibitory activators of this translocated oncogene. Together, our findings reveal a novel oncogenic NKL homeobox gene subclass member which is aberrantly expressed in a large subset of T-ALL patients and participates in a deregulated gene network likely to arise in developing spleen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Nagel
- Department of Human and Animal Cell Lines, Leibniz-Institute DSMZ—German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Braunschweig, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Corinna Meyer
- Department of Human and Animal Cell Lines, Leibniz-Institute DSMZ—German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Maren Kaufmann
- Department of Human and Animal Cell Lines, Leibniz-Institute DSMZ—German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Margarete Zaborski
- Department of Human and Animal Cell Lines, Leibniz-Institute DSMZ—German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Roderick A. F. MacLeod
- Department of Human and Animal Cell Lines, Leibniz-Institute DSMZ—German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Hans G. Drexler
- Department of Human and Animal Cell Lines, Leibniz-Institute DSMZ—German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Braunschweig, Germany
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Nagel S, Pommerenke C, Meyer C, Kaufmann M, MacLeod RA, Drexler HG. Aberrant expression of NKL homeobox gene HLX in Hodgkin lymphoma. Oncotarget 2018; 9:14338-14353. [PMID: 29581848 PMCID: PMC5865674 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.24512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 02/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
NKL homeobox genes are basic regulators of cell and tissue differentiation, many acting as oncogenes in T-cell leukemia. Recently, we described an hematopoietic NKL-code comprising six particular NKL homeobox genes expressed in hematopoietic stem cells and lymphoid progenitors, unmasking their physiological roles in the development of these cell types. Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is a B-cell malignancy showing aberrant activity of several developmental genes resulting in disturbed B-cell differentiation. To examine potential concordances in abnormal lymphoid differentiation of T- and B-cell malignancies we analyzed the expression of the hematopoietic NKL-code associated genes in HL, comprising HHEX, HLX, MSX1, NKX2-3, NKX3-1 and NKX6-3. Our approach revealed aberrant HLX activity in 8 % of classical HL patients and additionally in HL cell line L-540. Accordingly, to identify upstream regulators and downstream target genes of HLX we used L-540 cells as a model and performed chromosome and genome analyses, comparative expression profiling and functional assays via knockdown and overexpression experiments therein. These investigations excluded chromosomal rearrangements of the HLX locus at 1q41 and demonstrated that STAT3 operated directly as transcriptional activator of the HLX gene. Moreover, subcellular analyses showed highly enriched STAT3 protein in the nucleus of L-540 cells which underwent cytoplasmic translocation by repressing deacetylation. Finally, HLX inhibited transcription of B-cell differentiation factors MSX1, BCL11A and SPIB and of pro-apoptotic factor BCL2L11/BIM, thereby suppressing Etoposide-induced cell death. Collectively, we propose that aberrantly expressed NKL homeobox gene HLX is part of a pathological gene network in HL, driving deregulated B-cell differentiation and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Nagel
- Department of Human and Animal Cell Lines, Leibniz-Institute DSMZ-German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Claudia Pommerenke
- Department of Human and Animal Cell Lines, Leibniz-Institute DSMZ-German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Corinna Meyer
- Department of Human and Animal Cell Lines, Leibniz-Institute DSMZ-German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Maren Kaufmann
- Department of Human and Animal Cell Lines, Leibniz-Institute DSMZ-German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Roderick A.F. MacLeod
- Department of Human and Animal Cell Lines, Leibniz-Institute DSMZ-German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Hans G. Drexler
- Department of Human and Animal Cell Lines, Leibniz-Institute DSMZ-German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Braunschweig, Germany
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