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Majumder A. Targeting Homocysteine and Hydrogen Sulfide Balance as Future Therapeutics in Cancer Treatment. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1520. [PMID: 37627515 PMCID: PMC10451792 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12081520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
A high level of homocysteine (Hcy) is associated with oxidative/ER stress, apoptosis, and impairment of angiogenesis, whereas hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been found to reverse this condition. Recent studies have shown that cancer cells need to produce a high level of endogenous H2S to maintain cell proliferation, growth, viability, and migration. However, any novel mechanism that targets this balance of Hcy and H2S production has yet to be discovered or exploited. Cells require homocysteine metabolism via the methionine cycle for nucleotide synthesis, methylation, and reductive metabolism, and this pathway supports the high proliferative rate of cancer cells. Although the methionine cycle favors cancer cells for their survival and growth, this metabolism produces a massive amount of toxic Hcy that somehow cancer cells handle very well. Recently, research showed specific pathways important for balancing the antioxidative defense through H2S production in cancer cells. This review discusses the relationship between Hcy metabolism and the antiapoptotic, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and angiogenic effects of H2S in different cancer types. It also summarizes the historical understanding of targeting antioxidative defense systems, angiogenesis, and other protective mechanisms of cancer cells and the role of H2S production in the genesis, progression, and metastasis of cancer. This review defines a nexus of diet and precision medicine in targeting the delicate antioxidative system of cancer and explores possible future therapeutics that could exploit the Hcy and H2S balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avisek Majumder
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
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2
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Chatzidavid S, Kontandreopoulou CN, Diamantopoulos PT, Giannakopoulou N, Katsiampoura P, Stafylidis C, Dryllis G, Kyrtsonis MC, Dimou M, Panayiotidis P, Viniou NA. The Clinical and Prognostic Significance of Ribonucleotide Reductase Subunits RRM1 and RRM2 mRNA Levels in Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. Clin Hematol Int 2023:10.1007/s44228-023-00033-x. [PMID: 36811764 DOI: 10.1007/s44228-023-00033-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Ribonucleotide Reductase (RNR) converts ribonucleotides to deoxyribonucleotides required for DNA replication and repair. RNR consists of subunits M1 and M2. It has been studied as a prognostic factor in several solid tumors and in chronic hematological malignancies, but not in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Peripheral blood samples were collected from 135 CLL patients. M1/M2 gene mRNA levels were measured and expressed as a RRM1-2/GAPDH ratio. M1 gene promoter methylation was studied in a patients' subgroup. M1 mRNA expression was higher in patients without anemia (p = 0.026), without lymphadenopathy (p = 0.005) and 17p gene deletion (p = 0.031). Abnormal LDH (p = 0.022) and higher Rai stage (p = 0.019) were associated with lower M1 mRNA levels. Higher M2 mRNA levels were found in patients without lymphadenopathy (p = .048), Rai stage 0 (p = 0.025) and Trisomy 12 (p = 0.025). The correlation between RNR subunits and clinic-biological characteristics in CLL patients demonstrate RNR's potential role as a prognostic factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sevastianos Chatzidavid
- Hematology Unit, First Department of Internal Medicine, Laikon General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 17 Agiou Thoma Street, Athens, Greece.
| | - Christina-Nefeli Kontandreopoulou
- Hematology Unit, First Department of Internal Medicine, Laikon General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 17 Agiou Thoma Street, Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis T Diamantopoulos
- Hematology Unit, First Department of Internal Medicine, Laikon General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 17 Agiou Thoma Street, Athens, Greece
| | - Nefeli Giannakopoulou
- Hematology Unit, First Department of Internal Medicine, Laikon General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 17 Agiou Thoma Street, Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiota Katsiampoura
- Hematology Unit, First Department of Internal Medicine, Laikon General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 17 Agiou Thoma Street, Athens, Greece
| | - Christos Stafylidis
- Hematology Unit, First Department of Internal Medicine, Laikon General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 17 Agiou Thoma Street, Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Dryllis
- Hematology Unit, First Department of Internal Medicine, Laikon General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 17 Agiou Thoma Street, Athens, Greece
| | - Marie-Christine Kyrtsonis
- Hematology Section of the First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Laikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Dimou
- Hematology Section of the First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Laikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Panayiotis Panayiotidis
- Department of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Laikon General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Nora-Athina Viniou
- Hematology Unit, First Department of Internal Medicine, Laikon General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 17 Agiou Thoma Street, Athens, Greece
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3
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Targeting DNA Methylation in Leukemia, Myelodysplastic Syndrome, and Lymphoma: A Potential Diagnostic, Prognostic, and Therapeutic Tool. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010633. [PMID: 36614080 PMCID: PMC9820560 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation represents a crucial mechanism of epigenetic regulation in hematologic malignancies. The methylation process is controlled by specific DNA methyl transferases and other regulators, which are often affected by genetic alterations. Global hypomethylation and hypermethylation of tumor suppressor genes are associated with hematologic cancer development and progression. Several epi-drugs have been successfully implicated in the treatment of hematologic malignancies, including the hypomethylating agents (HMAs) decitabine and azacytidine. However, combinations with other treatment modalities and the discovery of new molecules are still the subject of research to increase sensitivity to anti-cancer therapies and improve patient outcomes. In this review, we summarized the main functions of DNA methylation regulators and genetic events leading to changes in methylation landscapes. We provide current knowledge about target genes with aberrant methylation levels in leukemias, myelodysplastic syndromes, and malignant lymphomas. Moreover, we provide an overview of the clinical trials, focused mainly on the combined therapy of HMAs with other treatments and its impact on adverse events, treatment efficacy, and survival rates among hematologic cancer patients. In the era of precision medicine, a transition from genes to their regulation opens up the possibility of an epigenetic-based approach as a diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic tool.
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4
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van Dijk AD, Griffen TL, Qiu YH, Hoff FW, Toro E, Ruiz K, Ruvolo PP, Lillard JW, de Bont ESJM, Burger JA, Wierda W, Kornblau SM. RPPA-based proteomics recognizes distinct epigenetic signatures in chronic lymphocytic leukemia with clinical consequences. Leukemia 2022; 36:712-722. [PMID: 34625713 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-021-01438-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) armamentarium has evolved significantly, with novel therapies that inhibit Bruton Tyrosine Kinase, PI3K delta and/or the BCL2 protein improving outcomes. Still, the clinical course of CLL patients is highly variable and most previously recognized prognostic features lack the capacity to predict response to modern treatments indicating the need for new prognostic markers. In this study, we identified four epigenetically distinct proteomic signatures of a large cohort of CLL and related diseases derived samples (n = 871) using reverse phase protein array technology. These signatures are associated with clinical features including age, cytogenetic abnormalities [trisomy 12, del(13q) and del(17p)], immunoglobulin heavy-chain locus (IGHV) mutational load, ZAP-70 status, Binet and Rai staging as well as with the outcome measures of time to treatment and overall survival. Protein signature membership was identified as predictive marker for overall survival regardless of other clinical features. Among the analyzed epigenetic proteins, EZH2, HDAC6, and loss of H3K27me3 levels were the most independently associated with poor survival. These findings demonstrate that proteomic based epigenetic biomarkers can be used to better classify CLL patients and provide therapeutic guidance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anneke D van Dijk
- Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Ti'ara L Griffen
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry, and Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Yihua H Qiu
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Fieke W Hoff
- Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Endurance Toro
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kevin Ruiz
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Peter P Ruvolo
- Department of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - James W Lillard
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry, and Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Eveline S J M de Bont
- Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Jan A Burger
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - William Wierda
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Steven M Kornblau
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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5
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Pacholewska A, Grimm C, Herling CD, Lienhard M, Königs A, Timmermann B, Altmüller J, Mücke O, Reinhardt HC, Plass C, Herwig R, Hallek M, Schweiger MR. Altered DNA Methylation Profiles in SF3B1 Mutated CLL Patients. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22179337. [PMID: 34502260 PMCID: PMC8431484 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in splicing factor genes have a severe impact on the survival of cancer patients. Splicing factor 3b subunit 1 (SF3B1) is one of the most frequently mutated genes in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL); patients carrying these mutations have a poor prognosis. Since the splicing machinery and the epigenome are closely interconnected, we investigated whether these alterations may affect the epigenomes of CLL patients. While an overall hypomethylation during CLL carcinogenesis has been observed, the interplay between the epigenetic stage of the originating B cells and SF3B1 mutations, and the subsequent effect of the mutations on methylation alterations in CLL, have not been investigated. We profiled the genome-wide DNA methylation patterns of 27 CLL patients with and without SF3B1 mutations and identified local decreases in methylation levels in SF3B1mut CLL patients at 67 genomic regions, mostly in proximity to telomeric regions. These differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were enriched in gene bodies of cancer-related signaling genes, e.g., NOTCH1, HTRA3, and BCL9L. In our study, SF3B1 mutations exclusively emerged in two out of three epigenetic stages of the originating B cells. However, not all the DMRs could be associated with the methylation programming of B cells during development, suggesting that mutations in SF3B1 cause additional epigenetic aberrations during carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicja Pacholewska
- Institute for Translational Epigenetics, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany; (A.P.); (C.G.); (A.K.)
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Christina Grimm
- Institute for Translational Epigenetics, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany; (A.P.); (C.G.); (A.K.)
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Carmen D. Herling
- Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, German CLL Study Group, Department I of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany; (C.D.H.); (H.C.R.); (M.H.)
| | - Matthias Lienhard
- Department of Computational Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, 14195 Berlin, Germany; (M.L.); (R.H.)
| | - Anja Königs
- Institute for Translational Epigenetics, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany; (A.P.); (C.G.); (A.K.)
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Bernd Timmermann
- Sequencing Core Facility, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, 14195 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Janine Altmüller
- Cologne Center for Genomics, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany;
| | - Oliver Mücke
- German Cancer Research Center, Cancer Epigenomics, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (O.M.); (C.P.)
| | - Hans Christian Reinhardt
- Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, German CLL Study Group, Department I of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany; (C.D.H.); (H.C.R.); (M.H.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- West German Cancer Center Essen, Department of Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Christoph Plass
- German Cancer Research Center, Cancer Epigenomics, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (O.M.); (C.P.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ralf Herwig
- Department of Computational Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, 14195 Berlin, Germany; (M.L.); (R.H.)
| | - Michael Hallek
- Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, German CLL Study Group, Department I of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany; (C.D.H.); (H.C.R.); (M.H.)
| | - Michal R. Schweiger
- Institute for Translational Epigenetics, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany; (A.P.); (C.G.); (A.K.)
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
- Correspondence:
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6
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Gaydou L, Rossetti MF, Tschopp MV, Stoker C, Bosquiazzo VL, Ramos JG. Epigenetic regulation of steroidogenic enzymes expressed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy individuals and from patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2020; 204:105767. [PMID: 33011313 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2020.105767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Sex hormone synthesis occurs in various organs and tissues besides the gonads, such as adrenal glands, brain, intestines, skin, fat, bone, and cells of the immune system. Regarding the latter, it is still not clear which pathways are active, and if they are modified in case of illness of the immune system. Our goal in this study was to determine mRNA expression of different steroidogenic enzymes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy individuals of both sexes and of different ages, and then to compare their expression between healthy individuals and patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL). Furthermore, to elucidate possible mechanisms that regulate enzyme expression, we analyzed epigenetic events like promoter methylation. We determined that normal cells of the immune system, regardless of sex and age, expressed P450 side chain cleavage (P450scc), cytochrome P450 17α-hydroxylase/c17,20-lyase (P45017α), 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/Δ5-Δ4-isomerase (3β-HSD), steroid 5 α reductase (5α-R) types 1, 2 and 3, 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3α-HSD) type 3, and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD) types 1, 3 and 5. We also established that 5α-R 1, 5α-R 3, 3α-HSD 3, 17β-HSD 1 and 17β-HSD 5 expression was altered in CLL patients, and that promoter regions of 5α-R 1, 17β-HSD 1 and 17β-HSD 5 were diferentially methylated. These results suggest that steroidogenic pathways may be affected in CLL cells, and this could be related to disease pathogenesis.
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System/genetics
- Epigenesis, Genetic
- Estradiol/blood
- Female
- Healthy Volunteers
- Humans
- Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases/genetics
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/enzymology
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/genetics
- Leukocytes, Mononuclear/enzymology
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Progesterone/blood
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Testosterone/blood
- Young Adult
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Gaydou
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica y Cuantitativa, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina; Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral(ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Ma Florencia Rossetti
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica y Cuantitativa, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina; Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral(ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Ma Virginia Tschopp
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral(ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina; Cátedra de Fisiología Humana, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Cora Stoker
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica y Cuantitativa, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina; Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral(ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Verónica L Bosquiazzo
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica y Cuantitativa, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina; Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral(ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Jorge G Ramos
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica y Cuantitativa, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina; Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral(ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina.
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7
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Raz O, Granot G, Pasmanik-Chor M, Raanani P, Rozovski U. Profiling and bioinformatics analyses reveal chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells share a unique circular RNA expression pattern. Exp Hematol 2020; 85:8-12. [PMID: 32283132 DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2020.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Approximately 10% of the human transcriptome is composed of circular RNAs (circRNAs). These are non-coding RNA molecules in which a covalent bond between the 3' and 5' forms a stable circular loop. Herein, we profiled the expression of 13,368 cricRNAS in 21 patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Regardless of clinical, genetic, or prognostic characteristics, CLL cells share a unique expression profile distinguishable from that of normal B cells. Specifically, 859 circRNAs from 592 genes were differentially expressed (fold change ≥2 and false discovery rate ≤0.05). Whether dysregulation of circRNAs contributes to the pathogenesis of CLL remains to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oshrat Raz
- Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Beilinson Hospital, Rabin Medical Center, Petah-Tikva, Israel
| | - Galit Granot
- Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Beilinson Hospital, Rabin Medical Center, Petah-Tikva, Israel.
| | - Metsada Pasmanik-Chor
- Bioinformatics Unit, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Ramat-Aviv, Israel
| | - Pia Raanani
- Institute of Hematology, Davidoff Cancer Center, Beilinson Hospital, Rabin Medical Center, Petah-Tikva, Israel; Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat- Aviv, Israel
| | - Uri Rozovski
- Institute of Hematology, Davidoff Cancer Center, Beilinson Hospital, Rabin Medical Center, Petah-Tikva, Israel; Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat- Aviv, Israel
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8
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Wierzbinska JA, Toth R, Ishaque N, Rippe K, Mallm JP, Klett LC, Mertens D, Zenz T, Hielscher T, Seifert M, Küppers R, Assenov Y, Lutsik P, Stilgenbauer S, Roessner PM, Seiffert M, Byrd J, Oakes CC, Plass C, Lipka DB. Methylome-based cell-of-origin modeling (Methyl-COOM) identifies aberrant expression of immune regulatory molecules in CLL. Genome Med 2020; 12:29. [PMID: 32188505 PMCID: PMC7081711 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-020-00724-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In cancer, normal epigenetic patterns are disturbed and contribute to gene expression changes, disease onset, and progression. The cancer epigenome is composed of the epigenetic patterns present in the tumor-initiating cell at the time of transformation, and the tumor-specific epigenetic alterations that are acquired during tumor initiation and progression. The precise dissection of these two components of the tumor epigenome will facilitate a better understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying malignant transformation. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) originates from differentiating B cells, which undergo extensive epigenetic programming. This poses the challenge to precisely determine the epigenomic ground state of the cell-of-origin in order to identify CLL-specific epigenetic aberrations. Methods We developed a linear regression model, methylome-based cell-of-origin modeling (Methyl-COOM), to map the cell-of-origin for individual CLL patients based on the continuum of epigenomic changes during normal B cell differentiation. Results Methyl-COOM accurately maps the cell-of-origin of CLL and identifies CLL-specific aberrant DNA methylation events that are not confounded by physiologic epigenetic B cell programming. Furthermore, Methyl-COOM unmasks abnormal action of transcription factors, altered super-enhancer activities, and aberrant transcript expression in CLL. Among the aberrantly regulated transcripts were many genes that have previously been implicated in T cell biology. Flow cytometry analysis of these markers confirmed their aberrant expression on malignant B cells at the protein level. Conclusions Methyl-COOM analysis of CLL identified disease-specific aberrant gene regulation. The aberrantly expressed genes identified in this study might play a role in immune-evasion in CLL and might serve as novel targets for immunotherapy approaches. In summary, we propose a novel framework for in silico modeling of reference DNA methylomes and for the identification of cancer-specific epigenetic changes, a concept that can be broadly applied to other human malignancies. Electronic supplementary material Supplementary information accompanies this paper at 10.1186/s13073-020-00724-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna A Wierzbinska
- Division of Cancer Epigenomics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.,Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.,The German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Reka Toth
- Division of Cancer Epigenomics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Naveed Ishaque
- The German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Karsten Rippe
- The German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany.,Division of Chromatin Networks, DKFZ, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jan-Philipp Mallm
- The German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany.,Division of Chromatin Networks, DKFZ, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lara C Klett
- Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.,Division of Chromatin Networks, DKFZ, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Daniel Mertens
- The German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany.,Mechanisms of Leukemogenesis, DKFZ, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thorsten Zenz
- Experimental Hematology Lab, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Marc Seifert
- Group Molecular Genetics, Essen University Hospital, Essen, Germany
| | - Ralf Küppers
- Group Molecular Genetics, Essen University Hospital, Essen, Germany
| | - Yassen Assenov
- Division of Cancer Epigenomics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Pavlo Lutsik
- Division of Cancer Epigenomics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | | | | | - John Byrd
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, USA
| | - Christopher C Oakes
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, USA.,Department of Biomedical Informatics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, USA
| | - Christoph Plass
- Division of Cancer Epigenomics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany. .,The German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Daniel B Lipka
- The German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany. .,Section Translational Cancer Epigenomics, Division of Translational Medical Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 581, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany. .,National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany. .,Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center, Otto-von-Guericke-University, 39120, Magdeburg, Germany.
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9
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Scheffold A, Stilgenbauer S. Revolution of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Therapy: the Chemo-Free Treatment Paradigm. Curr Oncol Rep 2020; 22:16. [PMID: 32025827 PMCID: PMC7002327 DOI: 10.1007/s11912-020-0881-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Over the last years, targeted anticancer therapy with small molecule inhibitors and antibodies has much replaced chemoimmunotherapy, which has been the gold standard of care for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Here we give an overview of novel targeted agents used in therapy of chronic lymphocytic leukemia, as well as efforts to overcome resistance development, focusing on approved drugs since they gained high relevance in clinical practice. Recent Findings Novel agents moved to the forefront as a treatment strategy of CLL due to their outstanding efficacy, almost irrespectively of the underlying genetic features. Inhibition of Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK), a key molecule in the B cell receptor pathway, achieved dramatic efficacy even in poor-risk and chemo-refractory patients. Further success was accomplished with venetoclax, which specifically inhibits anti-apoptotic BCL2 and induces apoptosis of CLL cells. Summary Inhibition of BTK or BCL2 is very effective and induces prolongation of progression-free and overall survival. Approved combination treatments such as venetoclax or ibrutinib with obinutuzumab show high responses rates and long remission durations. However, evolution and selection of subclones with continuous treatment leads to resistance towards these novel drugs and disease relapse. Hence, comparison of sequential treatment with combinations and discontinuation of therapy are important aspects which need to be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Scheffold
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Universitätsklinikum Ulm, Albert-Einstein Allee 23, D-89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Stephan Stilgenbauer
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Universitätsklinikum Ulm, Albert-Einstein Allee 23, D-89081, Ulm, Germany. .,Department of Internal Medicine I, Saarland University, D-66421, Homburg, Germany.
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10
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Novel genes exhibiting DNA methylation alterations in Korean patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia: a methyl-CpG-binding domain sequencing study. Sci Rep 2020; 10:1085. [PMID: 31974418 PMCID: PMC6978354 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-57919-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) exhibits differences between Asians and Caucasians in terms of incidence rate, age at onset, immunophenotype, and genetic profile. We performed genome-wide methylation profiling of CLL in an Asian cohort for the first time. Eight Korean patients without somatic immunoglobulin heavy chain gene hypermutations underwent methyl-CpG-binding domain sequencing (MBD-seq), as did five control subjects. Gene Ontology, pathway analysis, and network-based prioritization of differentially methylated genes were also performed. More regions were hypomethylated (2,062 windows) than were hypermethylated (777 windows). Promoters contained the highest proportion of differentially methylated regions (0.08%), while distal intergenic and intron regions contained the largest number of differentially methylated regions. Protein-coding genes were the most abundant, followed by long noncoding and short noncoding genes. The most significantly over-represented signalling pathways in the differentially methylated gene list included immune/cancer-related pathways and B-cell receptor signalling. Among the top 10 hub genes identified via network-based prioritization, four (UBC, GRB2, CREBBP, and GAB2) had no known relevance to CLL, while the other six (STAT3, PTPN6, SYK, STAT5B, XPO1, and ABL1) have previously been linked to CLL in Caucasians. As such, our analysis identified four novel candidate genes of potential significance to Asian patients with CLL.
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11
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Loi E, Moi L, Fadda A, Satta G, Zucca M, Sanna S, Amini Nia S, Cabras G, Padoan M, Magnani C, Miligi L, Piro S, Gentilini D, Ennas MG, Southey MC, Giles GG, Wong Doo N, Cocco P, Zavattari P. Methylation alteration of SHANK1 as a predictive, diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Oncotarget 2019; 10:4987-5002. [PMID: 31452839 PMCID: PMC6697638 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27080] [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: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a clinically heterogeneous disease characterized by the clonal expansion of malignant B cells. To predict the clinical course of the disease, the identification of diagnostic biomarkers is urgently needed. Aberrant methylation patterns may predict CLL development and its course, being very early changes during carcinogenesis. Our aim was to identify CLL specific methylation patterns and to evaluate whether methylation aberrations in selected genes are associated with changes in gene expression. Here, by performing a genome-wide methylation analysis, we identified several CLL-specific methylation alterations. We focused on the most altered one, at a CpG island located in the body of SHANK1 gene, in our CLL cases compared to healthy controls. This methylation alteration was successfully validated in a larger cohort including 139 CLL and 20 control in silico samples. We also found a positive correlation between SHANK1 methylation level and absolute lymphocyte count, in particular CD19+ B cells, in CLL patients. Moreover, we were able to detect gains of methylation at SHANK1 in blood samples collected years prior to diagnosis. Overall, our results suggest methylation alteration at this SHANK1 CpG island as a biomarker for risk and diagnosis of CLL, and also in the personalized quantification of tumor aggressiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Loi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Biology and Genetics, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Loredana Moi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Biology and Genetics, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Antonio Fadda
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Biology and Genetics, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giannina Satta
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Occupational Health Unit, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Mariagrazia Zucca
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cytomorphology Unit, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Sonia Sanna
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cytomorphology Unit, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Shadi Amini Nia
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Occupational Health Unit, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Marina Padoan
- Department of Medical Sciences, Unit of Medical Statistics and Cancer Epidemiology, University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy
| | - Corrado Magnani
- Department of Medical Sciences, Unit of Medical Statistics and Cancer Epidemiology, University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy
| | - Lucia Miligi
- Institute of Oncology Studies and Prevention, Florence, Italy
| | - Sara Piro
- Institute of Oncology Studies and Prevention, Florence, Italy
| | - Davide Gentilini
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,Bioinformatics and Statistical Genomics Unit, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Cusano Milanino, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Ennas
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cytomorphology Unit, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Melissa C Southey
- Precision Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Clinical Pathology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Graham G Giles
- Cancer Epidemiology and Intelligence Division, Cancer Council Victoria, Melbourne, Australia.,Centre for Epidemiology & Biostatistics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Nicole Wong Doo
- Cancer Epidemiology and Intelligence Division, Cancer Council Victoria, Melbourne, Australia.,Concord Hospital Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Pierluigi Cocco
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Occupational Health Unit, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Patrizia Zavattari
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Biology and Genetics, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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12
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da Silva RA, Fuhler GM, Janmaat VT, da C Fernandes CJ, da Silva Feltran G, Oliveira FA, Matos AA, Oliveira RC, Ferreira MR, Zambuzzi WF, Peppelenbosch MP. HOXA cluster gene expression during osteoblast differentiation involves epigenetic control. Bone 2019; 125:74-86. [PMID: 31054377 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2019.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Revised: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The HOXA gene cluster is generally recognized as a pivotal mediator of positional identity in the skeletal system, expression of different orthologues conferring alternative locational phenotype of the vertebrate bone. Strikingly, however, the molecular mechanisms that regulate orthologue-specific expression of different HOXA cluster members in gestating osteoblasts remain largely obscure, but in analogy to the processes observed in acute lymphatic leukemia it is assumed that alternative methylation of HOXA promoter regions drives position specific expression patterns. In an effort to understand HOXA cluster gene expression in osteogenesis we characterize both expression and the epigenetic landscape of the HOXA gene cluster during in vitro osteoblast formation from mesenchymal precursors. We observe that osteoblast formation per se provokes strong upregulation of HOXA gene cluster expression, in particular of midcluster genes, and paradoxal downregulation of HOXA7 and HOXA10. These differences in expression appear related to promoter methylation. LnRNAs HOTAIR and HOTTIP, known to modulate HOXA expression, are also regulated by their promoter methylation processing, but do not correlate with HOXA cluster expression profile. We thus conclude that HOXA expression is profoundly regulated during osteoblast differentiation through canonical methylation-dependent mechanisms but not through the flanking lnRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo A da Silva
- Laboratory of Bioassays and Cellular Dynamics, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University - UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo 18618-970, Brazil; Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Gwenny M Fuhler
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Vincent T Janmaat
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Célio Júnior da C Fernandes
- Laboratory of Bioassays and Cellular Dynamics, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University - UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo 18618-970, Brazil
| | - Geórgia da Silva Feltran
- Laboratory of Bioassays and Cellular Dynamics, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University - UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo 18618-970, Brazil
| | - Flávia Amadeu Oliveira
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Al. Octávio Pinheiro Brisolla, 9-75, 17012-901 Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Adriana Arruda Matos
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Al. Octávio Pinheiro Brisolla, 9-75, 17012-901 Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Cardoso Oliveira
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Al. Octávio Pinheiro Brisolla, 9-75, 17012-901 Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcel Rodrigues Ferreira
- Laboratory of Bioassays and Cellular Dynamics, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University - UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo 18618-970, Brazil
| | - Willian F Zambuzzi
- Laboratory of Bioassays and Cellular Dynamics, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University - UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo 18618-970, Brazil.
| | - Maikel P Peppelenbosch
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
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13
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Gohil SH, Wu CJ. Dissecting CLL through high-dimensional single-cell technologies. Blood 2019; 133:1446-1456. [PMID: 30728142 PMCID: PMC6440295 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2018-09-835389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
We now have the potential to undertake detailed analysis of the inner workings of thousands of cancer cells, one cell at a time, through the emergence of a range of techniques that probe the genome, transcriptome, and proteome combined with the development of bioinformatics pipelines that enable their interpretation. This provides an unprecedented opportunity to better understand the heterogeneity of chronic lymphocytic leukemia and how mutations, activation states, and protein expression at the single-cell level have an impact on disease course, response to treatment, and outcomes. Herein, we review the emerging application of these new techniques to chronic lymphocytic leukemia and examine the insights already attained through this transformative technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satyen H Gohil
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
| | - Catherine J Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; and
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
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14
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Papakonstantinou N, Ntoufa S, Tsagiopoulou M, Moysiadis T, Bhoi S, Malousi A, Psomopoulos F, Mansouri L, Laidou S, Papazoglou D, Gounari M, Pasentsis K, Plevova K, Kuci-Emruli V, Duran-Ferrer M, Davis Z, Ek S, Rossi D, Gaidano G, Ritgen M, Oscier D, Stavroyianni N, Pospisilova S, Davi F, Ghia P, Hadzidimitriou A, Belessi C, Martin-Subero JI, Pott C, Rosenquist R, Stamatopoulos K. Integrated epigenomic and transcriptomic analysis reveals TP63 as a novel player in clinically aggressive chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Int J Cancer 2019; 144:2695-2706. [PMID: 30447004 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.31999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Revised: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) stereotyped subsets #6 and #8 include cases expressing unmutated B cell receptor immunoglobulin (BcR IG) (U-CLL). Subset #6 (IGHV1-69/IGKV3-20) is less aggressive compared to subset #8 (IGHV4-39/IGKV1(D)-39) which has the highest risk for Richter's transformation among all CLL. The underlying reasons for this divergent clinical behavior are not fully elucidated. To gain insight into this issue, here we focused on epigenomic signatures and their links with gene expression, particularly investigating genome-wide DNA methylation profiles in subsets #6 and #8 as well as other U-CLL cases not expressing stereotyped BcR IG. We found that subset #8 showed a distinctive DNA methylation profile compared to all other U-CLL cases, including subset #6. Integrated analysis of DNA methylation and gene expression revealed significant correlation for several genes, particularly highlighting a relevant role for the TP63 gene which was hypomethylated and overexpressed in subset #8. This observation was validated by quantitative PCR, which also revealed TP63 mRNA overexpression in additional nonsubset U-CLL cases. BcR stimulation had distinct effects on p63 protein expression, particularly leading to induction in subset #8, accompanied by increased CLL cell survival. This pro-survival effect was also supported by siRNA-mediated downregulation of p63 expression resulting in increased apoptosis. In conclusion, we report that DNA methylation profiles may vary even among CLL patients with similar somatic hypermutation status, supporting a compartmentalized approach to dissecting CLL biology. Furthermore, we highlight p63 as a novel prosurvival factor in CLL, thus identifying another piece of the complex puzzle of clinical aggressiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikos Papakonstantinou
- Institute of Applied Biosciences, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, Thessaloniki, Greece.,Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Stavroula Ntoufa
- Institute of Applied Biosciences, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, Thessaloniki, Greece.,Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Maria Tsagiopoulou
- Institute of Applied Biosciences, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Theodoros Moysiadis
- Institute of Applied Biosciences, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Sujata Bhoi
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Andigoni Malousi
- Institute of Applied Biosciences, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, Thessaloniki, Greece.,Laboratory of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Fotis Psomopoulos
- Institute of Applied Biosciences, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, Thessaloniki, Greece.,Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Larry Mansouri
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.,Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Stamatia Laidou
- Institute of Applied Biosciences, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Despoina Papazoglou
- Institute of Applied Biosciences, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Maria Gounari
- Institute of Applied Biosciences, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Pasentsis
- Institute of Applied Biosciences, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Karla Plevova
- Center of Molecular Biology and Gene Therapy, Department of Internal Medicine-Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Brno and Medical Faculty of the Masaryk University, Brno, Czech republic
| | - Venera Kuci-Emruli
- Department of Immunotechnology, Faculty of Engineering, Lund University, Sweden
| | - Marti Duran-Ferrer
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Departamento de Fundamentos Clínicos, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Zadie Davis
- Department of Haematology, Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Bournemouth, UK
| | - Sara Ek
- Department of Immunotechnology, Faculty of Engineering, Lund University, Sweden
| | - Davide Rossi
- Hematology, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland and Institute of Oncology Research, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Gianluca Gaidano
- Division of Hematology, Department of Translational Medicine, Amedeo Avogadro University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy
| | - Matthias Ritgen
- Second Medical Department, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - David Oscier
- Department of Haematology, Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Bournemouth, UK
| | - Niki Stavroyianni
- Hematology Department and HCT Unit, G. Papanicolaou Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Sarka Pospisilova
- Center of Molecular Biology and Gene Therapy, Department of Internal Medicine-Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Brno and Medical Faculty of the Masaryk University, Brno, Czech republic
| | - Frederic Davi
- Hematology Department and University Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France
| | - Paolo Ghia
- Division of Experimental Oncology, Department of Onco-Hematology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute and Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Anastasia Hadzidimitriou
- Institute of Applied Biosciences, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Jose I Martin-Subero
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Departamento de Fundamentos Clínicos, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Christiane Pott
- Second Medical Department, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Richard Rosenquist
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.,Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kostas Stamatopoulos
- Institute of Applied Biosciences, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, Thessaloniki, Greece.,Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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15
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Hu H, Wang T, Pan R, Yang Y, Li B, Zhou C, Zhao J, Huang Y, Duan S. Hypermethylated Promoters of Secreted Frizzled-Related Protein Genes are Associated with Colorectal Cancer. Pathol Oncol Res 2018; 25:567-575. [PMID: 30368728 DOI: 10.1007/s12253-018-0505-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Aberrant DNA methylation has been recognized as one of the most common molecular alterations in CRC. The goal of this study was to investigate the diagnostic value of SFRP1 and SFRP2 methylation for CRC. A total of 80 pairs of CRC patients were recruited to test the association of SFRP1 and SFRP2 promotor methylation with CRC. Methylation assay was performed using quantitative methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (qMSP) method. In this study, we found the methylation levels of SFRP1 and SFRP2 in CRC tumor tissues were significantly higher than those in the adjacent non-tumor tissues (SFRP1: P = 2E-5; SFRP2: P = 0.014). Further bioinformatics analysis of TCGA data confirmed the association of the two genes with CRC (SFRP1: P = 7E-21; SFRP2: P = 5E-24). Luciferase reporter gene assay showed that the recombinant plasmids with SFRP1 and SFRP2 fragments could significantly enhance promoter activity (SFRP1: P = 0.002; SFRP2: P = 0.004). In addition, SFRP1 and SFRP2 methylation were inversely correlated with the mRNA expression displayed by TCGA data mining (SFRP1: r = -0.432, P = 4E-11; SFRP2: r = -0.478, P = 1E-13). GEO data analysis indicated that SFRP1 and SFRP2 expression were increased in three CRC cell lines (COLO320, HCT116 and HT29) after 5'-AZA-deoxycytidine treatment, suggesting that DNA methylation played an important role in regulating gene expression of the two genes. Our results confirmed that promoter methylation of SFRP1 and SFRP2 contributed to the risk of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haochang Hu
- Medical Genetics Center, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tiangong Wang
- Medical Genetics Center, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ranran Pan
- Medical Genetics Center, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yong Yang
- Medical Genetics Center, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Bin Li
- Medical Genetics Center, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Cong Zhou
- Medical Genetics Center, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jun Zhao
- Medical Genetics Center, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yi Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery of Ningbo First Hospital, Ningbo University School of Medicine, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Shiwei Duan
- Medical Genetics Center, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China.
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16
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Karabulutoglu M, Finnon R, Imaoka T, Friedl AA, Badie C. Influence of diet and metabolism on hematopoietic stem cells and leukemia development following ionizing radiation exposure. Int J Radiat Biol 2018; 95:452-479. [PMID: 29932783 DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2018.1490042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The review aims to discuss the prominence of dietary and metabolic regulators in maintaining hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) function, long-term self-renewal, and differentiation. RESULTS Most adult stem cells are preserved in a quiescent, nonmotile state in vivo which acts as a "protective state" for stem cells to reduce endogenous stress provoked by DNA replication and cellular respiration as well as exogenous environmental stress. The dynamic balance between quiescence, self-renewal and differentiation is critical for supporting a functional blood system throughout life of an organism. Stress-conditions, for example ionizing radiation exposure can trigger the blood forming HSCs to proliferate and migrate through extramedullary tissues to expand the number of HSCs and increase hematopoiesis. In addition, a wealth of investigation validated that deregulation of this balance plays a critical pathogenic role in various different hematopoietic diseases including the leukemia development. CONCLUSION The review summarizes the current knowledge on how alterations in dietary and metabolic factors could alter the risk of leukemia development following ionizing radiation exposure by inhibiting or even reversing the leukemic progression. Understanding the influence of diet, metabolism, and epigenetics on radiation-induced leukemogenesis may lead to the development of practical interventions to reduce the risk in exposed populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melis Karabulutoglu
- a Cancer Mechanisms and Biomarkers group, Biological Effects Department, Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards , Public Health England , Didcot , UK.,b CRUK & MRC Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology , University of Oxford , Oxford , UK
| | - Rosemary Finnon
- a Cancer Mechanisms and Biomarkers group, Biological Effects Department, Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards , Public Health England , Didcot , UK
| | - Tatsuhiko Imaoka
- c Department of Radiation Effects Research, National Institute of Radiological Sciences , National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology , Chiba , Japan
| | - Anna A Friedl
- d Department of Radiation Oncology , University Hospital, LMU Munich , Munich , Germany
| | - Christophe Badie
- a Cancer Mechanisms and Biomarkers group, Biological Effects Department, Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards , Public Health England , Didcot , UK
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17
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Sadek KM, Lebda MA, Nasr NE, Nasr SM, El-Sayed Y. Role of lncRNAs as prognostic markers of hepatic cancer and potential therapeutic targeting by S-adenosylmethionine via inhibiting PI3K/Akt signaling pathways. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:20057-20070. [PMID: 29748795 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-2179-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic cancer (HCC) is a well-identified dilemma throughout the world, and hence, the molecular mechanisms and strategy for preventive protection against this malignancy are critical. S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) is a unique methyl granter in vast reactions, including DNA methylation, and secures the genome against hypomethylation, which is a hallmark of tumors. Consequently, SAM may control the rate of gene expression. The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the expression of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) transcript involved in hepatic tumorigenesis, including additional coding CEBPA (ecCEBPA) and urothelial carcinoma related 1 (UCA1), antioxidant enzymes transcripts, and relevant signaling pathway in diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-prompted HCC along with their conceivable targeting by SAM at different stages of HCC in rats. Our outcomes revealed that SAM particularly when given at the starting phase downregulates ecCEBPA and UCA1 gene transcripts and ameliorate histopathological alterations in DEN-initiated HCC. Interestingly, SAM attenuates DEN-induced upregulation of PI3K/Akt protein expression. However, SAM upregulates the antioxidant enzymes mRNA transcripts and effectively diminishing DNA oxidation. The results of a DNA fragmentation assay further support the capacity of SAM to ameliorate DEN-induced hepatic malignancy. These results revealed the role of ecCEBPA and UCA1 in HCC and suggest that these lncRNAs may be helpful as prognostic and analytical biomarkers of HCC. Curiously, SAM readily targets the studied genes via inhibiting PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, which should make SAM an appealing agent for both chemoprevention and treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kadry M Sadek
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour, Egypt.
| | - Mohamed A Lebda
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Nasr E Nasr
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafr El-Sheikh University, Kafr El-Sheikh, Egypt
| | - Sherif M Nasr
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour, Egypt
| | - Yasser El-Sayed
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour, Egypt
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18
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Ioannidou A, Zachaki S, Karakosta M, Daraki A, Roussou P, Manola KN. Cohesin RAD21 Gene Promoter Methylation in Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. Cytogenet Genome Res 2018; 154:126-131. [PMID: 29587287 DOI: 10.1159/000487868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common type of leukemia in adults and is characterized by the presence of specific cytogenetic abnormalities. CLL research has been focused on epigenetic processes like gene promoter methylation of CpG islands. In the present study, the methylation status of the RAD21 gene is studied and associated with cytogenetic findings in CLL patients in order to investigate its possible implication in CLL pathogenesis and the formation of CLL chromosomal abnormalities.
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19
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Mansouri L, Wierzbinska JA, Plass C, Rosenquist R. Epigenetic deregulation in chronic lymphocytic leukemia: Clinical and biological impact. Semin Cancer Biol 2018; 51:1-11. [PMID: 29427646 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2018.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2017] [Revised: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Deregulated transcriptional control caused by aberrant DNA methylation and/or histone modifications is a hallmark of cancer cells. In chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), the most common adult leukemia, the epigenetic 'landscape' has added a new layer of complexity to our understanding of this clinically and biologically heterogeneous disease. Early studies identified aberrant DNA methylation, often based on single gene promoter analysis with both biological and clinical impact. Subsequent genome-wide profiling studies revealed differential DNA methylation between CLLs and controls and in prognostics subgroups of the disease. From these studies, it became apparent that DNA methylation in regions outside of promoters, such as enhancers, is important for the regulation of coding genes as well as for the regulation of non-coding RNAs. Although DNA methylation profiles are reportedly stable over time and in relation to therapy, a higher epigenetic heterogeneity or 'burden' is seen in more aggressive CLL subgroups, albeit as non-recurrent 'passenger' events. More recently, DNA methylation profiles in CLL analyzed in relation to differentiating normal B-cell populations revealed that the majority of the CLL epigenome reflects the epigenomes present in the cell of origin and that only a small fraction of the epigenetic alterations represents truly CLL-specific changes. Furthermore, CLL patients can be grouped into at least three clinically relevant epigenetic subgroups, potentially originating from different cells at various stages of differentiation and associated with distinct outcomes. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the DNA methylome in CLL, the role of histone modifying enzymes, highlight insights derived from animal models and attempts made to target epigenetic regulators in CLL along with the future directions of this rapidly advancing field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larry Mansouri
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Sweden; Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden
| | - Justyna Anna Wierzbinska
- Division of Epigenomics and Cancer Risk Factors, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christoph Plass
- Division of Epigenomics and Cancer Risk Factors, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Richard Rosenquist
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Sweden; Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden.
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20
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Scheffold A, Jebaraj BMC, Stilgenbauer S. Venetoclax: Targeting BCL2 in Hematological Cancers. Recent Results Cancer Res 2018; 212:215-242. [PMID: 30069633 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-91439-8_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Over the last years, targeted anti-cancer therapy with small-molecule inhibitors and antibodies moved to the forefront as a strategy to treat hematological cancers. These novel agents showed outstanding effects in treatment of patients, often irrespective of their underlying genetic features. However, evolution and selection of subclones with continuous treatment leads to disease relapse and resistance toward these novel drugs. Venetoclax (ABT-199) is a novel, orally bioavailable small-molecule inhibitor for selective targeting of B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2). Venetoclax is in clinical development and shows high efficacy and safety in particular in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), but preliminarily also in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The most important and impressive outcomes of venetoclax treatment include a rapid induction of apoptosis and drastic reduction of the tumor bulk within a few hours after administration. Venetoclax was approved by the FDA and EMA in 2016 for patients with previously treated CLL with del(17p13) and patients failing B cell receptor signaling inhibitors (EMA only), on the basis of a single-arm phase II trial demonstrating a tremendous response rate of 79% with complete remission in 20% of cases and an estimated 1-year progression-free survival of 72%. This review focuses on the mode of action, the preclinical models, and outcomes from various clinical trials with venetoclax in different hematologic cancers as well as future development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Scheffold
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Ulm University, Albert Einstein Allee 23, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Stephan Stilgenbauer
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Ulm University, Albert Einstein Allee 23, 89081, Ulm, Germany.
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21
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Aw A, Brown JR. The potential combination of BCL-2 inhibitors and ibrutinib as frontline therapy in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Leuk Lymphoma 2017; 58:2287-2297. [PMID: 28482721 DOI: 10.1080/10428194.2017.1312387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The recent development of small molecule inhibitors targeted at the B-cell receptor (BCR) pathway and the anti-apoptotic protein BCL-2 has revolutionized the care of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). While durable responses to the BCR inhibitor ibrutinib have been observed in both previously untreated and relapsed/refractory CLL patients, residual disease is common in patients treated with single-agent ibrutinib. Interest remains high in therapeutic combinations that may lead to better quality remissions. A potential partner to ibrutinib with a distinct mechanism of action that is likely to lead to deeper responses is the BCL-2 inhibitor venetoclax. Preclinical studies have suggested synergism between inhibitors of BCR and BCL-2 and have paved the way to the development of ongoing clinical trials aimed at evaluating the combination of ibrutinib with venetoclax in CLL patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Aw
- a Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology , The Ottawa Hospital, University of Ottawa , Ottawa , Canada
| | - Jennifer R Brown
- b CLL Center, Department of Medical Oncology , Dana-Farber Cancer Institute , Boston , MA , USA.,c Department of Medicine , Harvard Medical School , Boston , MA , USA
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22
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Purroy N, Wu CJ. Coevolution of Leukemia and Host Immune Cells in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2017; 7:cshperspect.a026740. [PMID: 28096240 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a026740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Cumulative studies on the dissection of changes in driver genetic lesions in cancer across the course of the disease have provided powerful insights into the adaptive mechanisms of tumors in response to the selective pressures of therapy and environmental changes. In particular, the advent of next-generation-sequencing (NGS)-based technologies and its implementation for the large-scale comprehensive analyses of cancers have greatly advanced our understanding of cancer as a complex dynamic system wherein genetically distinct subclones interact and compete during tumor evolution. Aside from genetic evolution arising from interactions intrinsic to the cell subpopulations within tumors, it is increasingly appreciated that reciprocal interactions between the tumor cell and cellular constituents of the microenvironment further exert selective pressures on specific clones that can impact the balance between tumor immunity and immunologic evasion and escape. Herein, we review the evidence supporting these concepts, with a particular focus on chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), a disease that has been highly amenable to genomic interrogation and studies of clonal heterogeneity and evolution. Better knowledge of the basis for immune escape has an important clinical impact on prognostic stratification and on the pursuit of new therapeutic opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noelia Purroy
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215.,Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Catherine J Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215.,Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115.,Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
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23
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Van Damme M, Crompot E, Meuleman N, Maerevoet M, Mineur P, Bron D, Lagneaux L, Stamatopoulos B. Characterization of TET and IDH gene expression in chronic lymphocytic leukemia: comparison with normal B cells and prognostic significance. Clin Epigenetics 2016; 8:132. [PMID: 27980696 PMCID: PMC5141649 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-016-0298-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2016] [Accepted: 11/24/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common hematological malignancy in western countries, characterized by a heterogeneous clinical course. Although genetic studies have identified chromosomal aberrations or specific mutations, epigenetic changes have been poorly characterized in CLL. METHODS We assessed ten-eleven translocations (TET) 1, 2, and 3, isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) 1, and 2 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression using real-time PCR on purified leukemic B cells from 214 CLL patients (median follow-up = 75 months, range 1-380), normal peripheral blood B cells (n = 20), and umbilical cord blood B cells (n = 21). The microenvironment influence was assessed after 24 h co-culture of CLL cells with bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSC). Finally, 5-hydroxymethylcytosine level (%5-hmC) was assessed by ELISA in CLL cells alone or with microenvironment stimuli. RESULTS TET 1 and 3 and IDH2 were decreased in CLL cells compared with healthy B cells (P = 0.0221, 0.0013, <0.0001, respectively), while IDH1 was overexpressed (P = 0.0037). TET2 and IDH1 were significantly correlated with treatment-free survival (TFS); patients with high TET2/IDH1 expression had a higher median TFS (111 months) than patients with low expression (78 months, P = 0.0071/0.0123). Moreover, TET1 expression decreased (P = 0.0371), while TET3 and IDH2 expression increased (P = 0.0273/0.0039) in co-cultures. However, %5-hmC was not correlated with clinical data and was unchanged following microenvironment stimuli. CONCLUSIONS Despite a slight deregulation in CLL cells compared with normal B cells, we identified a significant association between TET/IDH gene expression and prognosis, suggesting that epigenetic changes could potentially be associated with disease progression. Moreover, despite an identical %5-hmC, TET gene expression was influenced by contact with BMSC confirming the crucial role of the microenvironment in CLL pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaël Van Damme
- Laboratory of Clinical Cell Therapy, ULB Cancer Research Center (U-CRC), Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Route de Lennik, 808, 1070 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Emerence Crompot
- Laboratory of Clinical Cell Therapy, ULB Cancer Research Center (U-CRC), Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Route de Lennik, 808, 1070 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nathalie Meuleman
- Department of Hematology (U-CRC), Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marie Maerevoet
- Department of Hematology (U-CRC), Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Philippe Mineur
- Department of Hemato-Oncology, Grand Hôpital de Charleroi, Gilly, Belgium
| | - Dominique Bron
- Department of Hematology (U-CRC), Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Laurence Lagneaux
- Laboratory of Clinical Cell Therapy, ULB Cancer Research Center (U-CRC), Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Route de Lennik, 808, 1070 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Basile Stamatopoulos
- Laboratory of Clinical Cell Therapy, ULB Cancer Research Center (U-CRC), Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Route de Lennik, 808, 1070 Brussels, Belgium
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24
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Jiang D, Li Y, Hong Q, Shen Y, Xu C, Xu Y, Zhu H, Dai D, Ouyang G, Duan S. DNA methylation and leukemia susceptibility in China: Evidence from an updated meta-analysis. Mol Clin Oncol 2016; 5:193-207. [PMID: 27588182 PMCID: PMC4997969 DOI: 10.3892/mco.2016.959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2014] [Accepted: 05/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Mounting evidence supports a role for DNA methylation in the pathogenesis of leukemia; however, there no overview of these results in the Chinese population. The present study performed a comprehensive meta-analysis to establish candidate genes with an altered methylation status in Chinese leukemia patients. Eligible studies were identified through searching the National Center of Biotechnology Information PubMed and Wanfang databases. Studies were pooled and overall odds ratios with corresponding confidence intervals were calculated. A total of 4,325 leukemia patients and 2,010 controls from 94 studies on 53 genes were included in this meta-analysis, and 47 genes were found to be aberrantly methylated in leukemia patients. A further subgroup meta-analysis by leukemia subtype demonstrated that hypermethylation of 5 genes, namely cyclin-dependent kinase (CDKN)2A, DNA-binding protein inhibitor-4, CDKN2B, glioma pathogenesis-related protein 1 and p73, contributed to the risk of various subtypes of leukemia. In addition, a strong association between CDKN2A and leukemia was identified in Chinese (P<0.00001) but not in European patients. The aberrantly methylated genes identified in the present meta-analysis may help elucidate the mechanisms underlying the development of leukemia in Chinese patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danjie Jiang
- Medical Genetics Center, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, P.R. China
| | - Yirun Li
- Medical Genetics Center, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, P.R. China
| | - Qingxiao Hong
- Medical Genetics Center, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, P.R. China
| | - Yusheng Shen
- Medical Genetics Center, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, P.R. China
| | - Chunjing Xu
- Medical Genetics Center, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, P.R. China
| | - Yan Xu
- Medical Genetics Center, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, P.R. China
| | - Huangkai Zhu
- Medical Genetics Center, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, P.R. China
| | - Dongjun Dai
- Medical Genetics Center, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, P.R. China
| | - Guifang Ouyang
- Department of Hematology, Ningbo First Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315010, P.R. China
| | - Shiwei Duan
- Medical Genetics Center, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, P.R. China
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25
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Mansouri L, Papakonstantinou N, Ntoufa S, Stamatopoulos K, Rosenquist R. NF-κB activation in chronic lymphocytic leukemia: A point of convergence of external triggers and intrinsic lesions. Semin Cancer Biol 2016; 39:40-8. [PMID: 27491692 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2016.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 07/30/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway is constitutively activated in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients, and hence plays a major role in disease development and evolution. In contrast to many other mature B-cell lymphomas, only a few recurrently mutated genes involved in canonical or non-canonical NF-κB activation have been identified in CLL (i.e. BIRC3, MYD88 and NFKBIE mutations) and often at a low frequency. On the other hand, CLL B cells seem 'addicted' to the tumor microenvironment for their survival and proliferation, which is primarily mediated by interaction through a number of cell surface receptors, e.g. the B-cell receptor (BcR), Toll-like receptors and CD40, that in turn activate downstream NF-κB. The importance of cell-extrinsic triggering for CLL pathophysiology was recently also highlighted by the clinical efficacy of novel drugs targeting microenvironmental interactions through the inhibition of BcR signaling. In other words, CLL can be considered a prototype disease for studying the intricate interplay between external triggers and intrinsic aberrations and their combined impact on disease evolution. In this review, we will discuss the current understanding of mechanisms underlying NF-κB deregulation in CLL, including micro-environmental, genetic and epigenetic events, and summarize data generated in murine models resembling human CLL. Finally, we will also discuss different strategies undertaken to intervene with the NF-κB pathway and its upstream mediators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larry Mansouri
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Nikos Papakonstantinou
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; Institute of Applied Biosciences, CERTH, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Stavroula Ntoufa
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; Institute of Applied Biosciences, CERTH, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Kostas Stamatopoulos
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; Institute of Applied Biosciences, CERTH, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Richard Rosenquist
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
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26
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Xu L, Liu H, Yu J, Wang Z, Zhu Q, Li Z, Zhong Q, Zhang S, Qu M, Lan Q. Methylation-induced silencing of maspin contributes to the proliferation of human glioma cells. Oncol Rep 2016; 36:57-64. [PMID: 27177016 PMCID: PMC4899031 DOI: 10.3892/or.2016.4783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2015] [Accepted: 04/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Maspin, a member of the serpin superfamily of serine protease inhibitors, has been reported to be involved in cancer initiation and progression. However, the expression of maspin and its expression regulation in glioma remain unknown. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the function of maspin in glioma cells and its regulatory mechanism. We found that the expression of maspin was silenced in glioma cells and tissues. Although maspin had no effect on the migration and invasion of human glioma cells in vitro, overexpression of maspin inhibited cell growth in U87 cells. We showed that the methylase inhibitor 5-Aza-2′-deoxycytidine induced the expression of maspin in glioma cell lines. Furthermore, both U87 and U251 cells showed hypermethylation in the maspin promoter. In addition, bisulphite sequencing analysis indicated that 16 CpG sites in the promoter were completely methylated in glioma cells and cancerous tissues, while CpG dinucleotides in the maspin promoter were unmethylated in normal brain tissues. Our data suggest that methylation-induced silencing of maspin contributes to the proliferation of human glioma cells, and maspin may be a potential therapeutic target in glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215004, P.R. China
| | - Hongyuan Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mianyang Central Hospital, Mianyang, Sichuan 621000, P.R. China
| | - Ju Yu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215004, P.R. China
| | - Zhongyong Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215004, P.R. China
| | - Qing Zhu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215004, P.R. China
| | - Zongping Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mianyang Central Hospital, Mianyang, Sichuan 621000, P.R. China
| | - Qi Zhong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mianyang Central Hospital, Mianyang, Sichuan 621000, P.R. China
| | - Shuyu Zhang
- School of Radiation Medicine and Protection and Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, P.R. China
| | - Mingqi Qu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan 450000, P.R. China
| | - Qing Lan
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215004, P.R. China
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27
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Baliakas P, Mattsson M, Stamatopoulos K, Rosenquist R. Prognostic indices in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia: where do we stand how do we proceed? J Intern Med 2016; 279:347-57. [PMID: 26709197 DOI: 10.1111/joim.12455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The remarkable clinical heterogeneity in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) has highlighted the need for prognostic and predictive algorithms that can be employed in clinical practice to assist patient management and therapy decisions. Over the last 20 years, this research field has been rewarding and many novel prognostic factors have been identified, especially at the molecular genetic level. Whilst detection of recurrent cytogenetic aberrations and determination of the immunoglobulin heavy variable gene somatic hypermutation status have an established role in outcome prediction, next-generation sequencing has recently revealed novel mutated genes with clinical relevance (e.g. NOTCH1, SF3B1 and BIRC3). Efforts have been made to combine variables into prognostic indices; however, none has been universally adopted. Although a unifying model for all groups of patients and in all situations is appealing, this may prove difficult to attain. Alternatively, focused efforts on patient subgroups in the same clinical context and at certain clinically relevant 'decision points', that is at diagnosis and at initiation of first-line or subsequent treatments, may provide a more accurate approach. In this review, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages as well as the clinical applicability of three recently proposed prognostic models, the MD Anderson nomogram, the integrated cytogenetic and mutational model and the CLL-international prognostic index. We also consider future directions taking into account novel aspects of the disease, such as the tumour microenvironment and the dynamics of (sub)clonal evolution. These aspects are particularly relevant in view of the increasing number of new targeted therapies that have recently emerged.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Baliakas
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - M Mattsson
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.,Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - K Stamatopoulos
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.,Institute of Applied Biosciences, Center of Research and Technology Hellas Center of Research and Technology Hellas (CERTH), Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - R Rosenquist
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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28
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Cao L, Wang N, Pan J, Hu S, Zhao W, He H, Wang Y, Gu G, Chai Y. Clinical significance of microRNA-34b expression in pediatric acute leukemia. Mol Med Rep 2016; 13:2777-84. [PMID: 26861642 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2016.4876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2015] [Accepted: 12/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to explore the function of miR‑34b promoter methylation in cell proliferation in children's acute leukemia. Quantitative PCR and methylation‑specific PCR were performed to measure the levels of miR‑34b and its promoter methylation in normal cells, eight leukemia cell lines as well as primary leukemic cells isolated from patients newly diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and mixed lymphocytic lymphoma. miR‑34b levels in leukemia cell lines and primary leukemic cells were significantly lower than those in normal cells. The miR‑34b promoter was found to be methylated in all leukemia cell lines, 24 of 31 ALL patients and 8 of 19 AML patients, but not in the 23 normal controls. miR‑34b expression and methylation of its promoter were not associated with most clinical parameters assessed; however, miR‑34b levels in prednisone‑sensitive ALL were significantly different from those in insensitive ALL. A cell counting kit‑8 assay showed that transfection of miR‑34b mimics into K562 cells inhibited their proliferation. Furthermore, treatment with the demethylating agent 5‑aza‑2‑deoxycytidine significantly enhanced miR‑34b expression levels and decreased the methylation status of its promoter in HL‑60 and K562 cells. In conclusion, the results of the present study indicated that in pediatric leukemia cells and leukemia cell lines, the expression of miR‑34b is inhibited by methylation of its promoter, which impairs the restraining effects of miR‑34b on cell proliferation. It was also indicated that the expression of miR‑34b in ALL patients may affect their response to early treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Cao
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215003, P.R. China
| | - Na Wang
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215003, P.R. China
| | - Jian Pan
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215003, P.R. China
| | - Shaoyan Hu
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215003, P.R. China
| | - Wenli Zhao
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215003, P.R. China
| | - Hailong He
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215003, P.R. China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215003, P.R. China
| | - Guixiong Gu
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215003, P.R. China
| | - Yihuan Chai
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215003, P.R. China
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29
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Rozovski U, Hazan-Halevy I, Barzilai M, Keating MJ, Estrov Z. Metabolism pathways in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Leuk Lymphoma 2015; 57:758-65. [PMID: 26643954 DOI: 10.3109/10428194.2015.1106533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Alterations in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cell metabolism have been studied by several investigators. Unlike normal B lymphocytes or other leukemia cells, CLL cells, like adipocytes, store lipids and utilize free fatty acids (FFA) to produce chemical energy. None of the recently identified mutations in CLL directly affects metabolic pathways, suggesting that genetic alterations do not directly contribute to CLL cells' metabolic reprogramming. Conversely, recent data suggest that activation of STAT3 or downregulation of microRNA-125 levels plays a crucial role in the utilization of FFA to meet the CLL cells' metabolic needs. STAT3, known to be constitutively activated in CLL, increases the levels of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) that mediates lipoprotein uptake and shifts the CLL cells' metabolism towards utilization of FFA. Herein, we review the evidence for altered lipid metabolism, increased mitochondrial activity and formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in CLL cells, and discuss the possible therapeutic strategies to inhibit lipid metabolism pathways in patient with CLL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uri Rozovski
- a Division of Hematology , Davidoff Cancer Center, Rabin Medical Center , Petach Tikva , Israel ;,b The Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University , Tel Aviv , Israel
| | - Inbal Hazan-Halevy
- c Department of Cell Research and Immunology , George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University , Tel Aviv , Israel
| | - Merav Barzilai
- b The Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University , Tel Aviv , Israel ;,d Department of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation , Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center , Tel Aviv , Israel
| | - Michael J Keating
- e Department of Leukemia , The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center , Houston , TX , USA
| | - Zeev Estrov
- e Department of Leukemia , The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center , Houston , TX , USA
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Sutton LA, Rosenquist R. The complex interplay between cell-intrinsic and cell-extrinsic factors driving the evolution of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Semin Cancer Biol 2015; 34:22-35. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2015.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2015] [Revised: 04/24/2015] [Accepted: 04/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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31
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Adamopoulos PG, Kontos CK, Papageorgiou SG, Pappa V, Scorilas A. KLKB1 mRNA overexpression: A novel molecular biomarker for the diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Clin Biochem 2015; 48:849-54. [PMID: 25891023 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2015.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2015] [Revised: 04/06/2015] [Accepted: 04/07/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Plasma kallikrein, also known as Fletcher factor or kallikrein B1 (KLKB1), is a serine endopeptidase, like its homologs tissue kallikrein and kallikrein-related peptidases (KLKs). Its physiological role is to catalyze the release of kinins and other vasoactive peptides. Several KLKs have been proposed as putative tumor biomarkers with significant diagnostic and/or prognostic value in human malignancies arising from solid tumors; the most prominent example is the worldwide use of KLK3 (prostate-specific antigen, PSA) in prostate cancer diagnostics. The aim of this study was to analyze KLKB1 mRNA expression in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients and to examine its diagnostic value as a novel molecular biomarker in CLL. DESIGN AND METHODS Total RNA was isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of sixty-nine patients previously diagnosed with CLL and thirty-one healthy blood donors. After cDNA preparation, a sensitive and cost-effective quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) methodology was developed and applied for KLKB1 mRNA quantification. Last, we carried out a biostatistical analysis to assess the clinical significance of KLKB1 mRNA expression. RESULTS According to our findings, KLKB1 mRNA expression is significantly higher in CLL patients than in healthy blood donors. Furthermore, KLKB1 mRNA levels are negatively correlated with CD38 expression, an established prognostic biomarker in CLL. Most importantly, KLKB1 mRNA expression possesses important diagnostic value, distinguishing very efficiently CLL patients from non-leukemic population. CONCLUSIONS KLKB1 mRNA expression is a putative molecular biomarker in CLL, meriting investigation in large cohorts of CLL patients and non-leukemic controls.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christos K Kontos
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Athens, Athens GR-15701, Greece
| | - Sotirios G Papageorgiou
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Propaedeutic, University of Athens, University General Hospital "Attikon", Athens GR-12462, Greece
| | - Vassiliki Pappa
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Propaedeutic, University of Athens, University General Hospital "Attikon", Athens GR-12462, Greece
| | - Andreas Scorilas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Athens, Athens GR-15701, Greece.
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32
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Rodríguez D, Bretones G, Arango JR, Valdespino V, Campo E, Quesada V, López-Otín C. Molecular pathogenesis of CLL and its evolution. Int J Hematol 2015; 101:219-28. [PMID: 25630433 DOI: 10.1007/s12185-015-1733-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2014] [Accepted: 01/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In spite of being the most prevalent adult leukemia in Western countries, the molecular mechanisms driving the establishment and progression of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) remain largely unknown. In recent years, the use of next-generation sequencing techniques has uncovered new and, in some cases, unexpected driver genes with prognostic and therapeutic value. The mutational landscape of CLL is characterized by high-genetic and epigenetic heterogeneity, low mutation recurrence and a long tail of cases with undefined driver genes. On the other hand, the use of deep sequencing has also revealed high intra-tumor heterogeneity and provided a detailed picture of clonal evolution processes. This phenomenon, in which aberrant DNA methylation can also participate, appears to be tightly associated to poor outcomes and chemo-refractoriness, thus providing a new subject for therapeutic intervention. Hence, and having in mind the limitations derived from the CLL complexity thus described, the application of massively parallel sequencing studies has unveiled a wealth of information that is expected to substantially improve patient staging schemes and CLL clinical management.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Rodríguez
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Instituto Universitario de Oncología-IUOPA, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006, Oviedo, Spain
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Shahjahani M, Mohammadiasl J, Noroozi F, Seghatoleslami M, Shahrabi S, Saba F, Saki N. Molecular basis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia diagnosis and prognosis. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2015; 38:93-109. [PMID: 25563586 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-014-0215-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common type of leukemia in adults and is characterized by a clonal accumulation of mature apoptosis-resistant neoplastic cells. It is also a heterogeneous disease with a variable clinical outcome. Here, we present a review of currently known (epi)genetic alterations that are related to the etiology, progression and chemo-refractoriness of CLL. Relevant literature was identified through a PubMed search (1994-2014) of English-language papers using the terms CLL, signaling pathway, cytogenetic abnormality, somatic mutation, epigenetic alteration and micro-RNA. RESULTS CLL is characterized by the presence of gross chromosomal abnormalities, epigenetic alterations, micro-RNA expression alterations, immunoglobulin heavy chain gene mutations and other genetic lesions. The expression of unmutated immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region (IGHV) genes, ZAP-70 and CD38 proteins, the occurrence of chromosomal abnormalities such as 17p and 11q deletions and mutations of the NOTCH1, SF3B1 and BIRC3 genes have been associated with a poor prognosis. In addition, mutations in tumor suppressor genes, such as TP53 and ATM, have been associated with refractoriness to conventional chemotherapeutic agents. Micro-RNA expression alterations and aberrant methylation patterns in genes that are specifically deregulated in CLL, including the BCL-2, TCL1 and ZAP-70 genes, have also been encountered and linked to distinct clinical parameters. CONCLUSIONS Specific chromosomal abnormalities and gene mutations may serve as diagnostic and prognostic indicators for disease progression and survival. The identification of these anomalies by state-of-the-art molecular (cyto)genetic techniques such as fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), comparative genomic hybridization (CGH), single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) microarray-based genomic profiling and next-generation sequencing (NGS) can be of paramount help for the clinical management of these patients, including optimal treatment design. The efficacy of novel therapeutics should to be tested according to the presence of these molecular lesions in CLL patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Shahjahani
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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MacDonald IA, Hathaway NA. Epigenetic roots of immunologic disease and new methods for examining chromatin regulatory pathways. Immunol Cell Biol 2014; 93:261-70. [PMID: 25533290 DOI: 10.1038/icb.2014.105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2014] [Accepted: 10/31/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The ability to accurately quantitate and experimentally examine epigenetic modifications across the human genome has exploded in the past decade. This has given rise to a wealth of new information concerning the contributions of epigenetic regulatory networks to the pathogenesis of human disease. In particular, immunological disorders have strong developmental roots in chromatin regulatory pathways. In this review, we focus on the epigenetic signatures and new discoveries revealing the epigenetic compositions of specific immunological cancers and autoimmune diseases. We also comment on the conserved epigenetic roots among diverse immunological disorders and suggest inhibition strategies that may be relevant for future treatment. Finally, we highlight emerging experimental tools with the capability to examine the mechanisms of chromatin regulatory enzymes with a high level of temporal control. The knowledge of genetic and epigenetic defects in immunological disease combined with new experimental approaches will elucidate the contribution of individual enzymes in complex epigenetic regulatory networks. This could lead to new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for some very diverse and difficult to treat human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian A MacDonald
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Nathaniel A Hathaway
- 1] Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, NC, USA [2] Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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35
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The mystery of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL): Why is it absent in Asians and what does this tell us about etiology, pathogenesis and biology? Blood Rev 2014; 29:205-13. [PMID: 25541495 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2014.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2014] [Revised: 12/01/2014] [Accepted: 12/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma is common in persons of predominately European descent but rare in Asians. Why is unknown but is likely genetically-determined. Environmental factors may also operate but are likely to be less important. When CLL occurs in Asians it has different features than CLL in persons of predominately European descent. The reason(s) for this is also not understood. We reviewed data on CLL in Asians (mostly Han Chinese but also other ethnic groups) and compared these data with those from persons of predominately European descent with CLL. CLL incidence was about 5-10-fold less in Asians. Asians with CLL are younger, have atypical morphologic and immunologic features, an increased proportion of IGHV mutations and rearrangements and briefer freedom-from-progression than persons of predominately European descent with CLL. These observations provide clues to the etiology and biology of CLL. But the mystery continues; more research is needed.
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Pfalzer AC, Choi SW, Tammen SA, Park LK, Bottiglieri T, Parnell LD, Lamon-Fava S. S-adenosylmethionine mediates inhibition of inflammatory response and changes in DNA methylation in human macrophages. Physiol Genomics 2014; 46:617-23. [PMID: 25180283 DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00056.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), the unique methyl donor in DNA methylation, has been shown to lower lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced expression of the proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α and increase the expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in macrophages. The aim of this study was to assess whether epigenetic mechanisms mediate the anti-inflammatory effects of SAM. Human monocytic THP1 cells were differentiated into macrophages and treated with 0, 500, or 1,000 μmol/l SAM for 24 h, followed by stimulation with LPS. TNFα and IL-10 expression levels were measured by real-time PCR, cellular concentrations of SAM and S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH), a metabolite of SAM, were measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and DNA methylation was measured with LC-MS/MS and microarrays. Relative to control (0 μmol/l SAM), treatment with 500 μmol/l SAM caused a significant decrease in TNF-α expression (-45%, P < 0.05) and increase in IL-10 expression (+77%, P < 0.05). Treatment with 1,000 μmol/l SAM yielded no significant additional benefits. Relative to control, 500 μmol/l SAM increased cellular SAM concentrations twofold without changes in SAH, and 1,000 μmol/l SAM increased cellular SAM sixfold and SAH fourfold. Global DNA methylation increased 7% with 500 μmol/l SAM compared with control. Following treatment with 500 μmol/l SAM, DNA methylation microarray analysis identified 765 differentially methylated regions associated with 918 genes. Pathway analysis of these genes identified a biological network associated with cardiovascular disease, including a subset of genes that were differentially hypomethylated and whose expression levels were altered by SAM. Our data indicate that SAM modulates the expression of inflammatory genes in association with changes in specific gene promoter DNA methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna C Pfalzer
- Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts; and Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts, and
| | - Sang-Woon Choi
- Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts; and Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts, and
| | - Stephanie A Tammen
- Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts; and Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts, and
| | - Lara K Park
- Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts; and Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts, and
| | | | - Laurence D Parnell
- Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts; and
| | - Stefania Lamon-Fava
- Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts; and Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts, and
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Ronchetti D, Tuana G, Rinaldi A, Agnelli L, Cutrona G, Mosca L, Fabris S, Matis S, Colombo M, Gentile M, Recchia AG, Kwee I, Bertoni F, Morabito F, Ferrarini M, Neri A. Distinct patterns of global promoter methylation in early stage chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 2013; 53:264-73. [PMID: 24347044 DOI: 10.1002/gcc.22139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2013] [Revised: 11/26/2013] [Accepted: 12/03/2013] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Genomic and epigenomic studies of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) are reshaping our understanding of the disease and have provided new perspectives for a more individualized diagnosis and new potential therapeutic targets. In this study, the global promoter methylation profile was determined in highly purified B-cells from 37 (Binet stage A) CLL patients, using high-resolution methylation microarrays (27,578 CpG). Overall, the methylation pattern correlated with the major biological (ZAP-70 and CD38), and molecular (IGHV mutation) markers, distinguishing CLL cases according to IGHV mutational status. Cell adhesion molecules were enriched in the signature of unmutated (UM) versus mutated (M-) CLL. Moreover, in M-CLL CpG hyper-methylation in three genes, including SPG20, was significantly anti-correlated with the corresponding gene expression level. Finally, the correlation between the methylation pattern and clinical parameters was investigated. Notably, out of 42 methyl-probes that were significantly associated with progression free survival (PFS), hyper-methylation of SPG20 was also positively associated with PFS. These data support the notion that epigenetic changes have clinical impact in CLL and may contribute to the identification of novel candidate disease-associated genes potentially useful to predict the clinical outcome of early stage CLL patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenica Ronchetti
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milano, Milano, Italy
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CD49d is overexpressed by trisomy 12 chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells: evidence for a methylation-dependent regulation mechanism. Blood 2013; 122:3317-21. [DOI: 10.1182/blood-2013-06-507335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Key Points
CD49d, a negative prognosticator with a key role for microenvironmental interactions in CLL, is near universally expressed in trisomy 12 CLL. CD49d overexpression in trisomy 12 CLL is regulated by a methylation-dependent mechanism.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Next-generation sequencing of whole genomes, exomes and DNA methylomes in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) has provided the first comprehensive view of somatic mutations and methylation changes in this disease. This review summarizes the recent findings in this field and their impact on our current understanding of this neoplasm. RECENT FINDINGS Genomic studies have revealed a remarkable molecular heterogeneity of the disease, with only few genes mutated in up to 10-15% of the patients and a relatively large number of genes recurrently mutated at low frequency. The mutated genes tend to cluster in different pathways that include NOTCH1 signaling, RNA splicing, processing and transport machinery, innate inflammatory response, and DNA damage and cell cycle control, among others. NOTCH1 and SF3B1 mutations are emerging as new drivers of aggressive forms of the disease. Genome-wide methylation studies have shown that CLL transformation is associated with a massive hypomethylation phenomenon frequently affecting the enhancer regions. This epigenetic reprogramming maintains an imprint of the putative cell of origin from naïve and memory B-cells. SUMMARY Genomic and epigenomic studies of CLL are reshaping our understanding of the disease and provide new perspective for a more individualized diagnosis and new potential therapeutic targets.
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40
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Martinelli S, Kanduri M, Maffei R, Fiorcari S, Bulgarelli J, Marasca R, Rosenquist R. ANGPT2 promoter methylation is strongly associated with gene expression and prognosis in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Epigenetics 2013; 8:720-9. [PMID: 23803577 DOI: 10.4161/epi.24947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence suggests a key role for angiopoietin-2 (ANGPT2) in influencing the aggressiveness of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). In the presence of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), ANGPT2 causes vessel destabilization leading to neoangiogenesis. Accordingly, high expression levels of ANGPT2 and high degree of angiogenesis have consistently been associated with poor prognosis in CLL; however, the molecular mechanisms behind the variability in ANGPT2 expression are still to be discovered. Here, for the first time, we investigated the DNA methylation status of the ANGPT2 promoter in a large CLL cohort (n = 88) using pyrosequencing and correlated methylation data with ANGPT2 expression levels, prognostic factors and outcome. Importantly, methylation levels of the ANGPT2 gene correlated inversely with its mRNA expression levels (p<0.001). Moreover, low ANGPT2 methylation status was highly associated with adverse prognostic markers, shorter time to first treatment and overall survival. Finally, treatment with methyl inhibitors induced re-expression of ANGPT2 in two B-cell lymphoma cell lines, underscoring the importance of DNA methylation in regulating transcriptional silencing of this gene. In conclusion, we believe that the known variability in ANGPT2 expression among CLL patients could be explained by differential promoter DNA methylation and that low methylation levels of the ANGPT2 promoter have an adverse prognostic impact in CLL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Martinelli
- Hematology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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