GREB1 amplifies androgen receptor output in human prostate cancer and contributes to antiandrogen resistance

A GREB1-steroid receptor feedforward mechanism governs differential GREB1 action in endometrial function and endometriosis

Cellular responses to the steroid hormones, estrogen (E2), and progesterone (P4) are governed by their cognate receptor's transcriptional output. However, the feed-forward mechanisms that shape cell-type-specific transcriptional fulcrums for steroid receptors are unidentified. Herein, we found that a common feed-forward mechanism between GREB1 and steroid receptors regulates the differential effect of GREB1 on steroid hormones in a physiological or pathological context. In physiological (receptive) endometrium, GREB1 controls P4-responses in uterine stroma, affecting endometrial receptivity and decidualization, while not affecting E2-mediated epithelial proliferation. Of mechanism, progesterone-induced GREB1 physically interacts with the progesterone receptor, acting as a cofactor in a positive feedback mechanism to regulate P4-responsive genes. Conversely, in endometrial pathology (endometriosis), E2-induced GREB1 modulates E2-dependent gene expression to promote the growth of endometriotic lesions in mice. This differential action of GREB1 exerted by a common feed-forward mechanism with steroid receptors advances our understanding of mechanisms that underlie cell- and tissue-specific steroid hormone actions.

Androgen Receptor-Interacting Proteins in Prostate Cancer Development and Therapy Resistance

Endocrine therapy for prostate cancer is based on the use of drugs that diminish androgen concentration and androgen receptor (AR) signaling inhibitors and is limited by the functional consequences of AR point mutations and increased expression of constitutively active receptors. Many coactivators (>280) interact with different AR regions. Most studies have determined the expression of coactivators and their effects in the presence of increasing concentrations of androgen or the antiandrogen enzalutamide. The p160 group of coactivators (SRC-1, SRC-2, and SRC-3) is highly expressed in prostate cancer and contributes to ligand-dependent activation of the receptor in models that represent therapy-sensitive and therapy-resistant cell lines. The transcriptional coactivators p300 and CREB-binding protein (CBP) are implicated in the regulation of a large number of cellular events, such as proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion. AR coactivators also may predict biochemical and clinical recurrence. The AR coactivator expression, which is enhanced in enzalutamide resistance, includes growth regulating estrogen receptor binding 1 (GREB1) and GATA-binding protein 2 (GATA2). Several coactivators also activate AR-unrelated signaling pathways, such as those of insulin-like growth factors, which inhibit apoptosis in cancer cells. They are expressed in multiple models of resistance to therapy and can be targeted by various inhibitors in vitro and in vivo. The role of the glucocorticoid receptor in endocrine therapy-resistant prostate cancer has been documented previously. Specific coactivators may interact with the glucocorticoid receptor, thus contributing to therapy failure.

A MYCN-independent mechanism mediating secretome reprogramming and metastasis in MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma

MYCN amplification (MNA) is a defining feature of high-risk neuroblastoma (NB) and predicts poor prognosis. However, whether genes within or in close proximity to the MYCN amplicon also contribute to MNA+ NB remains poorly understood. Here, we identify that GREB1, a transcription factor encoding gene neighboring the MYCN locus, is frequently coexpressed with MYCN and promotes cell survival in MNA+ NB. GREB1 controls gene expression independently of MYCN, among which we uncover myosin 1B (MYO1B) as being highly expressed in MNA+ NB and, using a chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model, as a crucial regulator of invasion and metastasis. Global secretome and proteome profiling further delineates MYO1B in regulating secretome reprogramming in MNA+ NB cells, and the cytokine MIF as an important pro-invasive and pro-metastatic mediator of MYO1B activity. Together, we have identified a putative GREB1-MYO1B-MIF axis as an unconventional mechanism promoting aggressive behavior in MNA+ NB and independently of MYCN.

Androgen receptor activity in prostate cancer dictates efficacy of bipolar androgen therapy through MYC

Testosterone is the canonical growth factor of prostate cancer but can paradoxically suppress its growth when present at supraphysiological levels. We have previously demonstrated that the cyclical administration of supraphysiological androgen (SPA), termed bipolar androgen therapy (BAT), can result in tumor regression and clinical benefit for patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer. However, predictors and mechanisms of response and resistance have been ill defined. Here, we show that growth inhibition of prostate cancer models by SPA required high androgen receptor (AR) activity and were driven in part by downregulation of MYC. Using matched sequential patient biopsies, we show that high pretreatment AR activity predicted downregulation of MYC, improved clinical response, and prolonged progression-free and overall survival for patients on BAT. BAT induced strong downregulation of AR in all patients, which is shown to be a primary mechanism of acquired resistance to SPA. Acquired resistance was overcome by alternating SPA with the AR inhibitor enzalutamide, which induced adaptive upregulation of AR and resensitized prostate cancer to SPA. This work identifies high AR activity as a predictive biomarker of response to BAT and supports a treatment paradigm for prostate cancer involving alternating between AR inhibition and activation.

Comprehensive Analysis of GDF10 Methylation Site-Associated Genes as Prognostic Markers for Endometrial Cancer

Growth differentiation factor-10 (GDF10) with its methylation trait has recently been found to play a crucial regulatory and communication role in cancers. This investigation aims to identify GDF10 methylation site-associated genes that are closely associated with endometrial cancer (EC) patients' survival based on normal and UCEC samples from the UCSC Xena database. Our study revealed for the first time that EC exhibited significantly higher levels of GDF10 promoter methylation in comparison with normal tissues. Multiple differentiated methylation sites, which have prognostic value due to their apparent survival differences, were found in the GDF10 promoter region. We performed weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) on EC tissues and paraneoplastic tissues while using these differentially methylated sites as phenotypes for selecting the most correlated key modules and their internal genes. To obtain a gene set, the key module genes and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of EC were intersected. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression along with multivariate Cox regression were performed from the gene set and we screened out the key genes B4GALNT3, DNAJC22, and GREB1. Finally, a prognostic model was validated for effectiveness based on these genes. Additionally, Kaplan-Meier analysis and time-dependent receiver operating characteristics (ROC) were applied to assess and verify the model, and they showed good prognosis prediction. Moreover, the differences in risk scores were statistically significant with age, tumor stage, and grade. They may be related to the immune infiltration of tumors as well. In conclusion, based on the methylation-related genes associated with GDF10, we developed a prognosis model for EC patients. It might provide a fresh view for further research and treatment of EC.

Allosteric interactions prime androgen receptor dimerization and activation

The androgen receptor (AR) is a nuclear receptor that governs gene expression programs required for prostate development and male phenotype maintenance. Advanced prostate cancers display AR hyperactivation and transcriptome expansion, in part, through AR amplification and interaction with oncoprotein cofactors. Despite its biological importance, how AR domains and cofactors cooperate to bind DNA has remained elusive. Using single-particle cryo-electron microscopy, we isolated three conformations of AR bound to DNA, showing that AR forms a non-obligate dimer, with the buried dimer interface utilized by ancestral steroid receptors repurposed to facilitate cooperative DNA binding. We identify novel allosteric surfaces which are compromised in androgen insensitivity syndrome and reinforced by AR's oncoprotein cofactor, ERG, and by DNA-binding motifs. Finally, we present evidence that this plastic dimer interface may have been adopted for transactivation at the expense of DNA binding. Our work highlights how fine-tuning AR's cooperative interactions translate to consequences in development and disease.

A genome-scale CRISPR screen reveals PRMT1 as a critical regulator of androgen receptor signaling in prostate cancer

Androgen receptor (AR) signaling is the central driver of prostate cancer across disease states. While androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is effective in the initial treatment of prostate cancer, resistance to ADT or to next-generation androgen pathway inhibitors invariably arises, most commonly through the re-activation of the AR axis. Thus, orthogonal approaches to inhibit AR signaling in advanced prostate cancer are essential. Here, via genome-scale CRISPR-Cas9 screening, we identify protein arginine methyltransferase 1 (PRMT1) as a critical mediator of AR expression and signaling. PRMT1 regulates the recruitment of AR to genomic target sites and the inhibition of PRMT1 impairs AR binding at lineage-specific enhancers, leading to decreased expression of key oncogenes, including AR itself. In addition, AR-driven prostate cancer cells are uniquely susceptible to combined AR and PRMT1 inhibition. Our findings implicate PRMT1 as a key regulator of AR output and provide a preclinical framework for co-targeting of AR and PRMT1 in advanced prostate cancer.

Overexpression of BQ323636.1 Modulated AR/IL-8/CXCR1 Axis to Confer Tamoxifen Resistance in ER-Positive Breast Cancer

NCOR2 is a co-repressor for estrogen receptor (ER) and androgen receptor (AR). Our group previously identified a novel splice variant of NCOR2, BQ323636.1 (BQ), that mediates tamoxifen resistance via interference of NCOR2 repression on ER. Luciferase reporter assay showed BQ overexpression could enhance the transcriptional activity of androgen response element (ARE). We proposed that BQ employs both AR and ER to confer tamoxifen resistance. Through in silico analysis, we identified interleukin-8 (IL-8) as the sole ERE and ARE containing gene responsiveness to ER and AR activation. We confirmed that BQ overexpression enhanced the expression of IL-8 in ER+ve breast cancer cells, and AR inhibition reduced IL-8 expression in the BQ overexpressing cell lines, suggesting that AR was involved in the modulation of IL-8 expression by BQ. Moreover, we demonstrated that IL-8 could activate both AKT and ERK1/2 via CXCR1 to confer tamoxifen resistance. Targeting CXCR1/2 by a small inhibitor repertaxin reversed tamoxifen resistance of BQ overexpressing breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, BQ overexpression in ER+ve breast cancer can enhance IL-8 mediated signaling to modulate tamoxifen resistance. Targeting IL-8 signaling is a promising approach to overcome tamoxifen resistance in ER+ve breast cancer.

MYC-Mediated Ribosomal Gene Expression Sensitizes Enzalutamide-resistant Prostate Cancer Cells to EP300/CREBBP Inhibitors

Patients with advanced prostate cancer are frequently treated with the antiandrogen enzalutamide. However, resistance eventually develops in virtually all patients, and various mechanisms have been associated with this process. The histone acetyltransferases EP300 and CREBBP are involved in regulation of cellular events in advanced prostate cancer. This study investigated the role of EP300/CREBBP inhibitors in enzalutamide-resistant prostate cancer. EP300/CREBBP inhibitors led to the same inhibition of androgen receptor activity in enzalutamide-resistant and -sensitive cells. However, enzalutamide-resistant cells were more sensitive to these inhibitors in viability assays. As indicated by the RNA-sequencing-based pathway analysis, genes related to the ribosome and MYC activity were significantly altered upon EP300/CREBBP inhibitor treatment. EP300/CREBBP inhibitors led to the down-regulation of ribosomal proteins RPL36 and RPL29. High-level ribosomal proteins amplifications and MYC amplifications were observed in castration-resistant prostate cancer samples of the publicly available Stand Up to Cancer data set. An inhibitor of RNA polymerase I-mediated transcription was used to evaluate the functional implications of these findings. The enzalutamide-resistant cell lines were more sensitive to this treatment. In addition, the migration rate of enzalutamide-resistant cells was strongly inhibited by this treatment. Taken together, the current data show that EP300/CREBBP inhibitors affect the MYC/ribosomal protein axis in enzalutamide-resistant cells and may have promising therapeutic implications.

GREB1: An evolutionarily conserved protein with a glycosyltransferase domain links ERα glycosylation and stability to cancer

What covalent modifications control the temporal ubiquitination of ERα and hence the duration of its transcriptional activity remain poorly understood. We show that GREB1, an ERα-inducible enzyme, catalyzes O-GlcNAcylation of ERα at residues T553/S554, which stabilizes ERα protein by inhibiting association with the ubiquitin ligase ZNF598. Loss of GREB1-mediated glycosylation of ERα results in reduced cellular ERα levels and insensitivity to estrogen. Higher GREB1 expression in ERα^+ve breast cancer is associated with greater survival in response to tamoxifen, an ERα agonist. Mice lacking Greb1 exhibit growth and fertility defects reminiscent of phenotypes in ERα-null mice. In summary, this study identifies GREB1, a protein with an evolutionarily conserved domain related to DNA-modifying glycosyltransferases of bacteriophages and kinetoplastids, as the first inducible and the only other (apart from OGT) O-GlcNAc glycosyltransferase in mammalian cytoplasm and ERα as its first substrate.

Preclinical Models in Prostate Cancer: Resistance to AR Targeting Therapies in Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is an androgen-driven tumor. Different prostate cancer therapies consequently focus on blocking the androgen receptor pathway. Clinical studies reported tumor resistance mechanisms by reactivating and bypassing the androgen pathway. Preclinical models allowed the identification, confirmation, and thorough study of these pathways. This review looks into the current and future role of preclinical models to understand resistance to androgen receptor-targeted therapies. Increasing knowledge on this resistance will greatly improve insights into tumor pathophysiology and future treatment strategies in prostate cancer.

An Enhancer-Based Analysis Revealed a New Function of Androgen Receptor in Tumor Cell Immune Evasion

Cancer is characterized by dysregulation at multiple levels, such as gene transcription. Enhancers are well-studied transcription regulators that can enhance target transcripts through DNA loop formation mediated by chromosome folding. The gain or loss of the interaction between an enhancer and its target gene has a critical effect on gene expression. In this study, we analyzed GRO-seq data to identify active enhancers from seven common cancer cell lines and studied the function of these enhancers across multiple cancer types. By constructing an "enhancer effect score" (EES), we found a significant correlation between EES and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in prostate cancer. Further analysis revealed that androgen receptor (AR) plays an important role in regulating the immune checkpoint gene PVR via its enhancer. These results suggest that AR contributes to prostate cancer aggressiveness by promoting cancer cell immune evasion.

Nursing Genetic Research: New Insights Linking Breast Cancer Genetics and Bone Density

Nursing research is expected to provide options for the primary prevention of disease and health promotion, regardless of pathology or disease. Nurses have the skills to develop and lead research that addresses the relationship between genetic factors and health. Increasing genetic knowledge and research capacity through interdisciplinary cooperation as well as the development of research resources, will accelerate the rate at which nurses contribute to the knowledge about genetics and health. There are currently different fields in which knowledge can be expanded by research developed from the nursing field. Here, we present an emerging field of research in which it is hypothesized that genetics may affect bone metabolism. Better insight of genetic factors that are contributing to metabolic bone diseases would allow for focused nursing care and preventive interventions.

Greb1 is required for axial elongation and segmentation in vertebrate embryos

During vertebrate embryonic development, the formation of axial structures is driven by a population of stem-like cells that reside in a region of the tailbud called the chordoneural hinge (CNH). We have compared the mouse CNH transcriptome with those of surrounding tissues and shown that the CNH and tailbud mesoderm are transcriptionally similar, and distinct from the presomitic mesoderm. Amongst CNH-enriched genes are several that are required for axial elongation, including Wnt3a, Cdx2, Brachyury/T and Fgf8, and androgen/oestrogen receptor nuclear signalling components such as Greb1 We show that the pattern and duration of tailbud Greb1 expression is conserved in mouse, zebrafish and chicken embryos, and that Greb1 is required for axial elongation and somitogenesis in zebrafish embryos. The axial truncation phenotype of Greb1 morphant embryos can be explained by much reduced expression of No tail (Ntl/Brachyury), which is required for axial progenitor maintenance. Posterior segmentation defects in the morphants (including misexpression of genes such as mespb, myoD and papC) appear to result, in part, from lost expression of the segmentation clock gene, her7.

Androgen Receptor Signaling in the Development of Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer

Most prostate cancers are androgen-sensitive malignancies whose growths depend on the transcriptional activity of the androgen receptor (AR). In the 1940s, Charles Huggins demonstrated that the surgical removal of testes in men can result in a dramatic improvement in symptoms and can induce prostate cancer regression. Since then, androgen deprivation therapies have been the standard first-line treatment for advanced prostate cancer, including: surgical castration, medical castration, antiandrogens, and androgen biosynthesis inhibitors. These therapies relieve symptoms, reduce tumor burden, and prolong patient survival, while having relatively modest side effects. Unfortunately, hormone deprivation therapy rarely cures the cancer itself. Prostate cancer almost always recurs, resulting in deadly castration-resistant prostate cancer. The underlying escape mechanisms include androgen receptor gene/enhancer amplification, androgen receptor mutations, androgen receptor variants, coactivator overexpression, intratumoral de novo androgen synthesis, etc. Whereas, the majority of the castration-resistant prostate cancers continuously rely on the androgen axis, a subset of recurrent cancers have completely lost androgen receptor expression, undergone divergent clonal evolution or de-differentiation, and become truly androgen receptor-independent small-cell prostate cancers. There is an urgent need for the development of novel targeted and immune therapies for this subtype of prostate cancer, when more deadly small-cell prostate cancers are induced by thorough androgen deprivation and androgen receptor ablation.

GREB1 amplifies androgen receptor output in human prostate cancer and contributes to antiandrogen resistance

Genomic amplification of the androgen receptor (AR) is an established mechanism of antiandrogen resistance in prostate cancer. Here, we show that the magnitude of AR signaling output, independent of AR genomic alteration or expression level, also contributes to antiandrogen resistance, through upregulation of the coactivator GREB1. We demonstrate 100-fold heterogeneity in AR output within human prostate cancer cell lines and show that cells with high AR output have reduced sensitivity to enzalutamide. Through transcriptomic and shRNA knockdown studies, together with analysis of clinical datasets, we identify GREB1 as a gene responsible for high AR output. We show that GREB1 is an AR target gene that amplifies AR output by enhancing AR DNA binding and promoting EP300 recruitment. GREB1 knockdown in high AR output cells restores enzalutamide sensitivity in vivo. Thus, GREB1 is a candidate driver of enzalutamide resistance through a novel feed forward mechanism.