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Bos EM, Binda E, Verploegh ISC, Wembacher E, Hoefnagel D, Balvers RK, Korporaal AL, Conidi A, Warnert EAH, Trivieri N, Visioli A, Zaccarini P, Caiola L, van Wijck R, van der Spek P, Huylebroeck D, Leenstra S, Lamfers MLM, Ram Z, Westphal M, Noske D, Legnani F, DiMeco F, Vescovi AL, Dirven CMF. Local delivery of hrBMP4 as an anticancer therapy in patients with recurrent glioblastoma: a first-in-human phase 1 dose escalation trial. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:129. [PMID: 37563568 PMCID: PMC10413694 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01835-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This Phase 1 study evaluates the intra- and peritumoral administration by convection enhanced delivery (CED) of human recombinant Bone Morphogenetic Protein 4 (hrBMP4) - an inhibitory regulator of cancer stem cells (CSCs) - in recurrent glioblastoma. METHODS In a 3 + 3 dose escalation design, over four to six days, fifteen recurrent glioblastoma patients received, by CED, one of five doses of hrBMP4 ranging from 0·5 to 18 mg. Patients were followed by periodic physical, neurological, blood testing, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and quality of life evaluations. The primary objective of this first-in-human study was to determine the safety, dose-limiting toxicities (DLT) and maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of hrBMP4. Secondary objectives were to assess potential efficacy and systemic exposure to hrBMP4 upon intracerebral infusion. RESULTS Intra- and peritumoral infusion of hrBMP4 was safe and well-tolerated. We observed no serious adverse events related to this drug. Neither MTD nor DLT were reached. Three patients had increased hrBMP4 serum levels at the end of infusion, which normalized within 4 weeks, without sign of toxicity. One patient showed partial response and two patients a complete (local) tumor response, which was maintained until the most recent follow-up, 57 and 30 months post-hrBMP4. Tumor growth was inhibited in areas permeated by hrBMP4. CONCLUSION Local delivery of hrBMP4 in and around recurring glioblastoma is safe and well-tolerated. Three patients responded to the treatment. A complete response and long-term survival occurred in two of them. This warrants further clinical studies on this novel treatment targeting glioblastoma CSCs. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicaTrials.gov identifier: NCT02869243.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eelke M Bos
- Department of Neurosurgery, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Elena Binda
- Unit of Cancer Stem Cells, ISBReMIT, IRCCS CasaSollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo (FG), Italy
| | - Iris S C Verploegh
- Department of Neurosurgery, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Daphna Hoefnagel
- Department of Neurosurgery, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rutger K Balvers
- Department of Neurosurgery, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anne L Korporaal
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Andrea Conidi
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Esther A H Warnert
- Department of Radiology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nadia Trivieri
- Unit of Cancer Stem Cells, ISBReMIT, IRCCS CasaSollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo (FG), Italy
| | | | | | - Laura Caiola
- StemGen SpA, Milan, Italy
- HyperStem SA, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Rogier van Wijck
- Department of Clinical Bioinformatics, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Peter van der Spek
- Department of Clinical Bioinformatics, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Danny Huylebroeck
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sieger Leenstra
- Department of Neurosurgery, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Martine L M Lamfers
- Department of Neurosurgery, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Zvi Ram
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tel Aviv Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Manfred Westphal
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Clinic Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - David Noske
- Department of Neurosurgery, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Federico Legnani
- Department of Neurosurgery, National Neurologic Institute IRCCS C. Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco DiMeco
- Department of Neurosurgery, National Neurologic Institute IRCCS C. Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Angelo Luigi Vescovi
- Unit of Cancer Stem Cells, ISBReMIT, IRCCS CasaSollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo (FG), Italy.
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy.
| | - Clemens M F Dirven
- Department of Neurosurgery, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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2
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Birkhoff JC, Korporaal AL, Brouwer RWW, Nowosad K, Milazzo C, Mouratidou L, van den Hout MCGN, van IJcken WFJ, Huylebroeck D, Conidi A. Zeb2 DNA-Binding Sites in Neuroprogenitor Cells Reveal Autoregulation and Affirm Neurodevelopmental Defects, Including in Mowat-Wilson Syndrome. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14030629. [PMID: 36980900 PMCID: PMC10048071 DOI: 10.3390/genes14030629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Functional perturbation and action mechanism studies have shown that the transcription factor Zeb2 controls cell fate decisions, differentiation, and/or maturation in multiple cell lineages in embryos and after birth. In cultured embryonic stem cells (ESCs), Zeb2’s mRNA/protein upregulation is necessary for the exit from primed pluripotency and for entering general and neural differentiation. We edited mouse ESCs to produce Flag-V5 epitope-tagged Zeb2 protein from one endogenous allele. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation coupled with sequencing (ChIP-seq), we mapped 2432 DNA-binding sites for this tagged Zeb2 in ESC-derived neuroprogenitor cells (NPCs). A new, major binding site maps promoter-proximal to Zeb2 itself. The homozygous deletion of this site demonstrates that autoregulation of Zeb2 is necessary to elicit the appropriate Zeb2-dependent effects in ESC-to-NPC differentiation. We have also cross-referenced all the mapped Zeb2 binding sites with previously obtained transcriptome data from Zeb2 perturbations in ESC-derived NPCs, GABAergic interneurons from the ventral forebrain of mouse embryos, and stem/progenitor cells from the post-natal ventricular-subventricular zone (V-SVZ) in mouse forebrain, respectively. Despite the different characteristics of each of these neurogenic systems, we found interesting target gene overlaps. In addition, our study also contributes to explaining developmental disorders, including Mowat-Wilson syndrome caused by ZEB2 deficiency, and also other monogenic syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith C. Birkhoff
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anne L. Korporaal
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rutger W. W. Brouwer
- Center for Biomics-Genomics, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Karol Nowosad
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
- The Postgraduate School of Molecular Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Claudia Milazzo
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lidia Mouratidou
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Wilfred F. J. van IJcken
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Center for Biomics-Genomics, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Danny Huylebroeck
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Andrea Conidi
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +31-10-7043169
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3
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Verploegh ISC, Conidi A, Brouwer RWW, Balcioglu HE, Karras P, Makhzami S, Korporaal A, Marine JC, Lamfers M, Van IJcken WFJ, Leenstra S, Huylebroeck D. Comparative single-cell RNA-sequencing profiling of BMP4-treated primary glioma cultures reveals therapeutic markers. Neuro Oncol 2022; 24:2133-2145. [PMID: 35639831 PMCID: PMC9713526 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noac143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive primary brain tumor. Its cellular composition is very heterogeneous, with cells exhibiting stem-cell characteristics (GSCs) that co-determine therapy resistance and tumor recurrence. Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP)-4 promotes astroglial and suppresses oligodendrocyte differentiation in GSCs, processes associated with superior patient prognosis. We characterized variability in cell viability of patient-derived GBM cultures in response to BMP4 and, based on single-cell transcriptome profiling, propose predictive positive and early-response markers for sensitivity to BMP4. METHODS Cell viability was assessed in 17 BMP4-treated patient-derived GBM cultures. In two cultures, one highly-sensitive to BMP4 (high therapeutic efficacy) and one with low-sensitivity, response to treatment with BMP4 was characterized. We applied single-cell RNA-sequencing, analyzed the relative abundance of cell clusters, searched for and identified the aforementioned two marker types, and validated these results in all 17 cultures. RESULTS High variation in cell viability was observed after treatment with BMP4. In three cultures with highest sensitivity for BMP4, a substantial new cell subpopulation formed. These cells displayed decreased cell proliferation and increased apoptosis. Neuronal differentiation was reduced most in cultures with little sensitivity for BMP4. OLIG1/2 levels were found predictive for high sensitivity to BMP4. Activation of ribosomal translation (RPL27A, RPS27) was up-regulated within one day in cultures that were very sensitive to BMP4. CONCLUSION The changes in composition of patient-derived GBM cultures obtained after treatment with BMP4 correlate with treatment efficacy. OLIG1/2 expression can predict this efficacy, and upregulation of RPL27A and RPS27 are useful early-response markers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rutger W W Brouwer
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Center for Biomics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hayri E Balcioglu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus Medical Center Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Samira Makhzami
- Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Anne Korporaal
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jean-Christophe Marine
- Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Martine Lamfers
- Department of Neurosurgery, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wilfred F J Van IJcken
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sieger Leenstra
- Department of Neurosurgery, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Danny Huylebroeck
- Corresponding Author: Danny Huylebroeck, Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Building Ee, room Ee-1040b, Wytemaweg 80, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, The Netherlands ()
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Verploegh ISC, Conidi A, Brouwer RWW, van IJcken WFJ, Lamfers M, Leenstra S, Huylebroeck D. P04.02 Single-cell transcriptomic analysis reveals shifts in glioblastoma cell composition in different BMP4-treated primary tumor cultures. Neuro Oncol 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noab180.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive primary brain tumor. The well-known cellular heterogeneity of this cancer, which includes glioma tumor-initiating cells with stem cell characteristics (GSCs), (co)influences therapy resistance and tumor recurrence. Bone Morphogenetic Protein-4 (BMP4) promotes differentiation of GSCs towards astroglial lineage while suppressing oligodendrocyte maturation. Treatment with BMP4 is associated with increased survival in mice. BMPs exert effects in cell-type and context dependent fashion, but also generate subtle heterogeneity in transcriptional response among similar cells. We studied first the cell viability of BMP4-treated primary GBM cultures followed by single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) on two differently responding cultures, and found correlation between their responses and therapy sensitivity.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Cell viability, proliferation and apoptosis were assessed in 17 patient-derived BMP4-treated GBM cell cultures. We selected one culture in which this treatment induced high in vitro therapeutic efficacy, and one in which the treatment was ineffective, for analysis by scRNA-seq and then compared the results on the initial panel of 17 cultures.
RESULTS
After 7 days of treatment with BMP4, cell viability ranged from 28% (referred to as highest in vitro therapeutic efficacy) to 132% compared to untreated cells. scRNA-seq of the previously mentioned cultures in passage 7 showed that all neural cell types that are usually found in freshly resected GBM, were also present in our cultures. In the culture where BMP4 induced high in vitro therapeutic efficacy, BMP4 induces the formation of a large new cell population displaying decreased cell proliferation, increased migration and cell death, while the pro-inflammatory cells were depleted. RNA-velocity analysis revealed that, the cycling of cells was greatly diminished in the culture where therapy with BMP4 was efficacious, whereas this was enhanced in the GBM culture with the lowest cell viability after treatment. Astroglial differentiation was induced in all BMP4-treated cultures, while neuronal differentiation was reduced most in the cultures in which BMP4 induced lower or no in vitro therapeutic efficacy. In the culture without therapeutic efficacy of BMP4 cell cycle arrest was not induced anymore. In addition, OLIG1/2 mRNA and protein levels seemed predictive for BMP4-therapy efficacy, while activation of translation-associated genes (RPL27A, RPS27) was a suitable, immediate post-therapeutic marker for this.
CONCLUSION
scRNA-seq of in vitro GBM cultures provides advanced insights into the mechanism underlying therapy efficacy of BMP4. Neural differentiation status is distinctive for therapeutic efficacy of BMP4 in vitro before and after therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- I S C Verploegh
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Neurosurgery, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - A Conidi
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - R W W Brouwer
- Center of Biomics, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - W F J van IJcken
- Center of Biomics, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - M Lamfers
- Department of Neurosurgery, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - S Leenstra
- Department of Neurosurgery, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - D Huylebroeck
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Catholic University, Leuven, Belgium
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5
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Birkhoff JC, Brouwer RWW, Kolovos P, Korporaal AL, Bermejo-Santos A, Boltsis I, Nowosad K, van den Hout MCGN, Grosveld FG, van IJcken WFJ, Huylebroeck D, Conidi A. Targeted chromatin conformation analysis identifies novel distal neural enhancers of ZEB2 in pluripotent stem cell differentiation. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 29:2535-2550. [PMID: 32628253 PMCID: PMC7471508 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddaa141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor zinc finger E-box binding protein 2 (ZEB2) controls embryonic and adult cell fate decisions and cellular maturation in many stem/progenitor cell types. Defects in these processes in specific cell types underlie several aspects of Mowat–Wilson syndrome (MOWS), which is caused by ZEB2 haplo-insufficiency. Human ZEB2, like mouse Zeb2, is located on chromosome 2 downstream of a ±3.5 Mb-long gene-desert, lacking any protein-coding gene. Using temporal targeted chromatin capture (T2C), we show major chromatin structural changes based on mapping in-cis proximities between the ZEB2 promoter and this gene desert during neural differentiation of human-induced pluripotent stem cells, including at early neuroprogenitor cell (NPC)/rosette state, where ZEB2 mRNA levels increase significantly. Combining T2C with histone-3 acetylation mapping, we identified three novel candidate enhancers about 500 kb upstream of the ZEB2 transcription start site. Functional luciferase-based assays in heterologous cells and NPCs reveal co-operation between these three enhancers. This study is the first to document in-cis Regulatory Elements located in ZEB2’s gene desert. The results further show the usability of T2C for future studies of ZEB2 REs in differentiation and maturation of multiple cell types and the molecular characterization of newly identified MOWS patients that lack mutations in ZEB2 protein-coding exons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith C Birkhoff
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, CN 3015, The Netherlands
| | - Rutger W W Brouwer
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, CN 3015, The Netherlands.,Center for Biomics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, CN 3015, The Netherlands
| | - Petros Kolovos
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis 68100, Greece
| | - Anne L Korporaal
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, CN 3015, The Netherlands
| | - Ana Bermejo-Santos
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, CN 3015, The Netherlands
| | - Ilias Boltsis
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, CN 3015, The Netherlands
| | - Karol Nowosad
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, CN 3015, The Netherlands.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin 20-093, Poland
| | - Mirjam C G N van den Hout
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, CN 3015, The Netherlands.,Center for Biomics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, CN 3015, The Netherlands
| | - Frank G Grosveld
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, CN 3015, The Netherlands
| | - Wilfred F J van IJcken
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, CN 3015, The Netherlands.,Center for Biomics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, CN 3015, The Netherlands
| | - Danny Huylebroeck
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, CN 3015, The Netherlands.,Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven B-3000, Belgium
| | - Andrea Conidi
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, CN 3015, The Netherlands
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6
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de Haan W, Dheedene W, Apelt K, Décombas-Deschamps S, Vinckier S, Verhulst S, Conidi A, Deffieux T, Staring MW, Vandervoort P, Caluwé E, Lox M, Mannaerts I, Takagi T, Jaekers J, Berx G, Haigh J, Topal B, Zwijsen A, Higashi Y, van Grunsven LA, van IJcken WFJ, Mulugeta E, Tanter M, Lebrin FPG, Huylebroeck D, Luttun A. Endothelial Zeb2 preserves the hepatic angioarchitecture and protects against liver fibrosis. Cardiovasc Res 2021; 118:1262-1275. [PMID: 33909875 PMCID: PMC8953454 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvab148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Aims Hepatic capillaries are lined with specialized liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) which support macromolecule passage to hepatocytes and prevent fibrosis by keeping hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) quiescent. LSEC specialization is co-determined by transcription factors. The zinc-finger E-box-binding homeobox (Zeb)2 transcription factor is enriched in LSECs. Here, we aimed to elucidate the endothelium-specific role of Zeb2 during maintenance of the liver and in liver fibrosis. Methods and results To study the role of Zeb2 in liver endothelium we generated EC-specific Zeb2 knock-out (ECKO) mice. Sequencing of liver EC RNA revealed that deficiency of Zeb2 results in prominent expression changes in angiogenesis-related genes. Accordingly, the vascular area was expanded and the presence of pillars inside ECKO liver vessels indicated that this was likely due to increased intussusceptive angiogenesis. LSEC marker expression was not profoundly affected and fenestrations were preserved upon Zeb2 deficiency. However, an increase in continuous EC markers suggested that Zeb2-deficient LSECs are more prone to dedifferentiation, a process called ‘capillarization’. Changes in the endothelial expression of ligands that may be involved in HSC quiescence together with significant changes in the expression profile of HSCs showed that Zeb2 regulates LSEC–HSC communication and HSC activation. Accordingly, upon exposure to the hepatotoxin carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), livers of ECKO mice showed increased capillarization, HSC activation, and fibrosis compared to livers from wild-type littermates. The vascular maintenance and anti-fibrotic role of endothelial Zeb2 was confirmed in mice with EC-specific overexpression of Zeb2, as the latter resulted in reduced vascularity and attenuated CCl4-induced liver fibrosis. Conclusion Endothelial Zeb2 preserves liver angioarchitecture and protects against liver fibrosis. Zeb2 and Zeb2-dependent genes in liver ECs may be exploited to design novel therapeutic strategies to attenuate hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willeke de Haan
- Center for Molecular and Vascular Biology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Wouter Dheedene
- Center for Molecular and Vascular Biology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Katerina Apelt
- Department of Internal Medicine (Nephrology), Einthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular Medicine. Leiden University Medical Center, . Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Sofiane Décombas-Deschamps
- Physics for Medicine Paris, Inserm, CNRS, ESPCI Paris, Paris Sciences et Lettres University, Paris, France
| | - Stefan Vinckier
- Department of Oncology, Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Center for Cancer Biology, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Stefaan Verhulst
- Liver Cell Biology research group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Andrea Conidi
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas Deffieux
- Physics for Medicine Paris, Inserm, CNRS, ESPCI Paris, Paris Sciences et Lettres University, Paris, France
| | - Michael W Staring
- Center for Molecular and Vascular Biology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Petra Vandervoort
- Center for Molecular and Vascular Biology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ellen Caluwé
- Center for Molecular and Vascular Biology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marleen Lox
- Center for Molecular and Vascular Biology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Inge Mannaerts
- Liver Cell Biology research group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Tsuyoshi Takagi
- Department of Disease Model, Institute of Developmental Research, Aichi Developmental Disability Center, Aichi, Japan
| | | | - Geert Berx
- Molecular and Cellular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jody Haigh
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,Research Institute in Oncology and Hematology, Cancer Care Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Baki Topal
- Abdominal Surgery, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - An Zwijsen
- Center for Molecular and Vascular Biology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Yujiro Higashi
- Department of Disease Model, Institute of Developmental Research, Aichi Developmental Disability Center, Aichi, Japan
| | - Leo A van Grunsven
- Liver Cell Biology research group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Wilfred F J van IJcken
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Center for Biomics-Genomics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eskeatnaf Mulugeta
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mickael Tanter
- Physics for Medicine Paris, Inserm, CNRS, ESPCI Paris, Paris Sciences et Lettres University, Paris, France
| | - Franck P G Lebrin
- Department of Internal Medicine (Nephrology), Einthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular Medicine. Leiden University Medical Center, . Leiden, The Netherlands.,Physics for Medicine Paris, Inserm, CNRS, ESPCI Paris, Paris Sciences et Lettres University, Paris, France
| | - Danny Huylebroeck
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Aernout Luttun
- Center for Molecular and Vascular Biology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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7
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Menuchin-Lasowski Y, Dagan B, Conidi A, Cohen-Gulkar M, David A, Ehrlich M, Giladi PO, Clark BS, Blackshaw S, Shapira K, Huylebroeck D, Henis YI, Ashery-Padan R. Zeb2 regulates the balance between retinal interneurons and Müller glia by inhibition of BMP-Smad signaling. Dev Biol 2020; 468:80-92. [PMID: 32950463 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2020.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The interplay between signaling molecules and transcription factors during retinal development is key to controlling the correct number of retinal cell types. Zeb2 (Sip1) is a zinc-finger multidomain transcription factor that plays multiple roles in central and peripheral nervous system development. Haploinsufficiency of ZEB2 causes Mowat-Wilson syndrome, a congenital disease characterized by intellectual disability, epilepsy and Hirschsprung disease. In the developing retina, Zeb2 is required for generation of horizontal cells and the correct number of interneurons; however, its potential function in controlling gliogenic versus neurogenic decisions remains unresolved. Here we present cellular and molecular evidence of the inhibition of Müller glia cell fate by Zeb2 in late stages of retinogenesis. Unbiased transcriptomic profiling of control and Zeb2-deficient early-postnatal retina revealed that Zeb2 functions in inhibiting Id1/2/4 and Hes1 gene expression. These neural progenitor factors normally inhibit neural differentiation and promote Müller glia cell fate. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) supported direct regulation of Id1 by Zeb2 in the postnatal retina. Reporter assays and ChIP analyses in differentiating neural progenitors provided further evidence that Zeb2 inhibits Id1 through inhibition of Smad-mediated activation of Id1 transcription. Together, the results suggest that Zeb2 promotes the timely differentiation of retinal interneurons at least in part by repressing BMP-Smad/Notch target genes that inhibit neurogenesis. These findings show that Zeb2 integrates extrinsic cues to regulate the balance between neuronal and glial cell types in the developing murine retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yotam Menuchin-Lasowski
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Bar Dagan
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Andrea Conidi
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015 CN, the Netherlands
| | - Mazal Cohen-Gulkar
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Ahuvit David
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Marcelo Ehrlich
- Shumins School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Pazit Oren Giladi
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Brian S Clark
- John F Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Seth Blackshaw
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Neurology, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Center for Human Systems Biology, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Keren Shapira
- Shumins School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Danny Huylebroeck
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015 CN, the Netherlands; Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Yoav I Henis
- Shumins School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Ruth Ashery-Padan
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel.
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8
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Deryckere A, Stappers E, Dries R, Peyre E, van den Berghe V, Conidi A, Zampeta FI, Francis A, Bresseleers M, Stryjewska A, Vanlaer R, Maas E, Smal IV, van IJcken WFJ, Grosveld FG, Nguyen L, Huylebroeck D, Seuntjens E. Multifaceted actions of Zeb2 in postnatal neurogenesis from the ventricular-subventricular zone to the olfactory bulb. Development 2020; 147:dev184861. [PMID: 32253238 DOI: 10.1242/dev.184861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
The transcription factor Zeb2 controls fate specification and subsequent differentiation and maturation of multiple cell types in various embryonic tissues. It binds many protein partners, including activated Smad proteins and the NuRD co-repressor complex. How Zeb2 subdomains support cell differentiation in various contexts has remained elusive. Here, we studied the role of Zeb2 and its domains in neurogenesis and neural differentiation in the young postnatal ventricular-subventricular zone (V-SVZ), in which neural stem cells generate olfactory bulb-destined interneurons. Conditional Zeb2 knockouts and separate acute loss- and gain-of-function approaches indicated that Zeb2 is essential for controlling apoptosis and neuronal differentiation of V-SVZ progenitors before and after birth, and we identified Sox6 as a potential downstream target gene of Zeb2. Zeb2 genetic inactivation impaired the differentiation potential of the V-SVZ niche in a cell-autonomous fashion. We also provide evidence that its normal function in the V-SVZ also involves non-autonomous mechanisms. Additionally, we demonstrate distinct roles for Zeb2 protein-binding domains, suggesting that Zeb2 partners co-determine neuronal output from the mouse V-SVZ in both quantitative and qualitative ways in early postnatal life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astrid Deryckere
- Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Elke Stappers
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Celgen), Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015 CN, The Netherlands
| | - Ruben Dries
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Celgen), Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015 CN, The Netherlands
| | - Elise Peyre
- GIGA-Stem Cells and GIGA-Neurosciences, Liège University, Liège 4000, Belgium
| | - Veronique van den Berghe
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Celgen), Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, and MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Andrea Conidi
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015 CN, The Netherlands
| | - F Isabella Zampeta
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015 CN, The Netherlands
| | - Annick Francis
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Celgen), Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Marjolein Bresseleers
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Celgen), Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Agata Stryjewska
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Celgen), Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Ria Vanlaer
- Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Elke Maas
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Center for Molecular and Vascular Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Ihor V Smal
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015 CN, The Netherlands
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015 CN, The Netherlands
| | - Wilfred F J van IJcken
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015 CN, The Netherlands
- Center for Biomics-Genomics, Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015 CN, The Netherlands
| | - Frank G Grosveld
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015 CN, The Netherlands
| | - Laurent Nguyen
- GIGA-Stem Cells and GIGA-Neurosciences, Liège University, Liège 4000, Belgium
| | - Danny Huylebroeck
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Celgen), Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015 CN, The Netherlands
| | - Eve Seuntjens
- Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Celgen), Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
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9
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Dries R, Stryjewska A, Coddens K, Okawa S, Notelaers T, Birkhoff J, Dekker M, Verfaillie CM, Del Sol A, Mulugeta E, Conidi A, Grosveld FG, Huylebroeck D. Integrative and perturbation-based analysis of the transcriptional dynamics of TGFβ/BMP system components in transition from embryonic stem cells to neural progenitors. Stem Cells 2019; 38:202-217. [PMID: 31675135 PMCID: PMC7027912 DOI: 10.1002/stem.3111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Cooperative actions of extrinsic signals and cell‐intrinsic transcription factors alter gene regulatory networks enabling cells to respond appropriately to environmental cues. Signaling by transforming growth factor type β (TGFβ) family ligands (eg, bone morphogenetic proteins [BMPs] and Activin/Nodal) exerts cell‐type specific and context‐dependent transcriptional changes, thereby steering cellular transitions throughout embryogenesis. Little is known about coordinated regulation and transcriptional interplay of the TGFβ system. To understand intrafamily transcriptional regulation as part of this system's actions during development, we selected 95 of its components and investigated their mRNA‐expression dynamics, gene‐gene interactions, and single‐cell expression heterogeneity in mouse embryonic stem cells transiting to neural progenitors. Interrogation at 24 hour intervals identified four types of temporal gene transcription profiles that capture all stages, that is, pluripotency, epiblast formation, and neural commitment. Then, between each stage we performed esiRNA‐based perturbation of each individual component and documented the effect on steady‐state mRNA levels of the remaining 94 components. This exposed an intricate system of multilevel regulation whereby the majority of gene‐gene interactions display a marked cell‐stage specific behavior. Furthermore, single‐cell RNA‐profiling at individual stages demonstrated the presence of detailed co‐expression modules and subpopulations showing stable co‐expression modules such as that of the core pluripotency genes at all stages. Our combinatorial experimental approach demonstrates how intrinsically complex transcriptional regulation within a given pathway is during cell fate/state transitions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruben Dries
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Agata Stryjewska
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kathleen Coddens
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Satoshi Okawa
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, Belvaux, Luxembourg.,Integrated BioBank of Luxembourg, Dudelange, Luxembourg
| | - Tineke Notelaers
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Judith Birkhoff
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mike Dekker
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Antonio Del Sol
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, Belvaux, Luxembourg.,CIC bioGUNE, Bizkaia Technology Park, Derio, Spain.,IKERBASQUE, Basque, Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Eskeatnaf Mulugeta
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Andrea Conidi
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Frank G Grosveld
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Danny Huylebroeck
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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10
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Verploegh I, Conidi A, Lamfers M, Dirven C, Leenstra S, Huylebroeck D. P11.34 Bone Morphogenetic Protein 4 can sensitize glioblastoma cells to temozolomide. Neuro Oncol 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noz126.180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most prevalent and lethal primary brain tumor. Its recurrence and resistance to current therapies, i.e. temozolomide (TMZ), is thought to result from a subpopulation of cells exhibiting stem cell properties, called glioblastoma stem-like cells (GSCs). Bone Morphogenetic Protein 4 (BMP4) induces GSCs differentiation, leading to a less resistant phenotype. In this study we show that co-treatment of BMP4 with TMZ has therapeutic benefit in a subset of GBM cell lines. Furthermore, we looked for patients’ molecular signatures that could predict sensitivity to this combination treatment.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
A panel of 17 primary GBM cultures (passages 5–10) were treated with increasing concentrations of TMZ, BMP4 and TMZ + BMP4 for 5 and 7 days and cell viability has been measured. The Combination Index (CI) of the two drugs was calculated to assess the response of each line to TMZ and BMP4 treatment. DNA was used to determine the MGMT promotor methylation status and for targeted exome sequencing. Expression levels of BMP signaling components and differentiation associated genes were determined by qPCR.
RESULTS
12 cultures of primary GBMs and 5 cultures of recurrent GBMs were included. Overall, 71% of the tested cell lines was resistant to TMZ, while 41% was resistant to BMP4. Strikingly, 53% of primary cultures show synergy between TMZ and BMP4 (CI < 1 at a Fraction Affected of 50% (Fa50)). There was no significant difference in synergy between five or seven days of treatment. However, combination treatment of BMP4 and TMZ was more effective than sequential treatment.
CONCLUSION
Co-treatment of BMP4 and TMZ could be of therapeutic benefit in GBM patients, irrespective of their sensitivity to TMZ. Further research regarding the mechanism behind this synergy is necessary as to identify predictive markers for treatment response.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - A Conidi
- Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - C Dirven
- Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
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11
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Watanabe Y, Stanchina L, Lecerf L, Gacem N, Conidi A, Baral V, Pingault V, Huylebroeck D, Bondurand N. Differentiation of Mouse Enteric Nervous System Progenitor Cells Is Controlled by Endothelin 3 and Requires Regulation of Ednrb by SOX10 and ZEB2. Gastroenterology 2017; 152:1139-1150.e4. [PMID: 28063956 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2016.12.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2016] [Revised: 12/09/2016] [Accepted: 12/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Maintenance and differentiation of progenitor cells in the developing enteric nervous system are controlled by molecules such as the signaling protein endothelin 3 (EDN3), its receptor (the endothelin receptor type B [EDNRB]), and the transcription factors SRY-box 10 (SOX10) and zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 2 (ZEB2). We used enteric progenitor cell (EPC) cultures and mice to study the roles of these proteins in enteric neurogenesis and their cross regulation. METHODS We performed studies in mice with a Zeb2 loss-of-function mutation (Zeb2Δ) and mice carrying a spontaneous recessive mutation that prevents conversion of EDN3 to its active form (Edn3ls). EPC cultures issued from embryos that expressed only wild-type Zeb2 (Zeb2+/+ EPCs) or were heterozygous for the mutation (Zeb2Δ/+ EPCs) were exposed to EDN3; we analyzed the effects on cell differentiation using immunocytochemistry. In parallel, Edn3ls mice were crossed with Zeb2Δ/+mice; intestinal tissues were collected from embryos for immunohistochemical analyses. We investigated regulation of the EDNRB gene in transactivation and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays; results were validated in functional rescue experiments using transgenes expression in EPCs from retroviral vectors. RESULTS Zeb2Δ/+ EPCs had increased neuronal differentiation compared to Zeb2+/+ cells. When exposed to EDN3, Zeb2+/+ EPCs continued expression of ZEB2 but did not undergo any neuronal differentiation. Incubation of Zeb2Δ/+ EPCs with EDN3, on the other hand, resulted in only partial inhibition of neuronal differentiation. This indicated that 2 copies of Zeb2 are required for EDN3 to prevent neuronal differentiation. Mice with combined mutations in Zeb2 and Edn3 (double mutants) had more severe enteric anomalies and increased neuronal differentiation compared to mice with mutations in either gene alone. The transcription factors SOX10 and ZEB2 directly activated the EDNRB promoter. Overexpression of EDNRB in Zeb2Δ/+ EPCs restored inhibition of neuronal differentiation, similar to incubation of Zeb2+/+ EPCs with EDN3. CONCLUSIONS In studies of cultured EPCs and mice, we found that control of differentiation of mouse enteric nervous system progenitor cells by EDN3 requires regulation of Ednrb expression by SOX10 and ZEB2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuli Watanabe
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Créteil, France; Université Paris-Est, Faculté de Médecine, Créteil, France
| | - Laure Stanchina
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Créteil, France; Université Paris-Est, Faculté de Médecine, Créteil, France
| | - Laure Lecerf
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Créteil, France; Université Paris-Est, Faculté de Médecine, Créteil, France
| | - Nadjet Gacem
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Créteil, France; Université Paris-Est, Faculté de Médecine, Créteil, France
| | - Andrea Conidi
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Viviane Baral
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Créteil, France; Université Paris-Est, Faculté de Médecine, Créteil, France
| | - Veronique Pingault
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Créteil, France; Université Paris-Est, Faculté de Médecine, Créteil, France
| | - Danny Huylebroeck
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands; Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Celgen), Department of Development and Regeneration, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nadege Bondurand
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Créteil, France; Université Paris-Est, Faculté de Médecine, Créteil, France.
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12
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Stryjewska A, Dries R, Pieters T, Verstappen G, Conidi A, Coddens K, Francis A, Umans L, van IJcken WFJ, Berx G, van Grunsven LA, Grosveld FG, Goossens S, Haigh JJ, Huylebroeck D. Zeb2 Regulates Cell Fate at the Exit from Epiblast State in Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells. Stem Cells 2016; 35:611-625. [PMID: 27739137 PMCID: PMC5396376 DOI: 10.1002/stem.2521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Revised: 09/09/2016] [Accepted: 09/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In human embryonic stem cells (ESCs) the transcription factor Zeb2 regulates neuroectoderm versus mesendoderm formation, but it is unclear how Zeb2 affects the global transcriptional regulatory network in these cell‐fate decisions. We generated Zeb2 knockout (KO) mouse ESCs, subjected them as embryoid bodies (EBs) to neural and general differentiation and carried out temporal RNA‐sequencing (RNA‐seq) and reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS) analysis in neural differentiation. This shows that Zeb2 acts preferentially as a transcriptional repressor associated with developmental progression and that Zeb2 KO ESCs can exit from their naïve state. However, most cells in these EBs stall in an early epiblast‐like state and are impaired in both neural and mesendodermal differentiation. Genes involved in pluripotency, epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT), and DNA‐(de)methylation, including Tet1, are deregulated in the absence of Zeb2. The observed elevated Tet1 levels in the mutant cells and the knowledge of previously mapped Tet1‐binding sites correlate with loss‐of‐methylation in neural‐stimulating conditions, however, after the cells initially acquired the correct DNA‐methyl marks. Interestingly, cells from such Zeb2 KO EBs maintain the ability to re‐adapt to 2i + LIF conditions even after prolonged differentiation, while knockdown of Tet1 partially rescues their impaired differentiation. Hence, in addition to its role in EMT, Zeb2 is critical in ESCs for exit from the epiblast state, and links the pluripotency network and DNA‐methylation with irreversible commitment to differentiation. Stem Cells2017;35:611–625
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Stryjewska
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
| | - Ruben Dries
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, 3000, Belgium.,Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, 3015 CN, The Netherlands
| | - Tim Pieters
- VIB Inflammation Research Center (IRC), Unit Vascular Cell Biology.,Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology.,VIB-IRC, Unit Molecular and Cellular Oncology, Ghent University, Ghent, 9052, Belgium.,Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, 9000, Belgium
| | - Griet Verstappen
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
| | - Andrea Conidi
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, 3015 CN, The Netherlands
| | - Kathleen Coddens
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
| | - Annick Francis
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
| | - Lieve Umans
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
| | - Wilfred F J van IJcken
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, 3015 CN, The Netherlands.,Center for Biomics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, 3015 CN, The Netherlands
| | - Geert Berx
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology.,VIB-IRC, Unit Molecular and Cellular Oncology, Ghent University, Ghent, 9052, Belgium
| | - Leo A van Grunsven
- Department of Cell Biology, Liver Cell Biology Lab, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Jette, 1090, Belgium
| | - Frank G Grosveld
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, 3015 CN, The Netherlands
| | - Steven Goossens
- VIB Inflammation Research Center (IRC), Unit Vascular Cell Biology.,Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology.,VIB-IRC, Unit Molecular and Cellular Oncology, Ghent University, Ghent, 9052, Belgium.,ACBD - Blood Cancers and Stem Cells, Group Mammalian Functional Genetics, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Jody J Haigh
- VIB Inflammation Research Center (IRC), Unit Vascular Cell Biology.,Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology.,ACBD - Blood Cancers and Stem Cells, Group Mammalian Functional Genetics, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Danny Huylebroeck
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, 3000, Belgium.,Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, 3015 CN, The Netherlands
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13
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van Helden MJ, Goossens S, Daussy C, Mathieu AL, Faure F, Marçais A, Vandamme N, Farla N, Mayol K, Viel S, Degouve S, Debien E, Seuntjens E, Conidi A, Chaix J, Mangeot P, de Bernard S, Buffat L, Haigh J, Huylebroeck D, Lambrecht BN, Berx G, Walzer T. Terminal NK cell maturation is controlled by concerted actions of T-bet and Zeb2 and is essential for melanoma rejection. J Biophys Biochem Cytol 2015. [DOI: 10.1083/jcb.2113oia260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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14
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van Helden MJ, Goossens S, Daussy C, Mathieu AL, Faure F, Marçais A, Vandamme N, Farla N, Mayol K, Viel S, Degouve S, Debien E, Seuntjens E, Conidi A, Chaix J, Mangeot P, de Bernard S, Buffat L, Haigh JJ, Huylebroeck D, Lambrecht BN, Berx G, Walzer T. Terminal NK cell maturation is controlled by concerted actions of T-bet and Zeb2 and is essential for melanoma rejection. J Exp Med 2015; 212:2015-25. [PMID: 26503444 PMCID: PMC4647267 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20150809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2015] [Accepted: 09/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor Zeb2 cooperates with T-bet to control NK cell maturation, viability, and exit from the bone marrow and is essential for rejection of melanoma lung metastasis. Natural killer (NK) cell maturation is a tightly controlled process that endows NK cells with functional competence and the capacity to recognize target cells. Here, we found that the transcription factor (TF) Zeb2 was the most highly induced TF during NK cell maturation. Zeb2 is known to control epithelial to mesenchymal transition, but its role in immune cells is mostly undefined. Targeted deletion of Zeb2 resulted in impaired NK cell maturation, survival, and exit from the bone marrow. NK cell function was preserved, but mice lacking Zeb2 in NK cells were more susceptible to B16 melanoma lung metastases. Reciprocally, ectopic expression of Zeb2 resulted in a higher frequency of mature NK cells in all organs. Moreover, the immature phenotype of Zeb2−/− NK cells closely resembled that of Tbx21−/− NK cells. This was caused by both a dependence of Zeb2 expression on T-bet and a probable cooperation of these factors in gene regulation. Transgenic expression of Zeb2 in Tbx21−/− NK cells partially restored a normal maturation, establishing that timely induction of Zeb2 by T-bet is an essential event during NK cell differentiation. Finally, this novel transcriptional cascade could also operate in human as T-bet and Zeb2 are similarly regulated in mouse and human NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary J van Helden
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation and Mucosal Immunology, VIB Inflammation Research Center, 9052 Ghent, Belgium GROUP-ID Consortium, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Steven Goossens
- Unit of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, VIB Inflammation Research Center, 9052 Ghent, Belgium Department for Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Cécile Daussy
- Université de Lyon, 69007 Lyon, France Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U1111, 69342 Lyon, France Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, 69007 Lyon, France Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, 69007 Lyon, France Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR5308, 69342 Lyon, France
| | - Anne-Laure Mathieu
- Université de Lyon, 69007 Lyon, France Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U1111, 69342 Lyon, France Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, 69007 Lyon, France Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, 69007 Lyon, France Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR5308, 69342 Lyon, France
| | - Fabrice Faure
- Université de Lyon, 69007 Lyon, France Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U1111, 69342 Lyon, France Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, 69007 Lyon, France Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, 69007 Lyon, France Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR5308, 69342 Lyon, France
| | - Antoine Marçais
- Université de Lyon, 69007 Lyon, France Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U1111, 69342 Lyon, France Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, 69007 Lyon, France Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, 69007 Lyon, France Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR5308, 69342 Lyon, France
| | - Niels Vandamme
- Unit of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, VIB Inflammation Research Center, 9052 Ghent, Belgium Department for Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Natalie Farla
- Unit of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, VIB Inflammation Research Center, 9052 Ghent, Belgium Department for Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Katia Mayol
- Université de Lyon, 69007 Lyon, France Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U1111, 69342 Lyon, France Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, 69007 Lyon, France Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, 69007 Lyon, France Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR5308, 69342 Lyon, France
| | - Sébastien Viel
- Université de Lyon, 69007 Lyon, France Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U1111, 69342 Lyon, France Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, 69007 Lyon, France Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, 69007 Lyon, France Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR5308, 69342 Lyon, France Laboratoire d'Immunologie, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69495 Lyon, France
| | - Sophie Degouve
- Department for Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium Université de Lyon, 69007 Lyon, France Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U1111, 69342 Lyon, France Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, 69007 Lyon, France Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Emilie Debien
- Université de Lyon, 69007 Lyon, France Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U1111, 69342 Lyon, France Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, 69007 Lyon, France Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, 69007 Lyon, France Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR5308, 69342 Lyon, France
| | - Eve Seuntjens
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Celgen), Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Andrea Conidi
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus MC, 3015 CN Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Julie Chaix
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - Philippe Mangeot
- Université de Lyon, 69007 Lyon, France Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U1111, 69342 Lyon, France Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, 69007 Lyon, France Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, 69007 Lyon, France Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR5308, 69342 Lyon, France
| | | | | | - Jody J Haigh
- Department for Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia
| | - Danny Huylebroeck
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Celgen), Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus MC, 3015 CN Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Bart N Lambrecht
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation and Mucosal Immunology, VIB Inflammation Research Center, 9052 Ghent, Belgium GROUP-ID Consortium, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus MC, 3015 CN Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Geert Berx
- Unit of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, VIB Inflammation Research Center, 9052 Ghent, Belgium Department for Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Thierry Walzer
- Université de Lyon, 69007 Lyon, France Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U1111, 69342 Lyon, France Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, 69007 Lyon, France Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, 69007 Lyon, France Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR5308, 69342 Lyon, France
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15
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Giraud G, Stadhouders R, Conidi A, Dekkers DHW, Huylebroeck D, Demmers JAA, Soler E, Grosveld FG. NLS-tagging: an alternative strategy to tag nuclear proteins. Nucleic Acids Res 2014; 42:gku869. [PMID: 25260593 PMCID: PMC4245968 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gku869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The characterization of transcription factor complexes and their binding sites in the genome by affinity purification has yielded tremendous new insights into how genes are regulated. The affinity purification requires either the use of antibodies raised against the factor of interest itself or by high-affinity binding of a C- or N-terminally added tag sequence to the factor. Unfortunately, fusing extra amino acids to the termini of a factor can interfere with its biological function or the tag may be inaccessible inside the protein. Here, we describe an effective solution to that problem by integrating the ‘tag’ close to the nuclear localization sequence domain of the factor. We demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach with the transcription factors Fli-1 and Irf2bp2, which cannot be tagged at their extremities without loss of function. This resulted in the identification of novel proteins partners and a new hypothesis on the contribution of Fli-1 to hematopoiesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Giraud
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus Medical Center, Faculty building, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ralph Stadhouders
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus Medical Center, Faculty building, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Andrea Conidi
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus Medical Center, Faculty building, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dick H W Dekkers
- Proteomics Center, Erasmus University Medical Center, Faculty building, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Danny Huylebroeck
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus Medical Center, Faculty building, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Celgen), Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jeroen A A Demmers
- Proteomics Center, Erasmus University Medical Center, Faculty building, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eric Soler
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus Medical Center, Faculty building, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands Laboratory of Hematopoiesis and Leukemic Stem Cells (LSHL), CEA/INSERM U967, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France Center for Biomedical Genetics and Medical Epigenetics Consortium, Erasmus Medical Center, Faculty building, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Frank G Grosveld
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus Medical Center, Faculty building, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands Center for Biomedical Genetics and Medical Epigenetics Consortium, Erasmus Medical Center, Faculty building, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands Center for Biomedical Genetics, Erasmus Medical Center, Faculty building, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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16
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Conidi A, van den Berghe V, Leslie K, Stryjewska A, Xue H, Chen YG, Seuntjens E, Huylebroeck D. Four amino acids within a tandem QxVx repeat in a predicted extended α-helix of the Smad-binding domain of Sip1 are necessary for binding to activated Smad proteins. PLoS One 2013; 8:e76733. [PMID: 24146916 PMCID: PMC3795639 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0076733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2013] [Accepted: 08/28/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The zinc finger transcription factor Smad-interacting protein-1 (Sip1; Zeb2, Zfhx1b) plays an important role during vertebrate embryogenesis in various tissues and differentiating cell types, and during tumorigenesis. Previous biochemical analysis suggests that interactions with several partner proteins, including TGFβ family receptor-activated Smads, regulate the activities of Sip1 in the nucleus both as a DNA-binding transcriptional repressor and activator. Using a peptide aptamer approach we mapped in Sip1 its Smad-binding domain (SBD), initially defined as a segment of 51 amino acids, to a shorter stretch of 14 amino acids within this SBD. Modelling suggests that this short SBD stretch is part of an extended α-helix that may fit the binding to a hydrophobic corridor within the MH2 domain of activated Smads. Four amino acids (two polar Q residues and two non-polar V residues) that form the tandem repeat (QxVx)2 in this 14-residue stretch were found to be crucial for binding to both TGFβ/Nodal/Activin-Smads and BMP-Smads. A full-length Sip1 with collective mutation of these Q and V residues (to A) no longer binds to Smads, while it retains its binding activity to its cognate bipartite target DNA sequence. This missense mutant Sip1(AxAx)2 provides a new molecular tool to identify SBD (in)dependent target genes in Sip1-controlled TGFβ and/or BMP (de)regulated cellular, developmental and pathological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Conidi
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Celgen), Department of Development and Regeneration, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Veronique van den Berghe
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Celgen), Department of Development and Regeneration, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kris Leslie
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Agata Stryjewska
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Celgen), Department of Development and Regeneration, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Hua Xue
- The State Key Laboratory of Biomembrane and Membrane Biotechnology, Tsinghua-Beijing Centre for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Ye-Guang Chen
- The State Key Laboratory of Biomembrane and Membrane Biotechnology, Tsinghua-Beijing Centre for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Eve Seuntjens
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Celgen), Department of Development and Regeneration, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Danny Huylebroeck
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Celgen), Department of Development and Regeneration, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
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17
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Conidi A, van den Berghe V, Huylebroeck D. Aptamers and their potential to selectively target aspects of EGF, Wnt/β-catenin and TGFβ-smad family signaling. Int J Mol Sci 2013; 14:6690-719. [PMID: 23531534 PMCID: PMC3645661 DOI: 10.3390/ijms14046690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2013] [Revised: 03/05/2013] [Accepted: 03/12/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The smooth identification and low-cost production of highly specific agents that interfere with signaling cascades by targeting an active domain in surface receptors, cytoplasmic and nuclear effector proteins, remain important challenges in biomedical research. We propose that peptide aptamers can provide a very useful and new alternative for interfering with protein–protein interactions in intracellular signal transduction cascades, including those emanating from activated receptors for growth factors. By their targeting of short, linear motif type of interactions, peptide aptamers have joined nucleic acid aptamers for use in signaling studies because of their ease of production, their stability, their high specificity and affinity for individual target proteins, and their use in high-throughput screening protocols. Furthermore, they are entering clinical trials for treatment of several complex, pathological conditions. Here, we present a brief survey of the use of aptamers in signaling pathways, in particular of polypeptide growth factors, starting with the published as well as potential applications of aptamers targeting Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor signaling. We then discuss the opportunities for using aptamers in other complex pathways, including Wnt/β-catenin, and focus on Transforming Growth Factor-β/Smad family signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Conidi
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Celgen), Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Campus Gasthuisberg, Building Ond & Nav4 p.o.box 812, room 05.313, Stem Cell Institute, Herestraat 49, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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18
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van den Berghe V, Stappers E, Vandesande B, Dimidschstein J, Kroes R, Francis A, Conidi A, Lesage F, Dries R, Cazzola S, Berx G, Kessaris N, Vanderhaeghen P, van Ijcken W, Grosveld FG, Goossens S, Haigh JJ, Fishell G, Goffinet A, Aerts S, Huylebroeck D, Seuntjens E. Directed migration of cortical interneurons depends on the cell-autonomous action of Sip1. Neuron 2013; 77:70-82. [PMID: 23312517 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2012.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/04/2012] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
GABAergic interneurons mainly originate in the medial ganglionic eminence (MGE) of the embryonic ventral telencephalon (VT) and migrate tangentially to the cortex, guided by membrane-bound and secreted factors. We found that Sip1 (Zfhx1b, Zeb2), a transcription factor enriched in migrating cortical interneurons, is required for their proper differentiation and correct guidance. The majority of Sip1 knockout interneurons fail to migrate to the neocortex and stall in the VT. RNA sequencing reveals that Sip1 knockout interneurons do not acquire a fully mature cortical interneuron identity and contain increased levels of the repulsive receptor Unc5b. Focal electroporation of Unc5b-encoding vectors in the MGE of wild-type brain slices disturbs migration to the neocortex, whereas reducing Unc5b levels in Sip1 knockout slices and brains rescues the migration defect. Our results reveal that Sip1, through tuning of Unc5b levels, is essential for cortical interneuron guidance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronique van den Berghe
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Celgen), Department of Development and Regeneration, University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
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19
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Conidi A, Cazzola S, Beets K, Coddens K, Collart C, Cornelis F, Cox L, Joke D, Dobreva MP, Dries R, Esguerra C, Francis A, Ibrahimi A, Kroes R, Lesage F, Maas E, Moya I, Pereira PNG, Stappers E, Stryjewska A, van den Berghe V, Vermeire L, Verstappen G, Seuntjens E, Umans L, Zwijsen A, Huylebroeck D. Few Smad proteins and many Smad-interacting proteins yield multiple functions and action modes in TGFβ/BMP signaling in vivo. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2011; 22:287-300. [PMID: 22119658 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2011.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Signaling by the many ligands of the TGFβ family strongly converges towards only five receptor-activated, intracellular Smad proteins, which fall into two classes i.e. Smad2/3 and Smad1/5/8, respectively. These Smads bind to a surprisingly high number of Smad-interacting proteins (SIPs), many of which are transcription factors (TFs) that co-operate in Smad-controlled target gene transcription in a cell type and context specific manner. A combination of functional analyses in vivo as well as in cell cultures and biochemical studies has revealed the enormous versatility of the Smad proteins. Smads and their SIPs regulate diverse molecular and cellular processes and are also directly relevant to development and disease. In this survey, we selected appropriate examples on the BMP-Smads, with emphasis on Smad1 and Smad5, and on a number of SIPs, i.e. the CPSF subunit Smicl, Ttrap (Tdp2) and Sip1 (Zeb2, Zfhx1b) from our own research carried out in three different vertebrate models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Conidi
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Celgen) of Center for Human Genetics, University of Leuven, Campus Gasthuisberg, Herestraat 49, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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20
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Di Modugno F, Mottolese M, DeMonte L, Trono P, Balsamo M, Conidi A, Melucci E, Terrenato I, Belleudi F, Torrisi MR, Alessio M, Santoni A, Nisticò P. The cooperation between hMena overexpression and HER2 signalling in breast cancer. PLoS One 2010; 5:e15852. [PMID: 21209853 PMCID: PMC3012725 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0015852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2010] [Accepted: 11/26/2010] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
hMena and the epithelial specific isoform hMena11a are actin cytoskeleton regulatory proteins belonging to the Ena/VASP family. EGF treatment of breast cancer cell lines upregulates hMena/hMena11a expression and phosphorylates hMena11a, suggesting cross-talk between the ErbB receptor family and hMena/hMena11a in breast cancer. The aim of this study was to determine whether the hMena/hMena11a overexpression cooperates with HER-2 signalling, thereby affecting the HER2 mitogenic activity in breast cancer. In a cohort of breast cancer tissue samples a significant correlation among hMena, HER2 overexpression, the proliferation index (high Ki67), and phosphorylated MAPK and AKT was found and among the molecular subtypes the highest frequency of hMena overexpressing tumors was found in the HER2 subtype. From a clinical viewpoint, concomitant overexpression of HER2 and hMena identifies a subgroup of breast cancer patients showing the worst prognosis, indicating that hMena overexpression adds prognostic information to HER2 overexpressing tumors. To identify a functional link between HER2 and hMena, we show here that HER2 transfection in MCF7 cells increased hMena/hMena11a expression and hMena11a phosphorylation. On the other hand, hMena/hMena11a knock-down reduced HER3, AKT and p44/42 MAPK phosphorylation and inhibited the EGF and NRG1-dependent HER2 phosphorylation and cell proliferation. Of functional significance, hMena/hMena11a knock-down reduced the mitogenic activity of EGF and NRG1. Collectively these data provide new insights into the relevance of hMena and hMena11a as downstream effectors of the ErbB receptor family which may represent a novel prognostic indicator in breast cancer progression, helping to stratify patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marcella Mottolese
- Department of Pathology, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia DeMonte
- Tumor Immunology, Dibit, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Proteome Biochemistry, Dibit, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Trono
- Laboratory of Immunology, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Michele Balsamo
- Laboratory of Immunology, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Andrea Conidi
- Laboratory of Immunology, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Genetics, VIB11, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Elisa Melucci
- Department of Pathology, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Irene Terrenato
- Department of Epidemiology, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Massimo Alessio
- Proteome Biochemistry, Dibit, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Angela Santoni
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, University ‘Sapienza’, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Nisticò
- Laboratory of Immunology, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
- * E-mail:
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21
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Dzwonek J, Preobrazhenska O, Cazzola S, Conidi A, Schellens A, van Dinther M, Stubbs A, Klippel A, Huylebroeck D, ten Dijke P, Verschueren K. Smad3 is a key nonredundant mediator of transforming growth factor beta signaling in Nme mouse mammary epithelial cells. Mol Cancer Res 2009; 7:1342-53. [PMID: 19671686 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-08-0558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Smad2 and Smad3 are intracellular mediators of transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta) signaling that share various biochemical properties, but data emerging from functional analyses in several cell types indicate that these two Smad proteins may convey distinct cellular responses. Therefore, we have investigated the individual roles of Smad2 and Smad3 in mediating the cytostatic and proapoptotic effects of TGFbeta as well as their function in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. For this purpose, we transiently depleted mouse mammary epithelial cells (Nme) of Smad2 and/or Smad3 mainly by a strategy relying on RNaseH-induced degradation of mRNA. The effect of such depletion on hallmark events of TGFbeta-driven epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition was analyzed, including dissolution of epithelial junctions, formation of stress fibers and focal adhesions, activation of metalloproteinases, and transcriptional regulation of acknowledged target genes. Furthermore, we investigated the effect of Smad2 and Smad3 knockdown on the TGFbeta-regulated transcriptome by microarray analysis. Our results identify Smad3 as a key factor to trigger TGFbeta-regulated events and ascribe tumor suppressor as well as oncogenic activities to this protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Dzwonek
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Celgen), Center for Human Genetics, Campus Gasthuisberg K.U.Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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22
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Pino M, Balsamo M, Di Modugno F, Conidi A, McConkey D, Cognetti F, Natali P, Miella M, Nisticò P. 558 POSTER Epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) and hMena expression as determinants of sensitivity of pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cell lines to EGFR tyrosine kinase Inhibitors (TKI). EJC Suppl 2006. [DOI: 10.1016/s1359-6349(06)70563-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
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23
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Di Modugno F, Mottolese M, Di Benedetto A, Conidi A, Novelli F, Perracchio L, Venturo I, Botti C, Jager E, Santoni A, Natali PG, Nisticò P. The cytoskeleton regulatory protein hMena (ENAH) is overexpressed in human benign breast lesions with high risk of transformation and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2-positive/hormonal receptor-negative tumors. Clin Cancer Res 2006; 12:1470-8. [PMID: 16533770 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-05-2027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE hMena (ENAH), a cytoskeleton regulatory protein involved in the regulation of cell motility and adhesion, is overexpressed in breast cancer. The aim of this study was to define at what stage of breast carcinogenesis hMena is overexpressed and to correlate hMena overexpression with established prognostic factors in breast cancer, focusing on human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2). EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN hMena expression was assessed immunohistochemically in a prospective cohort of cases (n = 360) encompassing a highly representative spectrum of benign breast diseases associated with different risk of transformation, in situ, invasive, and metastatic tumors. Correlations with conventional pathologic and prognostic variables, such as proliferation index, hormonal receptor status, and HER-2 overexpression, were also evaluated. In vitro experiments were done to study the effect of neuregulin-1 and Herceptin treatments on hMena expression. RESULTS hMena protein is undetectable in normal breast and is weakly expressed in a small percentage of low-risk benign diseases (9%), but displays a progressive and significant increase of positivity in benign lesions at higher risk of transformation (slightly increased risk 43%; moderate increased risk 67%), in in situ (72%), invasive (93%), and metastatic breast cancer (91%). A significant direct correlation with tumor size (P = 0.04), proliferation index (P < 0.0001), and HER-2 overexpression (P < 0.0001) and an inverse relationship with estrogen (P = 0.036) and progesterone receptors (P = 0.001) are found in invasive carcinomas. In vitro experiments show that neuregulin-1 up-regulates, whereas Herceptin down-regulates, hMena expression. CONCLUSIONS Our data provide new insights into the relevance of actin-binding proteins in human breast carcinogenesis and indicate hMena overexpression as a surrogate indicator in breast disease management.
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MESH Headings
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/pharmacology
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
- Biomarkers, Tumor
- Breast
- Breast Neoplasms/metabolism
- Breast Neoplasms/pathology
- Carcinoma in Situ/metabolism
- Carcinoma in Situ/pathology
- Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/secondary
- Carcinoma, Papillary/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Papillary/secondary
- Cell Proliferation
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic
- Cohort Studies
- Cytoskeletal Proteins/metabolism
- Female
- Humans
- Middle Aged
- Neoplasm Invasiveness/pathology
- Neoplasms, Ductal, Lobular, and Medullary/metabolism
- Neoplasms, Ductal, Lobular, and Medullary/secondary
- Neuregulin-1/pharmacology
- Prognosis
- Prospective Studies
- Receptor, ErbB-2/metabolism
- Receptors, Estrogen/metabolism
- Receptors, Progesterone/metabolism
- Risk Factors
- Trastuzumab
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Di Modugno
- Laboratory of Experimental Chemotherapy, Department of Pathology, Regina Elena Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
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