Transcriptional regulation and transformation by Myc proteins

The molecular basis of ageing in stem cells

Ageing is often defined in the context of telomerase activity and telomere length regulation. Most somatic cells have limited replication ability and undergo senescence eventually. Stem cells are unique as they possess more abundant telomerase activity and are able to maintain telomere lengths for a longer period. Embryonic stem cells are particularly resistant to ageing and can be propagated indefinitely. Remarkably, adult somatic cells can be reprogrammed to an ESC-like state by various means including cell fusion, exposure to ESC cell-free extracts, enforced expression of specific molecules, and somatic cell nuclear transfer. Thus, the rejuvenation of an 'aged' state can be effected by the activation of specific key molecules in the cell. Here, we argue that cellular ageing is a reversible process, and this is determined by the balance of biological molecules which directly or indirectly control telomere length and telomerase activity, either through altering gene expression and/or modulating the epigenetic state of the chromatin.

Deregulated Syk inhibits differentiation and induces growth factor-independent proliferation of pre-B cells

The nonreceptor protein spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) is a key mediator of signal transduction in a variety of cell types, including B lymphocytes. We show that deregulated Syk activity allows growth factor–independent proliferation and transforms bone marrow–derived pre–B cells that are then able to induce leukemia in mice. Syk-transformed pre–B cells show a characteristic pattern of tyrosine phosphorylation, increased c-Myc expression, and defective differentiation. Treatment of Syk-transformed pre–B cells with a novel Syk-specific inhibitor (R406) reduces tyrosine phosphorylation and c-Myc expression. In addition, R406 treatment removes the developmental block and allows the differentiation of the Syk-transformed pre–B cells into immature B cells. Because R406 treatment also prevents the proliferation of c-Myc–transformed pre–B cells, our data indicate that endogenous Syk kinase activity may be required for the survival of pre–B cells transformed by other oncogenes. Collectively, our data suggest that Syk is a protooncogene involved in the transformation of lymphocytes, thus making Syk a potential target for the treatment of leukemia.

c-myc amplification is frequent in esophageal adenocarcinoma and correlated with the upregulation of VEGF-A expression

BACKGROUND

Deregulation of c-myc plays a major role in the carcinogenesis of human malignancies. We investigated the amplification of the c-myc gene in a surgical series of Barrett cancers.

METHODS

Primary resected esophageal (Barrett) adenocarcinomas (n = 84) were investigated for c-myc amplification using chromogene in situ hybridization. Tumor samples were assembled in a tissue microarray. c-myc gene dosage was correlated with clinicopathologic parameters, including the survival and gene expression of cyclooxygenases (COX-1 and COX-2) and proangiogenic growth factors (VEGF-A and VEGF-C).

RESULTS

The majority (70 of 84; 83.3%) exhibited amplification of the c-myc gene. There were low-level amplifications in 63 (75.0%) cases and high-level amplifications in 7 (8.3%) cases. No amplification was found in 14 (16.7%) cases. Tumors without c-myc amplification had lower VEGF-A, VEGF-C, and COX-2 expression levels than tumors with low-level and high-level c-myc amplification (statistically significant for VEGF-A; P = .0348). c-myc amplification was not correlated with clinicopathological parameters or survival. Only diffuse and mixed-type tumors, according to Lauren classification, exhibited c-myc amplifications more frequently (P = .0466).

CONCLUSIONS

Amplifications of the c-myc gene are frequent in Barrett cancer. c-myc may be involved in the regulation of angiogenesis.

Global mapping of c-Myc binding sites and target gene networks in human B cells

The protooncogene MYC encodes the c-Myc transcription factor that regulates cell growth, cell proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis. Although deregulation of MYC contributes to tumorigenesis, it is still unclear what direct Myc-induced transcriptomes promote cell transformation. Here we provide a snapshot of genome-wide, unbiased characterization of direct Myc binding targets in a model of human B lymphoid tumor using ChIP coupled with pair-end ditag sequencing analysis (ChIP-PET). Myc potentially occupies > 4,000 genomic loci with the majority near proximal promoter regions associated frequently with CpG islands. Using gene expression profiles with ChIP-PET, we identified 668 direct Myc-regulated gene targets, including 48 transcription factors, indicating that Myc is a central transcriptional hub in growth and proliferation control. This first global genomic view of Myc binding sites yields insights of transcriptional circuitries and cis regulatory modules involving Myc and provides a substantial framework for our understanding of mechanisms of Myc-induced tumorigenesis.

Gene expression regulation and cancer

Gene expression is mostly controlled at the level of the transcription initiation. The transcription control regions of protein-encoding genes include: the core promoter, where RNA polymerase II binds, the proximal and distal promoter, responsible for gene expression regulation, and the enhancers and silencers. Chromatin represents an additional level of regulation of gene expression. The switching between inactive and active chromatin is closely related to the activity of histone-modifying enzymes and chromatin-remodelling complexes. Transcriptional activation of a gene requires the binding of specific transcription factors to regulatory DNA elements, the opening of the chromatin, the binding of Mediator, and the assembly of the preinitiation complex with RNA polymerase and RNA synthesis initiation. Transcription factors ultimately transduce the proliferation signals elicited by growth factors. Moreover, many human oncogenes encode for transcription factors, and some of them are prevalent in particular neoplasias (e.g., MYC, MLL, PML-RARa). Also, some of the most prominent tumor suppressors (e.g. p53) are transcription factors.

The Ins and Outs of MYC Regulation by Posttranslational Mechanisms

The proteins of the MYC family are key regulators of cell behavior. MYC, originally identified as an oncoprotein, affects growth, proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis of cells through its ability to regulate a significant number of genes. In addition MYC governs events associated with tumor progression, including genetic stability, migration, and angiogenesis. The pleiotropic activities attributed to MYC and their balanced control requires that the expression and function of MYC is tightly controlled. Indeed many different pathways and factors have been identified that impinge on MYC gene expression and protein function. In particular the protein is subject to different posttranslational modifications, including phosphorylation, ubiquitinylation, and acetylation. Here we discuss the latest developments regarding these modifications that control various aspects of MYC function, including its stability, the interaction with partner proteins, and the transcriptional potential.

Direct observation of individual endogenous protein complexes in situ by proximity ligation

Cellular processes can only be understood as the dynamic interplay of molecules. There is a need for techniques to monitor interactions of endogenous proteins directly in individual cells and tissues to reveal the cellular and molecular architecture and its responses to perturbations. Here we report our adaptation of the recently developed proximity ligation method to examine the subcellular localization of protein-protein interactions at single-molecule resolution. Proximity probes-oligonucleotides attached to antibodies against the two target proteins-guided the formation of circular DNA strands when bound in close proximity. The DNA circles in turn served as templates for localized rolling-circle amplification (RCA), allowing individual interacting pairs of protein molecules to be visualized and counted in human cell lines and clinical specimens. We used this method to show specific regulation of protein-protein interactions between endogenous Myc and Max oncogenic transcription factors in response to interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) signaling and low-molecular-weight inhibitors.

Distinct patterns of DNA copy number alteration are associated with different clinicopathological features and gene-expression subtypes of breast cancer

Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer-death among women, where the clinicopathological features of tumors are used to prognosticate and guide therapy. DNA copy number alterations (CNAs), which occur frequently in breast cancer and define key pathogenetic events, are also potentially useful prognostic or predictive factors. Here, we report a genome-wide array-based comparative genomic hybridization (array CGH) survey of CNAs in 89 breast tumors from a patient cohort with locally advanced disease. Statistical analysis links distinct cytoband loci harboring CNAs to specific clinicopathological parameters, including tumor grade, estrogen receptor status, presence of TP53 mutation, and overall survival. Notably, distinct spectra of CNAs also underlie the different subtypes of breast cancer recently defined by expression-profiling, implying these subtypes develop along distinct genetic pathways. In addition, higher numbers of gains/losses are associated with the "basal-like" tumor subtype, while high-level DNA amplification is more frequent in "luminal-B" subtype tumors, suggesting also that distinct mechanisms of genomic instability might underlie their pathogenesis. The identified CNAs may provide a basis for improved patient prognostication, as well as a starting point to define important genes to further our understanding of the pathobiology of breast cancer. This article contains Supplementary Material available at http://www.interscience.wiley.com/jpages/1045-2257/suppmat

Interrelationship between chromosome 8 aneuploidy, C-MYC amplification and increased expression in individuals from northern Brazil with gastric adenocarcinoma

AIM: To investigate chromosome 8 numerical aberrations, C-MYC oncogene alterations and its expression in gastric cancer and to correlate these findings with histopathological characteristics of gastric tumors.

METHODS: Specimens were collected surgically from seven patients with gastric adenocarcinomas. Immunostaining for C-MYC and dual-color fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for C-MYC gene and chromosome 8 centromere were performed.

RESULTS: All the cases showed chromosome 8 aneuploidy and C-MYC amplification, in both the diffuse and intestinal histopathological types of Lauren. No significant difference (P < 0.05) was observed between the level of chromosome 8 ploidy and the site, stage or histological type of the adenocarcinomas. C-MYC high amplification, like homogeneously stained regions (HSRs) and double minutes (DMs), was observed only in the intestinal-type. Structural rearrangement of C-MYC, like translocation, was observed only in the diffuse type. Regarding C-MYC gene, a significant difference (P < 0.05) was observed between the two histological types. The C-MYC protein was expressed in all the studied cases. In the intestinal-type the C-MYC immunoreactivity was localized only in the nucleus and in the diffuse type in the nucleus and cytoplasm.

CONCLUSION: Distinct patterns of alterations between intestinal and diffuse types of gastric tumors support the hypothesis that these types follow different genetic pathways.

HPV-18 E7 conjugates to c-Myc and mediates its transcriptional activity

Several reports in the literature have indicated that the E6 not only elevates the level of c-Myc level but that the protein also associates with the Myc complex and activates Myc-responsive genes. There would seem to be a mechanism by which this oncogene can modulate cell proliferation and differentiation. Furthermore, an increase in c-Myc levels has also observed during ectopic expression of HPV E7 alone. Using the yeast two-hybrid system, we further found that the c-Myc interacts and forms a specific complex with HPV-16E7. In this study, we have demonstrated that E7 does indeed interact with c-Myc and a sequential deletion analysis of E7 maps the c-Myc interaction site to the carboxyl-terminal region. We determined two HPV-18 E7 binding sites on c-Myc involving the amino acids regions 1-100 and 367-439. The interaction of the high-risk type HPV E7 with c-Myc can augment c-Myc transactivation activity but this does not occur with low-risk type HPV E7. Deletion within the Cys-X-X-Cys repeat motif at the C-terminus of HPV-18 E7 leads to a lost of association with c-Myc and also abolishes the enhancement of c-Myc's transactivation activity. Furthermore, the interaction of HPV-18 E7 with c-Myc functionally promotes c-Myc's DNA-binding ability. Using the hTERT promoter as a model, enhanced c-Myc binding ability to the hTERT promoter as measured by immunoprecipitation assay was observed and occurred in an E7 dose-dependent manner. Taken together, these results provide significant new insights into the association of c-Myc with E7 and the possible involvement of high-risk E7 in oncogenesis.

Skin epidermis lacking the c-Myc gene is resistant to Ras-driven tumorigenesis but can reacquire sensitivity upon additional loss of the p21Cip1 gene

The target gene(s) required for Myc-mediated tumorigenesis are still elusive. Here we show that while endogenous c-Myc is surprisingly dispensable for skin homeostasis and TPA-induced hyperplasia, c-Myc-deficient epidermis is resistant to Ras-mediated DMBA/TPAinduced tumorigenesis. This is mechanistically linked to p21(Cip1), which is induced in tumors by the activated Ras-ERK pathway but repressed by c-Myc. Acute elimination of c-Myc in established tumors leads to the up-regulation of p21(Cip1), and epidermis lacking both p21(Cip1) and c-Myc reacquires normal sensitivity to DMBA/TPA-induced tumorigenesis. This identifies c-Myc-mediated repression of p21(Cip1) as a key step for Ras-driven epidermal tumorigenesis.

Myc stabilization in response to estrogen and phospholipase D in MCF-7 breast cancer cells

Estrogen, which has been strongly implicated in breast cancer, suppresses apoptosis in estrogen receptor (ER) positive MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Phospholipase D (PLD), which is commonly elevated in ER negative breast cancer cells, also suppresses apoptosis. Survival signals generated by both estrogen and PLD are dependent upon elevated Myc expression. We report here that estrogen- and PLD-induced increases in Myc expression are due to reduced turnover of Myc protein. Estrogen and PLD suppressed phosphorylation of Myc at Thr58--a site that targets Myc for degradation by the proteasome. The data provide a mechanism for elevated Myc expression in hormone-dependent and hormone-independent breast cancer.

Balance of Yin and Yang: ubiquitylation-mediated regulation of p53 and c-Myc

Protein ubiquitylation has been demonstrated to play a vital role not only in mediating protein turnover but also in modulating protein activity. The stability and activity of the tumor suppressor p53 and of the oncoprotein c-Myc are no exception. Both are regulated through independent ubiquitylation by several E3 ubiquitin ligases. Interestingly, p53 and c-Myc are functionally connected by some of these E3 enzymes and their regulator ARF, although these proteins play opposite roles in controlling cell growth and proliferation. The balance of this complex ubiquitylation network and its disruption during oncogenesis will be the topics of this review.

FOXM1c transactivates the human c-myc promoter directly via the two TATA boxes P1 and P2

FOXM1c transactivates the c-myc promoter via the P1 and P2 TATA boxes using a new mechanism. Whereas the P1 TATA box TATAATGC requires its sequence context to be FOXM1c responsive, the P2 TATA box TATAAAAG alone is sufficient to confer FOXM1c responsiveness to any minimal promoter. FOXM1c transactivates by binding to the TATA box as well as directly to TATA-binding protein, transcription factor IIB and transcription factor IIA. This new transactivation mechanism is clearly distinguished from the function of FOXM1c as a conventional transcription factor. The central domain of FOXM1c functions as an essential domain for activation via the TATA box, but as an inhibitory domain (retinoblastoma protein-independent transrepression domain and retinoblastoma protein-recruiting negative regulatory domain) for transactivation via conventional FOXM1c-binding sites. Each promoter with the P2 TATA box TATAAAAG is postulated to be transactivated by FOXM1c. This was demonstrated for the promoters of c-fos, hsp70 and histone H2B/a. A database search revealed almost 300 probable FOXM1c target genes, many of which function in proliferation and tumorigenesis. Accordingly, dominant-negative FOXM1c proteins reduced cell growth approximately threefold, demonstrating a proliferation-stimulating function for wild-type FOXM1c.

WS5, a direct target of oncogenic transcription factor Myc, is related to human melanoma glycoprotein genes and has oncogenic potential

We have isolated a gene (WS5) that is specifically expressed at the mRNA and protein level in avian fibroblasts transformed by the v-myc oncogene of avian acute leukemia virus MC29. In a conditional cell transformation system, WS5 gene expression was tightly correlated with v-myc activation. The WS5 gene contains 11 exons, encoding a 733-amino acid protein with a transmembrane region and a polycystic kidney disease (PKD) domain. Near the transcriptional start site, the WS5 promoter contains a cluster of four binding sites for the Myc-Max complex and a binding site for transcription factor C/EBPalpha. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays and chromatin immunoprecipitation showed that Myc, Max and C/EBPalpha bind specifically to these sites. Functional promoter analyses revealed that both the Myc-binding site cluster and the C/EBPalpha-binding site are essential for strong transcriptional activation, and that Myc and C/EBPalpha synergistically activate the WS5 promoter. Ectopic expression of WS5 led to cell transformation documented by anchorage-independent growth. The human melanoma antigen Pmel17, a type I transmembrane glycoprotein, is the mammalian protein with the highest amino acid sequence identity (38%) to WS5. The Pmel17 gene is regulated by the MITF protein, a bHLHZip transcription factor with DNA binding specificities similar to those of Myc/Max. WS5 is also related to human glycoprotein GPNMB expressed in metastatic melanoma cells and implicated in the progression of brain and liver tumors.

Genomic binding and transcriptional regulation by the Drosophila Myc and Mnt transcription factors

Deregulated expression of members of the myc oncogene family has been linked to the genesis of a wide range of cancers, whereas their normal expression is associated with growth, proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Myc proteins are transcription factors that function within a network of transcriptional activators (Myc) and repressors (Mxd/Mad and Mnt), all of which heterodimerize with the bHLHZ protein Mad and bind E-box sequences in DNA. These transcription factors recruit coactivator or corepressor complexes that in turn modify histones. Myc, Mxd/Max, and Mnt proteins have been thought to act on a specific subset of genes. However, expression array studies and, most recently, genomic binding studies suggest that these proteins exhibit widespread binding across the genome. Here we demonstrate by immunostaining of Drosophila polytene chromosome that Drosophila Myc (dMyc) is associated with multiple euchromatic chromosomal regions. Furthermore, many dMyc-binding regions overlap with regions containing active RNA polymerase II, although dMyc can also be found in regions lacking active polymerase. We also demonstrate that the pattern of dMyc expression in nuclei overlaps with histone markers of active chromatin but not pericentric heterochromatin. dMyc binding is not detected on the X chromosome rDNA cluster (bobbed locus). This is consistent with recent evidence that in Drosophila cells dMyc regulates rRNA transcription indirectly, in contrast to mammalian cells where direct binding of c-Myc to rDNA has been observed. We further show that the dMyc antagonist dMnt inhibits rRNA transcription in the wing disc. Our results support the view that the Myc/Max/Mad network influences transcription on a global scale.

An ACT-like Domain Participates in the Dimerization of Several Plant Basic-helix-loop-helix Transcription Factors

The maize basic-helix-loop-helix (bHLH) factor R belongs to a group of proteins with important functions in the regulation of metabolism and development through the cooperation with R2R3-MYB transcription factors. Here we show that in addition to the bHLH and the R2R3-MYB-interacting domains, R contains a dimerization region located C-terminal to the bHLH motif. This protein-protein interaction domain is important for the regulation of anthocyanin pigment biosynthesis by contributing to the recruitment of the C1 R2R3-MYB factor to the C1 binding sites present in the promoters of flavonoid biosynthetic genes. The R dimerization region bares structural similarity to the ACT domain present in several metabolic enzymes. Protein fold recognition analyses resulted in the identification of similar ACT-like domains in several other plant bHLH proteins. We show that at least one of these related motifs is capable of mediating homodimer formation. These findings underscore the function of R as a docking site for multiple protein-protein interactions and provide evidence for the presence of a novel dimerization domain in multiple plant bHLH proteins.

Tip60 in DNA damage response and growth control: many tricks in one HAT

The Tip60 histone acetyltransferase is part of an evolutionarily conserved multisubunit complex, NuA4, which is recruited by many transcription factors to their target promoters, where it is thought to participate in histone acetylation and transcriptional activation. These transcription factors include tumor promoters and also tumor suppressors, such as p53, which links Tip60 to DNA damage responses. Tip60 also has transcription-independent roles in DNA damage responses. First, independently from NuA4, Tip60 binds the kinases ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) and DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) and participates in their activation by DNA double-strand breaks. Second, NuA4 is recruited to the chromatin surrounding the breaks and, through a series of chromatin modifications, contributes to the dynamics of DNA repair. These molecular activities might endow Tip60 with multiple and potentially antagonistic biological functions.

KetogenicHMGCS2Is a c-Myc Target Gene Expressed in Differentiated Cells of Human Colonic Epithelium and Down-Regulated in Colon Cancer

HMGCS2, the gene that regulates ketone body production, is expressed in liver and several extrahepatic tissues, such as the colon. In CaCo-2 colonic epithelial cells, the expression of this gene increases with cell differentiation. Accordingly, immunohistochemistry with specific antibodies shows that HMGCS2 is expressed mainly in differentiated cells of human colonic epithelium. Here, we used a chromatin immunoprecipitation assay to study the molecular mechanism responsible for this expression pattern. The assay revealed that HMGCS2 is a direct target of c-Myc, which represses HMGCS2 transcriptional activity. c-Myc transrepression is mediated by blockade of the transactivating activity of Miz-1, which occurs mainly through a Sp1-binding site in the proximal promoter of the gene. Accordingly, the expression of human HMGCS2 is down-regulated in 90% of Myc-dependent colon and rectum tumors. HMGCS2 protein expression is down-regulated preferentially in moderately and poorly differentiated carcinomas. In addition, it is also down-regulated in 80% of small intestine Myc-independent tumors. Based on these findings, we propose that ketogenesis is an undesirable metabolic characteristic of the proliferating cell, which is down-regulated through c-Myc-mediated repression of the key metabolic gene HMGCS2.

The paradoxical pro- and anti-apoptotic actions of GSK3 in the intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis signaling pathways

Few things can be considered to be more important to a cell than its threshold for apoptotic cell death, which can be modulated up or down, but rarely in both directions, by a single enzyme. Therefore, it came as quite a surprise to find that one enzyme, glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3), has the perplexing capacity to either increase or decrease the apoptotic threshold. These apparently paradoxical effects now are known to be due to GSK3 oppositely regulating the two major apoptotic signaling pathways. GSK3 promotes cell death caused by the mitochondrial intrinsic apoptotic pathway, but inhibits the death receptor-mediated extrinsic apoptotic signaling pathway. Intrinsic apoptotic signaling, activated by cell damage, is promoted by GSK3 by facilitation of signals that cause disruption of mitochondria and by regulation of transcription factors that control the expression of anti- or pro-apoptotic proteins. The extrinsic apoptotic pathway entails extracellular ligands stimulating cell-surface death receptors that initiate apoptosis by activating caspase-8, and this early step in extrinsic apoptotic signaling is inhibited by GSK3. Thus, GSK3 modulates key steps in each of the two major pathways of apoptosis, but in opposite directions. Consequently, inhibitors of GSK3 provide protection from intrinsic apoptosis signaling but potentiate extrinsic apoptosis signaling. Studies of this eccentric ability of GSK3 to oppositely influence two types of apoptotic signaling have shed light on important regulatory mechanisms in apoptosis and provide the foundation for designing the rational use of GSK3 inhibitors for therapeutic interventions.

Induction of pluripotent stem cells from mouse embryonic and adult fibroblast cultures by defined factors

Differentiated cells can be reprogrammed to an embryonic-like state by transfer of nuclear contents into oocytes or by fusion with embryonic stem (ES) cells. Little is known about factors that induce this reprogramming. Here, we demonstrate induction of pluripotent stem cells from mouse embryonic or adult fibroblasts by introducing four factors, Oct3/4, Sox2, c-Myc, and Klf4, under ES cell culture conditions. Unexpectedly, Nanog was dispensable. These cells, which we designated iPS (induced pluripotent stem) cells, exhibit the morphology and growth properties of ES cells and express ES cell marker genes. Subcutaneous transplantation of iPS cells into nude mice resulted in tumors containing a variety of tissues from all three germ layers. Following injection into blastocysts, iPS cells contributed to mouse embryonic development. These data demonstrate that pluripotent stem cells can be directly generated from fibroblast cultures by the addition of only a few defined factors.

Fbxw7 contributes to tumor suppression by targeting multiple proteins for ubiquitin-dependent degradation

Fbxw7 (also known as Sel-10, hCdc4 or hAgo) is the F-box protein component of a Skp1-Cul1-F-box protein (SCF) ubiquitin ligase. Fbxw7 contributes to the ubiquitin-mediated degradation of cyclin E, c-Myc, Aurora-A, Notch and c-Jun, all of which appear to function as cell-cycle promoters and oncogenic proteins. Loss of Fbxw7 results in elevated expression of its substrates, which may lead to oncogenesis. However, it remains largely unclear which accumulating substrate is most related to cancer development in Fbxw7-mutant cancer cells. In the present study, we examined the abundance of cyclin E, c-Myc and Aurora-A in seven cancer cell lines, which harbor wild-type (three lines) or mutant (four lines) Fbxw7. Although these three substrates accumulated in the Fbxw7-mutant cells, the extent of increase in the expression of these proteins varied in each line. Forced expression of Fbxw7 reduced the levels of cyclin E, c-Myc and Aurora-A in the Fbxw7-mutant cells. In contrast, a decrease in the expression of cyclin E, c-Myc or Aurora-A by RNA interference significantly suppressed the rate of proliferation and anchorage-independent growth of the Fbxw7-mutant cells. These findings thus suggest that the loss of Fbxw7 results in accumulation of cyclin E, c-Myc and Aurora-A, all of which appear to be required for growth promotion of cancer cells. Fbxw7 seems to regulate the levels of multiple targets to suppress cancer development.

Bcl-xL gain of function and p19 ARF loss of function cooperate oncogenically with Myc in vivo by distinct mechanisms

Overexpression of Bcl-xL, loss of p19 ARF, and loss of p53 all accelerate Myc oncogenesis. All three lesions are implicated in suppressing Myc-induced apoptosis, suggesting that this is a common mechanism by which they synergize with Myc. However, using an acutely switchable model of Myc-induced tumorigenesis, we demonstrate that each lesion cooperates with Myc in vivo by a distinct mechanism. While Bcl-xL blocks Myc-induced apoptosis, inactivation of p19 ARF enhances it. However, this increase in apoptosis is matched by increased Myc-induced proliferation. p53 inactivation shares features of both lesions, partially suppressing apoptosis while augmenting proliferation. Bcl-xL and p19 ARF loss together synergize to further accelerate Myc oncogenesis. Thus, differing lesions cooperate oncogenically with Myc by discrete mechanisms that can themselves synergize with each other.

New Insights into Prostate Cancer Biology

Prostate cancer is common, biologically heterogeneous, and protean in its clinical manifestations. Through the use and analysis of isogenic cell lines, xeno-grafts, transgenic mice, and human tumors, one begins to deconvolute the precise biologic mechanisms that combine to create the native complexity and heterogeneity of this disease. In this article, the authors have underscored compelling recent discoveries in prostate cancer so as to provide the reader with molecular paradigms with which to interpret future insights into its biology. Although it was inevitably necessary to omit a significant amount of important research in prostate cancer, the work discussed here is exemplary of current prostate cancer research. Looking forward, it is hoped that the collective work of mapping genetic and biologic interactions among key regulators of prostate epithelial cells, epithelial-stromal interactions, host immune system, and host genetics will eventually result in a comprehensive understanding of prostate cancer. Although it is likely that the molecular characteristics of an individual's prostate cancer will be analyzed using limited molecular tools in the near future, eventual application of genomic technologies and nanotechnology offers the promise of robust future characterization. Such a characterization is likely to be required to maximize our ability to optimize and individualize preventive and treatment strategies.

Overexpression of c-myc in pancreatic cancer caused by ectopic activation of NFATc1 and the Ca2+/calcineurin signaling pathway

The nuclear factor of activated T cell (NFAT) proteins are a family of Ca2+/calcineurin-responsive transcription factors primarily recognized for their central roles in T lymphocyte activation and cardiac valve development. We demonstrate that NFATc1 is commonly overexpressed in pancreatic carcinomas and enhances the malignant potential of tumor cells through transcriptional activation of the c-myc oncogene. Activated NFATc1 directly binds to a specific element within the proximal c-myc promoter and upregulates c-myc transcription, ultimately resulting in increased cell proliferation and enhanced anchorage-independent growth. Conversely, c-myc transcription and anchorage-dependent and -independent cell growth is significantly attenuated by inhibition of Ca2+/calcineurin signaling or siRNA-mediated knock down of NFATc1 expression. Together, these results demonstrate that ectopic activation of NFATc1 and the Ca2+/calcineurin signaling pathway is an important mechanism of oncogenic c-myc activation in pancreatic cancer.

N-Myc and the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors p18Ink4c and p27Kip1 coordinately regulate cerebellar development

Conditional N-Myc deletion limits the proliferation of granule neuron progenitors (GNPs), perturbs foliation, and leads to reduced cerebellar mass. We show that c-Myc mRNA levels increase in N-Myc-null GNPs and that simultaneous deletion of both c- and N-Myc exacerbates defective cerebellar development. Moreover, N-Myc loss has been shown to trigger the precocious expression of two cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors, Kip1 and Ink4c, in the cerebellar primordium. We now further demonstrate that the engineered disruption of the Kip1 and Ink4c genes in N-Myc-null cerebella partially rescues GNP cell proliferation and cerebellar foliation. These results provide definitive genetic evidence that expression of N-Myc and concomitant down-regulation of Ink4c and Kip1 contribute to the proper development of the cerebellum.

Transcriptional regulators of ribosomal biogenesis are increased in the unloaded heart

Mechanical unloading of the rat heart increases both protein synthesis and protein degradation. The transcriptional mechanism underlying increased protein synthesis during atrophic remodeling is not known. The aim of this study was to identify transcriptional regulators and the gene expression profile regulating protein synthesis in the unloaded rat heart and in the unloaded failing human heart. We measured DNA binding activity, transcript levels, and protein expression of transcriptional regulators of protein synthesis in a model of atrophic remodeling induced by heterotopic transplantation of the rat heart (duration 1 and 7 days). Using microarray analysis and quantitative RT-polymerase chain reaction, we found an increase in c-myc-regulated gene expression including an induction of ribosomal subunit messenger RNA's (RPS 10, RPL 21) and rRNA (18S). Consistent with the gene expression profile, DNA binding activity of c-myc and the nuclear protein concentration of its coactivator, upstream binding factor (UBF), increased in the atrophied heart whereas protein levels of the c-myc inhibitor MAD1 decreased. We found the same increase of ribosomal subunit messenger RNA and rRNA in 21 paired samples of failing human hearts obtained before and after left ventricular assist device treatment (mean duration: 157+/-31 days). In summary, mechanical unloading increases c-myc activity and c-myc-regulated gene expression in the rat heart. Changes in transcript levels of genes regulating ribosomal biogenesis in the unloaded rat heart resemble those found in the unloaded failing human heart. We concluded c-myc and c-myc-regulated gene expression are transcriptional regulators of protein synthesis during atrophic remodeling of the heart.

Array CGH of fusion gene-positive leukemia-derived cell lines reveals cryptic regions of genomic gain and loss

Human leukemia-derived cell lines containing characteristic chromosomal translocations and inversions have been instrumental in identifying fusion genes implicated in the pathogenesis of the corresponding leukemia. Although chimeric fusion genes usually provide early and essential steps in the development of leukemia, they are not in themselves sufficient, requiring additional genetic events. The nature of these secondary, cooperating genetic events is not known. The advent of genome wide microarray-based methods for assessing copy number changes made it possible to search for cytogenetically invisible regions of chromosome imbalance. We used BAC microarrays with a resolution of 1 Mb to determine whether cryptic regions of deletion or gain were associated with specific leukemia-associated fusion genes in a series of cell lines. To complement the array analysis, we also applied 24-color karyotyping by M-FISH. This revealed cryptic chromosomal translocations and regions of loss or gain in all the cell lines studied. The chromosomal origin of previously unidentified marker chromosomes was revealed. In all cases, chromosomes described as monosomic were shown to be involved in unbalanced translocations with concurrent loss and/or gain of chromosomal material. The extent of these amplified and deleted regions was more accurately defined. Finally, small regions of deletion and amplification, often including genes known to be involved in leukemia progression (for example MYC, TP53, CDKN2A, and KIT), were identified.

Myc in model organisms: a view from the flyroom

The Myc transcription factor regulates fundamental processes in a cell's life: its growth, division, and survival. Myc is conserved throughout metazoan phyla, and its identification in the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster has led to new insights in Myc's physiological roles. In this review, we describe recent research on the biology of Myc and its family members in Drosophila, paying particular attention to its role in the control of growth during development.

The MAX-interacting transcription factor network

The small bHLHZip protein MAX functions at the center of a transcription factor network that governs many aspects of cell behavior, including cell proliferation and tumorigenesis. MAX serves as a cofactor for DNA binding by the various members of this network, which include the MYC family of oncoproteins and a group of putative MYC antagonists that include MNT, MXD1-4 (formerly MAD1, MXI1, MAD3 and MAD4) and MGA. The many heterodimerization partners of MAX raises questions concerning the dynamics of MAX interactions and the functional consequences of the switching of Max partners. Here we review the activities of MAX, its interaction partners, and recent results showing that tissues lacking the MAX-interacting protein MNT are predisposed to tumor formation.

Myc translocations in B cell and plasma cell neoplasms

Chromosomal translocations that join the cellular oncogene Myc (c-myc) with immunoglobulin (Ig) heavy-chain (Igh) or light-chain (Igk, Igl) loci are widely believed to be the crucial initiating oncogenic events in the development of B cell and plasma cell neoplasms in three mammalian species: Burkitt lymphoma (BL) in human beings, plasmacytoma (PCT) in mice, and immunocytoma in rats. Among the Myc-Ig translocations found in these neoplasms, mouse PCT T(12;15)(Igh-Myc) is of special interest because it affords a uniquely useful model system to study the fundamental outstanding questions on the mechanisms, genetics, and biological consequences of Myc translocations. Mouse T(12;15) is the direct counterpart of the human BL t(8;14)(q24;q32) translocation and thus of great relevance for human cancer. Mouse T(12;15) is the only cancer-associated translocation in mice that occurs with high incidence, spontaneity, and cell-type specificity. Due to the development of PCR methods for the detection of the underlying reciprocal Myc-Igh junction fragments, it is now known that mouse T(12;15) can be a dynamic process that begins with the genetic exchange of Myc and the Igh switch mu region (Smu), progresses by class switch recombination (CSR) just 3' of the translocation break site, and then undergoes further clonal diversification by micro-deletions in the junction flanks. The molecular pathway that subverts CSR to mediate trans-chromosomal joining of Myc and Smu (translocation origin) and secondary modification of Myc-Igh junctions (translocation "remodeling") has not been elucidated, but recent evidence indicates that it includes CSR factors, such as the activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID), that may also be involved in the ongoing neoplastic progression of the translocation-bearing tumor precursor. Transgenic mouse models of T(12;15)/t(8;14), including newly developed "iMyc" gene-insertion mice, will be useful in elucidating the role of these CSR factors in the progression of Myc-induced B cell tumors.

Inactivation of Wnt inhibitory factor-1 (WIF1) expression by epigenetic silencing is a common event in breast cancer

The Wnt signaling pathway is a powerful and prominent oncogenic mechanism dysregulated in numerous cancer types. While evidence from transgenic mouse models and studies of human tumors clearly indicate that this pathway is of likely importance in human breast cancer, few clues as to the exact molecular nature of Wnt dysregulation have been uncovered in this tumor type. Here, we show that the Wnt inhibitory factor-1 (WIF1) gene, which encodes a secreted protein antagonistic to Wnt-dependent signaling, is targeted for epigenetic silencing in human breast cancer. We show that cultured human breast tumor cell lines display absent or low levels of WIF1 expression that are increased when cells are cultured with the DNA demethylating agent 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine. Furthermore, the WIF1 promoter is aberrantly hypermethylated in these cells as judged by both methylation-specific PCR and bisulfite genomic sequencing. Using a panel of patient-matched breast tumors and normal breast tissue, we show that WIF1 expression is commonly diminished in breast tumors when compared with normal tissue and that this correlates with WIF1 promoter hypermethylation. Analysis of a panel of 24 primary breast tumors determined that the WIF1 promoter is aberrantly methylated in 67% of these tumors, indicating that epigenetic silencing of this gene is a frequent event in human breast cancer. Using an isogenic panel of cell lines proficient or deficient in the DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) DNMT1 and/or DNMT3B, we show that hypermethylation of the WIF1 promoter is attributable to the cooperative activity of both DNMT1 and DNMT3B. Our findings establish the WIF1 gene as a target for epigenetic silencing in breast cancer and provide a mechanistic link between the dysregulation of Wnt signaling and breast tumorigenesis.

Inflammatory disease and lymphomagenesis caused by deletion of the Myc antagonist Mnt in T cells

Mnt is a Max-interacting protein that can antagonize the activities of Myc oncoproteins in cultured cells. Mnt null mice die soon after birth, but conditional deletion of Mnt in breast epithelium leads to tumor formation. These and related data suggest that Mnt functions as a tumor suppressor. Here we show that conditional deletion of Mnt in T cells leads to tumor formation but also causes inflammatory disease. Deletion of Mnt caused increased apoptosis of thymic T cells and interfered with T-cell development yet led to spleen, liver, and lymph node enlargement. The proportion of T cells in the spleen and lymph nodes was reduced, and the numbers of cells in non-T-cell immune cell populations were elevated. The disruption of immune homeostasis is linked to a strong skewing toward production of T-helper 1 (Th1) cytokines and enhanced proliferation of activated Mnt-deficient CD4+ T cells. Consistent with Th1 polarization in vivo, extensive intestinal inflammation and liver necrosis developed. Finally, most mice lacking Mnt in T cells ultimately succumbed to T-cell lymphoma. These results strengthen the argument that Mnt functions as a tumor suppressor and reveal a critical and surprising role for Mnt in the regulation of T-cell development and in T-cell-dependent immune homeostasis.

Activation of transferrin receptor 1 by c-Myc enhances cellular proliferation and tumorigenesis

Overexpression of transferrin receptor 1 (TFRC1), a major mediator of iron uptake in mammalian cells, is a common feature of human malignancies. Therapeutic strategies designed to interfere with tumor iron metabolism have targeted TFRC1. The c-Myc oncogenic transcription factor stimulates proliferation and growth by activating thousands of target genes. Here we demonstrate that TFRC1 is a critical downstream target of c-Myc. Using in vitro and in vivo models of B-cell lymphoma, we show that TFRC1 expression is activated by c-Myc. Chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments reveal that c-Myc directly binds a conserved region of TFRC1. In light of these findings, we sought to determine whether TFRC1 is required for c-Myc-mediated cellular proliferation and cell size control. TFRC1 inhibition decreases cellular proliferation and results in G1 arrest without affecting cell size. Consistent with these findings, expression profiling reveals that TFRC1 depletion alters expression of genes that regulate the cell cycle. Furthermore, enforced TFRC1 expression confers a growth advantage to cells and significantly enhances the rate of c-Myc-mediated tumor formation in vivo. These findings provide a molecular basis for increased TFRC1 expression in human tumors, illuminate the role of TFRC1 in the c-Myc target gene network, and support strategies that target TFRC1 for cancer therapy.

Transforming growth factor beta suppresses human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) by Smad3 interactions with c-Myc and the hTERT gene

Telomerase underpins stem cell renewal and proliferation and is required for most neoplasia. Recent studies suggest that hormones and growth factors play physiological roles in regulating telomerase activity. In this report we show a rapid repression of the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene by transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) in normal and neoplastic cells by a mechanism depending on the intracellular signaling protein Smad3. In human breast cancer cells TGF-beta induces rapid entry of Smad3 into the nucleus where it binds to the TERT gene promoter and represses TERT gene transcription. Silencing Smad3 gene expression or genetically deleting the Smad3 gene disrupts TGF-beta repression of TERT gene expression. Expression of the Smad3 antagonist, Smad7, also interrupts TGF-beta-mediated Smad3-induced repression of the TERT gene. Mutational analysis identified the Smad3 site on the TERT gene promoter, mediating TERT repression. In response to TGF-beta, Smad3 binds to c-Myc; knocking down c-Myc, Smad3 does not bind to the TERT gene, suggesting that c-Myc recruits Smad3 to the TERT promoter. Thus, TGF-beta negatively regulates telomerase activity via Smad3 interactions with c-Myc and the TERT gene promoter. Modifying the interaction between Smad3 and TERT gene may, thus, lead to novel strategies to regulate telomerase.

CDDO-Imidazolide inhibits growth and survival of c-Myc-induced mouse B cell and plasma cell neoplasms

Background

Gene-targeted iMyc^Eμ mice that carry a His₆-tagged mouse Myc(c-myc)cDNA, Myc^His, just 5' of the immunoglobulin heavy-chain enhancer, Eμ, are prone to B cell and plasma cell neoplasms, such as lymphoblastic B-cell lymphoma (LBL) and plasmacytoma (PCT). Cell lines derived from Myc-induced neoplasms of this sort may provide a good model system for the design and testing of new approaches to prevent and treat MYC-driven B cell and plasma cell neoplasms in human beings. To test this hypothesis, we used the LBL-derived cell line, iMyc^Eμ-1, and the newly established PCT-derived cell line, iMyc^Eμ-2, to evaluate the growth inhibitory and death inducing potency of the cancer drug candidate, CDDO-imidazolide (CDDO-Im).

Methods

Morphological features and surface marker expression of iMyc^Eμ-2 cells were evaluated using cytological methods and FACS, respectively. mRNA expression levels of the inserted Myc^His and normal Myc genes were determined by allele-specific RT-PCR and qPCR. Myc protein was detected by immunoblotting. Cell cycle progression and apoptosis were analyzed by FACS. The expression of 384 "pathway" genes was assessed with the help of Superarray^© cDNA macroarrays and verified, in part, by RT-PCR.

Results

Sub-micromolar concentrations of CDDO-Im caused growth arrest and apoptosis in iMyc^Eμ-1 and iMyc^Eμ-2 cells. CDDO-Im-dependent growth inhibition and apoptosis were associated in both cell lines with the up-regulation of 30 genes involved in apoptosis, cell cycling, NFκB signaling, and stress and toxicity responses. Strongly induced (≥10 fold) were genes encoding caspase 14, heme oxygenase 1 (Hmox1), flavin-containing monooxygenase 4 (Fmo4), and three members of the cytochrome P450 subfamily 2 of mixed-function oxygenases (Cyp2a4, Cyp2b9, Cyp2c29). CDDO-Im-dependent gene induction coincided with a decrease in Myc protein.

Conclusion

Growth arrest and killing of neoplastic mouse B cells and plasma cells by CDDO-Im, a closely related derivative of the synthetic triterpenoid 2-cyano-3,12-dioxooleana-1,9-dien-28-oic acid, appears to be caused, in part, by drug-induced stress responses and reduction of Myc.

The circadian gene per1 plays an important role in cell growth and DNA damage control in human cancer cells

The Per1 gene is a core clock factor that plays an essential role in generating circadian rhythms. Recent data reveal that major biological pathways, including those critical to cell division, are under circadian control. We report here that Per1 provides an important link between the circadian system and the cell cycle system. Overexpression of Per1 sensitized human cancer cells to DNA damage-induced apoptosis; in contrast, inhibition of Per1 in similarly treated cells blunted apoptosis. The apoptotic phenotype was associated with altered expression of key cell cycle regulators. In addition, Per1 interacted with the checkpoint proteins ATM and Chk2. Ectopic expression of Per1 in human cancer cell lines led to significant growth reduction. Finally, Per1 levels were reduced in human cancer patient samples. Our results highlight the importance of circadian regulation to fundamental cellular functions and support the hypothesis that disruption of core clock genes may lead to cancer development.

Development of Luciferase Reporter-Based Cell Assays

Using luciferase reporter constructs driven by specific promoter response elements, we developed a series of stable reporter cell lines for monitoring the activity of specific transcription factors (TFs). These TFs, which play essential roles in regulating diverse biological functions, include nuclear factor kappaB (NFkappaB), cyclic AMP response element-binding protein, activator protein 1, signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 and 3, nuclear factor of activated T cells, serum response factor, and hypoxia-inducible factor. The response of the stable reporter cells was highly specific. For example, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) strongly activated NFkappaB reporter cells, but not other cell lines. The NFkappaB reporter was active in multiple cell lines, including 293T, HeLa, A549, and NIH3T3 cells, in response to TNFalpha, indicating that this system is useful to monitor specific TFs in different model cell lines. To facilitate high throughput screening of these cell lines, they were adapted to a 96-well format. These stable reporter cells are also applicable for the analysis of steroid hormone receptors, which bind directly to the response element after ligand binding. With the HeLa/glucocorticoid response element-luciferase stable reporter cells, we were able to discriminate pharmacological activity of different compounds for the glucocorticoid receptor. Taken together, these results demonstrate that the stable reporter cells are useful tools for: (1) detection of signaling pathway-specific ligands; (2) identification of novel ligands for specific TFs, and (3) screening for agonists and antagonists of specific ligands/receptors.

Of Myc and Mnt

Deregulation of Myc expression is a common feature in cancer and leads to tumor formation in experimental model systems. There are several potential barriers that Myc must overcome in order to promote tumorigenesis, including its propensity to sensitize many cell types to apoptotic cell death. Myc activities appear also to be constrained and fine-tuned by a set of proteins that include the Mxd (formerly named Mad) family and the related protein Mnt. Like Myc-family proteins, Mxd and Mnt proteins use Max as a cofactor for DNA binding. But Mnt-Max and Mxd-Max complexes are transcriptional repressors and can antagonize the transcriptional activation function of Myc-Max. Studies examining the relationship between Myc, Mxd and Mnt proteins suggest that whereas Mnt plays a general role as a Myc antagonist, Mxd proteins have more specialized roles as Myc antagonist that is probably related to their more restricted expression patterns. The interplay between these proteins is postulated to fine-tune Myc activity for cell-cycle entry and exit, proliferation rate and apoptosis.

Ubiquitin ligases: cell-cycle control and cancer

A driving force of the cell cycle is the activation of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), the activities of which are controlled by the ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis of key regulators such as cyclins and CDK inhibitors. Two ubiquitin ligases, the SKP1-CUL1-F-box-protein (SCF) complex and the anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C), are responsible for the specific ubiquitylation of many of these regulators. Deregulation of the proteolytic system might result in uncontrolled proliferation, genomic instability and cancer. Cumulative clinical evidence shows alterations in the ubiquitylation of cell-cycle regulators in the aetiology of many human malignancies. A better understanding of the ubiquitylation machinery will provide new insights into the regulatory biology of cell-cycle transitions and the development of anti-cancer drugs.

c-Myc phosphorylation is required for cellular response to oxidative stress

Aside from the well-established roles of c-Myc in the regulation of cell cycle, differentiation, and apoptosis, a recent picture is beginning to emerge linking c-Myc to the regulation of metabolic pathways. Here, we define a further function for c-Myc in determining cellular redox balance, identifying glutathione (GSH) as the leading molecule mediating this process. The link between c-Myc and GSH is gamma-glutamyl-cysteine synthetase (gamma-GCS), the rate-limiting enzyme catalyzing GSH biosynthesis. Indeed, c-Myc transcriptionally regulates gamma-GCS by binding and activating the promoters of both gamma-GCS heavy and light subunits. Exposure to H2O2 enhances c-Myc recruitment to gamma-GCS regulatory regions through ERK-dependent phosphorylation. Phosphorylation at Ser-62 is required for c-Myc recruitment to gamma-GCS promoters and determines the cellular response to oxidative stress induced by different stimuli. Thus, the c-Myc phosphorylation-dependent activation of the GSH-directed survival pathway can contribute to oxidative stress resistance in tumor cells, which generally exhibit deregulated c-Myc expression.

Myc regulates keratinocyte adhesion and differentiation via complex formation with Miz1

Myc plays a key role in homeostasis of the skin. We show that Miz1, which mediates Myc repression of gene expression, is expressed in the epidermal basal layer. A large percentage of genes regulated by the Myc–Miz1 complex in keratinocytes encode proteins involved in cell adhesion, and some, including the α6 and β1 integrins, are directly bound by Myc and Miz1 in vivo. Using a Myc mutant deficient in Miz1 binding (MycV394D), we show that Miz1 is required for the effects of Myc on keratinocyte responsiveness to TGF-β. Myc, but not MycV394D, decreases keratinocyte adhesion and spreading. In reconstituted epidermis, Myc induces differentiation and loss of cell polarization in a Miz1-dependent manner. In vivo, overexpression of β1 integrins restores basal layer polarity and prevents Myc-induced premature differentiation. Our data show that regulation of cell adhesion is a major function of the Myc–Miz1 complex and suggest that it may contribute to Myc-induced exit from the epidermal stem cell compartment.

In vivo-in vitro toxicogenomic comparison of TCDD-elicited gene expression in Hepa1c1c7 mouse hepatoma cells and C57BL/6 hepatic tissue

Background

In vitro systems have inherent limitations in their ability to model whole organism gene responses, which must be identified and appropriately considered when developing predictive biomarkers of in vivo toxicity. Systematic comparison of in vitro and in vivo temporal gene expression profiles were conducted to assess the ability of Hepa1c1c7 mouse hepatoma cells to model hepatic responses in C57BL/6 mice following treatment with 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD).

Results

Gene expression analysis and functional gene annotation indicate that Hepa1c1c7 cells appropriately modeled the induction of xenobiotic metabolism genes in vivo. However, responses associated with cell cycle progression and proliferation were unique to Hepa1c1c7 cells, consistent with the cell cycle arrest effects of TCDD on rapidly dividing cells. In contrast, lipid metabolism and immune responses, representative of whole organism effects in vivo, were not replicated in Hepa1c1c7 cells.

Conclusion

These results identified inherent differences in TCDD-mediated gene expression responses between these models and highlighted the limitations of in vitro systems in modeling whole organism responses, and additionally identified potential predictive biomarkers of toxicity.

Chromatin profiling, DamID and the emerging landscape of gene expression

Determining how genes are normally expressed throughout development and how they are mis-regulated in cancer is challenging. The availability of complete genome sequences, the advances in microarray technologies, and the development of novel functional genomic techniques such as 'chromatin profiling' facilitate dissection of the interplay among transcriptional networks and reveals chromosome organization in vivo. Recently, a novel methylation-based tagging technique, termed DamID (DNA adenine methyltransferase identification), has emerged as a powerful tool to decipher transcriptional networks, to study chromatin-associated proteins, and to monitor higher-order chromatin organization on a genome-wide scale. The molecular picture that emerges from DamID and similar studies is that genomes integrate inputs from both genetic and epigenetic machineries to dynamically regulate gene expression.

N-Myc functions in transcription and development

N-Myc is a member of the Myc family of proteins, which are best known for their potent oncogenic activities and association with a large proportion of human cancers. Intense scrutiny of the oncogenic properties of Myc family proteins over the last several decades has revealed a great deal about their transcriptional and oncogenic activities. Myc proteins have broad effects on transcription and can stimulate a variety of cell behaviors that contribute to the malignant phenotype. N-Myc and c-Myc also play essential functions during embryonic development, and loss of these proteins has deleterious effects in most, if not all, tissues and organ systems. What remains to be fully unraveled is the relationship between the diverse activities associated with deregulated and overexpressed Myc and their normal roles during embryonic development and tissue homeostasis. In this review I summarize our understanding of the transcriptional activities of Myc family proteins and the roles of N-myc in morphogenesis, particularly as they relate to cellular proliferation and apoptosis.

Loss of the human polycomb group protein BMI1 promotes cancer-specific cell death

The polycomb group protein BMI1 has been shown to support normal stem cell proliferation via its putative stem cell factor function, but it is not known if BMI1 may also act as a cancer stem cell factor to promote cancer development. To determine the role of human BMI1 in cancer growth and survival, we performed a loss-of-function analysis of BMI1 by RNA interference (RNAi) in both normal and malignant human cells. Our results indicate that BMI1 is crucial for the short-term survival of cancer cells but not of normal cells. We also demonstrated that loss of BMI1 was more effective in suppressing cancer cell growth than retinoid-treatment, and surviving cancer cells showed significantly reduced tumorigenicity. The cancer-specific growth retardation was mediated by an increased level of apoptosis and a delayed cell cycle progression due to the loss of BMI1. By comparison, BMI1 deficiency caused only a moderate inhibition of the cell cycle progression in normal lung cells. In both normal and cancer cells, the loss of BMI1 led to an upregulation of INK4A-ARF, but with no significant effect on the level of telomerase gene expression, suggesting that other BMI1-cooperative factors in addition to INK4A-ARF activation may be involved in the BMI1-dependent cancer-specific growth retardation. Thus, human BMI1 is critical for the short-term survival of cancer cells, and inhibition of BMI1 has minimal effect on the survival of normal cells. These findings provide a foundation for developing a cancer-specific therapy targeting BMI1.

Development of Ewing's sarcoma from primary bone marrow-derived mesenchymal progenitor cells

Ewing's sarcoma is a member of Ewing's family tumors (EFTs) and the second most common solid bone and soft tissue malignancy of children and young adults. It is associated in 85% of cases with the t(11;22)(q24:q12) chromosomal translocation that generates fusion of the 5' segment of the EWS gene with the 3' segment of the ETS family gene FLI-1. The EWS-FLI-1 fusion protein behaves as an aberrant transcriptional activator and is believed to contribute to EFT development. However, EWS-FLI-1 induces growth arrest and apoptosis in normal fibroblasts, and primary cells that are permissive for its putative oncogenic properties have not been discovered, hampering basic understanding of EFT biology. Here, we show that EWS-FLI-1 alone can transform primary bone marrow-derived mesenchymal progenitor cells and generate tumors that display hallmarks of Ewing's sarcoma, including a small round cell phenotype, expression of EFT-associated markers, insulin like growth factor-I dependence, and induction or repression of numerous EWS-FLI-1 target genes. These observations provide the first identification of candidate primary cells from which EFTs originate and suggest that EWS-FLI-1 expression may constitute the initiating event in EFT pathogenesis.

Role of structural and dynamical plasticity in Sin3: the free PAH2 domain is a folded module in mSin3B

The co-repressor Sin3 is the essential scaffold protein of the Sin3/HDAC co-repressor complex, which is recruited to the DNA by a diverse group of transcriptional repressors, targeting genes involved in the regulation of the cell cycle, proliferation and differentiation. Sin3 contains four repeats commonly denoted as paired amphipathic helix (PAH1-4) domains that provide the principal interaction surface for various repressors. Here, we present the first structure of the free state of the PAH2 domain and discuss its implications for interaction with the repressors. The unbound conformation is very similar to the conformation observed when bound to either the Mad1 or HBP1 repressor, suggesting that the PAH2 domain serves as a template that guides proper folding of the unstructured repressor. The free PAH2 domain shows micro- to millisecond conformational exchange between the folded, major state and a partially unfolded, minor state. Upon complex formation, we observe a significant decrease in fast time-scale flexibility of local regions of the protein, correlated with the formation of intermolecular contacts, and an overall decrease in the slow time-scale conformational exchange. On the basis of our data and using a multiple sequence alignment of all PAH domains, we suggest that the PAH1, PAH2 and PAH3 domains form pre-folded binding modules in full-length Sin3 like beads-on-a-string, and act as folding templates for the interaction domains of their targets.

c-Myc acts downstream of IL-15 in the regulation of memory CD8 T-cell homeostasis

A subset of CD8 T cells in normal mice, expressing high levels of activation markers such as CD44, shares many properties with antigen-specific memory CD8 T cells. Homeostasis of CD44(high) CD8 T cells depends upon cytokines such as interleukin-15 (IL-15); however, the downstream signaling pathways regulating IL-15-dependent homeostatic proliferation are poorly defined. Surprisingly, we show here that haploinsufficiency of the protooncogene c-myc leads to a highly selective decrease in CD44(high) CD8 T cells in mice. Although steady-state proliferation and survival of CD44(high) CD8 T cells appeared not to be dependent on c-Myc, homeostatic proliferation of c-myc(+/-) CD44(high) CD8 T cells in lymphopenic hosts was strongly reduced, and the residual homeostatic proliferation of these cells appeared to occur independently of IL-15. Moreover, c-myc(+/-) CD44(high) CD8 T cells responded very poorly to purified IL-15 in vitro. Backcrossing of c-myc(+/-) mice to IL-15(-/-) mice revealed that the number of CD44(high) CD8 T cells decreased in an additive fashion in mice heterozygous for c-myc and IL-15. Finally homeostatic proliferation of antigen-specific memory CD44(high) CD8 T cells was also impaired in c-myc(+/-) mice. Collectively, our data identify c-Myc as a novel downstream component of the IL-15-dependent pathway controlling homeostatic proliferation of memory CD44(high) CD8 T cells.