Normal and transforming functions of RUNX1: a perspective

AMPK-induced novel phosphorylation of RUNX1 inhibits STAT3 activation and overcome imatinib resistance in chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) subjects

Imatinib resistance remains an unresolved problem in CML disease. Activation of JAK2/STAT3 pathway and increased expression of RUNX1 have become one reason for development of imatinib resistance in CML subjects. Metformin has gained attention as an antileukemic drug in recent times. However, the molecular mechanism remains elusive. The present study shows that RUNX1 is a novel substrate of AMP-activated kinase (AMPK), where AMPK phosphorylates RUNX1 at Ser 94 position. Activation of AMPK by metformin could lead to increased cytoplasmic retention of RUNX1 due to Ser 94 phosphorylation. RUNX1 Ser 94 phosphorylation resulted in increased interaction with STAT3, which was reflected in reduced transcriptional activity of both RUNX1 and STAT3 due to their cytoplasmic retention. The reduced transcriptional activity of STAT3 and RUNX1 resulted in the down-regulation of their signaling targets involved in proliferation and anti-apoptosis. Our cell proliferation assays using in vitro resistant cell line models and PBMCs isolated from CML clinical patients and normal subjects demonstrate that metformin treatment resulted in reduced growth and improved imatinib sensitivity of resistant subjects.

In-silico probing of AML related RUNX1 cancer-associated missense mutations: Predicted relationships to DNA binding and drug interactions

The molecular consequences of cancer associated mutations in Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) linked factors are not very well understood. Here, we interrogated the COSMIC database for missense mutations associated with the RUNX1 protein, that is frequently mis-regulated in AML, where we sought to identify recurrently mutated positions at the DNA-interacting interface. Indeed, six of the mutated residues, out of a total 417 residues examined within the DNA binding domain, evidenced reduced DNA association in in silico predictions. Further, given the prominence of RUNX1’s compromised function in AML, we asked the question if the mutations themselves might alter RUNX1’s interaction (off-target) with known FDA-approved drug molecules, including three currently used in treating AML. We identified several AML-associated mutations in RUNX1 that were calculated to enhance RUNX1’s interaction with specific drugs. Specifically, we retrieved data from the COSMIC database for cancer-associated mutations of RUNX1 by using R package “data.table” and “ggplot2” modules. In the presence of DNA and/or drug, we used docking scores and energetics of the complexes as tools to evaluate predicted interaction strengths with RUNX1. For example, we performed predictions of drug binding pockets involving Enasidenib, Giltertinib, and Midostaurin (AML associated), as well as ten different published cancer associated drug compounds. Docking of wild type RUNX1 with these 13 different cancer-associated drugs indicates that wild-type RUNX1 has a lower efficiency of binding while RUNX1 mutants R142K, D171N, R174Q, P176H, and R177Q suggested higher affinity of drug association. Literature evidence support our prediction and suggests the mutation R174Q affects RUNX1 DNA binding and could lead to compromised function. We conclude that specific RUNX1 mutations that lessen DNA binding facilitate the binding of a number of tested drug molecules. Further, we propose that molecular modeling and docking studies for RUNX1 in the presence of DNA and/or drugs enables evaluation of the potential impact of RUNX1 cancer associated mutations in AML.

Aptamers: Uptake mechanisms and intracellular applications

The structural flexibility and small size of aptamers enable precise recognition of cellular elements for imaging and therapeutic applications. The process by which aptamers are taken into cells depends on their targets but is typically clathrin-mediated endocytosis or macropinocytosis. After internalization, most aptamers are transported to endosomes, lysosomes, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, and occasionally mitochondria and autophagosomes. Intracellular aptamers, or “intramers,” have versatile functions ranging from intracellular RNA imaging, gene regulation, and therapeutics to allosteric modulation, which we discuss in this review. Immune responses to therapeutic aptamers and the effects of G-quadruplex structure on aptamer function are also discussed.

Characterisation of an aptamer against the Runt domain of AML1 (RUNX1) by NMR and mutational analyses

Since the invention of systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment, many short oligonucleotides (or aptamers) have been reported that can bind to a wide range of target molecules with high affinity and specificity. Previously, we reported an RNA aptamer that shows high affinity to the Runt domain (RD) of the AML1 protein, a transcription factor with roles in haematopoiesis and immune function. From kinetic and thermodynamic studies, it was suggested that the aptamer recognises a large surface area of the RD, using numerous weak interactions. In this study, we identified the secondary structure by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and performed a mutational study to reveal the residue critical for binding to the RD. It was suggested that the large contact area was formed by a DNA‐mimicking motif and a multibranched loop, which confers the high affinity and specificity of binding.

Unique N-terminal sequences in two Runx1 isoforms are dispensable for Runx1 function

Background

The Runt-related transcription factors (Runx) are a family of evolutionarily conserved transcriptional regulators that play multiple roles in the developmental control of various cell types. Among the three mammalian Runx proteins, Runx1 is essential for definitive hematopoiesis and its dysfunction leads to human leukemogenesis. There are two promoters, distal (P1) and proximal (P2), in the Runx1 gene, which produce two Runx1 isoforms with distinct N-terminal amino acid sequences, P1-Runx1 and P2-Runx1. However, it remains unclear whether P2-Runx specific N-terminal sequence have any specific function for Runx1 protein.

Results

To address the function of the P2-Runx1 isoform, we established novel mutant mouse models in which the translational initiation AUG (+1) codon for P2-Runx1 isoform was modulated. We found that a truncated P2-Runx1 isoform is translated from a downstream non-canonical AUG codon. Importantly, the truncated P2-Runx1 isoform is sufficient to support primary hematopoiesis, even in the absence of the P1-Runx1 isoform. Furthermore, the truncated P2-Runx1 isoform was able to restore defect in basophil development caused by loss of the P1-Runx1 isoform. The truncated P2-Runx1 isoform was more stable than the canonical P2-Runx1 isoform.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that the N-terminal sequences specific for P2-Runx1 are dispensable for Runx1 function, and likely serve as a de-stabilization module to regulate Runx1 production.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12861-017-0156-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

An unusual translocation, t(1;11)(q21;q23), in a case of chronic myeloid leukemia with a cryptic Philadelphia chromosome

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is characterized by the translocation t(9;22)(q34;q11) [Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome). Although not frequently occurring, additional chromosome abnormalities (ACAs) can be detected at diagnosis and a number have been associated with an adverse cytogenetic and molecular outcome. The present study reports a case of CML presenting with the translocation t(1;11)(q21;q23) and a cryptic Ph chromosome. The presence of ACAs could generate greater genetic instability, promoting the emergence of further alterations. The present findings suggest that t(1;11)(q21;q23) can prevent a good response to tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy developing a primary resistance. In the present patient, at a recent follow-up, the T315I mutation was detected. This mutation confers full resistance to all available TKI, except ponatinib, which was not a therapeutic option due to comorbidities.

Kinetic and Thermodynamic Analyses of Interaction between a High-Affinity RNA Aptamer and Its Target Protein

AML1 (RUNX1) protein is an essential transcription factor involved in the development of hematopoietic cells. Several genetic aberrations that disrupt the function of AML1 have been frequently observed in human leukemia. AML1 contains a DNA-binding domain known as the Runt domain (RD), which recognizes the RD-binding double-stranded DNA element of target genes. In this study, we identified high-affinity RNA aptamers that bind to RD by systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment. The binding assay using surface plasmon resonance indicated that a shortened aptamer retained the ability to bind to RD when 1 M potassium acetate was used. A thermodynamic study using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) showed that the aptamer-RD interaction is driven by a large enthalpy change, and its unfavorable entropy change is compensated by a favorable enthalpy change. Furthermore, the binding heat capacity change was identified from the ITC data at various temperatures. The aptamer binding showed a large negative heat capacity change, which suggests that a large apolar surface is buried upon such binding. Thus, we proposed that the aptamer binds to RD with long-range electrostatic force in the early stage of the association and then changes its conformation and recognizes a large surface area of RD. These findings about the biophysics of aptamer binding should be useful for understanding the mechanism of RNA-protein interaction and optimizing and modifying RNA aptamers.

Increased RUNX1 expression in patients with immune thrombocytopenia

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a heterogeneous autoimmune disease, characterized by dysregulation of cellular immunity. Th17 and associated IL-17 were involved in the pathogenesis of ITP. Runt-related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1), a member of the runt domain-containing family of transcription factors, is required for Th17 differentiation. Whether RUNX1 was involved in the pathogenesis of ITP remains poorly understood. In this study, 30 active ITP patients, 20 ITP in remission and 20 age and gender matched healthy controls were included. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated to measure mRNA level of RUNX1 and retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor-γt (RORγt) by quantitative real-time PCR and Th17 cells by flow cytometry. Meanwhile, plasma was extracted for measurement of IL-17 level by ELISA. Our results showed a significantly higher expression of RUNX1, RORγt, Th17 cells and plasma level of IL-17 in active ITP patients than that in healthy controls. No differences of expression of RUNX1, RORγt and Th17 cells were observed between remission patients and controls. Furthermore, a significantly positive correlation of RUNX1 with RORγt was found in active ITP patients. In conclusion, RUNX1 was associated with the pathogenesis of ITP possibly through regulation of Th17 cell differentiation and therapeutically targeting it might be a novel approach in ITP treatment.

Transcriptional Auto-Regulation of RUNX1 P1 Promoter

RUNX1 a member of the family of runt related transcription factors (RUNX), is essential for hematopoiesis. The expression of RUNX1 gene is controlled by two promoters; the distal P1 promoter and the proximal P2 promoter. Several isoforms of RUNX1 mRNA are generated through the use of both promoters and alternative splicing. These isoforms not only differs in their temporal expression pattern but also exhibit differences in tissue specificity. The RUNX1 isoforms derived from P2 are expressed in a variety of tissues, but expression of P1-derived isoform is restricted to cells of hematopoietic lineage. However, the control of hematopoietic-cell specific expression is poorly understood. Here we report regulation of P1-derived RUNX1 mRNA by RUNX1 protein. In silico analysis of P1 promoter revealed presence of two evolutionary conserved RUNX motifs, 0.6kb upstream of the transcription start site, and three RUNX motifs within 170bp of the 5'UTR. Transcriptional contribution of these RUNX motifs was studied in myeloid and T-cells. RUNX1 genomic fragment containing all sites show very low basal activity in both cell types. Mutation or deletion of RUNX motifs in the UTR enhances basal activity of the RUNX1 promoter. Chromatin immunoprecipitation revealed that RUNX1 protein is recruited to these sites. Overexpression of RUNX1 in non-hematopoietic cells results in a dose dependent activation of the RUNX1 P1 promoter. We also demonstrate that RUNX1 protein regulates transcription of endogenous RUNX1 mRNA in T-cell. Finally we show that SCL transcription factor is recruited to regions containing RUNX motifs in the promoter and the UTR and regulates activity of the RUNX1 P1 promoter in vitro. Thus, multiple lines of evidence show that RUNX1 protein regulates its own gene transcription.

Anti-Transcription Factor RNA Aptamers as Potential Therapeutics

Transcription factors (TFs) are DNA-binding proteins that play critical roles in regulating gene expression. These proteins control all major cellular processes, including growth, development, and homeostasis. Because of their pivotal role, cells depend on proper TF function. It is, therefore, not surprising that TF deregulation is linked to disease. The therapeutic drug targeting of TFs has been proposed as a frontier in medicine. RNA aptamers make interesting candidates for TF modulation because of their unique characteristics. The products of in vitro selection, aptamers are short nucleic acids (DNA or RNA) that bind their targets with high affinity and specificity. Aptamers can be expressed on demand from transgenes and are intrinsically amenable to recognition by nucleic acid-binding proteins such as TFs. In this study, we review several natural prokaryotic and eukaryotic examples of RNAs that modulate the activity of TFs. These examples include 5S RNA, 6S RNA, 7SK, hepatitis delta virus-RNA (HDV-RNA), neuron restrictive silencer element (NRSE)-RNA, growth arrest-specific 5 (Gas5), steroid receptor RNA activator (SRA), trophoblast STAT utron (TSU), the 3' untranslated region of caudal mRNA, and heat shock RNA-1 (HSR1). We then review examples of unnatural RNA aptamers selected to inhibit TFs nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB), TATA-binding protein (TBP), heat shock factor 1 (HSF1), and runt-related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1). The field of RNA aptamers for DNA-binding proteins continues to show promise.

Runx1 is associated with breast cancer progression in MMTV-PyMT transgenic mice and its depletion in vitro inhibits migration and invasion

Runx1 is a transcription factor essential for definitive hematopoiesis, and genetic abnormalities in Runx1 cause leukemia. Runx1 is functionally promiscuous and acts as either an oncogene or tumor suppressor gene in certain epithelial cancers. Recent evidence suggests that Runx1 is an important factor in breast cancer, however, its role remains ambiguous. Here, we addressed whether Runx1 has a specific pathological role during breast cancer progression and show that Runx1 has an oncogenic function. We observed elevated Runx1 expression in a subset of human breast cancers. Furthermore, throughout the course of disease progression in a classical mouse model of breast cancer (i.e., the MMTV-PyMT transgenic model), Runx1 expression increases in the primary site (mammary gland) and is further upregulated in tumors and distal lung metastatic lesions. Ex vivo studies using tumor epithelial cells derived from these mice express significantly higher levels of Runx1 than normal mammary epithelial cells. The tumor cells exhibit increased rates of migration and invasion, indicative of an aggressive cancer phenotype. Inhibition of Runx1 expression using RNA interference significantly abrogates these cancer-relevant phenotypic characteristics. Importantly, our data establish that Runx1 contributes to murine mammary tumor development and malignancy and potentially represents a key disease-promoting and prognostic factor in human breast cancer progression and metastasis.

Aberrant expression of RUNX3 in patients with immune thrombocytopenia

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune disease, characterized by dysregulation of cellular immunity. Previous studies demonstrated that immune imbalance between Th1 and Th2 was associated with the pathogenesis of ITP. Runt-related transcription factor 3 (RUNX3) is a member of the runt domain-containing family of transcription factors and plays an important role in the regulation of T cell differentiation into Th1 cells. Whether RUNX3 was involved in the pathogenesis of ITP remains unclear. In this study, 47 active ITP patients, 18 ITP with remission and 26 age and gender matched healthy control were included. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from ITP and control for isolation of RNA and plasma which were used to measure mRNA level of RUNX3 and T-box transcription factor (T-bet) by quantitative real-time PCR and interferon γ (IFN-γ) plasma level by ELISA. Meanwhile, protein was also extracted from PBMCs for Western blot analysis of RUNX3 expression. Our results showed a significantly higher expression of RUNX3, T-bet and plasma level of IFN-γ in active ITP patients compared to control. No differences were observed between ITP with remission and control. Furthermore, a positive correlation of RUNX3 with T-bet was found in active ITP patients. In conclusion, aberrant expression of RUNX3 was associated with the pathogenesis of ITP and therapeutically targeting it might be a novel approach in ITP treatment.

Hematopoietic transcription factor mutations and inherited platelet dysfunction

The molecular and genetic mechanisms in most patients with inherited platelet dysfunction are unknown. There is increasing evidence that mutations in hematopoietic transcription factors are major players in the pathogenesis of defective megakaryopoiesis and platelet dysfunction in patients with inherited platelet disorders. These hematopoietic transcription factors include RUNX1, FLI1, GATA-1, and GFI1B. Mutations involving these transcription factors affect diverse aspects of platelet production and function at the genetic and molecular levels, culminating in clinical manifestations of thrombocytopenia and platelet dysfunction. This review focuses on these hematopoietic transcription factors in the pathobiology of inherited platelet dysfunction.

Core-binding factor acute myeloid leukemia: Heterogeneity, monitoring, and therapy

Core binding factor acute myelogenous leukemia (CBF AML) constitutes 15% of adult AML and carries an overall good prognosis. CBF AML encodes two recurrent cytogentic abnormalities referred to as t(8;21) and inv (16). The two CBF AML entities are usually grouped together but there is a considerable clinical, pathologic and molecular heterogeneity within this group of diseases. Recent and ongoing studies are addressing the molecular heterogeneity, minimal residual disease and targeted therapies to improve the outcome of CBF AML. In this article, we present a comprehensive review about CBF AML with emphasis on molecular heterogeneity and new therapeutic options.

-7/7q- syndrome in myeloid-lineage hematopoietic malignancies: attempts to understand this complex disease entity

The recurrence of chromosomal abnormalities in a specific subtype of cancer strongly suggests that dysregulated gene expression in the corresponding region has a critical role in disease pathogenesis. -7/7q-, defined as the entire loss of chromosome 7 and partial deletion of its long arm, is among the most frequently observed chromosomal aberrations in myeloid-lineage hematopoietic malignancies such as myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukemia, particularly in patients treated with cytotoxic agents and/or irradiation. Tremendous efforts have been made to clarify the molecular mechanisms underlying the disease development, and several possible candidate genes have been cloned. However, the study is still underway, and the entire nature of this syndrome is not completely understood. In this review, we focus on the attempts to identify commonly deleted regions in patients with -7/7q-; isolate the candidate genes responsible for disease development, cooperative genes and the factors affecting disease prognosis; and determine effective and potent therapeutic approaches. We also refer to the possibility that the accumulation of multiple gene haploinsufficiency, rather than the loss of a single tumor suppressor gene, may contribute to the development of diseases with large chromosomal deletions such as -7/7q-.

The transcription factors T-bet and Runx are required for the ontogeny of pathogenic interferon-γ-producing T helper 17 cells

T helper 17 (Th17) cells can give rise to interleukin-17A (IL-17A)- and interferon (IFN)-γ-double-producing cells that are implicated in development of autoimmune diseases. However, the molecular mechanisms that govern generation of IFN-γ-producing Th17 cells are unclear. We found that coexpression of the Th1 and Th17 cell master transcription factors, T-bet and retinoid-related orphan receptor gamma-t (RORγt), respectively, did not generate Th cells with robust IL-17 and IFN-γ expression. Instead, development of IFN-γ-producing Th17 cells required T-bet and Runx1 or Runx3. IL-12-stimulated Th17 cells upregulated Runx1, which bound to the Ifng locus in a T-bet-dependent manner. Reciprocally, T-bet or Runx1 deficiency or inhibition of Runx transcriptional activity impaired the development of IFN-γ-producing Th17 cells during experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, which correlated with substantially ameliorated disease course. Thus, our studies identify a critical role for T-bet and Runx transcription factors in the generation of pathogenic IFN-γ-producing Th17 cells.

Cohesin and CTCF differentially regulate spatiotemporal runx1 expression during zebrafish development

Runx1 is a transcription factor essential for definitive hematopoiesis. In all vertebrates, the Runx1 gene is transcribed from two promoters: a proximal promoter (P2), and a distal promoter (P1). We previously found that runx1 expression in a specific hematopoietic cell population in zebrafish embryos depends on cohesin. Here we show that zebrafish runx1 is directly bound by cohesin and CCCTC binding factor (CTCF) at the P1 and P2 promoters, and within the intron between P1 and P2. Cohesin initiates expression of runx1 in the posterior lateral mesoderm and influences promoter use, while CTCF represses its expression in the newly emerging cells of the tail bud. The intronic binding sites for cohesin and CTCF coincide with histone modifications that confer enhancer-like properties, and two of the cohesin/CTCF sites behaved as insulators in an in vivo assay. The identified cohesin and CTCF binding sites are likely to be cis-regulatory elements (CREs) for runx1 since they also recruit RNA polymerase II (RNAPII). CTCF depletion excluded RNAPII from two intronic CREs but not the promoters of runx1. We propose that cohesin and CTCF have distinct functions in the regulation of runx1 during zebrafish embryogenesis, and that these regulatory functions are likely to involve runx1 intronic CREs. Cohesin (but not CTCF) depletion enhanced RUNX1 expression in a human leukemia cell line, suggesting conservation of RUNX1 regulation through evolution.

The RUNX1 transcription factor is expressed in serous epithelial ovarian carcinoma and contributes to cell proliferation, migration and invasion

Previously, we have identified the RUNX1 gene as hypomethylated and overexpressed in post-chemotherapy (CT) primary cultures derived from epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) patients, when compared with primary cultures derived from matched primary (prior to CT) tumors. Here we show that RUNX1 displays a trend of hypomethylation, although not significant, in omental metastases compared with primary EOC tumors. Surprisingly, RUNX1 displayed significantly higher expression not only in metastatic tissue, but also in high-grade primary tumors and even in low malignant potential tumors. The RUNX1 expression levels were almost identical in primary tumors and omental metastases, suggesting that RUNX1 hypomethylation might have a limited impact on its overexpression in advanced (metastatic) stage of the disease. Knockdown of the RUNX1 expression in EOC cells led to sharp decrease of cell proliferation and induced G 1 cell cycle arrest. Moreover, RUNX1 suppression significantly inhibited EOC cell migration and invasion. Gene expression profiling and consecutive network and pathway analyses confirmed these findings, as numerous genes and pathways known previously to be implicated in ovarian tumorigenesis, including EOC tumor invasion and metastasis, were found to be downregulated upon RUNX1 suppression, while a number of pro-apoptotic genes and some EOC tumor suppressor genes were induced. Taken together, our data are indicative for a strong oncogenic potential of the RUNX1 gene in EOC progression and suggest that RUNX1 might be a novel EOC therapeutic target. Further studies are needed to more completely elucidate the functional implications of RUNX1 and other members of the RUNX gene family in ovarian tumorigenesis.

Defining a tissue stem cell-driven Runx1/Stat3 signalling axis in epithelial cancer

Cancers and tissue stem cells (SCs) share similar molecular pathways for their self-renewal and differentiation. The race is on to identify unique pathways to specifically target the cancer, while sparing normal SCs. Here, we uncover the transcription factor Runx1/AML1, a known haematopoietic and leukaemia factor, albeit dispensable for normal adult SC homeostasis, as being important for some mouse and human epithelial cancers. We implicate Runx1 as a SC-intrinsic gene in mouse hair follicle and oral epithelia by genetic lineage tracing in adulthood. Runx1-expressing SCs, but not other cells that ectopically upregulate Runx1 by injury and inflammation, are at the skin tumour origin. Runx1 loss impairs tumour initiation and maintenance and the growth of oral, skin, and ovarian epithelial human cancer cells. Runx1 stimulates Stat3 signalling via direct transcriptional repression of SOCS3 and SOCS4 and this is essential for cancer cell growth. Thus, Runx1 is a broader epithelial SC and cancer factor than previously recognized, and qualifies as an attractive potential target for both prevention and therapy of several epithelial cancers.

Functional characterization of the promoter region of the human EVI1 gene in acute myeloid leukemia: RUNX1 and ELK1 directly regulate its transcription

The EVI1 gene (3q26) codes for a transcription factor with important roles in normal hematopoiesis and leukemogenesis. High expression of EVI1 is a negative prognostic indicator of survival in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) irrespective of the presence of 3q26 rearrangements. However, the only known mechanisms that lead to EVI1 overexpression are 3q aberrations, and the MLL-ENL oncoprotein, which activates the transcription of EVI1 in hematopoietic stem cells. Our aim was to characterize the functional promoter region of EVI1, and to identify transcription factors involved in the regulation of this gene. Generation of seven truncated constructs and luciferase reporter assays allowed us to determine a 318-bp region as the minimal promoter region of EVI1. Site-directed mutagenesis and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays identified RUNX1 and ELK1 as putative transcription factors of EVI1. Furthermore, knockdown of RUNX1 and ELK1 led to EVI1 downregulation, and their overexpression to upregulation of EVI1. Interestingly, in a series of patient samples with AML at diagnosis, we found a significant positive correlation between EVI1 and RUNX1 at protein level. Moreover, we identified one of the roles of RUNX1 in the activation of EVI1 during megakaryocytic differentiation. EVI1 knockdown significantly inhibited the expression of megakaryocytic markers after treating K562 cells with TPA, as happens when knocking down RUNX1. In conclusion, we define the minimal promoter region of EVI1 and demonstrate that RUNX1 and ELK1, two proteins with essential functions in hematopoiesis, regulate EVI1 in AML. Furthermore, our results show that one of the mechanisms by which RUNX1 regulates the transcription of EVI1 is by acetylation of the histone H3 on its promoter region. This study opens new directions to further understand the mechanisms of EVI1 overexpressing leukemias.

Control of alternative splicing by forskolin through hnRNP K during neuronal differentiation

The molecular basis of cell signal-regulated alternative splicing at the 3′ splice site remains largely unknown. We isolated a protein kinase A-responsive ribonucleic acid (RNA) element from a 3′ splice site of the synaptosomal-associated protein 25 (Snap25) gene for forskolin-inhibited splicing during neuronal differentiation of rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells. The element binds specifically to heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleo protein (hnRNP) K in a phosphatase-sensitive way, which directly competes with the U2 auxiliary factor U2AF65, an essential component of early spliceosomes. Transcripts with similarly localized hnRNP K target motifs upstream of alternative exons are enriched in genes often associated with neurological diseases. We show that such motifs upstream of the Runx1 exon 6 also bind hnRNP K, and importantly, hnRNP K is required for forskolin-induced repression of the exon. Interestingly, this exon encodes the peptide domain that determines the switch of the transcriptional repressor/activator activity of Runx1, a change known to be critical in specifying neuron lineages. Consistent with an important role of the target genes in neurons, knocking down hnRNP K severely disrupts forskolin-induced neurite growth. Thus, through hnRNP K, the neuronal differentiation stimulus forskolin targets a critical 3′ splice site component of the splicing machinery to control alternative splicing of crucial genes. This also provides a regulated direct competitor of U2AF65 for cell signal control of 3′ splice site usage.

Mechanism of platelet factor 4 (PF4) deficiency with RUNX1 haplodeficiency: RUNX1 is a transcriptional regulator of PF4

BACKGROUND

Platelet factor 4 (PF4) is an abundant protein stored in platelet α-granules. Several patients have been described with platelet PF4 deficiency, including the gray platelet syndrome, characterized by a deficiency of α-granule proteins. Defective granule formation and protein targeting are considered to be the predominant mechanisms. We have reported on a patient with thrombocytopenia and impaired platelet aggregation, secretion, and protein phosphorylation, associated with a mutation in the transcription factor RUNX1. Platelet expression profiling showed decreased transcript expression of PF4 and its non-allelic variant PF4V1.

OBJECTIVES

To understand the mechanism leading to PF4 deficiency associated with RUNX1 haplodeficiency, we addressed the hypothesis that PF4 is a transcriptional target of RUNX1.

METHODS/RESULTS

Chromatin immunoprecipitation and gel-shift assays with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-treated human erythroleukemia (HEL) cells revealed RUNX1 binding to RUNX1 consensus sites at -1774/-1769 and -157/-152 on the PF4 promoter. In luciferase reporter studies in HEL cells, mutation of each site markedly reduced activity. PF4 promoter activity and PF4 protein level were decreased by small interfering RNA RUNX1 knockdown and increased by RUNX1 overexpression.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results provide the first evidence that PF4 is regulated by RUNX1 and that impaired transcriptional regulation leads to the PF4 deficiency associated with RUNX1 haplodeficiency. Because our patient had decreased platelet albumin and IgG (not synthesized by megakaryocytes) levels, we postulate additional defects in RUNX1-regulated genes involved in vesicular trafficking. These studies advance our understanding of the mechanisms in α-granule deficiency.

Platelet protein kinase C-theta deficiency with human RUNX1 mutation: PRKCQ is a transcriptional target of RUNX1

OBJECTIVE

Mutations in the hematopoietic transcription factor RUNX1 cause thrombocytopenia and impaired platelet function. In a patient with a heterozygous mutation in RUNX1, we have described decreased platelet pleckstrin phosphorylation and protein kinase C- (PKC-, gene PRKCQ) associated with thrombocytopenia, impaired platelet aggregation, and dense granule secretion. Little is known regarding regulation of PKC- in megakaryocytes and platelets. We have addressed the hypothesis that PRKCQ is a direct transcriptional target of RUNX1.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In a chromatin immunoprecipitation assay using megakaryocytic cells, there was RUNX1 binding in vivo to PRKCQ promoter region -1225 to -1056 bp containing a RUNX1 consensus site ACCGCA at -1088 to -1069 bp; an electrophoretic mobility shift assay showed RUNX1 binding to the specific site. In RUNX1 overexpression studies, PKC- protein expression and promoter activity were enhanced; mutation of RUNX1 site showed decreased activity even with RUNX1 overexpression. Lastly, PRKCQ promoter activity and PKC- protein were decreased by short interfering RNA knockdown of RUNX1.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results provide the first evidence that PRKCQ is regulated at the transcriptional level by RUNX1 in megakaryocytic cells and a mechanism for PKC- deficiency associated with RUNX1 haplodeficiency.

Microhomologies and topoisomerase II consensus sequences identified near the breakpoint junctions of the recurrent t(7;21)(p22;q22) translocation in acute myeloid leukemia

RUNX1 rearrangements are common genetic abnormalities in acute leukemia. The t(7;21)(p22;q22) translocation, recently described in three cases of myeloid neoplasias, fuses the ubiquitin specific peptidase 42 gene, USP42, a member of the deubiquitinating enzyme family, to RUNX1. In this study, we characterized the semicryptic t(7;21)(p22;q22) translocation, identified by fluorescent in situ hybridization and spectral karyotyping, in a novel case of acute myeloid leukemia. Sequence analysis of the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction products confirmed the presence of two in-frame RUNX1-USP42 and one reciprocal in-frame USP42-RUNX1 fusion transcripts. Bioinformatic analysis of the genomic translocation breakpoints revealed microhomologies and insertion of shared nucleotides at the junctions. A topoisomerase II sequence was also detected near the break site. Additionally, we demonstrated a significant overexpression of the rearranged USP42 gene in t(7;21) positive cells using quantitative real-time PCR. Our results provide the first evidence of the possible involvement of the nonhomologous end-joining mechanism in the origin of the recurrent t(7;21) translocation. Moreover, presence of the complete catalytic USP site in the putative chimeric proteins and the upregulated expression of USP42 suggest a role of the deubiquitinating enzyme in the pathogenesis of this leukemia.

CLCA2, a novel RUNX1 partner gene in a therapy-related leukemia with t(1;21)(p22;q22)

The RUNX1 gene is frequently rearranged in de novo and therapy-related leukemia. In the present study, we identified the CLCA2 gene as a novel fusion partner of RUNX1 in a case of therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia associated with t(1;21)(p22;q22). Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis and sequencing revealed that the t(1;21) results in out-of-frame RUNX1-CLCA2 fusions. Alternative splicing generates at least six fusion transcripts, including a major transcript fusing RUNX1 exon 6 with CLCA2 exon 2. These out-of-frame fusions produce putative truncated RUNX1 isoforms retaining the DNA binding Runt domain but not the transcriptional regulatory domain of RUNX1. No mutations were found in the exons encoding the Runt and C-terminal domains of the nonrearranged RUNX1 gene. Similar to truncated RUNX1 isoforms previously described, these shortened products could act as dominant negative inhibitors of RUNX1-dependent transactivation. CLCA2 is a breast tumor suppressor gene that encodes a member of the calcium-activated chloride channel family and is involved for the first time in a chromosomal translocation. The RUNX1-CLCA2 fusion is another example of out-of-frame fusion generating truncated RUNX1 isoforms that represent a recurrent molecular mechanism in RUNX1-related leukemias.

Regulation of platelet myosin light chain (MYL9) by RUNX1: implications for thrombocytopenia and platelet dysfunction in RUNX1 haplodeficiency

Mutations in transcription factor RUNX1 are associated with familial platelet disorder, thrombocytopenia, and predisposition to leukemia. We have described a patient with thrombocytopenia and impaired agonist-induced platelet aggregation, secretion, and glycoprotein (GP) IIb-IIIa activation, associated with a RUNX1 mutation. Platelet myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation and transcript levels of its gene MYL9 were decreased. Myosin IIA and MLC phosphorylation are important in platelet responses to activation and regulate thrombopoiesis by a negative regulatory effect on premature proplatelet formation. We addressed the hypothesis that MYL9 is a transcriptional target of RUNX1. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) using megakaryocytic cells revealed RUNX1 binding to MYL9 promoter region -729/-542 basepairs (bp), which contains 4 RUNX1 sites. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay showed RUNX1 binding to each site. In transient ChIP assay, mutation of these sites abolished binding of RUNX1 to MYL9 promoter construct. In reporter gene assays, deletion of each RUNX1 site reduced activity. MYL9 expression was inhibited by RUNX1 short interfering RNA (siRNA) and enhanced by RUNX1 overexpression. RUNX1 siRNA decreased cell spreading on collagen and fibrinogen. Our results constitute the first evidence that the MYL9 gene is a direct target of RUNX1 and provide a mechanism for decreased platelet MYL9 expression, MLC phosphorylation, thrombocytopenia, and platelet dysfunction associated with RUNX1 mutations.

A 5' untranslated region containing the IRES element in the Runx1 gene is required for angiogenesis, hematopoiesis and leukemogenesis in a knock-in mouse model

Although internal ribosome entry site (IRES)-mediated translation is considered important for proper cellular function, its precise biological role is not fully understood. Runx1 gene, which encodes a transcription factor implicated in hematopoiesis, angiogenesis, and leukemogenesis, contains IRES sequences in the 5' untranslated region. To clarify the roles of the IRES element in Runx1 function, we generated knock-in mice for either wild-type Runx1 or Runx1/Evi1, a Runx1 fusion protein identified in human leukemia. In both cases, native promoter-dependent transcription was retained, whereas IRES-mediated translation was eliminated. Interestingly, homozygotes expressing wild-type Runx1 deleted for the IRES element (Runx1(Delta IRES/Delta IRES)) died in utero with prominent dilatation of peripheral blood vessels due to impaired pericyte development. In addition, hematopoietic cells in the Runx1(Delta IRES/Delta IRES) fetal liver were significantly decreased, and exhibited an altered differentiation pattern, a reduced proliferative activity, and an impaired reconstitution ability. On the other hand, heterozygotes expressing Runx1/Evi1 deleted for the IRES element (Runx1(+/RE Delta IRES)) were born normally and did not show any hematological abnormalities, in contrast that conventional Runx1/Evi1 heterozygotes die in utero with central nervous system hemorrhage and Runx1/Evi1 chimeric mice develop acute leukemia. The findings reported here demonstrate the essential roles of the IRES element in Runx1 function under physiological and pathological conditions.

Runx1 directly promotes proliferation of hair follicle stem cells and epithelial tumor formation in mouse skin

Runx1/AML1 is a transcription factor implicated in tissue stem cell regulation and belongs to the small Runx family of cancer genes. In the hair follicle (HF), Runx1 epithelial deletion in morphogenesis impairs normal adult hair homeostasis (cycle) and blocks adult hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) in quiescence. Here, we show that these effects are overcome later in adulthood. By deleting Runx1 after the end of morphogenesis, we demonstrate its direct role in promoting anagen onset and HFSC proliferation. Runx1 deletion resulted in cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor Cdkn1a (p21) upregulation. Interfering with Runx1 function in cultured HFSCs impaired their proliferation and normal G(0)/G1 and G(1)/S cell cycle progression. The proliferation defect could be rescued by Runx1 readdition or by p21 deletion. Chemically induced skin tumorigenesis in mice turned on broad Runx1 expression in regions of the skin epithelium, papillomas, and squamous cell carcinomas. In addition, it revealed reduced rates of tumor formation in the absence of Runx1 that were accompanied by decreased epithelial levels of phospho-Stat3. Runx1 protein expression was similar in normal human and mouse hair cycles. We propose that Runx1 may act as a skin oncogene by directly promoting proliferation of the epithelial cells.

The core binding factor CBF negatively regulates skeletal muscle terminal differentiation

BACKGROUND

Core Binding Factor or CBF is a transcription factor composed of two subunits, Runx1/AML-1 and CBF beta or CBFbeta. CBF was originally described as a regulator of hematopoiesis.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

Here we show that CBF is involved in the control of skeletal muscle terminal differentiation. Indeed, downregulation of either Runx1 or CBFbeta protein level accelerates cell cycle exit and muscle terminal differentiation. Conversely, overexpression of CBFbeta in myoblasts slows terminal differentiation. CBF interacts directly with the master myogenic transcription factor MyoD, preferentially in proliferating myoblasts, via Runx1 subunit. In addition, we show a preferential recruitment of Runx1 protein to MyoD target genes in proliferating myoblasts. The MyoD/CBF complex contains several chromatin modifying enzymes that inhibits MyoD activity, such as HDACs, Suv39h1 and HP1beta. When overexpressed, CBFbeta induced an inhibition of activating histone modification marks concomitant with an increase in repressive modifications at MyoD target promoters.

CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE

Taken together, our data show a new role for Runx1/CBFbeta in the control of the proliferation/differentiation in skeletal myoblasts.

RUNX1/core binding factor A2 regulates platelet 12-lipoxygenase gene (ALOX12): studies in human RUNX1 haplodeficiency

Haploinsufficiency of RUNX1 (also known as CBFA2/AML1) is associated with familial thrombocytopenia, platelet dysfunction, and predisposition to acute leukemia. We have reported on a patient with thrombocytopenia and impaired agonist-induced aggregation, secretion, and protein phosphorylation associated with a RUNX1 mutation. Expression profiling of platelets revealed approximately 5-fold decreased expression of 12-lipoxygenase (12-LO, gene ALOX12), which catalyzes 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid production from arachidonic acid. We hypothesized that ALOX12 is a direct transcriptional target gene of RUNX1. In present studies, agonist-induced platelet 12-HETE production was decreased in the patient. Four RUNX1 consensus sites were identified in the 2-kb promoter region of ALOX12 (at -1498, -1491, -708, -526 from ATG). In luciferase reporter studies in human erythroleukemia cells, mutation of each site decreased activity; overexpression of RUNX1 up-regulated promoter activity, which was abolished by mutation of RUNX1 sites. Gel shift studies, including with recombinant protein, revealed RUNX1 binding to each site. Chromatin immunoprecipitation revealed in vivo RUNX1 binding in the region of interest. siRNA knockdown of RUNX1 decreased RUNX1 and 12-LO proteins. ALOX12 is a direct transcriptional target of RUNX1. Our studies provide further proof of principle that platelet expression profiling can elucidate novel alterations in platelets with inherited dysfunction.

Characterization of RNA aptamers that disrupt the RUNX1-CBFbeta/DNA complex

The transcription factor RUNX1 (AML1) is an important regulator of haematopoiesis, and an important fusion partner in leukaemic translocations. High-affinity DNA binding by RUNX1 requires the interaction of the RUNX1 Runt-Homology-Domain (RHD) with the core-binding factor β protein (CBFβ). To generate novel reagents for in vitro and in vivo studies of RUNX1 function, we have selected high-affinity RNA aptamers against a recombinant RHD–CBFβ complex. Selection yielded two sequence families, each dominated by a single consensus sequence. Aptamers from each family disrupt DNA binding by the RUNX1 protein in vitro and compete with sequence-specific dsDNA binding. Minimal, high-affinity (∼100–160 nM) active aptamer fragments 28 and 30 nts in length, consisting of simple short stem-loop structures, were then identified. These bind to the RHD subunit and disrupt its interaction with CBFβ, which is consistent with reduced DNA affinity in the presence of aptamer. These aptamers represent new reagents that target a novel surface on the RHD required to stabilize the recombinant RHD–CBFβ complex and thus will further aid exploring the functions of this key transcription factor.

Death-associated protein 3 is overexpressed in human thyroid oncocytic tumours

Background:

The human death-associated protein 3 (hDAP3) is a GTP-binding constituent of the small subunit of the mitochondrial ribosome with a pro-apoptotic function.

Methods:

A search through publicly available microarray data sets showed 337 genes potentially coregulated with the DAP3 gene. The promoter sequences of these 337 genes and 70 out of 85 mitochondrial ribosome genes were analysed in silico with the DAP3 gene promoter sequence. The mitochondrial role of DAP3 was also investigated in the thyroid tumours presenting various mitochondrial contents.

Results:

The study revealed nine transcription factors presenting enriched motifs for these gene promoters, five of which are implicated in cellular growth (ELK1, ELK4, RUNX1, HOX11-CTF1, TAL1-ternary complex factor 3) and four in mitochondrial biogenesis (nuclear respiratory factor-1 (NRF-1), GABPA, PPARG-RXRA and estrogen-related receptor alpha (ESRRA)). An independent microarray data set showed the overexpression of ELK1, RUNX1 and ESRRA in the thyroid oncocytic tumours. Exploring the thyroid tumours, we found that DAP3 mRNA and protein expression is upregulated in tumours presenting a mitochondrial biogenesis compared with the normal tissue. ELK1 and ESRRA were also showed upregulated with DAP3.

Conclusion:

ELK1 and ESRRA may be considered as potential regulators of the DAP3 gene expression. DAP3 may participate in mitochondrial maintenance and play a role in the balance between mitochondrial homoeostasis and tumourigenesis.

Proleukemic RUNX1 and CBFbeta mutations in the pathogenesis of acute leukemia

The existence of non-random mutations in critical regulators of cell growth and differentiation is a recurring theme in cancer pathogenesis and provides the basis for our modern, molecular approach to the study and treatment of malignant diseases. Nowhere is this more true than in the study of leukemogenesis, where research has converged upon a critical group of genes involved in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell self-renewal and fate specification. Prominent among these is the heterodimeric transcriptional regulator, RUNX1/CBFbeta. RUNX1 is a site-specific DNA-binding protein whose consensus response element is found in the promoters of many hematopoietically relevant genes. CBFbeta interacts with RUNX1, stabilizing its interaction with DNA to promote the actions of RUNX1/CBFbeta in transcriptional control. Both the RUNX1 and the CBFbeta genes participate in proleukemic chromosomal alterations. Together they contribute to approximately one-third of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and one-quarter of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cases, making RUNX1 and CBFbeta the most frequently affected genes known in the pathogenesis of acute leukemia. Investigating the mechanisms by which RUNX1, CBFbeta, and their proleukemic fusion proteins influence leukemogenesis has contributed greatly to our understanding of both normal and malignant hematopoiesis. Here we present an overview of the structural features of RUNX1/CBFbeta and their derivatives, their roles in transcriptional control, and their contributions to normal and malignant hematopoiesis.

Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 is an intranuclear transcriptional coactivator in osteoclasts

Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) associates with the cytoplasmic domain of receptor activator of NF-kappaB (RANK) and is an essential component of the signaling complex mediating osteoclastogenesis. However, the osteoclastic activity of TRAF6 is blunted by its association with four and half LIM domain 2 (FHL2), which functions as an adaptor protein in the cytoplasm and transcriptional regulator in the nucleus. We find that TRAF6 also localizes in the nuclei of osteoclasts but not their bone marrow macrophage precursors and that osteoclast intranuclear abundance is specifically increased by RANK ligand (RANKL). TRAF6 nuclear localization requires FHL2 and is diminished in fhl2(-/-) osteoclasts. Suggesting transcriptional activity, TRAF6 interacts with the transcription factor RUNX1 in the osteoclast nucleus. FHL2 also associates with RUNX1 but does so only in the presence of TRAF6. Importantly, TRAF6 recognizes FHL2 and RUNX1 in osteoclast nuclei, and the three molecules form a DNA-binding complex that recognizes and transactivates the RUNX1 response element in the fhl2 promoter. Finally, TRAF6 and its proximal activator, RANKL, polyubiquitinate FHL2, prompting its proteasomal degradation. These observations suggest a feedback mechanism whereby TRAF6 negatively regulates osteoclast formation by intracytoplasmic sequestration of FHL2 to blunt RANK activation and as a component of a transcription complex promoting FHL2 expression.

A chromatin immunoprecipitation screen in mouse keratinocytes reveals Runx1 as a direct transcriptional target of DeltaNp63

Development of the skin epidermis and appendages such as hair follicles involves coordinated processes of keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation. The transcription factor p63 plays a critical role in these steps as evident by a complete lack of these structures in p63 null mice. The p63 gene encodes for two proteins TAp63 and DeltaNp63, the latter being the more prevalent and dominant isoform expressed in keratinocytes. Although numerous p63 target genes have been identified, these studies have been limited to transformed human keratinocyte cell lines. Here, we have employed a genomic screening approach of chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) coupled with an enrichment strategy to identify DeltaNp63 response elements in primary mouse keratinocytes. Analysis of p63-ChIP-derived DNA segments has revealed more than 100 potential target genes including novel as well as mouse counterparts of established human p63 targets. Among these is Runx1, a transcription factor important for hair follicle development. We demonstrate that DeltaNp63 binds to a p63-response element located within a well-conserved enhancer of the Runx1 gene. Furthermore, siRNA mediated reduction of DeltaNp63 in mouse keratinocytes reduces Runx1 expression. Consistent with this, endogenous Runx1 levels are lower in the skin of p63(+/-) animals as compared to wild type animals. Lastly, we demonstrate that DeltaNp63 and Runx1 are co-expressed in specific compartments of the hair follicle in a dynamic fashion. Taken together our data demonstrate that p63 directly regulates Runx1 gene expression through a novel enhancer element and suggests a role for these two transcription factors in dictating skin keratinocyte and appendage development.

[Intrachromosomal amplification of AML1 gene in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia]

The introduction of routine molecular cytogenetic assays enabled us to reveal hitherto unknown genetic disorders of childhood acute leukemias. Of special interest is the recognition of those rare cytogenetic mutations of negative prognostic value, which are associated with well-known markers of good prognosis. In our present study we review a novel cytogenetic mutation typical for childhood B-cell ALL, the intrachromosomal amplification of chromosome 21, which requires high-risk therapy irrespective of other risk factors, and which is associated with a cryptic 12;21 translocation of good prognostic value.

Autophagy: basic principles and relevance to disease

Autophagy is a process by which cytoplasmic components are sequestered in double membrane vesicles and degraded upon fusion with lysosomal compartments. In yeast, autophagy is activated in response to changes in the extracellular milieu. Depending upon the stimulus, autophagy can degrade cytoplasmic contents nonspecifically or can target the degradation of specific cellular components. Both of these have been adopted in higher eukaryotes and account for the expanding role of autophagy in various cellular processes, as well as contribute to the variation in cellular outcomes after induction of autophagy. In some cases, autophagy appears to be an adaptive response, whereas under other circumstances it is involved in cell death. In mammals, autophagy has been implicated in either the pathogenesis or response to a wide variety of diseases, including neurodegenerative disease, chronic bacterial and viral infections, atherosclerosis, and cancer. As the basic molecular pathways that regulate autophagy are elucidated, the relationship of autophagy to the pathogenesis of various disease states emerges.

Enhanced identification and biological validation of differential gene expression via Illumina whole-genome expression arrays through the use of the model-based background correction methodology

Despite the tremendous growth of microarray usage in scientific studies, there is a lack of standards for background correction methodologies, especially in single-color microarray platforms. Traditional background subtraction methods often generate negative signals and thus cause large amounts of data loss. Hence, some researchers prefer to avoid background corrections, which typically result in the underestimation of differential expression. Here, by utilizing nonspecific negative control features integrated into Illumina whole genome expression arrays, we have developed a method of model-based background correction for BeadArrays (MBCB). We compared the MBCB with a method adapted from the Affymetrix robust multi-array analysis algorithm and with no background subtraction, using a mouse acute myeloid leukemia (AML) dataset. We demonstrated that differential expression ratios obtained by using the MBCB had the best correlation with quantitative RT–PCR. MBCB also achieved better sensitivity in detecting differentially expressed genes with biological significance. For example, we demonstrated that the differential regulation of Tnfr2, Ikk and NF-kappaB, the death receptor pathway, in the AML samples, could only be detected by using data after MBCB implementation. We conclude that MBCB is a robust background correction method that will lead to more precise determination of gene expression and better biological interpretation of Illumina BeadArray data.

Runx1 modulates developmental, but not injury-driven, hair follicle stem cell activation

Aml1/Runx1 controls developmental aspects of several tissues, is a master regulator of blood stem cells, and plays a role in leukemia. However, it is unclear whether it functions in tissue stem cells other than blood. Here, we have investigated the role of Runx1 in mouse hair follicle stem cells by conditional ablation in epithelial cells. Runx1 disruption affects hair follicle stem cell activation, but not their maintenance, proliferation or differentiation potential. Adult mutant mice exhibit impaired de novo production of hair shafts and all temporary hair cell lineages, owing to a prolonged quiescent phase of the first hair cycle. The lag of stem cell activity is reversed by skin injury. Our work suggests a degree of functional overlap in Runx1 regulation of blood and hair follicle stem cells at an equivalent time point in the development of these two tissues.

Repression of RUNX1 activity by EVI1: a new role of EVI1 in leukemogenesis

Recurring chromosomal translocations observed in human leukemia often result in the expression of fusion proteins that are DNA-binding transcription factors. These altered proteins acquire new dimerization properties that result in the assembly of inappropriate multimeric transcription complexes that deregulate hematopoietic programs and induce leukemogenesis. Recently, we reported that the fusion protein AML1/MDS1/EVI1 (AME), a product of a t(3;21)(q26;q22) associated with chronic myelogenous leukemia and acute myelogenous leukemia, displays a complex pattern of self-interaction. Here, we show that the 8th zinc finger motif of MDS1/EVI1 is an oligomerization domain involved not only in interaction of AME with itself but also in interactions with the parental proteins, RUNX1 and MDS1/EVI1, from which AME is generated. Because the 8th zinc finger motif is also present in the oncoprotein EVI1, we have evaluated the effects of the interaction between RUNX1 and EVI1 in vitro and in vivo. We found that in vitro, this interaction alters the ability of RUNX1 to bind to DNA and to regulate a reporter gene, whereas in vivo, the expression of the isolated 8th zinc finger motif of EVI1 is sufficient to block the granulocyte colony-stimulating factor-induced differentiation of 32Dcl3 cells, leading to cell death. As EVI1 is not detected in normal bone marrow cells, these data suggest that its inappropriate expression could contribute to hematopoietic transformation in part by a new mechanism that involves EVI1 association with key hematopoietic regulators, leading to their functional impairment.

RUNX1-RUNX1 Homodimerization Modulates RUNX1 Activity and Function

RUNX1 (AML1, CBFalpha2, PEBP2alphaB) is a transcription factor essential for the establishment of the hematopoietic stem cell. It is generally thought that RUNX1 exists as a monomer that regulates hematopoietic differentiation by interacting with tissue-specific factors and its DNA consensus through its N terminus. RUNX1 is frequently altered in human leukemia by gene fusions or point mutations. In general, these alterations do not affect the N terminus of the protein, and it is unclear how they consistently lead to hematopoietic transformation and leukemia. Here we report that RUNX1 homodimerizes through a mechanism involving C terminus-C terminus interaction. This RUNX1-RUNX1 interaction regulates the activity of the protein in reporter gene assays and modulates its ability to induce hematopoietic differentiation of hematopoietic cell lines. The promoters of genes regulated by RUNX1 often contain multiple RUNX1 binding sites. This arrangement suggests that RUNX1 could homodimerize to bring and hold together distant chromatin sites and factors and that if the dimerization region is removed by gene fusions or is altered by point mutations, as observed in leukemia, the ability of RUNX1 to regulate differentiation could be impaired.

Intrachromosomal amplification of chromosome 21 (iAMP21) may arise from a breakage-fusion-bridge cycle

Intrachromosomal amplification of chromosome 21 (iAMP21), involving amplification of the RUNX1 gene and duplication of chromosome 21, dup(21q), defines a new cytogenetic subgroup in B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) with a poor prognosis. Characterization of this abnormality has become vital to ensure that the most accurate detection method is used. We have previously defined common regions of amplification and deletion of chromosome 21 in these patients, although the level and extent of amplification within the amplicon was highly variable. This study, using interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with chromosome 21 locus specific probes, substantiated these findings in a large series of patients and confirmed that the amplicon always included RUNX1. Thus, FISH with probes directed to the RUNX1 gene remains the most reliable detection method. Metaphase FISH, supported by G- and multiple color chromosomal banding (mBAND) revealed the patient specific morphology and genetic profile of the dup(21q) chromosomes, as well as the complexity of the intrachromosomal changes giving rise to them. These findings suggested that iAMP21 had arisen from a breakage-fusion-bridge cycle: a mechanism previously described in tumors, which we report for the first time in ALL.

The p21Waf1 pathway is involved in blocking leukemogenesis by the t(8;21) fusion protein AML1-ETO

The 8;21 translocation is a major contributor to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) of the M2 classification occurring in approximately 40% of these cases. Multiple mouse models using this fusion protein demonstrate that AML1-ETO requires secondary mutagenic events to promote leukemogenesis. Here, we show that the negative cell cycle regulator p21(WAF1) gene is up-regulated by AML1-ETO at the protein, RNA, and promoter levels. Retroviral transduction and hematopoietic cell transplantation experiments with p21(WAF1)-deficient cells show that AML1-ETO is able to promote leukemogenesis in the absence of p21(WAF1). Thus, loss of p21(WAF1) facilitates AML1-ETO-induced leukemogenesis, suggesting that mutagenic events in the p21(WAF1) pathway to bypass the growth inhibitory effect from AML1-ETO-induced p21(WAF1) expression can be a significant factor in AML1-ETO-associated acute myeloid leukemia.

RUNX1 DNA-Binding Mutants, Associated with Minimally Differentiated Acute Myelogenous Leukemia, Disrupt Myeloid Differentiation

Mutations in the RUNX1 gene are found at high frequencies in minimally differentiated acute myelogenous leukemia. In addition to null mutations, many of the mutations generate Runx1 DNA-binding (RDB) mutants. To determine if these mutants antagonize wild-type protein activity, cDNAs were transduced into murine bone marrow or human cord blood cells using retroviral vectors. Significantly, the RDB mutants did not act in a transdominant fashion in vivo to disrupt Runx1 activity in either T-cell or platelet development, which are highly sensitive to Runx1 dosage. However, RDB mutant expression impaired expansion and differentiation of the erythroid compartment in which Runx1 expression is normally down-regulated, showing that a RDB-independent function is incompatible with erythroid differentiation. Significantly, both bone marrow progenitors expressing RDB mutants or deficient for Runx1 showed increased replating efficiencies in vitro, accompanied by the accumulation of myeloblasts and dysplastic progenitors, but the effect was more pronounced in RDB cultures. Disruption of the interface that binds CBFbeta, an important cofactor of Runx1, did not impair RDB mutant replating activity, arguing against inactivation of Runx1 function by CBFbeta sequestration. We propose that RDB mutants antagonize Runx1 function in early progenitors by disrupting a critical balance between DNA-binding-independent and DNA-binding-dependent signaling.

Identification of a novel splice variant of AML1b in ovarian cancer patients conferring loss of wild-type tumor suppressive functions

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) 1 is often disrupted by chromosomal translocations generating oncogenic fusions in human leukemias. However, its role in epithelial cancers has not been extensively investigated. Herein, we show a marked accumulation of AML1 transcripts including a high frequency of a novel alternatively spliced AML1b transcript lacking exon 6 (AML1b(Del179-242)) in ovarian cancer patients. The increases in RNA transcripts for total wild-type AML1 and AML1b(Del179-242) are associated with poor patient outcomes. We have shown that although both wild-type AML1b and AML1b(Del179-242) are localized to nuclear speckles, AML1b(Del179-242) was observed to have dramatically reduced transactivation potential with the plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 promoters and behaved as a weak dominant negative of wild-type AML1b. Wild-type AML1b was found to inhibit the growth of immortalized ovarian epithelial cells (T29) decreasing colony-forming ability. Moreover, we have identified a novel function of AML1b where it inhibits ovarian cell migration. In contrast, AML1b(Del179-242) has lost the ability to inhibit both ovarian cell proliferation and migration indicating that the functional effects observed with wild-type AML1b are dependent on amino acids 179-242. Collectively, these studies suggest that deregulated alternative splicing of AML1b transcripts may potentially contribute to the pathophysiology of ovarian cancers.