COMPASS Ascending: Emerging clues regarding the roles of MLL3/KMT2C and MLL2/KMT2D proteins in cancer

KMT2A facilitates the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and the progression of ovarian cancer

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays critical roles in cancer progression and metastasis. Thus, the exploration of the molecular mechanism regulating EMT would provide potential opportunities for the therapy of metastatic ovarian cancer (OC). Herein, we investigated the putative role of KMT2A in modulating EMT and metastasis in OC. The expression of KMT2A in OC was detected by Western blot and immunohistochemistry and its relationship with clinicopathological factors was analyzed. The effect of KMT2A on the biological behavior of OC cells was examined. Moreover, the expressions of EMT-associated proteins were detected in vivo and vitro by Western blot, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry. KMT2A was highly expressed in OC cell lines and tissues and was positively correlated with advanced International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage, pathological grade, and metastasis. KMT2A overexpression was correlated with poor prognosis. Suppression of KMT2A inhibited OC cells proliferation, migration, and invasion and induced their apoptosis in vitro and vivo. In contrast, the ectopic expression of KMT2A had the opposite effects. Furthermore, KMT2A knockdown inhibited TGF-β-induced EMT in OC and reduced the phosphorylation levels of Smad2. Taken together, these observations demonstrate that KMT2A could promote the malignant behavior of OC by activating TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway and may be a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for OC.

Precision proteogenomics reveals pan-cancer impact of germline variants

We investigate the impact of germline variants on cancer patients' proteomes, encompassing 1,064 individuals across 10 cancer types. We introduced an approach, "precision peptidomics," mapping 337,469 coding germline variants onto peptides from patients' mass spectrometry data, revealing their potential impact on post-translational modifications, protein stability, allele-specific expression, and protein structure by leveraging the relevant protein databases. We identified rare pathogenic and common germline variants in cancer genes potentially affecting proteomic features, including variants altering protein abundance and structure and variants in kinases (ERBB2 and MAP2K2) impacting phosphorylation. Precision peptidome analysis predicted destabilizing events in signal-regulatory protein alpha (SIRPA) and glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP), relevant to immunomodulation and glioblastoma diagnostics, respectively. Genome-wide association studies identified quantitative trait loci for gene expression and protein levels, spanning millions of SNPs and thousands of proteins. Polygenic risk scores correlated with distal effects from risk variants. Our findings emphasize the contribution of germline genetics to cancer heterogeneity and high-throughput precision peptidomics.

Enhancer reprogramming: critical roles in cancer and promising therapeutic strategies

Transcriptional dysregulation is a hallmark of cancer initiation and progression, driven by genetic and epigenetic alterations. Enhancer reprogramming has emerged as a pivotal driver of carcinogenesis, with cancer cells often relying on aberrant transcriptional programs. The advent of high-throughput sequencing technologies has provided critical insights into enhancer reprogramming events and their role in malignancy. While targeting enhancers presents a promising therapeutic strategy, significant challenges remain. These include the off-target effects of enhancer-targeting technologies, the complexity and redundancy of enhancer networks, and the dynamic nature of enhancer reprogramming, which may contribute to therapeutic resistance. This review comprehensively encapsulates the structural attributes of enhancers, delineates the mechanisms underlying their dysregulation in malignant transformation, and evaluates the therapeutic opportunities and limitations associated with targeting enhancers in cancer.

Secernin-2 Stabilizes Histone Methyltransferase KMT2C to Suppress Progression and Confer Therapeutic Sensitivity to PARP Inhibition in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a difficulty and bottleneck in the clinical treatment of breast cancer due to a lack of effective therapeutic targets. Herein, we first report that secernin 2 (SCRN2), an uncharacterized gene in human cancer, acts as a novel tumor suppressor in TNBC to inhibit cancer progression and enhance therapeutic sensitivity to poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibition both in vitro and in vivo. SCRN2 is downregulated in TNBC through chaperone-mediated autophagic degradation, and its downregulation is associated with poor patient prognosis. Moreover, SCRN2 impedes the proteasomal degradation of histone-lysine N-methyltransferase 2C (KMT2C) by recruiting Bcl2-associated athanogene 2 to block the interaction of KMT2C with E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase CHIP. Consistently, SCRN2 transcriptionally activates Bcl2-modifying factor by amplifying histone H3 monomethylation at lysine 4 at its enhancer, thereby inducing intrinsic apoptosis. Notably, KMT2C knockdown restores the impaired TNBC progression caused by SCRN2 overexpression both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, SCRN2 decreases the expression of key DNA repair-related genes and induces endogenous DNA damage, thus conferring therapeutic sensitivity of TNBC cells to PARP inhibition.   Collectively, these findings identify SCRN2 as a novel suppressor of TNBC, reveal its mechanism of action, and highlight its potential role in TNBC therapy.

Clonal evolution defines risk stratification for central nervous system leukemia in adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia

It is well established that central nervous system leukemia (CNSL) is an adverse prognostic factor in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), yet whether prognostic heterogeneity reside in CNSL is less addressed. Therefore, we aimed to develop potential risk classification for CNSL. We retrospectively analyzed a study in PDT-ALL-2016 pediatric-inspired cohort (N = 494). Flow cytometry (FCM) and next-generation sequencing (NGS) were tested on bone marrow (BM) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The 5-year OS of 437 non-CNSL patients was 62.3% and 33.7% in 57 CNSL patients (P < 0.001). 57 CNSL including 16 primary CNS involvement and 41 CNS relapse patients were divided into 3 groups. The 5-year OS was 48.9% in patients with concordant FCM and NGS between BM and CSF, which were defined as non-clonal evolutionary CNSL, a standard-risk subgroup, while the 5-year OS was 30.2% in patients with discordant FCM or NGS between BM and CSF and isolated CNS relapse (P < 0.05), which were defined as clonal evolutionary CNSL, a high-risk subgroup. Furthermore, the mean times of lumbar punctures to achieve complete remission (CR) in CSF was 4.14 in clonal evolutionary CNSL, comparing to 1.62 in non-clonal evolutionary CNSL (P < 0.05). Based on the evidence of clonal evolution, we develop a risk stratification for CNSL for the first time.

A proteogenomic analysis of cervical cancer reveals therapeutic and biological insights

Although the incidence of cervical cancer (CC) has been reduced in high-income countries due to human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and screening strategies, it remains a significant public health issue that poses a threat to women's health in low-income countries. Here, we perform a comprehensive proteogenomic profiling of CC tumors obtained from 139 Chinese women. Integrated proteogenomic analysis links genetic aberrations to downstream pathogenesis-related pathways and reveals the landscape of HPV-associated multi-omic changes. EP300 is found to enhance the acetylation of FOSL2-K222, consequently accelerating the malignant proliferation of CC cells. Proteomic stratification identifies three patient subgroups with distinct features in prognosis, genetic alterations, immune infiltration, and post-translational modification regulations. PRKCB is further identified as a potential radioresponse-related biomarker of CC patients. This study provides a valuable public resource for researchers and clinicians to delve into the molecular basis of CC, to identify potential treatments and to ultimately advance clinical practice.

Mapping in silico genetic networks of the KMT2D tumour suppressor gene to uncover novel functional associations and cancer cell vulnerabilities

BACKGROUND

Loss-of-function (LOF) alterations in tumour suppressor genes cannot be directly targeted. Approaches characterising gene function and vulnerabilities conferred by such mutations are required.

METHODS

Here, we computationally map genetic networks of KMT2D, a tumour suppressor gene frequently mutated in several cancer types. Using KMT2D loss-of-function (KMT2DLOF) mutations as a model, we illustrate the utility of in silico genetic networks in uncovering novel functional associations and vulnerabilities in cancer cells with LOF alterations affecting tumour suppressor genes.

RESULTS

We revealed genetic interactors with functions in histone modification, metabolism, and immune response and synthetic lethal (SL) candidates, including some encoding existing therapeutic targets. Notably, we predicted WRN as a novel SL interactor and, using recently available WRN inhibitor (HRO761 and VVD-133214) treatment response data, we observed that KMT2D mutational status significantly distinguishes treatment-sensitive MSI cell lines from treatment-insensitive MSI cell lines.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study thus illustrates how tumour suppressor gene LOF alterations can be exploited to reveal potentially targetable cancer cell vulnerabilities.

Epigenetics and immunotherapy in colorectal cancer: progress and promise

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common malignant tumor with the third and second highest incidence and mortality rates among various malignant tumors. Despite significant advancements in the present therapy for CRC, the majority of CRC cases feature proficient mismatch repair/microsatellite stability and have no response to immunotherapy. Therefore, the search for new treatment options holds immense importance in the diagnosis and treatment of CRC. In recent years, clinical research on immunotherapy combined with epigenetic therapy has gradually increased, which may bring hope for these patients. This review explores the role of epigenetic regulation in exerting antitumor effects through its action on immune cell function and highlights the potential of certain epigenetic genes that can be used as markers of immunotherapy to predict therapeutic efficacy. We also discuss the application of epigenetic drug sensitization immunotherapy to develop new treatment options combining epigenetic therapy and immunotherapy.

Potent therapeutic strategy in gastric cancer with microsatellite instability-high and/or deficient mismatch repair

Gastric cancer (GC) is a common malignancy that presents challenges in patient care worldwide. The mismatch repair (MMR) system is a highly conserved DNA repair mechanism that protects genome integrity during replication. Deficient MMR (dMMR) results in an increased accumulation of genetic errors in microsatellite sequences, leading to the development of a microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) phenotype. Most MSI-H/dMMR GCs arise sporadically, mainly due to MutL homolog 1 (MLH1) epigenetic silencing. Unlike microsatellite-stable (MSS)/proficient MMR (pMMR) GCs, MSI-H/dMMR GCs are relatively rare and represent a distinct subtype with genomic instability, a high somatic mutational burden, favorable immunogenicity, different responses to treatment, and prognosis. dMMR/MSI-H status is a robust predictive biomarker for treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) due to high neoantigen load, prominent tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, and programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) overexpression. However, a subset of MSI-H/dMMR GC patients does not benefit from immunotherapy, highlighting the need for further research into predictive biomarkers and resistance mechanisms. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the clinical, molecular, immunogenic, and therapeutic aspects of MSI-H/dMMR GC, with a focus on the impact of ICIs in immunotherapy and their potential as neoadjuvant therapies. Understanding the complexity and diversity of the molecular and immunological profiles of MSI-H/dMMR GC will drive the development of more effective therapeutic strategies and molecular targets for future precision medicine.

Spatially Informed Gene Signatures for Response to Immunotherapy in Melanoma

PURPOSE

We aim to improve the prediction of response or resistance to immunotherapies in patients with melanoma. This goal is based on the hypothesis that current gene signatures predicting immunotherapy outcomes show only modest accuracy due to the lack of spatial information about cellular functions and molecular processes within tumors and their microenvironment.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

We collected gene expression data spatially from three cellular compartments defined by CD68+ macrophages, CD45+ leukocytes, and S100B+ tumor cells in 55 immunotherapy-treated melanoma specimens using Digital Spatial Profiling-Whole Transcriptome Atlas. We developed a computational pipeline to discover compartment-specific gene signatures and determine if adding spatial information can improve patient stratification.

RESULTS

We achieved robust performance of compartment-specific signatures in predicting the outcome of immune checkpoint inhibitors in the discovery cohort. Of the three signatures, the S100B signature showed the best performance in the validation cohort (N = 45). We also compared our compartment-specific signatures with published bulk signatures and found the S100B tumor spatial signature outperformed previous signatures. Within the eight-gene S100B signature, five genes (PSMB8, TAX1BP3, NOTCH3, LCP2, and NQO1) with positive coefficients predict the response, and three genes (KMT2C, OVCA2, and MGRN1) with negative coefficients predict the resistance to treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that the spatially defined compartment signatures utilize tumor and tumor microenvironment-specific information, leading to more accurate prediction of treatment outcome, and thus merit prospective clinical assessment.

The histone methyltransferase KMT2D is essential for embryo implantation via regulating precise differentiation of endometrial cells

Embryo implantation failures are a major challenge in reproductive medicine, but the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. Successful implantation requires dynamic remodeling of the endometrium through integrated proliferation and differentiation of endometrial cells including luminal epithelial, glandular epithelial, and stromal cells. Conversely, their disruption causes infertility. Spatiotemporal control of transcription is required for these processes; however, the underlying epigenetic regulation is largely unknown. In this study, we examined expression data from the human endometrium during implantation and discovered that expression of the histone lysine methyltransferase KMT2D was significantly suppressed in patients with recurrent implantation failure. Further study revealed that uterine deletion of Kmt2d in mice caused infertility due to implantation failure. Morphological analysis discovered a reduction in the number of uterine glands and aberrant differentiation of the luminal and glandular epithelium into stratified phenotypes in Kmt2d knockout uteri. Administration of leukemia inhibitory factor protein, which is expressed in uterine glands and is essential for implantation, did not rescue implantation failure in Kmt2d knockout mice, suggesting that infertility was not solely due to uterine gland dysfunction. RNA sequencing analysis revealed that Kmt2d knockout uteri displayed suppressed expression of genes involved in ion homeostasis, which may affect the uterine luminal morphology. Our study suggests that KMT2D plays an essential role in facilitating successful embryo implantation by regulating the coordinated differentiation of endometrial cells, providing valuable insights into unexplained implantation failures in women.

Insights into the mechanisms driven by H3K4 KMTs in pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer is a malignancy arising from the endocrine or exocrine compartment of this organ. Tumors from exocrine origin comprise over 90% of all pancreatic cancers diagnosed. Of these, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most common histological subtype. The five-year survival rate for PDAC ranged between 5 and 9% for over four decades, and only recently saw a modest increase to ∼12-13%, making this a severe and lethal disease. Like other cancers, PDAC initiation stems from genetic changes. However, therapeutic targeting of PDAC genetic drivers has remained relatively unsuccessful, thus the focus in recent years has expanded to the non-genetic factors underlying the disease pathogenesis. Specifically, it has been proposed that dynamic changes in the epigenetic landscape promote tumor growth and metastasis. Emphasis has been given to the re-organization of enhancers, essential regulatory elements controlling oncogenic gene expression, commonly marked my histone 3 lysine 4 monomethylation (H3K4me1). H3K4me1 is typically deposited by histone lysine methyltransferases (KMTs). While well characterized as oncogenes in other cancer types, recent work has expanded the role of KMTs as tumor suppressor in pancreatic cancer. Here, we review the role and translational significance for PDAC development and therapeutics of KMTs.

The modification role and tumor association with a methyltransferase: KMT2C

Histone methylation can affect chromosome structure and binding to other proteins, depending on the type of amino acid being modified and the number of methyl groups added, this modification may promote transcription of genes (H3K4me2, H3K4me3, and H3K79me3) or reduce transcription of genes (H3K9me2, H3K9me3, H3K27me2, H3K27me3, and H4K20me3). In addition, advances in tumor immunotherapy have shown that histone methylation as a type of protein post-translational modification is also involved in the proliferation, activation and metabolic reprogramming of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. These post-translational modifications of proteins play a crucial role in regulating immune escape from tumors and immunotherapy. Lysine methyltransferases are important components of the post-translational histone methylation modification pathway. Lysine methyltransferase 2C (KMT2C), also known as MLL3, is a member of the lysine methyltransferase family, which mediates the methylation modification of histone 3 lysine 4 (H3K4), participates in the methylation of many histone proteins, and regulates a number of signaling pathways such as EMT, p53, Myc, DNA damage repair and other pathways. Studies of KMT2C have found that it is aberrantly expressed in many diseases, mainly tumors and hematological disorders. It can also inhibit the onset and progression of these diseases. Therefore, KMT2C may serve as a promising target for tumor immunotherapy for certain diseases. Here, we provide an overview of the structure of KMT2C, disease mechanisms, and diseases associated with KMT2C, and discuss related challenges.

Revealing the clinical impact of MTOR and ARID2 gene mutations on MALT lymphoma of the alimentary canal using targeted sequencing

Extranodal marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT lymphoma) are a group of diseases with marked heterogeneity, including clinical, immunohistochemical, and molecular heterogeneity. The disease remains unspecified in the genetic landscape with only a few sequencing studies to date; however, systematic studies of alimentary canal MALT lymphoma have not been reported. To better understand the genetics of this tumor, targeted sequencing in a group of 31 cases (including 2 esophageal, 2 colonic, 4 small intestinal, and 23 gastric cases) and two cases of lymph node hyperplasiawere performed. We found epigenetic regulation (DNMT3A, KMT2D, KMT2A, EP300, TET2, etc.), signaling pathways (APC, CHD8, TNFAIP3, TNFRSF14, ZAP70, NF1,), and tumor suppressor genes (TP53, BCORL1, FOXO1, ATM, etc.) involved. Moreover, we found MTOR gene mutations in 16% of the cases that made these patients more prone to recurrence and metastasis than those with MTOR wild type genes. More interestingly, ARID2 mutations were detected in 32% of all the cases, and the mutation rate was higher and statistically significant in Helicobacter pylori (Hp)-negative patients in the gastric group. Therefore, this study found that MTOR and ARID2 gene mutations have pathogenic and prognostic implications.

A long-term prognosis study of human USP8-mutated ACTH-secreting pituitary neuroendocrine tumours

OBJECTIVE

Somatic variants in the ubiquitin-specific protease 8 (USP8) gene are the most common genetic cause of Cushing disease. We aimed to explore the relationship between clinical outcomes and USP8 status in a single centre.

DESIGN, PATIENTS AND MEASUREMENTS

We investigated the USP8 status in 48 patients with pituitary corticotroph tumours. A median of 62 months of follow-up was conducted after surgery from November 2013 to January 2015. The clinical, biochemical and imaging features were collected and analysed.

RESULTS

Seven USP8 variants (p.Ser718Pro, p.Ser719del, p.Pro720Arg, p.Pro720Gln, p.Ser718del, p.Ser718Phe, p.Lys713Arg) were identified in 24 patients (50%). USP8 variants showed a female predominance (100% vs. 75% in wild type [WT], p = .022). Patients with p.Ser719del showed an older age at surgery compared to patients with the p.Pro720Arg variant (47- vs. 24-year-olds, p = .033). Patients with p.Pro720Arg showed a higher rate of macroadenoma compared to patients harbouring the p.Ser718Pro variant (60% vs. 0%, p = .037). No significant differences were observed in serum and urinary cortisol and adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) levels. Immediate surgical remission (79% vs. 75%) and long-term hormone remission (79% vs. 67%) were not significantly different between the two groups. The recurrence rate was 21% (4/19) in patients harbouring USP8 variants and 13% (2/16) in WT patients. Recurrence-free survival presented a tendency to be shorter in USP8-mutated individuals (76.7 vs. 109.2 months, p = .068).

CONCLUSIONS

Somatic USP8 variants accounted for 50% of the genetic causes in this cohort with a significant female frequency. A long-term follow-up revealed a tendency toward shorter recurrence-free survival in USP8-mutant patients.

Effects of super-enhancers in cancer metastasis: mechanisms and therapeutic targets

Metastasis remains the principal cause of cancer-related lethality despite advancements in cancer treatment. Dysfunctional epigenetic alterations are crucial in the metastatic cascade. Among these, super-enhancers (SEs), emerging as new epigenetic regulators, consist of large clusters of regulatory elements that drive the high-level expression of genes essential for the oncogenic process, upon which cancer cells develop a profound dependency. These SE-driven oncogenes play an important role in regulating various facets of metastasis, including the promotion of tumor proliferation in primary and distal metastatic organs, facilitating cellular migration and invasion into the vasculature, triggering epithelial-mesenchymal transition, enhancing cancer stem cell-like properties, circumventing immune detection, and adapting to the heterogeneity of metastatic niches. This heavy reliance on SE-mediated transcription delineates a vulnerable target for therapeutic intervention in cancer cells. In this article, we review current insights into the characteristics, identification methodologies, formation, and activation mechanisms of SEs. We also elaborate the oncogenic roles and regulatory functions of SEs in the context of cancer metastasis. Ultimately, we discuss the potential of SEs as novel therapeutic targets and their implications in clinical oncology, offering insights into future directions for innovative cancer treatment strategies.

KMT2C and KMT2D aberrations in breast cancer

KMT2C and KMT2D are histone lysine methyltransferases responsible for the monomethylation of histone 3 lysine 4 (H3K4) residues at gene enhancer sites. KMT2C/D are the most frequently mutated histone methyltransferases (HMTs) in breast cancer, occurring at frequencies of 10-20% collectively. Frequent damaging and truncating somatic mutations indicate a tumour-suppressive role of KMT2C/D in breast oncogenesis. Recent studies using cell lines and mouse models to replicate KMT2C/D loss show that these genes contribute to oestrogen receptor (ER)-driven transcription in ER+ breast cancers through the priming of gene enhancer regions. This review provides an overview of the functions of KMT2C/D and outlines the recent clinical and experimental evidence of the roles of KMT2C and KMT2D in breast cancer development.

Unveiling the Molecular Landscape of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Insights into the Role of the COMPASS-like Complex

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is poised to become the second leading cause of cancer-related death by 2030, necessitating innovative therapeutic strategies. Genetic and epigenetic alterations, including those involving the COMPASS-like complex genes, have emerged as critical drivers of PDAC progression. This review explores the genetic and epigenetic landscape of PDAC, focusing on the role of the COMPASS-like complex in regulating chromatin accessibility and gene expression. Specifically, we delve into the functions of key components such as KDM6A, KMT2D, KMT2C, KMT2A, and KMT2B, highlighting their significance as potential therapeutic targets. Furthermore, we discuss the implications of these findings for developing novel treatment modalities for PDAC.

CRISPR/Cas9 model of prostate cancer identifies Kmt2c deficiency as a metastatic driver by Odam/Cabs1 gene cluster expression

Metastatic prostate cancer (PCa) poses a significant therapeutic challenge with high mortality rates. Utilizing CRISPR-Cas9 in vivo, we target five potential tumor suppressor genes (Pten, Trp53, Rb1, Stk11, and RnaseL) in the mouse prostate, reaching humane endpoint after eight weeks without metastasis. By further depleting three epigenetic factors (Kmt2c, Kmt2d, and Zbtb16), lung metastases are present in all mice. While whole genome sequencing reveals few mutations in coding sequence, RNA sequencing shows significant dysregulation, especially in a conserved genomic region at chr5qE1 regulated by KMT2C. Depleting Odam and Cabs1 in this region prevents metastasis. Notably, the gene expression signatures, resulting from our study, predict progression-free and overall survival and distinguish primary and metastatic human prostate cancer. This study emphasizes positive genetic interactions between classical tumor suppressor genes and epigenetic modulators in metastatic PCa progression, offering insights into potential treatments.

Mechanotransduction and epigenetic modulations of chromatin: Role of mechanical signals in gene regulation

Mechanical forces may be generated within a cell due to tissue stiffness, cytoskeletal reorganization, and the changes (even subtle) in the cell's physical surroundings. These changes of forces impose a mechanical tension within the intracellular protein network (both cytosolic and nuclear). Mechanical tension could be released by a series of protein-protein interactions often facilitated by membrane lipids, lectins and sugar molecules and thus generate a type of signal to drive cellular processes, including cell differentiation, polarity, growth, adhesion, movement, and survival. Recent experimental data have accentuated the molecular mechanism of this mechanical signal transduction pathway, dubbed mechanotransduction. Mechanosensitive proteins in the cell's plasma membrane discern the physical forces and channel the information to the cell interior. Cells respond to the message by altering their cytoskeletal arrangement and directly transmitting the signal to the nucleus through the connection of the cytoskeleton and nucleoskeleton before the information despatched to the nucleus by biochemical signaling pathways. Nuclear transmission of the force leads to the activation of chromatin modifiers and modulation of the epigenetic landscape, inducing chromatin reorganization and gene expression regulation; by the time chemical messengers (transcription factors) arrive into the nucleus. While significant research has been done on the role of mechanotransduction in tumor development and cancer progression/metastasis, the mechanistic basis of force-activated carcinogenesis is still enigmatic. Here, in this review, we have discussed the various cues and molecular connections to better comprehend the cellular mechanotransduction pathway, and we also explored the detailed role of some of the multiple players (proteins and macromolecular complexes) involved in mechanotransduction. Thus, we have described an avenue: how mechanical stress directs the epigenetic modifiers to modulate the epigenome of the cells and how aberrant stress leads to the cancer phenotype.

Challenging our understanding of B-cell lymphomagenesis and risk: Paediatric high-grade B-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified with a DDX3X::MLLT10 fusion and an IGH deletion

We report a unique case of high-grade B-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified in a 5-year-old child. Whole-genome sequencing revealed a DDX3X::MLLT10 fusion, usually seen in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). This suggests the novel idea that MLLT10 fusions are capable of driving B-cell malignancies. An IGH deletion usually only seen in adults was also found. These unique genetic findings provide novel insights into B-cell lymphomagenesis. The child remains in remission 7 year post chemotherapy, which demonstrates that novel complex molecular findings do not always denote high-risk disease.

Genetic and therapeutic landscapes in cohort of pancreatic adenocarcinomas: next-generation sequencing and machine learning for full tumor exome analysis

About 7% of all cancer deaths are caused by pancreatic cancer (PCa). PCa is known for its lowest survival rates among all oncological diseases and heterogenic molecular profile. Enormous amount of genetic changes, including somatic mutations, exceeds the limits of routine clinical genetic laboratory tests and further stagnates the development of personalized treatments. We aimed to build a mutational landscape of PCa in the Russian population based on full exome next-generation sequencing (NGS) of the limited group of patients. Applying a machine learning model on full exome individual data we received personalized recommendations for targeted treatment options for each clinical case and summarized them in the unique therapeutic landscape.

KMT2 (MLL) family of methyltransferases in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

The involvement of the KMT2 methyltransferase family in the pathogenesis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains elusive.

METHOD

This study adhered to the PRISMA guidelines, employing a search strategy in the LIVIVO, PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed by the Joanna Briggs Institute.

RESULTS

A total of 33 studies involving 4294 individuals with HNSCC were included in this review. The most important alteration was the high mutational frequency in the KMT2C and KMT2D genes, with reported co-occurrence. The expression of the KMT2D gene exhibited considerable heterogeneity across the studies, while limited data was available for the remaining genes.

CONCLUSIONS

KMT2C and KMT2D genes seem to have tumor suppressor activities, with involvement of cell cycle inhibitors, regulating different pathways that can lead to tumor progression, disease aggressiveness, and DNA damage accumulation.

Novel germline variants in KMT2C in Chinese patients with Kleefstra syndrome-2

Kleefstra syndrome (KLEFS) refers to a rare inherited neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by intellectual disability (ID), language and motor delays, behavioral abnormalities, abnormal facial appearance, and other variable clinical features. KLEFS is subdivided into two subtypes: Kleefstra syndrome-1 (KLEFS1, OMIM: 610253), caused by a heterozygous microdeletion encompassing the Euchromatic Histone Lysine Methyltransferase 1 (EHMT1) gene on chromosome 9q34.3 or pathogenic variants in the EHMT1 gene, and Kleefstra syndrome-2 (KLEFS2, OMIM: 617768), caused by pathogenic variants in the KMT2C gene. More than 100 cases of KLEFS1 have been reported with pathogenic variants in the EHMT1 gene. However, only 13 patients with KLEFS2 have been reported to date. In the present study, five unrelated Chinese patients were diagnosed with KLEFS2 caused by KMT2C variants through whole-exome sequencing (WES). We identified five different variants of the KMT2C gene in these patients: c.9166C>T (p.Gln3056*), c.9232_9247delCAGCGATCAGAACCGT (p.Gln3078fs*13), c.5068dupA (p.Arg1690fs*10), c.10815_10819delAAGAA (p.Lys3605fs*7), and c.6911_6912insA (p.Met2304fs*8). All five patients had a clinical profile similar to that of patients with KLEFS2. To analyze the correlation between the genotype and phenotype of KLEFS2, we examined 18 variants and their associated phenotypes in 18 patients with KLEFS2. Patients carrying KMT2C variants presented with a wide range of phenotypic defects and an extremely variable phenotype. We concluded that the core phenotypes associated with KMT2C variants were intellectual disability, facial dysmorphisms, language and motor delays, behavioral abnormalities, hypotonia, short stature, and weight loss. Additionally, sex may be one factor influencing the outcome. Our findings expand the phenotypic and genetic spectrum of KLEFS2 and help to clarify the genotype-phenotype correlation.

Distinct Roles for COMPASS Core Subunits Set1, Trx, and Trr in the Epigenetic Regulation of Drosophila Heart Development

Highly evolutionarily conserved multiprotein complexes termed Complex of Proteins Associated with Set1 (COMPASS) are required for histone 3 lysine 4 (H3K4) methylation. Drosophila Set1, Trx, and Trr form the core subunits of these complexes. We show that flies deficient in any of these three subunits demonstrated high lethality at eclosion (emergence of adult flies from their pupal cases) and significantly shortened lifespans for the adults that did emerge. Silencing Set1, trx, or trr in the heart led to a reduction in H3K4 monomethylation (H3K4me1) and dimethylation (H3K4me2), reflecting their distinct roles in H3K4 methylation. Furthermore, we studied the gene expression patterns regulated by Set1, Trx, and Trr. Each of the COMPASS core subunits controls the methylation of different sets of genes, with many metabolic pathways active early in development and throughout, while muscle and heart differentiation processes were methylated during later stages of development. Taken together, our findings demonstrate the roles of COMPASS series complex core subunits Set1, Trx, and Trr in regulating histone methylation during heart development and, given their implication in congenital heart diseases, inform research on heart disease.

Cooperation of MLL1 and Jun in controlling H3K4me3 on enhancers in colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Enhancer dysregulation is one of the important features for cancer cells. Enhancers enriched with H3K4me3 have been implicated to play important roles in cancer. However, their detailed features and regulatory mechanisms have not been well characterized.

RESULTS

Here, we profile the landscape of H3K4me3-enriched enhancers (m3Es) in 43 pairs of colorectal cancer (CRC) samples. M3Es are widely distributed in CRC and averagely possess around 10% of total active enhancers. We identify 1322 gain variant m3Es and 367 lost variant m3Es in CRC. The target genes of the gain m3Es are enriched in immune response pathways. We experimentally prove that repression of CBX8 and RPS6KA5 m3Es inhibits target gene expression in CRC. Furthermore, we find histone methyltransferase MLL1 is responsible for depositing H3K4me3 on the identified Vm3Es. We demonstrate that the transcription factor AP1/JUN interacts with MLL1 and regulates m3E activity. Application of a small chemical inhibitor for MLL1 activity, OICR-9429, represses target gene expression of the identified Vm3Es, enhances anti-tumor immunity and inhibits CRC growth in an animal model.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, our study illustrates the genome-wide landscape and the regulatory mechanisms of m3Es in CRC, and reveals potential novel strategies for cancer treatment.

Molecular insights of KMT2D and clinical aspects of Kabuki syndrome type 1

BACKGROUND

Kabuki syndrome type 1 (KS1), a rare multisystem congenital disorder, presents with characteristic facial features, intellectual disability, persistent fetal fingertip pads, skeletal abnormalities, and postnatal growth delays. KS1 results from pathogenic variants in the KMT2D gene, which encodes a histone methyltransferase protein involved in chromatin remodeling, promoter and enhancer regulation, and scaffold formation during early development. KMT2D also mediates cell signaling pathways, responding to external stimuli and organizing effector protein assembly. Research on KMT2D's molecular mechanisms in KS1 has primarily focused on its histone methyltransferase activity, leaving a gap in understanding the methyltransferase-independent roles in KS1 clinical manifestations.

METHODS

This scoping review examines KMT2D's role in gene expression regulation across various species, cell types, and contexts. We analyzed human pathogenic KMT2D variants using publicly available databases and compared them to research organism models of KS1. We also conducted a systematic search of healthcare and governmental databases for clinical trials, studies, and therapeutic approaches.

RESULTS

Our review highlights KMT2D's critical roles beyond methyltransferase activity in diverse cellular contexts and conditions. We identified six distinct groups of KMT2D as a cell signaling mediator, including evidence of methyltransferase-dependent and -independent activity. A comprehensive search of the literature, clinical databases, and public registries emphasizes the need for basic research on KMT2D's functional complexity and longitudinal studies of KS1 patients to establish objective outcome measurements for therapeutic development.

CONCLUSION

We discuss how KMT2D's role in translating external cellular communication can partly explain the clinical heterogeneity observed in KS1 patients. Additionally, we summarize the current molecular diagnostic approaches and clinical trials targeting KS1. This review is a resource for patient advocacy groups, researchers, and physicians to support KS1 diagnosis and therapeutic development.

Transcriptional co-activators: emerging roles in signaling pathways and potential therapeutic targets for diseases

Specific cell states in metazoans are established by the symphony of gene expression programs that necessitate intricate synergic interactions between transcription factors and the co-activators. Deregulation of these regulatory molecules is associated with cell state transitions, which in turn is accountable for diverse maladies, including developmental disorders, metabolic disorders, and most significantly, cancer. A decade back most transcription factors, the key enablers of disease development, were historically viewed as 'undruggable'; however, in the intervening years, a wealth of literature validated that they can be targeted indirectly through transcriptional co-activators, their confederates in various physiological and molecular processes. These co-activators, along with transcription factors, have the ability to initiate and modulate transcription of diverse genes necessary for normal physiological functions, whereby, deregulation of such interactions may foster tissue-specific disease phenotype. Hence, it is essential to analyze how these co-activators modulate specific multilateral processes in coordination with other factors. The proposed review attempts to elaborate an in-depth account of the transcription co-activators, their involvement in transcription regulation, and context-specific contributions to pathophysiological conditions. This review also addresses an issue that has not been dealt with in a comprehensive manner and hopes to direct attention towards future research that will encompass patient-friendly therapeutic strategies, where drugs targeting co-activators will have enhanced benefits and reduced side effects. Additional insights into currently available therapeutic interventions and the associated constraints will eventually reveal multitudes of advanced therapeutic targets aiming for disease amelioration and good patient prognosis.

Comprehensive genomic profiling reveals prognostic signatures and insights into the molecular landscape of colorectal cancer

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a prevalent malignancy with diverse molecular characteristics. The NGS-based approach enhances our comprehension of genomic landscape of CRC and may guide future advancements in precision oncology for CRC patients.

Method

In this research, we conducted an analysis using Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) on samples collected from 111 individuals who had been diagnosed with CRC. We identified somatic and germline mutations and structural variants across the tumor genomes through comprehensive genomic profiling. Furthermore, we investigated the landscape of driver mutations and their potential clinical implications.

Results

Our findings underscore the intricate heterogeneity of genetic alterations within CRC. Notably, BRAF, ARID2, KMT2C, and GNAQ were associated with CRC prognosis. Patients harboring BRAF, ARID2, or KMT2C mutations exhibited shorter progression-free survival (PFS), whereas those with BRAF, ARID2, or GNAQ mutations experienced worse overall survival (OS). We unveiled 80 co-occurring and three mutually exclusive significant gene pairs, enriched primarily in pathways such as TP53, HIPPO, RTK/RAS, NOTCH, WNT, TGF-Beta, MYC, and PI3K. Notably, co-mutations of BRAF/ALK, BRAF/NOTCH2, BRAF/CREBBP, and BRAF/FAT1 correlated with worse PFS. Furthermore, germline AR mutations were identified in 37 (33.33%) CRC patients, and carriers of these variants displayed diminished PFS and OS. Decreased AR protein expression was observed in cases with AR germline mutations. A four-gene mutation signature was established, incorporating the aforementioned prognostic genes, which emerged as an independent prognostic determinant in CRC via univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. Noteworthy BRAF and ARID2 protein expression decreases detected in patients with their respective mutations.

Conclusion

The integration of our analyses furnishes crucial insights into CRC's molecular characteristics, drug responsiveness, and the construction of a four-gene mutation signature for predicting CRC prognosis.

Mesenchymal stem cells under epigenetic control - the role of epigenetic machinery in fate decision and functional properties

Mesenchymal stem cells (mesenchymal stromal cells, MSC) are multipotent stem cells that can differentiate into cells of at least three mesodermal lineages, namely adipocytes, osteoblasts, and chondrocytes, and have potent immunomodulatory properties. Epigenetic modifications are critical regulators of gene expression and cellular differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Epigenetic machinery controls MSC differentiation through direct modifications to DNA and histones. Understanding the role of epigenetic machinery in MSC is crucial for the development of effective cell-based therapies for degenerative and inflammatory diseases. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the role of epigenetic control of MSC differentiation and immunomodulatory properties.

New twists of a TAIL: novel insights into the histone binding properties of a highly conserved PHD finger cluster within the MLR family of H3K4 mono-methyltransferases

Enhancer activation by the MLR family of H3K4 mono-methyltransferases requires proper recognition of histones for the deposition of the mono-methyl mark. MLR proteins contain two clusters of PHD zinc finger domains implicated in chromatin regulation. The second cluster is the most highly conserved, preserved as an ancient three finger functional unit throughout evolution. Studies of the isolated 3rd PHD finger within this cluster suggested specificity for the H4 [aa16-20] tail region. We determined the histone binding properties of the full three PHD finger cluster b module (PHDb) from the Drosophila Cmi protein which revealed unexpected recognition of an extended region of H3. Importantly, the zinc finger spacer separating the first two PHDb fingers from the third is critical for proper alignment and coordination among fingers for maximal histone engagement. Human homologs, MLL3 and MLL4, also show conservation of H3 binding, expanding current views of histone recognition for this class of proteins. We further implicate chromatin remodeling by the SWI/SNF complex as a possible mechanism for the accessibility of PHDb to globular regions of histone H3 beyond the tail region. Our results suggest a two-tail histone recognition mechanism by the conserved PHDb domain involving a flexible hinge to promote interdomain coordination.

The epigenetic modifier lysine methyltransferase 2C is frequently mutated in gastric remnant carcinoma

Gastric remnant carcinoma (GRC), which occurs in the stomach after partial gastrectomy, is a rare and aggressive form of gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC). Comprehensive profiling of genomic mutations in GRC could provide the basis for elucidating the origin and characteristics of this cancer. Herein, whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed on 36 matched tumor-normal samples from patients with GRC and identified recurrent mutations in epigenetic modifiers, notably KMT2C, ARID1A, NSD1, and KMT2D, in 61.11% of cases. Mutational signature analysis revealed a low frequency of microsatellite instability (MSI) in GRC, which was further identified by MSIsensor, MSI-polymerase chain reaction, and immunohistochemistry analysis. Comparative analysis demonstrated that GRC had a distinct mutation spectrum compared to that of GAC in The Cancer Genome Atlas samples, with a significantly higher mutation rate of KMT2C. Targeted deep sequencing (Target-seq) of an additional 25 paired tumor-normal samples verified the high mutation frequency (48%) of KMT2C in GRC. KMT2C mutations correlated with poor overall survival in both WES and Target-seq cohorts and were independent prognosticators in GRC. In addition, KMT2C mutations were positively correlated with favorable outcomes in immune checkpoint inhibitor-treated pan-cancer patients and associated with higher intratumoral CD3+ , CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte counts, and PD-L1 expression in GRC samples (p = 0.018, 0.092, 0.047, 0.010, and 0.034, respectively). Our dataset provides a platform for information and knowledge mining of the genomic characteristics of GRC and helps to frame new therapeutic approaches for this disease.

Auricular fistula: a review of its clinical manifestations, genetics, and treatments

Auricular fistula is a common congenital auricular malformation, characterized as a small opening in the skin and a subcutaneous cyst. It can be classified in different ways according to positions of pits and directions of fistula tracts. The term preauricular fistula and variant type of preauricular fistula (postauricular fistula) are used. Auricular fistula prevalence varies in countries and populations, and its actual prevalence is presently unknown. The most accepted and widely cited theory of auricular fistula etiopathogenesis is an incorrect or incomplete fusion of six auricular hillocks that are mesenchymal proliferations. Auricular fistula can occur either sporadically or genetically. The pattern in inherited cases is thought to be incomplete autosomal dominant, with variable expressions, reduced penetrance, and inapparent gender differences. Auricular fistula has several forms and is reported as being a component of many syndromes. In the field of genetics, currently, there is no related review to comprehensively summarize the genetic basis of auricular fistula and related disorders. This article provides a comprehensive review of auricular fistula, especially congenital preauricular fistula, which accounts for the majority of auricular fistula, by summarizing the clinical manifestations, histological and embryological development, genetics, examinations, and treatments, as well as syndromes with auricular fistula.

KMT2C knockout generates ASD-like behaviors in mice

Neurodevelopmental disorders have been associated with genetic mutations that affect cellular function, including chromatin regulation and epigenetic modifications. Recent studies in humans have identified mutations in KMT2C, an enzyme responsible for modifying histone tails and depositing H3K4me1 and H3K4me3, as being associated with Kleefstra syndrome 2 and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, the precise role of KMT2C mutations in brain disorders remains poorly understood. Here we employed CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to analyze the effects of KMT2C brain specific knockout on animal behavior. Knocking out KMT2C expression in cortical neurons and the mouse brain resulted in decreased KMT2C levels. Importantly, KMT2C brain specific knockout animals exhibited repetitive behaviors, social deficits, and intellectual disability resembling ASD. Our findings shed light on the involvement of KMT2C in neurodevelopmental processes and establish a valuable model for elucidating the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying KMT2C mutations and their relationship to Kleefstra syndrome 2 and ASD.

Polycomb Recruiters Inside and Outside of the Repressed Domains

The establishment and stable inheritance of individual patterns of gene expression in different cell types are required for the development of multicellular organisms. The important epigenetic regulators are the Polycomb group (PcG) and Trithorax group (TrxG) proteins, which control the silenced and active states of genes, respectively. In Drosophila, the PcG/TrxG group proteins are recruited to the DNA regulatory sequences termed the Polycomb response elements (PREs). The PREs are composed of the binding sites for different DNA-binding proteins, the so-called PcG recruiters. Currently, the role of the PcG recruiters in the targeting of the PcG proteins to PREs is well documented. However, there are examples where the PcG recruiters are also implicated in the active transcription and in the TrxG function. In addition, there is increasing evidence that the genome-wide PcG recruiters interact with the chromatin outside of the PREs and overlap with the proteins of differing regulatory classes. Recent studies of the interactomes of the PcG recruiters significantly expanded our understanding that they have numerous interactors besides the PcG proteins and that their functions extend beyond the regulation of the PRE repressive activity. Here, we summarize current data about the functions of the PcG recruiters.

Crol contributes to PRE-mediated repression and Polycomb group proteins recruitment in Drosophila

The Polycomb group (PcG) proteins are fundamental epigenetic regulators that control the repressive state of target genes in multicellular organisms. One of the open questions is defining the mechanisms of PcG recruitment to chromatin. In Drosophila, the crucial role in PcG recruitment is thought to belong to DNA-binding proteins associated with Polycomb response elements (PREs). However, current data suggests that not all PRE-binding factors have been identified. Here, we report the identification of the transcription factor Crooked legs (Crol) as a novel PcG recruiter. Crol is a C2H2-type Zinc Finger protein that directly binds to poly(G)-rich DNA sequences. Mutation of Crol binding sites as well as crol CRISPR/Cas9 knockout diminish the repressive activity of PREs in transgenes. Like other PRE-DNA binding proteins, Crol co-localizes with PcG proteins inside and outside of H3K27me3 domains. Crol knockout impairs the recruitment of the PRC1 subunit Polyhomeotic and the PRE-binding protein Combgap at a subset of sites. The decreased binding of PcG proteins is accompanied by dysregulated transcription of target genes. Overall, our study identified Crol as a new important player in PcG recruitment and epigenetic regulation.

Alterations in the Epigenetic Machinery Associated with Prostate Cancer Health Disparities

Prostate cancer is driven by acquired genetic alterations, including those impacting the epigenetic machinery. With African ancestry as a significant risk factor for aggressive disease, we hypothesize that dysregulation among the roughly 656 epigenetic genes may contribute to prostate cancer health disparities. Investigating prostate tumor genomic data from 109 men of southern African and 56 men of European Australian ancestry, we found that African-derived tumors present with a longer tail of epigenetic driver gene candidates (72 versus 10). Biased towards African-specific drivers (63 versus 9 shared), many are novel to prostate cancer (18/63), including several putative therapeutic targets (CHD7, DPF3, POLR1B, SETD1B, UBTF, and VPS72). Through clustering of all variant types and copy number alterations, we describe two epigenetic PCa taxonomies capable of differentiating patients by ancestry and predicted clinical outcomes. We identified the top genes in African- and European-derived tumors representing a multifunctional "generic machinery", the alteration of which may be instrumental in epigenetic dysregulation and prostate tumorigenesis. In conclusion, numerous somatic alterations in the epigenetic machinery drive prostate carcinogenesis, but African-derived tumors appear to achieve this state with greater diversity among such alterations. The greater novelty observed in African-derived tumors illustrates the significant clinical benefit to be derived from a much needed African-tailored approach to prostate cancer healthcare aimed at reducing prostate cancer health disparities.

KMT2D Deficiency Promotes Myeloid Leukemias which Is Vulnerable to Ribosome Biogenesis Inhibition

KMT2C and KMT2D are the most frequently mutated epigenetic genes in human cancers. While KMT2C is identified as a tumor suppressor in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), the role of KMT2D remains unclear in this disease, though its loss promotes B cell lymphoma and various solid cancers. Here, it is reported that KMT2D is downregulated or mutated in AML and its deficiency, through shRNA knockdown or CRISPR/Cas9 editing, accelerates leukemogenesis in mice. Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells and AML cells with Kmt2d loss have significantly enhanced ribosome biogenesis and consistently, enlarged nucleolus, increased rRNA and protein synthesis rates. Mechanistically, it is found that KMT2D deficiency leads to the activation of the mTOR pathway in both mouse and human AML cells. Kmt2d directly regulates the expression of Ddit4, a negative regulator of the mTOR pathway. Consistent with the abnormal ribosome biogenesis, it is shown that CX-5461, an inhibitor of RNA polymerase I, significantly restrains the growth of AML with Kmt2d loss in vivo and extends the survival of leukemic mice. These studies validate KMT2D as a de facto tumor suppressor in AML and reveal an unprecedented vulnerability to ribosome biogenesis inhibition.

The KDM6A-KMT2D-p300 axis regulates susceptibility to diverse coronaviruses by mediating viral receptor expression

Identification of host determinants of coronavirus infection informs mechanisms of pathogenesis and may provide novel therapeutic targets. Here, we demonstrate that the histone demethylase KDM6A promotes infection of diverse coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV and mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) in a demethylase activity-independent manner. Mechanistic studies reveal that KDM6A promotes viral entry by regulating expression of multiple coronavirus receptors, including ACE2, DPP4 and Ceacam1. Importantly, the TPR domain of KDM6A is required for recruitment of the histone methyltransferase KMT2D and histone deacetylase p300. Together this KDM6A-KMT2D-p300 complex localizes to the proximal and distal enhancers of ACE2 and regulates receptor expression. Notably, small molecule inhibition of p300 catalytic activity abrogates ACE2 and DPP4 expression and confers resistance to all major SARS-CoV-2 variants and MERS-CoV in primary human airway and intestinal epithelial cells. These data highlight the role for KDM6A-KMT2D-p300 complex activities in conferring diverse coronaviruses susceptibility and reveal a potential pan-coronavirus therapeutic target to combat current and emerging coronaviruses. One Sentence Summary: The KDM6A/KMT2D/EP300 axis promotes expression of multiple viral receptors and represents a potential drug target for diverse coronaviruses.

Plasma proteome perturbation for CMV DNAemia in kidney transplantation

BACKGROUND

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, either de novo or as reactivation after allotransplantation and chronic immunosuppression, is recognized to cause detrimental alloimmune effects, inclusive of higher susceptibility to graft rejection and substantive impact on chronic graft injury and reduced transplant survival. To obtain further insights into the evolution and pathogenesis of CMV infection in an immunocompromised host we evaluated changes in the circulating host proteome serially, before and after transplantation, and during and after CMV DNA replication (DNAemia), as measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (QPCR).

METHODS

LC-MS-based proteomics was conducted on 168 serially banked plasma samples, from 62 propensity score-matched kidney transplant recipients. Patients were stratified by CMV replication status into 31 with CMV DNAemia and 31 without CMV DNAemia. Patients had blood samples drawn at protocol times of 3- and 12-months post-transplant. Additionally, blood samples were also drawn before and 1 week and 1 month after detection of CMV DNAemia. Plasma proteins were analyzed using an LCMS 8060 triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. Further, public transcriptomic data on time matched PBMCs samples from the same patients was utilized to evaluate integrative pathways. Data analysis was conducted using R and Limma.

RESULTS

Samples were segregated based on their proteomic profiles with respect to their CMV Dnaemia status. A subset of 17 plasma proteins was observed to predict the onset of CMV at 3 months post-transplant enriching platelet degranulation (FDR, 4.83E-06), acute inflammatory response (FDR, 0.0018), blood coagulation (FDR, 0.0018) pathways. An increase in many immune complex proteins were observed at CMV infection. Prior to DNAemia the plasma proteome showed changes in the anti-inflammatory adipokine vaspin (SERPINA12), copper binding protein ceruloplasmin (CP), complement activation (FDR = 0.03), and proteins enriched in the humoral (FDR = 0.01) and innate immune responses (FDR = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Plasma proteomic and transcriptional perturbations impacting humoral and innate immune pathways are observed during CMV infection and provide biomarkers for CMV disease prediction and resolution. Further studies to understand the clinical impact of these pathways can help in the formulation of different types and duration of anti-viral therapies for the management of CMV infection in the immunocompromised host.

Loss of Kmt2c in vivo leads to EMT, mitochondrial dysfunction and improved response to lapatinib in breast cancer

Deep sequencing of human tumours has uncovered a previously unappreciated role for epigenetic regulators in tumorigenesis. H3K4 methyltransferase KMT2C/MLL3 is mutated in several solid malignancies, including more than 10% of breast tumours. To study the tumour suppressor role of KMT2C in breast cancer, we generated mouse models of Erbb2/Neu, Myc or PIK3CA-driven tumorigenesis, in which the Kmt2c locus is knocked out specifically in the luminal lineage of mouse mammary glands using the Cre recombinase. Kmt2c knock out mice develop tumours earlier, irrespective of the oncogene, assigning a bona fide tumour suppressor role for KMT2C in mammary tumorigenesis. Loss of Kmt2c induces extensive epigenetic and transcriptional changes, which lead to increased ERK1/2 activity, extracellular matrix re-organization, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and mitochondrial dysfunction, the latter associated with increased reactive oxygen species production. Loss of Kmt2c renders the Erbb2/Neu-driven tumours more responsive to lapatinib. Publicly available clinical datasets revealed an association of low Kmt2c gene expression and better long-term outcome. Collectively, our findings solidify the role of KMT2C as a tumour suppressor in breast cancer and identify dependencies that could be therapeutically amenable.

A case report and literature review on nephrogenic alveolar soft part sarcoma: clinicopathological manifestations and genetic features

BACKGROUND

Alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS) is a rare kind of malignant soft tissue tumor with undefined differentiation, of which the incidence rate accounts for only 0.5-1.0% among all kinds of soft tissue tumors. An even rarer ASPS occurs in kidney.

CASE PRESENTATION

Here we reported a case of a 7-year-old girl diagnosed with nephrogenic ASPS, regarding the analyses of the incidence, clinical manifestation, pathology and genetic diagnosis, in order to deepen the recognition of the disease.

CONCLUSIONS

ASPS is very rare, and tends to occur to young patients. It is very significant to precisely diagnose ASPS at an early stage, which will be the key point for the following treatment choices and prognosis.

KMT2D deficiency drives lung squamous cell carcinoma and hypersensitivity to RTK-RAS inhibition

Lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) represents a major subtype of lung cancer with limited treatment options. KMT2D is one of the most frequently mutated genes in LUSC (>20%), and yet its role in LUSC oncogenesis remains unknown. Here, we identify KMT2D as a key regulator of LUSC tumorigenesis wherein Kmt2d deletion transforms lung basal cell organoids to LUSC. Kmt2d loss increases activation of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), EGFR and ERBB2, partly through reprogramming the chromatin landscape to repress the expression of protein tyrosine phosphatases. These events provoke a robust elevation in the oncogenic RTK-RAS signaling. Combining SHP2 inhibitor SHP099 and pan-ERBB inhibitor afatinib inhibits lung tumor growth in Kmt2d-deficient LUSC murine models and in patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) harboring KMT2D mutations. Our study identifies KMT2D as a pivotal epigenetic modulator for LUSC oncogenesis and suggests that KMT2D loss renders LUSC therapeutically vulnerable to RTK-RAS inhibition.

Clustered PHD domains in KMT2/MLL proteins are attracted by H3K4me3 and H3 acetylation-rich active promoters and enhancers

Histone lysine-specific methyltransferase 2 (KMT2A-D) proteins, alternatively called mixed lineage leukemia (MLL1-4) proteins, mediate positive transcriptional memory. Acting as the catalytic subunits of human COMPASS-like complexes, KMT2A-D methylate H3K4 at promoters and enhancers. KMT2A-D contain understudied highly conserved triplets and a quartet of plant homeodomains (PHDs). Here, we show that all clustered (multiple) PHDs localize to the well-defined loci of H3K4me3 and H3 acetylation-rich active promoters and enhancers. Surprisingly, we observe little difference in binding pattern between PHDs from promoter-specific KMT2A-B and enhancer-specific KMT2C-D. Fusion of the KMT2A CXXC domain to the PHDs drastically enhances their preference for promoters over enhancers. Hence, the presence of CXXC domains in KMT2A-B, but not KMT2C-D, may explain the promoter/enhancer preferences of the full-length proteins. Importantly, targets of PHDs overlap with KMT2A targets and are enriched in genes involved in the cancer pathways. We also observe that PHDs of KMT2A-D are mutated in cancer, especially within conserved folding motifs (Cys4HisCys2Cys/His). The mutations cause a domain loss-of-function. Taken together, our data suggest that PHDs of KMT2A-D guide the full-length proteins to active promoters and enhancers, and thus play a role in positive transcriptional memory.

Molecular characterization of an embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma occurring in a patient with Kabuki syndrome: report and literature review in the light of tumor predisposition syndromes

Kabuki syndrome is a well-recognized syndrome characterized by facial dysmorphism and developmental delay/intellectual disability and in the majority of patients a germline variant in KMT2D is found. As somatic KMT2D variants can be found in 5-10% of tumors a tumor predisposition in Kabuki syndrome is discussed. So far less than 20 patients with Kabuki syndrome and a concomitant malignancy have been published. Here we report on a female patient with Kabuki syndrome and a c.2558_2559delCT germline variant in KMT2D who developed an embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (ERMS) at 10 years. On tumor tissue we performed DNA-methylation profiling and exome sequencing (ES). Copy number analyses revealed aneuploidies typical for ERMS including (partial) gains of chromosomes 2, 3, 7, 8, 12, 15, and 20 and 3 focal deletions of chromosome 11p. DNA methylation profiling mapped the case to ERMS by a DNA methylation-based sarcoma classifier. Sequencing suggested gain of the wild-type KMT2D allele in the trisomy 12. Including our patient literature review identified 18 patients with Kabuki syndrome and a malignancy. Overall, the landscape of malignancies in patients with Kabuki syndrome was reminiscent of that of the pediatric population in general. Histopathological and molecular data were only infrequently reported and no report included next generation sequencing and/or DNA-methylation profiling. Although we found no strong arguments pointing towards KS as a tumor predisposition syndrome, based on the small numbers any relation cannot be fully excluded. Further planned studies including profiling of additional tumors and long term follow-up of KS-patients into adulthood could provide further insights.

KMT2A‐D pathogenicity, prevalence, and variation according to a population database

INTRODUCTION

The KMT2 family of genes is essential epigenetic regulators promoting gene expression. The gene family contains three subgroups, each with two paralogues: KMT2A and KMT2B; KMT2C and KMT2D; KMT2F and KMT2G. KMT2A-D are among the most frequent somatically altered genes in several different cancer types. Somatic KMT2A rearrangements are well-characterized in infant leukemia (IL), and growing evidence supports the role of additional family members (KMT2B, KMT2C, and KMT2D) in leukemogenesis. Enrichment of rare heterozygous frameshift variants in KMT2A and C has been reported in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), IL, and solid tumors. Currently, the non-synonymous variation, prevalence, and penetrance of these four genes are unknown.

METHODS

This study determined the prevalence of pathogenic/likely pathogenic (P/LP) germline KMT2A-D variants in a cancer-free adult population from the Genome Aggregation Database (gnomAD). Two methods of variant interpretation were utilized: a manual genomic variant interpretation and an automated ACMG pipeline.

RESULTS

The ACMG pipeline identified considerably fewer P/LP variants (n = 89) compared to the manual method (n = 660) in all 4 genes. Consequently, the total P/LP prevalence and allele frequency (AF) were higher in the manual method (1:112, AF = 4.46E-03) than in ACMG (1:832, AF = 6.01E-04). Multiple ancestry-exclusive P/LP variants were identified along with an increased frequency in males compared to females. Many of these variants identified in this population database are also associated with severe juvenile conditions.

CONCLUSION

These data demonstrate that putatively functional germline variation in these developmentally important genes is more common than previously appreciated and identification in cancer-free adults may indicate incomplete penetrance for many of these variants. Future research should examine a genetic predisposing role in IL and other pediatric cancers.

Identification of clinical implications and potential prognostic models of chromatin regulator mutations in multiple myeloma

Background

With the rapid development of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies, researchers are making efforts to reveal the genomic landscape of multiple myeloma (MM). However, the clinical significance of many mutations remains poorly defined due to the genetic heterogeneity of MM. To systematically explore the clinical implications of gene mutations and build practical prognostic models, we performed DNA sequencing in newly diagnosed MM patients.

Methods

MM cells were purified from bone marrow aspirates using CD138 microbeads and subjected to sequencing with a 387-gene Panel. Nomogram was developed using Cox’s proportional hazards model, and candidate variables were screened by stepwise regression. Internal validation was carried out by the bootstrap method.

Results

Between July 2016 and December 2020, a total of 147 patients were included in our study. We found patients with a higher mutational load had a significantly shorter progress-free survival (PFS) (19.0 vs. 32.0 months, P = 0.0098) and overall survival (OS) (3-year OS rates were 66.1% and 80.0%, P = 0.0290). Mutations in chromatin regulators (CRs) including KMT2C (14.3%), KMT2D (14.3%), EP300 (11.6%) and ARID gene family (31.3%) were highly frequent in newly diagnosed MM patients. Interestingly, proteins encoded by these genes could form a complex called KMT2C/D COMPASS (KCDCOMs). Patients with mutations of ARID gene family had a significantly shorter PFS (15.5 vs. 34.0 months, P = 0.0003) and OS (3-year OS rates were 64.9% and 81.0%, P = 0.0351) than patients without ARID gene mutations. Incorporating ARID gene mutations into the current staging system could successfully improve their prognostic performance. The PFS and OS nomogram models (including 1q21 copies, ARID gene mutations, extramedullary disease, mutational load and TP53 mutations) showed good predicting performance in both training and validation sets.

Conclusion

Our findings emphasized the importance of CRs mutations in newly diagnosed MM patients and indicated the mutations affecting KCDCOMs might promote the development of MM. High mutational load and harboring mutations in the ARID gene family were novel predictors of adverse prognosis in MM. Prognostic models based on gene mutations were commendably prognostic evaluation methods that could provide a reference for clinical practices.

The roles of histone modifications in tumorigenesis and associated inhibitors in cancer therapy

Histone modifications are key factors in chromatin packaging, and are responsible for gene regulation during cell fate determination and development. Abnormal alterations in histone modifications potentially affect the stability of the genome and disrupt gene expression patterns, leading to many diseases, including cancer. In recent years, mounting evidence has shown that various histone modifications altered by aberrantly expressed modifier enzymes contribute to tumor development and metastasis through the induction of epigenetic, transcriptional, and phenotypic changes. In this review, we will discuss the existing histone modifications, both well-studied and rare ones, and their roles in solid tumors and hematopoietic cancers, to identify the molecular pathways involved and investigate targeted therapeutic drugs to reorganize the chromatin and enhance cancer treatment efficiency. Finally, clinical inhibitors of histone modifications are summarized to better understand the developmental stage of cancer therapy in using these drugs to inhibit the histone modification enzymes.

SWI/SNF complex gene variations are associated with a higher tumor mutational burden and a better response to immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment: a pan-cancer analysis of next-generation sequencing data corresponding to 4591 cases

Background

Genes related to the SWItch/sucrose nonfermentable (SWI/SNF) chromatin remodeling complex are frequently mutated across cancers. SWI/SNF-mutant tumors are vulnerable to synthetic lethal inhibitors. However, the landscape of SWI/SNF mutations and their associations with tumor mutational burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI) status, and response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have not been elucidated in large real-world Chinese patient cohorts.

Methods

The mutational rates and variation types of six SWI/SNF complex genes (ARID1A, ARID1B, ARID2, SMARCA4, SMARCB1, and PBRM1) were analyzed retrospectively by integrating next-generation sequencing data of 4591 cases covering 18 cancer types. Thereafter, characteristics of SWI/SNF mutations were depicted and the TMB and MSI status and therapeutic effects of ICIs in the SWI/SNF-mutant and SWI/SNF-non-mutant groups were compared.

Results

SWI/SNF mutations were observed in 21.8% of tumors. Endometrial (54.1%), gallbladder and biliary tract (43.4%), and gastric (33.9%) cancers exhibited remarkably higher SWI/SNF mutational rates than other malignancies. Further, ARID1A was the most frequently mutated SWI/SNF gene, and ARID1A D1850fs was identified as relatively crucial. The TMB value, TMB-high (TMB-H), and MSI-high (MSI-H) proportions corresponding to SWI/SNF-mutant cancers were significantly higher than those corresponding to SWI/SNF-non-mutant cancers (25.8 vs. 5.6 mutations/Mb, 44.3% vs. 10.3%, and 16.0% vs. 0.9%, respectively; all p  < 0.0001). Furthermore, these indices were even higher for tumors with co-mutations of SWI/SNF genes and MLL2/3. Regarding immunotherapeutic effects, patients with SWI/SNF variations showed significantly longer progression-free survival (PFS) rates than their SWI/SNF-non-mutant counterparts (hazard ratio [HR], 0.56 [95% confidence interval {CI} 0.44–0.72]; p < 0.0001), and PBRM1 mutations were associated with relatively better ICI treatment outcomes than the other SWI/SNF gene mutations (HR, 0.21 [95% CI 0.12–0.37]; p = 0.0007). Additionally, patients in the SWI/SNF-mutant + TMB-H (HR, 0.48 [95% CI 0.37–0.54]; p  < 0.0001) cohorts had longer PFS rates than those in the SWI/SNF-non-mutant + TMB-low cohort.

Conclusions

SWI/SNF complex genes are frequently mutated and are closely associated with TMB-H status, MSI-H status, and superior ICI treatment response in several cancers, such as colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, and non-small cell lung cancer. These findings emphasize the necessity and importance of molecular-level detection and interpretation of SWI/SNF complex mutations.

Epigenetic factor competition reshapes the EMT landscape

The emergence of and transitions between distinct phenotypes in isogenic cells can be attributed to the intricate interplay of epigenetic marks, external signals, and gene-regulatory elements. These elements include chromatin remodelers, histone modifiers, transcription factors, and regulatory RNAs. Mathematical models known as gene-regulatory networks (GRNs) are an increasingly important tool to unravel the workings of such complex networks. In such models, epigenetic factors are usually proposed to act on the chromatin regions directly involved in the expression of relevant genes. However, it has been well-established that these factors operate globally and compete with each other for targets genome-wide. Therefore, a perturbation of the activity of a regulator can redistribute epigenetic marks across the genome and modulate the levels of competing regulators. In this paper, we propose a conceptual and mathematical modeling framework that incorporates both local and global competition effects between antagonistic epigenetic regulators, in addition to local transcription factors, and show the counterintuitive consequences of such interactions. We apply our approach to recent experimental findings on the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). We show that it can explain the puzzling experimental data, as well as provide verifiable predictions.