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Cohen LRZ, Meshorer E. The many faces of H3.3 in regulating chromatin in embryonic stem cells and beyond. Trends Cell Biol 2024:S0962-8924(24)00052-7. [PMID: 38614918 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2024.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
H3.3 is a highly conserved nonreplicative histone variant. H3.3 is enriched in promoters and enhancers of active genes, but it is also found within suppressed heterochromatin, mostly around telomeres. Accordingly, H3.3 is associated with seemingly contradicting functions: It is involved in development, differentiation, reprogramming, and cell fate, as well as in heterochromatin formation and maintenance, and the silencing of developmental genes. The emerging view is that different cellular contexts and histone modifications can promote opposing functions for H3.3. Here, we aim to provide an update with a focus on H3.3 functions in early mammalian development, considering the context of embryonic stem cell maintenance and differentiation, to finally conclude with emerging roles in cancer development and cell fate transition and maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea R Z Cohen
- Department of Genetics, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel; The Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Eran Meshorer
- Department of Genetics, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel; The Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
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2
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Fernando D, Ahmed AU, Williams BRG. Therapeutically targeting the unique disease landscape of pediatric high-grade gliomas. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1347694. [PMID: 38525424 PMCID: PMC10957575 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1347694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Pediatric high-grade gliomas (pHGG) are a rare yet devastating malignancy of the central nervous system's glial support cells, affecting children, adolescents, and young adults. Tumors of the central nervous system account for the leading cause of pediatric mortality of which high-grade gliomas present a significantly grim prognosis. While the past few decades have seen many pediatric cancers experiencing significant improvements in overall survival, the prospect of survival for patients diagnosed with pHGGs has conversely remained unchanged. This can be attributed in part to tumor heterogeneity and the existence of the blood-brain barrier. Advances in discovery research have substantiated the existence of unique subgroups of pHGGs displaying alternate responses to different therapeutics and varying degrees of overall survival. This highlights a necessity to approach discovery research and clinical management of the disease in an alternative subtype-dependent manner. This review covers traditional approaches to the therapeutic management of pHGGs, limitations of such methods and emerging alternatives. Novel mutations which predominate the pHGG landscape are highlighted and the therapeutic potential of targeting them in a subtype specific manner discussed. Collectively, this provides an insight into issues in need of transformative progress which arise during the management of pHGGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dasun Fernando
- Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Afsar U. Ahmed
- Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Bryan R. G. Williams
- Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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3
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Leszczynska KB, Freitas-Huhtamäki A, Jayaprakash C, Dzwigonska M, Vitorino FNL, Horth C, Wojnicki K, Gielniewski B, Szadkowska P, Kaza B, Nazarian J, Ciolkowski MK, Trubicka J, Grajkowska W, Garcia BA, Majewski J, Kaminska B, Mieczkowski J. H2A.Z histone variants facilitate HDACi-dependent removal of H3.3K27M mutant protein in pediatric high-grade glioma cells. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113707. [PMID: 38306270 PMCID: PMC11026119 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPGs) are deadly pediatric brain tumors, non-resectable due to brainstem localization and diffusive growth. Over 80% of DIPGs harbor a mutation in histone 3 (H3.3 or H3.1) resulting in a lysine-to-methionine substitution (H3K27M). Patients with DIPG have a dismal prognosis with no effective therapy. We show that histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors lead to a significant reduction in the H3.3K27M protein (up to 80%) in multiple glioma cell lines. We discover that the SB939-mediated H3.3K27M loss is partially blocked by a lysosomal inhibitor, chloroquine. The H3.3K27M loss is facilitated by co-occurrence of H2A.Z, as evidenced by the knockdown of H2A.Z isoforms. Chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) analysis confirms the occupancy of H3.3K27M and H2A.Z at the same SB939-inducible genes. We discover a mechanism showing that HDAC inhibition in DIPG leads to pharmacological modulation of the oncogenic H3.3K27M protein levels. These findings show the possibility of directly targeting the H3.3K27M oncohistone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna B Leszczynska
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland.
| | | | - Chinchu Jayaprakash
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Monika Dzwigonska
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Francisca N L Vitorino
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Cynthia Horth
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Kamil Wojnicki
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Bartlomiej Gielniewski
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Paulina Szadkowska
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Beata Kaza
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Javad Nazarian
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University Children's Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | - Benjamin A Garcia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jacek Majewski
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Bozena Kaminska
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jakub Mieczkowski
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland; 3P-Medicine Laboratory, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland.
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4
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Voon HPJ, Hii L, Garvie A, Udugama M, Krug B, Russo C, Chüeh AC, Daly RJ, Morey A, Bell TDM, Turner SJ, Rosenbluh J, Daniel P, Firestein R, Mann JR, Collas P, Jabado N, Wong LH. Pediatric glioma histone H3.3 K27M/G34R mutations drive abnormalities in PML nuclear bodies. Genome Biol 2023; 24:284. [PMID: 38066546 PMCID: PMC10704828 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-023-03122-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Point mutations in histone variant H3.3 (H3.3K27M, H3.3G34R) and the H3.3-specific ATRX/DAXX chaperone complex are frequent events in pediatric gliomas. These H3.3 point mutations affect many chromatin modifications but the exact oncogenic mechanisms are currently unclear. Histone H3.3 is known to localize to nuclear compartments known as promyelocytic leukemia (PML) nuclear bodies, which are frequently mutated and confirmed as oncogenic drivers in acute promyelocytic leukemia. RESULTS We find that the pediatric glioma-associated H3.3 point mutations disrupt the formation of PML nuclear bodies and this prevents differentiation down glial lineages. Similar to leukemias driven by PML mutations, H3.3-mutated glioma cells are sensitive to drugs that target PML bodies. We also find that point mutations in IDH1/2-which are common events in adult gliomas and myeloid leukemias-also disrupt the formation of PML bodies. CONCLUSIONS We identify PML as a contributor to oncogenesis in a subset of gliomas and show that targeting PML bodies is effective in treating these H3.3-mutated pediatric gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsiao P J Voon
- Cancer Program, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Linda Hii
- Cancer Program, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Andrew Garvie
- Cancer Program, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Maheshi Udugama
- Cancer Program, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Brian Krug
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Caterina Russo
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Anderly C Chüeh
- Cancer Program, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Roger J Daly
- Cancer Program, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Alison Morey
- Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Toby D M Bell
- School of Chemistry, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Stephen J Turner
- Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Joseph Rosenbluh
- Cancer Program, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Paul Daniel
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Ron Firestein
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Jeffrey R Mann
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Philippe Collas
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, 0317, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, 0424, Oslo, Norway
| | - Nada Jabado
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Lee H Wong
- Cancer Program, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Australia.
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5
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Ibanez J, Hebbar N, Thanekar U, Yi Z, Houke H, Ward M, Nevitt C, Tian L, Mack SC, Sheppard H, Chiang J, Velasquez MP, Krenciute G. GRP78-CAR T cell effector function against solid and brain tumors is controlled by GRP78 expression on T cells. Cell Rep Med 2023; 4:101297. [PMID: 37992682 PMCID: PMC10694756 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2023.101297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Lack of targetable antigens is a key limitation for developing successful T cell-based immunotherapies. Members of the unfolded protein response (UPR) represent ideal immunotherapy targets because the UPR regulates the ability of cancer cells to resist cell death, sustain proliferation, and metastasize. Glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) is a key UPR regulator that is overexpressed and translocated to the cell surface of a wide variety of cancers in response to elevated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. We show that GRP78 is highly expressed on the cell surface of multiple solid and brain tumors, making cell surface GRP78 a promising chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell target. We demonstrate that GRP78-CAR T cells can recognize and kill GRP78+ brain and solid tumors in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, our findings demonstrate that GRP78 is upregulated on CAR T cells upon T cell activation; however, this expression is tumor-cell-line specific and results in heterogeneous GRP78-CAR T cell therapeutic response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Ibanez
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Nikhil Hebbar
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Unmesha Thanekar
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Zhongzhen Yi
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Haley Houke
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Meghan Ward
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Chris Nevitt
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Liqing Tian
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Stephen C Mack
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Heather Sheppard
- Department of Pathology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Jason Chiang
- Department of Pathology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - M Paulina Velasquez
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, USA.
| | - Giedre Krenciute
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, USA.
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6
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Erez N, Furth N, Fedyuk V, Wadden J, Aittaleb R, Schwark K, Niculcea M, Miclea M, Mody R, Franson A, Eze A, Nourmohammadi N, Nazarian J, Venneti S, Koschmann C, Shema E. Single-molecule systems for detection and monitoring of plasma circulating nucleosomes and oncoproteins in Diffuse Midline Glioma. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.21.568019. [PMID: 38045418 PMCID: PMC10690213 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.21.568019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
The analysis of cell-free tumor DNA (ctDNA) and proteins in the blood of cancer patients potentiates a new generation of non-invasive diagnostics and treatment monitoring approaches. However, confident detection of these tumor-originating markers is challenging, especially in the context of brain tumors, in which extremely low amounts of these analytes circulate in the patient's plasma. Here, we applied a sensitive single-molecule technology to profile multiple histone modifications on millions of individual nucleosomes from the plasma of Diffuse Midline Glioma (DMG) patients. The system reveals epigenetic patterns that are unique to DMG, significantly differentiating this group of patients from healthy subjects or individuals diagnosed with other cancer types. We further develop a method to directly capture and quantify the tumor-originating oncoproteins, H3-K27M and mutant p53, from the plasma of children diagnosed with DMG. This single-molecule system allows for accurate molecular classification of patients, utilizing less than 1ml of liquid-biopsy material. Furthermore, we show that our simple and rapid detection strategy correlates with MRI measurements and droplet-digital PCR (ddPCR) measurements of ctDNA, highlighting the utility of this approach for non-invasive treatment monitoring of DMG patients. This work underscores the clinical potential of single-molecule-based, multi-parametric assays for DMG diagnosis and treatment monitoring.
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7
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Serdyukova K, Swearingen AR, Coradin M, Nevo M, Tran H, Bajric E, Brumbaugh J. Leveraging dominant-negative histone H3 K-to-M mutations to study chromatin during differentiation and development. Development 2023; 150:dev202169. [PMID: 38771302 PMCID: PMC10617616 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
Histone modifications are associated with regulation of gene expression that controls a vast array of biological processes. Often, these associations are drawn by correlating the genomic location of a particular histone modification with gene expression or phenotype; however, establishing a causal relationship between histone marks and biological processes remains challenging. Consequently, there is a strong need for experimental approaches to directly manipulate histone modifications. A class of mutations on the N-terminal tail of histone H3, lysine-to-methionine (K-to-M) mutations, was identified as dominant-negative inhibitors of histone methylation at their respective and specific residues. The dominant-negative nature of K-to-M mutants makes them a valuable tool for studying the function of specific methylation marks on histone H3. Here, we review recent applications of K-to-M mutations to understand the role of histone methylation during development and homeostasis. We highlight important advantages and limitations that require consideration when using K-to-M mutants, particularly in a developmental context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ksenia Serdyukova
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
- University of Colorado Cancer Center, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Charles C. Gates Center for Regenerative Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Alison R. Swearingen
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
- University of Colorado Cancer Center, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Charles C. Gates Center for Regenerative Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Mariel Coradin
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
- University of Colorado Cancer Center, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Charles C. Gates Center for Regenerative Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Mika Nevo
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
- University of Colorado Cancer Center, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Charles C. Gates Center for Regenerative Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Huong Tran
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
- University of Colorado Cancer Center, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Charles C. Gates Center for Regenerative Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Emir Bajric
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
- University of Colorado Cancer Center, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Charles C. Gates Center for Regenerative Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Justin Brumbaugh
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
- University of Colorado Cancer Center, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Charles C. Gates Center for Regenerative Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
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8
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Ocasio JK, Budd KM, Roach JT, Andrews JM, Baker SJ. Oncohistones and disrupted development in pediatric-type diffuse high-grade glioma. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2023; 42:367-388. [PMID: 37119408 PMCID: PMC10441521 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10105-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
Recurrent, clonal somatic mutations in histone H3 are molecular hallmarks that distinguish the genetic mechanisms underlying pediatric and adult high-grade glioma (HGG), define biological subgroups of diffuse glioma, and highlight connections between cancer, development, and epigenetics. These oncogenic mutations in histones, now termed "oncohistones", were discovered through genome-wide sequencing of pediatric diffuse high-grade glioma. Up to 80% of diffuse midline glioma (DMG), including diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) and diffuse glioma arising in other midline structures including thalamus or spinal cord, contain histone H3 lysine 27 to methionine (K27M) mutations or, rarely, other alterations that result in a depletion of H3K27me3 similar to that induced by H3 K27M. This subgroup of glioma is now defined as diffuse midline glioma, H3K27-altered. In contrast, histone H3 Gly34Arg/Val (G34R/V) mutations are found in approximately 30% of diffuse glioma arising in the cerebral hemispheres of older adolescents and young adults, now classified as diffuse hemispheric glioma, H3G34-mutant. Here, we review how oncohistones modulate the epigenome and discuss the mutational landscape and invasive properties of histone mutant HGGs of childhood. The distinct mechanisms through which oncohistones and other mutations rewrite the epigenetic landscape provide novel insights into development and tumorigenesis and may present unique vulnerabilities for pHGGs. Lessons learned from these rare incurable brain tumors of childhood may have broader implications for cancer, as additional high- and low-frequency oncohistone mutations have been identified in other tumor types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer K Ocasio
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Kaitlin M Budd
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
- St. Jude Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Jordan T Roach
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
- St. Jude Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Memphis, TN, USA
- College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Jared M Andrews
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Suzanne J Baker
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.
- St. Jude Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Memphis, TN, USA.
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9
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Park J, Chung C. Epigenetic and Metabolic Changes in Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma. Brain Tumor Res Treat 2023; 11:86-93. [PMID: 37151150 PMCID: PMC10172016 DOI: 10.14791/btrt.2023.0011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Diffuse midline glioma (DMG), hitherto known as diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), is a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer that primarily affects children. Although the exact cause of DMG/DIPG is not known, a large proportion of DMG/DIPG tumors harbor mutations in the gene encoding the histone H3 protein, specifically the H3K27M mutation. This mutation decreases the level of H3K27me3, a histone modification that plays a vital role in regulating gene expression through epigenetic regulation. The mutation also alters the function of polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), thereby preventing the repression of genes associated with cancer development. The decrease in H3K27me3 caused by the histone H3 mutation is accompanied by an increase in the level of H3K27ac, a post-translational modification related to active transcription. Dysregulation of histone modification markedly affects gene expression, contributing to cancer development and progression by promoting uncontrolled cell proliferation, tumor growth, and metabolism. DMG/DIPG alters the metabolism of methionine and the tricarboxylic acid cycle, as well as glucose and glutamine uptake. The role of epigenetic and metabolic changes in the development of DMG/DIPG has been studied extensively, and understanding these changes is critical to developing therapies targeting these pathways. Studies are currently underway to identify new therapeutic targets for DMG/DIPG, which may lead to the development of effective treatments for this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiyoon Park
- Department of New Biology, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu, Korea
- New Biology Research Center (NBRC), Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu, Korea
| | - Chan Chung
- Department of New Biology, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu, Korea
- New Biology Research Center (NBRC), Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu, Korea.
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10
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Voon HPJ, Wong LH. Chromatin mutations in pediatric high grade gliomas. Front Oncol 2023; 12:1104129. [PMID: 36686810 PMCID: PMC9853562 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1104129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pediatric high grade gliomas (HGG) are lethal tumors which are currently untreatable. A number of recent studies have provided much needed insights into the mutations and mechanisms which drive oncogenesis in pediatric HGGs. It is now clear that mutations in chromatin proteins, particularly H3.3 and its associated chaperone complex (ATRX), are a hallmark feature of pediatric HGGs. We review the current literature on the normal roles of the ATRX/H3.3 complex and how these functions are disrupted by oncogenic mutations. We discuss the current clinical trials and pre-clinical models that target chromatin and DNA, and how these agents fit into the ATRX/H3.3 mutation model. As chromatin mutations are a relatively new discovery in pediatric HGGs, developing clear mechanistic insights are a key step to improving therapies for these tumors.
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11
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Guo Y, Yu Y, Wang GG. Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 in Oncology. Cancer Treat Res 2023; 190:273-320. [PMID: 38113005 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-45654-1_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Dynamic regulation of the chromatin state by Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2) provides an important mean for epigenetic gene control that can profoundly influence normal development and cell lineage specification. PRC2 and PRC2-induced methylation of histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27) are critically involved in a wide range of DNA-templated processes, which at least include transcriptional repression and gene imprinting, organization of three-dimensional chromatin structure, DNA replication and DNA damage response and repair. PRC2-based genome regulation often goes wrong in diseases, notably cancer. This chapter discusses about different modes-of-action through which PRC2 and EZH2, a catalytic subunit of PRC2, mediate (epi)genomic and transcriptomic regulation. We will also discuss about how alteration or mutation of the PRC2 core or axillary component promotes oncogenesis, how post-translational modification regulates functionality of EZH2 and PRC2, and how PRC2 and other epigenetic pathways crosstalk. Lastly, we will briefly touch on advances in targeting EZH2 and PRC2 dependence as cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiran Guo
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
| | - Yao Yu
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Gang Greg Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
- Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
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12
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Single-cell epigenetic analysis reveals principles of chromatin states in H3.3-K27M gliomas. Mol Cell 2022; 82:2696-2713.e9. [PMID: 35716669 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2022.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Cancer cells are highly heterogeneous at the transcriptional level and epigenetic state. Methods to study epigenetic heterogeneity are limited in throughput and information obtained per cell. Here, we adapted cytometry by time-of-flight (CyTOF) to analyze a wide panel of histone modifications in primary tumor-derived lines of diffused intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG). DIPG is a lethal glioma, driven by a histone H3 lysine 27 mutation (H3-K27M). We identified two epigenetically distinct subpopulations in DIPG, reflecting inherent heterogeneity in expression of the mutant histone. These two subpopulations are robust across tumor lines derived from different patients and show differential proliferation capacity and expression of stem cell and differentiation markers. Moreover, we demonstrate the use of these high-dimensional data to elucidate potential interactions between histone modifications and epigenetic alterations during the cell cycle. Our work establishes new concepts for the analysis of epigenetic heterogeneity in cancer that could be applied to diverse biological systems.
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