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Lu X, Zhang W, Zhang J, Ren D, Zhao P, Ying Y. EPAS1, a hypoxia- and ferroptosis-related gene, promotes malignant behaviour of cervical cancer by ceRNA and super-enhancer. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e18361. [PMID: 38722283 PMCID: PMC11081013 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia and Ferroptosis are associated with the malignant behaviour of cervical cancer. Endothelial PAS domain-containing protein 1 (EPAS1) contributes to the progression of cervical cancer. EPAS1 plays important roles in hypoxia and ferroptosis. Using the GEO dataset, machine-learning algorithms were used to screen for hypoxia- and ferroptosis-related genes (HFRGs) in cervical cancer. EPAS1 was identified as the hub gene. qPCR and WB were used to investigate the expression of EPAS1 in normal and cervical cancer tissues. The proliferation, invasion and migration of EPAS1 cells in HeLa and SiHa cell lines were detected using CCK8, transwell and wound healing assays, respectively. Apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. A dual-luciferase assay was used to analyse the MALAT1-miR-182-5P-EPAS1 mRNA axis and core promoter elements of the super-enhancer. EPAS1 was significantly overexpressed in cervical cancer tissues. EPAS1 could increase the proliferation, invasion, migration of HeLa and SiHa cells and reduce the apoptosis of HeLa and SiHa cell. According to the double-luciferase assay, EPAS1 expression was regulated by the MALAT1-Mir-182-5p-EPAS1 mRNA axis. EPAS1 is associated with super-enhancers. Double-luciferase assay showed that the core elements of the super-enhancer were E1 and E3. EPAS1, an HFRG, is significantly overexpressed in cervical cancer. EPAS1 promotes malignant behaviour of cervical cancer cells. EPAS1 expression is regulated by super-enhancers and the MALAT1-miR-182-5P- EPAS1 mRNA axis. EPAS1 may be a target for the diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqin Lu
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Wenyi Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Jingyan Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Dan Ren
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Panpan Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Yanqi Ying
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
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Peng L, Jiang Y, Chen H, Wang Y, Lan Q, Chen S, Huang Z, Zhang J, Tian D, Qiu Y, Cai D, Peng J, Lu D, Yuan X, Yang X, Yin D. Transcription factor EHF interacting with coactivator AJUBA aggravates malignancy and acts as a therapeutic target for gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma. Acta Pharm Sin B 2024; 14:2119-2136. [PMID: 38799645 PMCID: PMC11120281 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2024.02.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Transcriptional dysregulation of genes is a hallmark of tumors and can serve as targets for cancer drug development. However, it is extremely challenging to develop small-molecule inhibitors to target abnormally expressed transcription factors (TFs) except for the nuclear receptor family of TFs. Little is known about the interaction between TFs and transcription cofactors in gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma (GEA) or the therapeutic effects of targeting TF and transcription cofactor complexes. In this study, we found that ETS homologous factor (EHF) expression is promoted by a core transcriptional regulatory circuitry (CRC), specifically ELF3-KLF5-GATA6, and interference with its expression suppressed the malignant biological behavior of GEA cells. Importantly, we identified Ajuba LIM protein (AJUBA) as a new coactivator of EHF that cooperatively orchestrates transcriptional network activity in GEA. Furthermore, we identified KRAS signaling as a common pathway downstream of EHF and AJUBA. Applicably, dual targeting of EHF and AJUBA by lipid nanoparticles cooperatively attenuated the malignant biological behaviors of GEA in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, EHF is upregulated by the CRC and promotes GEA malignancy by interacting with AJUBA through the KRAS pathway. Targeting of both EHF and its coactivator AJUBA through lipid nanoparticles is a novel potential therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Peng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
- Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Yanyi Jiang
- Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031, China
| | - Hengxing Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Yongqiang Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
- Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Qiusheng Lan
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Shuiqin Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
- Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Zhanwang Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
- Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Jingyuan Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
- Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Duanqing Tian
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
- Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Yuntan Qiu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Diankui Cai
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Jiangyun Peng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Daning Lu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
- Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Xiaoqing Yuan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
- Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Xianzhu Yang
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou International Campus, Guangzhou 511442, China
| | - Dong Yin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
- Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
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3
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Zhuo R, Zhang Z, Chen Y, Li G, Du S, Guo X, Yang R, Tao Y, Li X, Fang F, Xie Y, Wu D, Yang Y, Yang C, Yin H, Qian G, Wang H, Yu J, Jia S, Zhu F, Feng C, Wang J, Xu Y, Li Z, Shi L, Wang X, Pan J, Wang J. CDK5RAP3 is a novel super-enhancer-driven gene activated by master TFs and regulates ER-Phagy in neuroblastoma. Cancer Lett 2024; 591:216882. [PMID: 38636893 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216882] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Super enhancers (SEs) are genomic regions comprising multiple closely spaced enhancers, typically occupied by a high density of cell-type-specific master transcription factors (TFs) and frequently enriched in key oncogenes in various tumors, including neuroblastoma (NB), one of the most prevalent malignant solid tumors in children originating from the neural crest. Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 regulatory subunit-associated protein 3 (CDK5RAP3) is a newly identified super-enhancer-driven gene regulated by master TFs in NB; however, its function in NB remains unclear. Through an integrated study of publicly available datasets and microarrays, we observed a significantly elevated CDK5RAP3 expression level in NB, associated with poor patient prognosis. Further research demonstrated that CDK5RAP3 promotes the growth of NB cells, both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, defective CDK5RAP3 interfered with the UFMylation system, thereby triggering endoplasmic reticulum (ER) phagy. Additionally, we provide evidence that CDK5RAP3 maintains the stability of MEIS2, a master TF in NB, and in turn, contributes to the high expression of CDK5RAP3. Overall, our findings shed light on the molecular mechanisms by which CDK5RAP3 promotes tumor progression and suggest that its inhibition may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for NB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Zhuo
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215003, China; Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215025, China
| | - Zimu Zhang
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215003, China
| | - Yanling Chen
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215003, China
| | - Gen Li
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215003, China
| | - Shibei Du
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215003, China
| | - Xinyi Guo
- Department of Infection Management, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215000, China
| | - Randong Yang
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215003, China; Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215025, China
| | - Yanfang Tao
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215003, China
| | - Xiaolu Li
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215003, China
| | - Fang Fang
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215003, China
| | - Yi Xie
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215003, China
| | - Di Wu
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215003, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215003, China
| | - Chun Yang
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215003, China
| | - Hongli Yin
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215003, China
| | - Guanghui Qian
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215003, China
| | - Hairong Wang
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215003, China
| | - Juanjuan Yu
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215003, China
| | - Siqi Jia
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215003, China
| | - Frank Zhu
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, China
| | - Chenxi Feng
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215003, China
| | - Jianwei Wang
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215003, China
| | - Yunyun Xu
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215003, China
| | - Zhiheng Li
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215003, China
| | - Lei Shi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, China
| | - Xiaodong Wang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215025, China
| | - Jian Pan
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215003, China.
| | - Jian Wang
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215003, China; Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215025, China.
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4
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Li Y, Jiang J, Wang X, Cao Y, Tang L, Song X, Huang F, Li M, Chen F, Wan H, Ye S. Engrailed 2 serves as a master regulator of the super-enhancer in the TNC gene locus in non-small cell lung cancer. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2024; 39:1442-1455. [PMID: 37987507 DOI: 10.1002/tox.24047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Engrailed 2 (EN2) is a homeodomain-containing protein that is dysregulated in many types of cancer. However, the role of EN2 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and the mechanism underlying its biological function are largely unclear. Here, we showed that EN2 played an oncogenic function in NSCLC and greatly enhanced the malignant phenotype of NSCLC cells. Meanwhile, EN2 was able to boost the expression of a well-studied oncogenic Tenascin-C (TNC) gene, which in turn activated the AKT signaling pathway. Interestingly, we found that EN2 directly bound to the super-enhancer (SE) region in the TNC locus. The histone marker H3K27ac was also enriched in the region, indicating the activation of the SE. Treatment of the cells with JQ1, an inhibitor of SE activity, abrogated the effect of EN2 on the expression of TNC and phosphorylation of AKT-Ser473. Collectively, our work unveils a novel mode of EN2 function, in which EN2 governs the SE in the TNC locus, consequently activating the oncogenic TNC-AKT axis in NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Li
- Experimental Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of SouthWest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Luzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Metabolic Vascular Disease Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Jie Jiang
- Experimental Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of SouthWest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Luzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Metabolic Vascular Disease Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaoyan Wang
- Experimental Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of SouthWest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Luzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Metabolic Vascular Disease Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Yong Cao
- Experimental Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of SouthWest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Luzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Metabolic Vascular Disease Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Li Tang
- Experimental Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of SouthWest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Luzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Metabolic Vascular Disease Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Xueqin Song
- Experimental Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of SouthWest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Luzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Metabolic Vascular Disease Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Fang Huang
- Experimental Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of SouthWest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Luzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Metabolic Vascular Disease Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Mingying Li
- Experimental Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of SouthWest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Luzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Metabolic Vascular Disease Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Feng Chen
- Experimental Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of SouthWest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Luzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Metabolic Vascular Disease Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Haisu Wan
- Experimental Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of SouthWest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Luzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Metabolic Vascular Disease Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Sujuan Ye
- Experimental Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of SouthWest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Luzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Metabolic Vascular Disease Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
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5
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Xu H, Xiao L, Chen Y, Liu Y, Zhang Y, Gao Y, Man S, Yan N, Zhang M. Effect of CDK7 inhibitor on MYCN-amplified retinoblastoma. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2023; 1866:194964. [PMID: 37536559 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2023.194964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Retinoblastoma (RB) is a common malignancy that primarily affects pediatric populations. Although a well-known cause of RB is RB1 mutation, MYCN amplification can also lead to the disease, which is a poor prognosis factor. Studies conducted in various tumor types have shown that MYCN inhibition is an effective approach to impede tumor growth. Various indirect approaches have been developed to overcome the difficulty of directly targeting MYCN, such as modulating the super enhancer (SE) upstream of MYCN. The drug used in this study to treat MYCN-amplified RB was THZ1, a CDK7 inhibitor that can effectively suppress transcription by interfering with the activity of SEs. The study findings confirmed the anticancer activity of THZ1 against RB in both in vitro and in vivo experiments. Therapy with THZ1 was found to affect numerous genes in RB according to the RNA-seq analysis. Moreover, the gene expression changes induced by THZ1 treatment were enriched in ribosome, endocytosis, cell cycle, apoptosis, etc. Furthermore, the combined analysis of ChIP-Seq and RNA-seq data suggested a potential role of SEs in regulating the expression of critical transcription factors, such as MYCN, OTX2, and SOX4. Moreover, ChIP-qPCR experiments were conducted to confirm the interaction between MYCN and SEs. In conclusion, THZ1 caused substantial changes in gene transcription in RB, resulting in inhibited cell proliferation, interference with the cell cycle, and increased apoptosis. The efficacy of THZ1 is positively correlated with the degree of MYCN amplification and is likely exerted by interfering with MYCN upstream SEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanyue Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, PR China; Research Laboratory of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Lirong Xiao
- Research Laboratory of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Yi Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, PR China; Research Laboratory of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Yilin Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Yifan Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Yuzhu Gao
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Shulei Man
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Naihong Yan
- Research Laboratory of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, PR China.
| | - Ming Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, PR China.
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Jian H, Poetsch A. CASZ1: Current Implications in Cardiovascular Diseases and Cancers. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2079. [PMID: 37509718 PMCID: PMC10377389 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11072079] [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: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Castor zinc finger 1 (CASZ1) is a C2H2 zinc finger family protein that has two splicing variants, CASZ1a and CASZ1b. It is involved in multiple physiological processes, such as tissue differentiation and aldosterone antagonism. Genetic and epigenetic alternations of CASZ1 have been characterized in multiple cardiovascular disorders, such as congenital heart diseases, chronic venous diseases, and hypertension. However, little is known about how CASZ1 mechanically participates in the pathogenesis of these diseases. Over the past decades, at first glance, paradoxical influences on cell behaviors and progressions of different cancer types have been discovered for CASZ1, which may be explained by a "double-agent" role for CASZ1. In this review, we discuss the physiological function of CASZ1, and focus on the association of CASZ1 aberrations with the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases and cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng Jian
- Queen Mary School, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Ansgar Poetsch
- Queen Mary School, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
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7
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Wang X, Liu D, Luo J, Kong D, Zhang Y. Exploring the Role of Enhancer-Mediated Transcriptional Regulation in Precision Biology. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10843. [PMID: 37446021 PMCID: PMC10342031 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310843] [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: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of precision biology has been driven by the development of advanced technologies and techniques in high-resolution biological research systems. Enhancer-mediated transcriptional regulation, a complex network of gene expression and regulation in eukaryotes, has attracted significant attention as a promising avenue for investigating the underlying mechanisms of biological processes and diseases. To address biological problems with precision, large amounts of data, functional information, and research on the mechanisms of action of biological molecules is required to address biological problems with precision. Enhancers, including typical enhancers and super enhancers, play a crucial role in gene expression and regulation within this network. The identification and targeting of disease-associated enhancers hold the potential to advance precision medicine. In this review, we present the concepts, progress, importance, and challenges in precision biology, transcription regulation, and enhancers. Furthermore, we propose a model of transcriptional regulation for multi-enhancers and provide examples of their mechanisms in mammalian cells, thereby enhancing our understanding of how enhancers achieve precise regulation of gene expression in life processes. Precision biology holds promise in providing new tools and platforms for discovering insights into gene expression and disease occurrence, ultimately benefiting individuals and society as a whole.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyan Wang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China;
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics of MARA, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518120, China; (D.L.); (J.L.); (D.K.)
| | - Danli Liu
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics of MARA, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518120, China; (D.L.); (J.L.); (D.K.)
| | - Jing Luo
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics of MARA, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518120, China; (D.L.); (J.L.); (D.K.)
| | - Dashuai Kong
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics of MARA, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518120, China; (D.L.); (J.L.); (D.K.)
| | - Yubo Zhang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China;
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics of MARA, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518120, China; (D.L.); (J.L.); (D.K.)
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8
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Kravchuk EV, Ashniev GA, Gladkova MG, Orlov AV, Vasileva AV, Boldyreva AV, Burenin AG, Skirda AM, Nikitin PI, Orlova NN. Experimental Validation and Prediction of Super-Enhancers: Advances and Challenges. Cells 2023; 12:cells12081191. [PMID: 37190100 DOI: 10.3390/cells12081191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Super-enhancers (SEs) are cis-regulatory elements of the human genome that have been widely discussed since the discovery and origin of the term. Super-enhancers have been shown to be strongly associated with the expression of genes crucial for cell differentiation, cell stability maintenance, and tumorigenesis. Our goal was to systematize research studies dedicated to the investigation of structure and functions of super-enhancers as well as to define further perspectives of the field in various applications, such as drug development and clinical use. We overviewed the fundamental studies which provided experimental data on various pathologies and their associations with particular super-enhancers. The analysis of mainstream approaches for SE search and prediction allowed us to accumulate existing data and propose directions for further algorithmic improvements of SEs' reliability levels and efficiency. Thus, here we provide the description of the most robust algorithms such as ROSE, imPROSE, and DEEPSEN and suggest their further use for various research and development tasks. The most promising research direction, which is based on topic and number of published studies, are cancer-associated super-enhancers and prospective SE-targeted therapy strategies, most of which are discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina V Kravchuk
- Prokhorov General Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 38 Vavilov St., 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskiye Gory, MSU, 1-12, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - German A Ashniev
- Prokhorov General Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 38 Vavilov St., 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskiye Gory, MSU, 1-12, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, GSP-1, Leninskiye Gory, MSU, 1-73, 119234 Moscow, Russia
| | - Marina G Gladkova
- Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, GSP-1, Leninskiye Gory, MSU, 1-73, 119234 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexey V Orlov
- Prokhorov General Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 38 Vavilov St., 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anastasiia V Vasileva
- Prokhorov General Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 38 Vavilov St., 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna V Boldyreva
- Prokhorov General Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 38 Vavilov St., 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexandr G Burenin
- Prokhorov General Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 38 Vavilov St., 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Artemiy M Skirda
- Prokhorov General Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 38 Vavilov St., 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Petr I Nikitin
- Prokhorov General Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 38 Vavilov St., 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Natalia N Orlova
- Prokhorov General Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 38 Vavilov St., 119991 Moscow, Russia
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Mill CP, Fiskus W, Das K, Davis JA, Birdwell CE, Kadia TM, DiNardo CD, Daver N, Takahashi K, Sasaki K, McGeehan GM, Ruan X, Su X, Loghavi S, Kantarjian H, Bhalla KN. Causal linkage of presence of mutant NPM1 to efficacy of novel therapeutic agents against AML cells with mutant NPM1. Leukemia 2023:10.1038/s41375-023-01882-4. [PMID: 36977823 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-023-01882-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
In AML with NPM1 mutation causing cytoplasmic dislocation of NPM1, treatments with Menin inhibitor (MI) and standard AML chemotherapy yield complete remissions. However, the causal and mechanistic linkage of mtNPM1 to the efficacy of these agents has not been definitively established. Utilizing CRISPR-Cas9 editing to knockout (KO) or knock-in a copy of mtNPM1 in AML cells, present studies demonstrate that KO of mtNPM1 from AML cells abrogates sensitivity to MI, selinexor (exportin-1 inhibitor), and cytarabine. Conversely, the knock-in of a copy of mtNPM1 markedly sensitized AML cells to treatment with MI or cytarabine. Following AML therapy, most elderly patients with AML with mtNPM1 and co-mutations in FLT3 suffer AML relapse with poor outcomes, creating a need for novel effective therapies. Utilizing the RNA-Seq signature of CRISPR-edited AML cells with mtNPM1 KO, we interrogated the LINCS1000-CMap data set and found several pan-HDAC inhibitors and a WEE1 tyrosine kinase inhibitor among the top expression mimickers (EMs). Additionally, treatment with adavosertib (WEE1 inhibitor) or panobinostat (pan-HDAC inhibitor) exhibited synergistic in vitro lethal activity with MI against AML cells with mtNPM1. Treatment with adavosertib or panobinostat also reduced AML burden and improved survival in AML xenograft models sensitive or resistant to MI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher P Mill
- The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Warren Fiskus
- The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Kaberi Das
- The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - John A Davis
- The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | | | - Tapan M Kadia
- The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Courtney D DiNardo
- The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Naval Daver
- The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Koichi Takahashi
- The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Koji Sasaki
- The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | | | - Xinjia Ruan
- The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Xiaoping Su
- The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Sanam Loghavi
- The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Hagop Kantarjian
- The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Kapil N Bhalla
- The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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10
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Zhuang HH, Qu Q, Teng XQ, Dai YH, Qu J. Superenhancers as master gene regulators and novel therapeutic targets in brain tumors. Exp Mol Med 2023; 55:290-303. [PMID: 36720920 PMCID: PMC9981748 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-023-00934-0] [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: 07/24/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcriptional deregulation, a cancer cell hallmark, is driven by epigenetic abnormalities in the majority of brain tumors, including adult glioblastoma and pediatric brain tumors. Epigenetic abnormalities can activate epigenetic regulatory elements to regulate the expression of oncogenes. Superenhancers (SEs), identified as novel epigenetic regulatory elements, are clusters of enhancers with cell-type specificity that can drive the aberrant transcription of oncogenes and promote tumor initiation and progression. As gene regulators, SEs are involved in tumorigenesis in a variety of tumors, including brain tumors. SEs are susceptible to inhibition by their key components, such as bromodomain protein 4 and cyclin-dependent kinase 7, providing new opportunities for antitumor therapy. In this review, we summarized the characteristics and identification, unique organizational structures, and activation mechanisms of SEs in tumors, as well as the clinical applications related to SEs in tumor therapy and prognostication. Based on a review of the literature, we discussed the relationship between SEs and different brain tumors and potential therapeutic targets, focusing on glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Hui Zhuang
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, PR China
| | - Qiang Qu
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410007, PR China.,Institute for Rational and Safe Medication Practices, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410007, PR China
| | - Xin-Qi Teng
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, PR China
| | - Ying-Huan Dai
- Department of Pathology, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, PR China
| | - Jian Qu
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, PR China.
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11
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Li XP, Qu J, Teng XQ, Zhuang HH, Dai YH, Yang Z, Qu Q. The Emerging Role of Super-enhancers as Therapeutic Targets in The Digestive System Tumors. Int J Biol Sci 2023; 19:1036-1048. [PMID: 36923930 PMCID: PMC10008685 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.78535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Digestive system tumors include malignancies of the stomach, pancreas, colon, rectum, and the esophagus, and are associated with high morbidity and mortality. Aberrant epigenetic modifications play a vital role in the progression of digestive system tumors. The aberrant transcription of key oncogenes is driven by super-enhancers (SEs), which are characterized by large clusters of enhancers with significantly high density of transcription factors, cofactors, and epigenetic modulatory proteins. The SEs consist of critical epigenetic regulatory elements, which modulate the biological characteristics of digestive system tumors including tumor cell identity and differentiation, tumorigenesis, environmental response, immune response, and chemotherapeutic resistance. The core transcription regulatory loop of the digestive system tumors is complex and a high density of transcription regulatory complexes in the SEs and the crosstalk between SEs and the noncoding RNAs. In this review, we summarized the known characteristics and functions of the SEs in the digestive system tumors. Furthermore, we discuss the oncogenic roles and regulatory mechanisms of SEs in the digestive system tumors. We highlight the role of SE-driven genes, enhancer RNAs (eRNAs), lncRNAs, and miRNAs in the digestive system tumor growth and progression. Finally, we discuss clinical significance of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing system and inhibitors of SE-related proteins such as BET and CDK7 as potential cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-Ping Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410007, PR China.,Institute for Rational and Safe Medication Practices, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410007, PR China
| | - Jian Qu
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University; Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha 410011, PR China.,Hunan key laboratory of the research and development of novel pharmaceutical preparations, Changsha Medical University, Changsha, 410219, PR China
| | - Xin-Qi Teng
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University; Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha 410011, PR China
| | - Hai-Hui Zhuang
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University; Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha 410011, PR China
| | - Ying-Huan Dai
- Department of Pathology, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, PR China
| | - Zhi Yang
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, Hepatobiliary and Enteric Surgery Research Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410007, PR China
| | - Qiang Qu
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410007, PR China.,Institute for Rational and Safe Medication Practices, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410007, PR China.,Hunan key laboratory of the research and development of novel pharmaceutical preparations, Changsha Medical University, Changsha, 410219, PR China
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12
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Cao Z, Shu Y, Wang J, Wang C, Feng T, Yang L, Shao J, Zou L. Super enhancers: Pathogenic roles and potential therapeutic targets for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Genes Dis 2022; 9:1466-1477. [PMID: 36157504 PMCID: PMC9485276 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2022.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a malignant hematological tumor with disordered oncogenes/tumor suppressor genes and limited treatments. The potent anti-cancer effects of bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) inhibitors, targeting the key component of super enhancers, in early clinical trials on AML patients, implies the critical role of super enhancers in AML. Here, we review the concept and characteristic of super enhancer, and then summarize the current researches about super enhancers in AML pathogenesis, diagnosis and classification, followed by illustrate the potential super enhancer-related targets and drugs, and propose the future directions of super enhancers in AML. This information provides integrated insight into the roles of super enhancers in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyang Cao
- Clinical Research Unit, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200062, PR China
- Institute of Pediatric Infection, Immunity, Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200062, PR China
| | - Yi Shu
- Center for Clinical Molecular Laboratory Medicine of Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China
| | - Jinxia Wang
- Clinical Research Unit, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200062, PR China
- Institute of Pediatric Infection, Immunity, Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200062, PR China
| | - Chunxia Wang
- Clinical Research Unit, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200062, PR China
- Institute of Pediatric Infection, Immunity, Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200062, PR China
| | - Tienan Feng
- Clinical Research Unit, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200062, PR China
- Clinical Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, PR China
| | - Li Yang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Jingbo Shao
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200062, PR China
| | - Lin Zou
- Clinical Research Unit, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200062, PR China
- Institute of Pediatric Infection, Immunity, Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200062, PR China
- Center for Clinical Molecular Laboratory Medicine of Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China
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