Installation of a cancer promoting WNT/SIX1 signaling axis by the oncofusion protein MLL-AF9

An in vivo CRISPR screen in chick embryos reveals a role for MLLT3 in specification of neural cells from the caudal epiblast

Tissue development relies on the coordinated differentiation of stem cells in dynamically changing environments. The formation of the vertebrate neural tube from stem cells in the caudal lateral epiblast is a well-characterized example. Despite an understanding of the signalling pathways involved, the gene regulatory mechanisms remain poorly defined. To address this, we developed a multiplexed in vivo CRISPR screening approach in chick embryos targeting genes expressed in the caudal epiblast and neural tube. This revealed a role for MLLT3, a component of the super elongation complex, in the specification of neural fate. Perturbation of MLLT3 disrupted neural tube morphology and reduced neural fate acquisition. Mutant forms of retinoic acid receptor A lacking the MLLT3 binding domain similarly reduced neural fate acquisition. Together, these findings validate an in vivo CRISPR screen strategy in chick embryos and identify a previously unreported role for MLLT3 in caudal neural tissue specification.

Interaction Between Malat1 and miR-499-5p Regulates Meis1 Expression and Function with a Net Impact on Cell Proliferation

Meis1 is a transcription factor involved in numerous functions including development and proliferation and has been previously shown to harness cell cycle progression. In this study, we used in silico analysis to predict that miR-499-5p targets Meis1 and that Malat1 sponges miR-499-5p. For the first time, we demonstrated that the overexpression of miR-499-5p led to the downregulation of Meis1 mRNA and protein in C166 cells by directly binding to its 3'UTR. Moreover, knocking down Malat1 increased miR-499-5p expression, subsequently suppressing Meis1. Through BrdU incorporation assay, we showed that the knockdown of Malat1, Meis1, or mimicking with miR-499-5p promoted cell proliferation. Enrichment analyses on proteins identified via mass spectrometry after manipulating Malat1, miR-499-5p, or Meis1 revealed a multitude of differentially expressed proteins related to cell cycle, cell division, and key pathways like Wnt and mTOR, essential for cell proliferation. Collectively, our findings confirm that Malat1 sponges miR-499-5p, regulating Meis1, and that Malat1/miR-499-5p/Meis1 could potentially form an axis that has a pivotal influence on cellular proliferation.

The pathogenesis and development of targeted drugs in acute T lymphoblastic leukaemia

Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is mainly classified into acute T- and B-lymphoblastic leukaemia according to the source of its lymphocytes, thymus and bone. Among them, the incidence of adult T-cell accounts for about 25% of adult acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, but the degree of malignancy is high and the treatment rate and prognosis are poor. At this stage, there are few targeted drugs and the commonly used broad-spectrum chemotherapeutic drugs have poor efficacy and many adverse drug reactions. Understanding and investigating the pathogenesis of T-acute lymphoblastic leukaemia is very important for further developing new targeting drugs and improving existing drugs. Dysregulated signalling pathways are the main aetiological factors of T-acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. They play crucial roles in promoting tumour initiation, progression, drug design and therapy responses. This is primarily because signalling pathways are indispensable for many cellular biological processes, including tumour growth, migration, invasion, metastasis and others. As a result, small molecule inhibitors targeting the major kinase components of the signalling pathway have received a lot of attention and have been developed and evaluated in preclinical models and clinical trials. Already marketed drugs are also being repurposed in combination therapies to further improve efficacy and overcome tumour cell resistance. In this review, we have aimed to examine the latest and most classical signalling pathways in the aetiology of T-acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and shed light on potential targets for novel therapeutic agents to act on.

Retinal determination gene networks: from biological functions to therapeutic strategies

The retinal determinant gene network (RDGN), originally discovered as a critical determinator in Drosophila eye specification, has become an important regulatory network in tumorigenesis and progression, as well as organogenesis. This network is not only associated with malignant biological behaviors of tumors, such as proliferation, and invasion, but also regulates the development of multiple mammalian organs. Three members of this conservative network have been extensively investigated, including DACH, SIX, and EYA. Dysregulated RDGN signaling is associated with the initiation and progression of tumors. In recent years, it has been found that the members of this network can be used as prognostic markers for cancer patients. Moreover, they are considered to be potential therapeutic targets for cancer. Here, we summarize the research progress of RDGN members from biological functions to signaling transduction, especially emphasizing their effects on tumors. Additionally, we discuss the roles of RDGN members in the development of organs and tissue as well as their correlations with the pathogenesis of chronic kidney disease and coronary heart disease. By summarizing the roles of RDGN members in human diseases, we hope to promote future investigations into RDGN and provide potential therapeutic strategies for patients.

TRIM24 promotes colorectal cancer cell progression via the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway activation

Overexpression of TRIM24 is observed in several human cancers and is correlated with an increase in the progression and metastasis of tumors. In this study, we investigated the changes in activity and biochemical events that occur after overexpression of TRIM24 in a colorectal cancer (CRC) mouse model. We observed upregulated TRIM24 expression in CRC tissues compared to that in nonneoplastic adjacent tissues. Enhanced expression of TRIM24 was significantly associated with the status of lymph nodes and poor recurrence-free survival of patients with CRC. The role of TRIM24 in CRC tumor growth was investigated using an orthotopic model of MC38 mouse colon cancer cells overexpressing TRIM24, and CRC tumor growth was found to increase dramatically by TRIM24 overexpression. Moreover, angiogenesis was stimulated by TRIM24 overexpression via the upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression. Overexpression of TRIM24 in MC38 cells led to an increase in the protein levels of ALDH1 and other stem cell markers. In addition, we observed that Wnt/β-catenin signaling is required for the function of TRIM24 in CRC cells. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) were found to be recruited by tumor cells overexpressing TRIM24 via the increased expression of CCL2/5, CSF-1, and VEGF, further enhancing CRC tumor growth. In conclusion, overexpression of TRIM24 facilitates the growth of CRC and the remodeling of the tumor stroma via angiogenesis stimulation and TAM recruitment. The Wnt/β-catenin pathway is a possible crucial link in the TRIM24-associated progression of tumors, which may provide opportunities for pharmacological intervention.

NKL Homeobox Genes NKX2-3 and NKX2-4 Deregulate Megakaryocytic-Erythroid Cell Differentiation in AML

NKL homeobox genes encode transcription factors that impact normal development and hematopoietic malignancies if deregulated. Recently, we established an NKL-code that describes the physiological expression pattern of eleven NKL homeobox genes in the course of hematopoiesis, allowing evaluation of aberrantly activated NKL genes in leukemia/lymphoma. Here, we identify ectopic expression of NKL homeobox gene NKX2-4 in an erythroblastic acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell line OCI-M2 and describe investigation of its activating factors and target genes. Comparative expression profiling data of AML cell lines revealed in OCI-M2 an aberrantly activated program for endothelial development including master factor ETV2 and the additional endothelial signature genes HEY1, IRF6, and SOX7. Corresponding siRNA-mediated knockdown experiments showed their role in activating NKX2-4 expression. Furthermore, the ETV2 locus at 19p13 was genomically amplified, possibly underlying its aberrant expression. Target gene analyses of NKX2-4 revealed activated ETV2, HEY1, and SIX5 and suppressed FLI1. Comparative expression profiling analysis of public datasets for AML patients and primary megakaryocyte–erythroid progenitor cells showed conspicuous similarities to NKX2-4 activating factors and the target genes we identified, supporting the clinical relevance of our findings and developmental disturbance by NKX2-4. Finally, identification and target gene analysis of aberrantly expressed NKX2-3 in AML patients and a megakaryoblastic AML cell line ELF-153 showed activation of FLI1, contrasting with OCI-M2. FLI1 encodes a master factor for myelopoiesis, driving megakaryocytic differentiation and suppressing erythroid differentiation, thus representing a basic developmental target of these homeo-oncogenes. Taken together, we have identified aberrantly activated NKL homeobox genes NKX2-3 and NKX2-4 in AML, deregulating genes involved in megakaryocytic and erythroid differentiation processes, and thereby contributing to the formation of specific AML subtypes.

The multidimensional role of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in human malignancies

Several signaling pathways have been identified as important for developmental processes. One of such important cascades is the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, which can regulate various physiological processes such as embryonic development, tissue homeostasis, and tissue regeneration; while its dysregulation is implicated in several pathological conditions especially cancers. Interestingly, deregulation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway has been reported to be closely associated with initiation, progression, metastasis, maintenance of cancer stem cells, and drug resistance in human malignancies. Moreover, several genetic and experimental models support the inhibition of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway to answer the key issues related to cancer development. The present review focuses on different regulators of Wnt pathway and how distinct mutations, deletion, and amplification in these regulators could possibly play an essential role in the development of several cancers such as colorectal, melanoma, breast, lung, and leukemia. Additionally, we also provide insights on diverse classes of inhibitors of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, which are currently in preclinical and clinical trial against different cancers.

A Box of Chemistry to Inhibit the MEN1 Tumor Suppressor Gene Promoting Leukemia

Targeting protein-protein interactions (PPIs) with small-molecule inhibitors has become a hotbed of modern drug development. In this review, we describe a new class of PPI inhibitors that block menin from binding to MLL proteins. Menin is encoded by the MEN1 tumor suppressor, but acts as an essential cofactor for MLL/KMT2A-rearranged leukemias. The most promising menin-MLL inhibitors belong to the thienopyrimidine class and have recently entered phase I/II clinical trials for treating acute leukemias characterized by MLL/KMT2A translocations or NPM1 mutations. As single agents, thienopyrimidine compounds eradicate leukemia in a xenograft models of primary leukemic cells belonging to the MLL-rearranged or NPM1-mutant subtypes. These compounds are well tolerated with few or no side effects, which is remarkable given the tumor-suppressor function of menin. The menin-MLL inhibitors highlight how leukemia patients could benefit from a targeted epigenetic therapy with novel PPI inhibitors obtained by directed chemical evolution.

Cell signaling pathways as molecular targets to eliminate AML stem cells

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains the most lethal of leukemias and a small population of cells called leukemic stem cells (LSCs) has been associated with disease relapses. Some cell signaling pathways play an important role in AML survival, proliferation and self-renewal properties and are abnormally activated or suppressed in LSCs. This includes the NF-κB, Wnt/β-catenin, Hedgehog, Notch, EGFR, JAK/STAT, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, TGF/SMAD and PPAR pathways. This review aimed to discuss these pathways as molecular targets for eliminating AML LSCs. Herein, inhibitors/activators of these pathways were summarized as a potential new anti-AML therapy capable of eliminating LSCs to guide future researches. The clinical use of cell signaling pathways data can be useful to enhance the anti-AML therapy.

Short-form RON (sf-RON) enhances glucose metabolism to promote cell proliferation via activating β-catenin/SIX1 signaling pathway in gastric cancer

Recepteur d'origine nantais (RON) has been implicated in cell proliferation, metastasis, and chemoresistance of various human malignancies. The short-form RON (sf-RON) encoded by RON transcripts was overexpressed in gastric cancer tissues, but its regulatory functions remain illustrated. Here, we found that sf-RON promoted gastric cancer cell proliferation by enhancing glucose metabolism. Furthermore, sf-RON was proved to induce the β-catenin expression level through the AKT1/GSK3β signaling pathway. Meanwhile, the binding sites of β-catenin were identified in the promoter region of SIX1 and it was also demonstrated that β-catenin positively regulated SIX1 expression. SIX1 enhanced the promoter activity of key proteins in glucose metabolism, such as GLUT1 and LDHA. Results indicated that sf-RON regulated the cell proliferation and glucose metabolism of gastric cancer by participating in a sf-RON/β-catenin/SIX1 signaling axis and had significant implications for choosing the therapeutic target of gastric cancer.

BCOR Binding to MLL-AF9 Is Essential for Leukemia via Altered EYA1, SIX, and MYC Activity

MLL is a target of chromosomal translocations in acute leukemias with poor prognosis. The common MLL fusion partner AF9 (MLLT3) can directly bind to AF4, DOT1L, BCOR, and CBX8. To delineate the relevance of BCOR and CBX8 binding to MLL-AF9 for leukemogenesis, here we determine protein structures of AF9 complexes with CBX8 and BCOR, and show that binding of all four partners to AF9 is mutually exclusive. Using the structural analyses, we identify point mutations that selectively disrupt AF9 interactions with BCOR and CBX8. In bone marrow stem/progenitor cells expressing point mutant CBX8 or point mutant MLL-AF9, we show that disruption of direct CBX8/MLL-AF9 binding does not impact in vitro cell proliferation, whereas loss of direct BCOR/MLL-AF9 binding causes partial differentiation and increased proliferation. Strikingly, loss of MLL-AF9/BCOR binding abrogated its leukemogenic potential in a mouse model. The MLL-AF9 mutant deficient for BCOR binding reduces the expression of the EYA1 phosphatase and the protein level of c-Myc. Reduction in BCOR binding to MLL-AF9 alters a MYC-driven gene expression program, as well as altering expression of SIX-regulated genes, likely contributing to the observed reduction in the leukemia-initiating cell population.

Wnt Signaling in Leukemia and Its Bone Marrow Microenvironment

Leukemia is an aggressive hematologic neoplastic disease. Therapy-resistant leukemic stem cells (LSCs) may contribute to the relapse of the disease. LSCs are thought to be protected in the leukemia microenvironment, mainly consisting of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSC), endothelial cells, and osteoblasts. Canonical and noncanonical Wnt pathways play a critical role in the maintenance of normal hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) and LSCs. In this review, we summarize recent findings on the role of Wnt signaling in leukemia and its microenvironment and provide information on the currently available strategies for targeting Wnt signaling.

The multiple ways Wnt signaling contributes to acute leukemia pathogenesis

WNT proteins constitute a very conserved family of secreted glycoproteins that act as short-range ligands for signaling with critical roles in hematopoiesis, embryonic development, and tissue homeostasis. These proteins transduce signals via the canonical pathway, which is β-catenin-mediated and better-characterized, or via more diverse noncanonical pathways that are β-catenin independent and comprise the planar cell polarity (PCP) pathway and the WNT/Ca⁺⁺ pathways. Several proteins regulate Wnt signaling through a variety of sophisticated mechanisms. Disorders within the pathway can contribute to various human diseases, and the dysregulation of Wnt pathways by different molecular mechanisms is implicated in the pathogenesis of many types of cancer, including the hematological malignancies. The types of leukemia differ considerably and can be subdivided into chronic, myeloid or lymphocytic, and acute, myeloid or lymphocytic, leukemia, according to the differentiation stage of the predominant cells, the progenitor lineage, the diagnostic age strata, and the specific molecular drivers behind their development. Here, we review the role of Wnt signaling in normal hematopoiesis and discuss in detail the multiple ways canonical Wnt signaling can be dysregulated in acute leukemia, including alterations in gene expression and protein levels, epigenetic regulation, and mutations. Furthermore, we highlight the different impacts of these alterations, considering the distinct forms of the disease, and the therapeutic potential of targeting Wnt signaling.

The PAX-SIX-EYA-DACH network modulates GATA-FOG function in fly hematopoiesis and human erythropoiesis

The GATA and PAX-SIX-EYA-DACH transcriptional networks (PSEDNs) are essential for proper development across taxa. Here, we demonstrate novel PSEDN roles in vivo in Drosophila hematopoiesis and in human erythropoiesis in vitro Using Drosophila genetics, we show that PSEDN members function with GATA to block lamellocyte differentiation and maintain the prohemocyte pool. Overexpression of human SIX1 stimulated erythroid differentiation of human erythroleukemia TF1 cells and primary hematopoietic stem-progenitor cells. Conversely, SIX1 knockout impaired erythropoiesis in both cell types. SIX1 stimulation of erythropoiesis required GATA1, as SIX1 overexpression failed to drive erythroid phenotypes and gene expression patterns in GATA1 knockout cells. SIX1 can associate with GATA1 and stimulate GATA1-mediated gene transcription, suggesting that SIX1-GATA1 physical interactions contribute to the observed functional interactions. In addition, both fly and human SIX proteins regulated GATA protein levels. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that SIX proteins enhance GATA function at multiple levels, and reveal evolutionarily conserved cooperation between the GATA and PSEDN networks that may regulate developmental processes beyond hematopoiesis.

Six1 is negatively correlated with poor prognosis and reduces 5-fluorouracil sensitivity via attenuating the stemness of hepatocellular carcinoma cells

The promoting roles of transcriptional factor six1 have been shown in various tumors, such as breast cancer and colorectal Cancer. However, its roles in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell stemness and chemotherapeutic sensitivity are never been revealed. In the present study, we showed that six1 expression was negatively correlated the overall survival of HCC patients and significantly increased in HCC tissues. Analysis on normal hepatic cells and HCC cells obtained the consistent result. Functional experiments revealed that six1 knockdown enhanced 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) sensitivity and reduced the stemness of HCC cells. Additionally, six1 knockdown partially reversed 5-FU resistance and attenuated the stemness in 5-FU-resistant HCC cells. Furthermore, we demonstrated that six1 directly bound to sox2 (a stemness master regulator) promoter, enhanced its transcription and expression. Overexpression of sox2 rescued the inhibitory effects of six1 knockdown on the stemness and 5-FU sensitivity of HCC cells. Thus, our work identified a novel six1/sox2 axis in regulating the stemness of HCC cells.