Transcriptional regulation by WT1 in development

RNA Sequencing Identifies WT1 Overexpression as a Predictor of Poor Outcomes in Acute Myeloid Leukemia

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

AML is a heterogeneous hematological malignancy distinguished by the clonal expansion of immature myeloid progenitor cells. Despite advances in therapy, relapse rates remain high, and outcomes are poor. The WT1 gene has emerged as a potential contributor to leukemogenesis, but its clinical relevance at the transcriptional level is not fully understood. This study employed RNA sequencing as a discovery tool to identify WT1 gene expression in AML and further investigated its role in diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment response.

METHODS

Between 2020 and 2024, 345 diagnostic, 259 post-induction, and 70 relapse-stage BM or PB samples were prospectively collected from de novo AML patients at AIIMS, New Delhi. RNA sequencing was initially performed on five paired diagnosis-relapse samples to profile transcriptomic changes and assess WT1 expression dynamics. WT1 expression was further validated by qPCR. The relationship between WT1 expression and various clinical parameters was evaluated using Cox regression analysis to determine its impact on prognosis.

RESULTS

RNA sequencing and qPCR confirmed WT1 overexpression at diagnosis, which significantly declined following induction therapy. High WT1 expression at diagnosis was linked with adverse clinical characteristics, including elevated WBC counts and higher blast percentages and predicted poor survival outcomes. WT1 expression was identified as a significant prognostic marker, correlating with OS and EFS.

CONCLUSIONS

By integrating RNA sequencing with targeted validation, this study highlights WT1 expression as a critical biomarker for AML diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment response. The findings suggest that WT1 expression may serve as a valuable tool for monitoring disease status, risk stratification, and guiding treatment decisions in AML, with potential applications for WT1-targeted precision therapies.

Machine learning based identification of anoikis related gene classification patterns and immunoinfiltration characteristics in diabetic nephropathy

Anoikis and immune cell infiltration are pivotal factors in the pathophysiological mechanism of diabetic nephropathy (DN), yet a comprehensive understanding of the mechanism is lacking. This work aimed to pinpoint distinctive anoikis-related genes (ARGs) in DN and delve into their impact on the immune landscape. Three datasets (GSE30528, GSE47184, and GSE96804) were downloaded from the gene expression omnibus (GEO) dataset. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using the "limma" package, while ARGs were obtained from GSEA, GeneCard, and Harmonizome datasets. The intersection of DEGs and ARGs was analyzed for Gene Ontology (GO) function and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment. The CIBERSORT algorithm was employed to estimate the infiltration percentage of 22 immune cell types in DN renal tissue. Subsequently, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), support vector machine recursive feature elimination (SVM-RFE), and random forest (RF) algorithms were adopted to screen key ARGs related to DN. After that, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was employed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of each gene and the real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was adopted to quantitatively detect the expression of biomarkers in DN cell models. Finally, correlations between key genes and immune cell infiltration were analyzed, and a competitive endogenous ribonucleic acid (RNA) (ceRNA) network based on key genes was constructed. A total of 59 DEARGs were identified. GO functional annotation enrichment analysis revealed their involvement in kidney development, extracellular matrix (ECM), cytoplasmic vesicle cavity, immunoinflammatory response, and cytokine effect. KEGG pathway analysis indicated that MAPK, PI3K -Akt, IL -17, TNF, and HIF- 1 signaling pathways are critical for DN. In addition, seven key genes, including PDK4, S100A8, HTRA1, CHI3L1, WT1, CDKN1B, and EGF, were screened by machine learning algorithm. Most of these genes exhibited low expression in renal tissue of DN patients and positive correlation with neutrophils, and their expressions were verified in an external dataset cell model. The ceRNA analysis suggested potential regulatory pathways (H19/miR-15b-5p/PDK4 and KCNQ1T1/miR-1207-3p/WT1) influencing early DN progression. This work provided a comprehensive analysis of the role of DEARGs in DN for the first time, offering valuable insights for further understanding the disease mechanism and guiding clinical diagnosis, treatment, and research of DN.

APOL1 Modulates Renin-Angiotensin System

Patients carrying APOL1 risk alleles (G1 and G2) have a higher risk of developing Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS); we hypothesized that escalated levels of miR193a contribute to kidney injury by activating renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in the APOL1 milieus. Differentiated podocytes (DPDs) stably expressing vector (V/DPD), G0 (G0/DPDs), G1 (G1/DPDs), and G2 (G2/DPDs) were evaluated for renin, Vitamin D receptor (VDR), and podocyte molecular markers (PDMMs, including WT1, Podocalyxin, Nephrin, and Cluster of Differentiation [CD]2 associated protein [AP]). G0/DPDs displayed attenuated renin but an enhanced expression of VDR and Wilms Tumor [WT]1, including other PDMMs; in contrast, G1/DPDs and G2/DPDs exhibited enhanced expression of renin but decreased expression of VDR and WT1, as well as other PDMMs (at both the protein and mRNA levels). G1/DPDs and G2/DPDs also showed increased mRNA expression for Angiotensinogen and Angiotensin II Type 1 (AT1R) and 2 (AT2R) receptors. Protein concentrations of Brain Acid-Soluble Protein [BASP]1, Enhancer of Zeste Homolog [EZH]2, Histone Deacetylase [HDAC]1, and Histone 3 Lysine27 trimethylated [H3K27me3] in WT1-IP (immunoprecipitated proteins with WT1 antibody) fractions were significantly higher in G0/DPDs vs. G1/DPD and G2/DPDs. Moreover, DPD-silenced BASP1 displayed an increased expression of renin. Notably, VDR agonist-treated DPDs showed escalated levels of VDR and a higher expression of PDMMs, but an attenuated expression of renin. Human Embryonic Kidney (HEK) cells transfected with increasing APOL1(G0) plasmid concentrations showed a corresponding reduction in renin mRNA expression. Bioinformatics studies predicted the miR193a target sites in the VDR 3'UTR (untranslated region), and the luciferase assay confirmed the predicted sites. As expected, podocytes transfected with miR193a plasmid displayed a reduced VDR and an enhanced expression of renin. Renal cortical section immunolabeling in miR193a transgenic (Tr) mice showed renin-expressing podocytes. Kidney tissue extracts from miR193aTr mice also showed reduced expression of VDR and PDMMs, but enhanced expression of Renin. Blood Ang II levels were higher in miR193aTr, APOLG1, and APOL1G1/G2 mice when compared to control mice. Based on these findings, miR193a regulates the activation of RAS and podocyte molecular markers through modulation of VDR and WT1 in the APOL1 milieu.

Immunotherapy Applications for Thymine Dimers and WT1 Antigen in Renal Cancers: A Comparative Statistical Analysis

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remains incurable in advanced stages. Biomarkers have proven to be quite useful in cancer therapeutics. Herein, we provide a comparative/integrative statistical analysis of seminal immunohistochemistry (IHC) findings for Wilms' Tumor 1 antigen (WT1) and thymine dimers (TDs), emerging as atypical, yet promising, potential biomarkers for RCCs. We assessed WT1/TD reactivity in adult RCC tumor cells, tumor microenvironment (TME), and tumor-adjacent healthy renal tissue (HRT). WT1 positivity was scarce and strictly nuclear in tumor cells, whereas TD-reactive tumor tissues were prevalent. We report statistically significant positive correlations between the density of reactive RCC cellularity and the intensity of nuclear staining for both biomarkers (WT1 - rho = 0.341, p-value = 0.036; TDs - rho = 0.379, p-value = 0.002). RCC stromal TME TD-positivity was much more frequent than WT1 reactivity, apparently proportional to that of the proper RCC cellularity and facilitated by extensive RCC inflammatory infiltration. TDs exhibited nuclear reactivity for most TME cell lines, while RCC TME WT1 expression was rare and inconsistent. In HRTs, TDs were entirely restricted to renal tubular cells, the likely cellular progenitor of most conventional RCC subtypes. In lieu of proper validation, these early findings have significant implications regarding the origins/biology of RCCs and may inform RCC therapeutics, both accounting for the high frequency of immunotherapy-permissive frameshift indels in RCCs, but also hinting at novel predictive clinical tools for WT1-targeted immunotherapy. Overall, the current study represents a meek yet hopefully significant step towards understanding the molecular biology and potential therapeutic targets of RCCs.

Nuclear Phosphoinositides as Key Determinants of Nuclear Functions

Polyphosphoinositides (PPIns) are signalling messengers representing less than five per cent of the total phospholipid concentration within the cell. Despite their low concentration, these lipids are critical regulators of various cellular processes, including cell cycle, differentiation, gene transcription, apoptosis and motility. PPIns are generated by the phosphorylation of the inositol head group of phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns). Different pools of PPIns are found at distinct subcellular compartments, which are regulated by an array of kinases, phosphatases and phospholipases. Six of the seven PPIns species have been found in the nucleus, including the nuclear envelope, the nucleoplasm and the nucleolus. The identification and characterisation of PPIns interactor and effector proteins in the nucleus have led to increasing interest in the role of PPIns in nuclear signalling. However, the regulation and functions of PPIns in the nucleus are complex and are still being elucidated. This review summarises our current understanding of the localisation, biogenesis and physiological functions of the different PPIns species in the nucleus.

Network-based identification and prioritization of key transcriptional factors of diabetic kidney disease

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the most established microvascular complications of diabetes and a key cause of end-stage renal disease. It is well established that gene susceptibility to DN plays a critical role in disease pathophysiology. Therefore, many genetic studies have been performed to categorize candidate genes in prominent diabetic cohorts, aiming to investigate DN pathogenesis and etiology. In this study, we performed a meta-analysis on the expression profiles of GSE1009, GSE30122, GSE96804, GSE99340, GSE104948, GSE104954, and GSE111154 to identify critical transcriptional factors associated with DN progression. The analysis was conducted for all individual datasets for each kidney tissue (glomerulus, tubules, and kidney cortex). We identified distinct clusters of susceptibility genes that were dysregulated in a renal compartment-specific pattern. Further, we recognized a small but a closely connected set of these susceptibility genes enriched for podocyte differentiation, several of which were characterized as genes encoding critical transcriptional factors (TFs) involved in DN development and podocyte function. To validate the role of identified TFs in DN progression, we functionally validated the three main TFs (DACH1, LMX1B, and WT1) identified through differential gene expression and network analysis using the hyperglycemic zebrafish model. We report that hyperglycemia-induced altered gene expression of the key TF genes leads to morphological abnormalities in zebrafish glomeruli, pronephric tubules, proximal and distal ducts. This study demonstrated that altered expression of these TF genes could be associated with hyperglycemia-induced nephropathy and, thus, aids in understanding the molecular drivers, essential genes, and pathways that trigger DN initiation and development.

Appropriate Amounts and Activity of the Wilms' Tumor Suppressor Gene, wt1, Are Required for Normal Pronephros Development of Xenopus Embryos

The Wilms' tumor suppressor gene, wt1, encodes a zinc finger-containing transcription factor that binds to a GC-rich motif and regulates the transcription of target genes. wt1 was first identified as a tumor suppressor gene in Wilms' tumor, a pediatric kidney tumor, and has been implicated in normal kidney development. The WT1 protein has transcriptional activation and repression domains and acts as a transcriptional activator or repressor, depending on the target gene and context. In Xenopus, an ortholog of wt1 has been isolated and shown to be expressed in the developing embryonic pronephros. To investigate the role of wt1 in pronephros development in Xenopus embryos, we mutated wt1 by CRISPR/Cas9 and found that the expression of pronephros marker genes was reduced. In reporter assays in which known WT1 binding sequences were placed upstream of the luciferase gene, WT1 activated transcription of the luciferase gene. The injection of wild-type or artificially altered transcriptional activity of wt1 mRNA disrupted the expression of pronephros marker genes in the embryos. These results suggest that the appropriate amounts and activity of WT1 protein are required for normal pronephros development in Xenopus embryos.

Evaluating Established Roles, Future Perspectives and Methodological Heterogeneity for Wilms’ Tumor 1 (WT1) Antigen Detection in Adult Renal Cell Carcinoma, Using a Novel N-Terminus Targeted Antibody (Clone WT49)

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is arguably the deadliest form of genitourinary malignancy and is nowadays viewed as a heterogeneous series of cancers, with the same origin but fundamentally different metabolisms and clinical behaviors. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is increasingly necessary for RCC subtyping and definitive diagnosis. WT1 is a complex gene involved in carcinogenesis. To address reporting heterogeneity and WT1 IHC standardization, we used a recent N-terminus targeted monoclonal antibody (clone WT49) to evaluate WT1 protein expression in 56 adult RCC (aRCC) cases. This is the largest WT1 IHC investigation focusing exclusively on aRCCs and the first report on clone WT49 staining in aRCCs. We found seven (12.5%) positive cases, all clear cell RCCs, showing exclusively nuclear staining for WT1. We did not disregard cytoplasmic staining in any of the negative cases. Extratumoral fibroblasts, connecting tubules and intratumoral endothelial cells showed the same exclusively nuclear WT1 staining pattern. We reviewed WT1 expression patterns in aRCCs and the possible explanatory underlying metabolomics. For now, WT1 protein expression in aRCCs is insufficiently investigated, with significant discrepancies in the little data reported. Emerging WT1-targeted RCC immunotherapy will require adequate case selection and sustained efforts to standardize the quantification of tumor-associated antigens for aRCC and its many subtypes.

Genetic analyses of gynecological disease identify genetic relationships between uterine fibroids and endometrial cancer, and a novel endometrial cancer genetic risk region at the WNT4 1p36.12 locus

Endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and uterine fibroids have been proposed as endometrial cancer risk factors; however, disentangling their relationships with endometrial cancer is complicated due to shared risk factors and comorbidities. Using genome-wide association study (GWAS) data, we explored the relationships between these non-cancerous gynecological diseases and endometrial cancer risk by assessing genetic correlation, causal relationships and shared risk loci. We found significant genetic correlation between endometrial cancer and PCOS, and uterine fibroids. Adjustment for genetically predicted body mass index (a risk factor for PCOS, uterine fibroids and endometrial cancer) substantially attenuated the genetic correlation between endometrial cancer and PCOS but did not affect the correlation with uterine fibroids. Mendelian randomization analyses suggested a causal relationship between only uterine fibroids and endometrial cancer. Gene-based analyses revealed risk regions shared between endometrial cancer and endometriosis, and uterine fibroids. Multi-trait GWAS analysis of endometrial cancer and the genetically correlated gynecological diseases identified a novel genome-wide significant endometrial cancer risk locus at 1p36.12, which replicated in an independent endometrial cancer dataset. Interrogation of functional genomic data at 1p36.12 revealed biologically relevant genes, including WNT4 which is necessary for the development of the female reproductive system. In summary, our study provides genetic evidence for a causal relationship between uterine fibroids and endometrial cancer. It further provides evidence that the comorbidity of endometrial cancer, PCOS and uterine fibroids may partly be due to shared genetic architecture. Notably, this shared architecture has revealed a novel genome-wide risk locus for endometrial cancer.

CMIP interacts with WT1 and targets it on the proteasome degradation pathway

BACKGROUND

The Wilms tumor 1 suppressor gene, WT1, is expressed throughout life in podocytes and is essential for their function. Downregulation of WT1 has been reported in podocyte diseases but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Podocyte injury is the hallmark of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS), the most frequent glomerular disease in children and young adults. An increase in the abundance of Cmaf-inducing protein (CMIP) has been found to alter podocyte function, but it is not known whether CMIP affects WT1 expression.

METHODS

Transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of WT1in the presence of CMIP was studied using transient transfection, mouse models, and siRNA handling.

RESULTS

We showed that overproduction of CMIP in the podocyte was consistently associated with a downregulation of WT1 according to two mechanisms. We found that CMIP prevented the NF-kB-mediated transcriptional activation of WT1. We demonstrated that CMIP interacts directly with WT1 through its leucine-rich repeat domain. Overexpression of CMIP in the M15 cell line induced a downregulation of WT1, which was prevented by lactacystin, a potent proteasome inhibitor. We showed that CMIP exhibits an E3 ligase activity and targets WT1 to proteasome degradation. Intravenous injection of Cmip-siRNA specifically prevented the repression of Wt1 in lipopolysaccharides-induced proteinuria in mice.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that CMIP is a repressor of WT1 and might be a critical player in the pathophysiology of some podocyte diseases. Because WT1 is required for podocyte integrity, CMIP could be considered a therapeutic target in podocyte diseases.

Novel WT1 Target Genes: IL-2, IL-2RB, and IL-2RG Discovered during WT1 Silencing Using Lentiviral-Based RNAi in Myeloid Leukemia Cells

Wilms' tumor 1 (WT1) is a transcription factor which plays a major role in cell proliferation, differentiation, survival, and apoptosis. WT1 was first identified as a tumor suppressor gene in Wilms' tumor. However, overexpression of WT1 has been detected in several types of malignancy including some types of leukemia. To investigate the molecular mechanism underlying WT1-mediated leukemogenesis, lentiviral-based siRNA was employed as a tool to suppress WT1 expression in the myeloid leukemia cell line, K562. Successfully, both WT1 RNA and protein levels were downregulated in the leukemia cells. The silencing of WT1 resulted in significant growth inhibition in WT1-siRNA-treated cells for 40 ± 7.0%, 44 ± 9.5%, and 88 ± 9.1% at 48, 72, and 96 hours posttransduction as compared with the control cells, respectively. By using apoptosis detection assays (caspase-3/7 activity and Annexin V-FITC/PI assays), WT1 silencing induced a higher degree of early and late apoptosis in siRNA-treated K562 as compared with the control cells. Interestingly, the expression of survival signaling genes, IL-2, IL-2RB, and IL-2RG, was also suppressed after WT1-siRNA treatment. In addition, the WT1 silencing also inhibited the S phase of the cell cycle and induced cell death. Our results indicated that WT1 silencing by siRNA can suppress cellular proliferation, induce apoptosis, and reduce S phase fraction of K562 cells. Moreover, transcriptional modulation of IL-2, IL-2RB, and IL2-2RG expression by WT1 was likely involved in this phenotypic change. Overall, this study confirmed the oncogenic role of WT1 in myeloid leukemia and discovered the new target genes of WT1 which are likely involved in WT1-mediated leukemogenesis.

Immunohistochemical Expression of Wilms’ Tumor 1 Protein in Human Tissues: From Ontogenesis to Neoplastic Tissues

The human Wilms’ tumor gene (WT1) was originally isolated in a Wilms’ tumor of the kidney as a tumor suppressor gene. Numerous isoforms of WT1, by combination of alternative translational start sites, alternative RNA splicing and RNA editing, have been well documented. During human ontogenesis, according to the antibodies used, anti-C or N-terminus WT1 protein, nuclear expression can be frequently obtained in numerous tissues, including metanephric and mesonephric glomeruli, and mesothelial and sub-mesothelial cells, while cytoplasmic staining is usually found in developing smooth and skeletal cells, myocardium, glial cells, neuroblasts, adrenal cortical cells and the endothelial cells of blood vessels. WT1 has been originally described as a tumor suppressor gene in renal Wilms’ tumor, but more recent studies emphasized its potential oncogenic role in several neoplasia with a variable immunostaining pattern that can be exclusively nuclear, cytoplasmic or both, according to the antibodies used (anti-C or N-terminus WT1 protein). With the present review we focus on the immunohistochemical expression of WT1 in some tumors, emphasizing its potential diagnostic role and usefulness in differential diagnosis. In addition, we analyze the WT1 protein expression profile in human embryonal/fetal tissues in order to suggest a possible role in the development of organs and tissues and to establish whether expression in some tumors replicates that observed during the development of tissues from which these tumors arise.

Cys2His2 Zinc Finger Methyl-CpG Binding Proteins: Getting a Handle on Methylated DNA

DNA methylation is an essential epigenetic modification involved in the maintenance of genomic stability, preservation of cellular identity, and regulation of the transcriptional landscape needed to maintain cellular function. In an increasing number of disease conditions, DNA methylation patterns are inappropriately distributed in a manner that supports the disease phenotype. Methyl-CpG binding proteins (MBPs) are specialized transcription factors that read and translate methylated DNA signals into recruitment of protein assemblies that can alter local chromatin architecture and transcription. MBPs thus play a key intermediary role in gene regulation for both normal and diseased cells. Here, we highlight established and potential structure-function relationships for the best characterized members of the zinc finger (ZF) family of MBPs in propagating DNA methylation signals into downstream cellular responses. Current and future investigations aimed toward expanding our understanding of ZF MBP cellular roles will provide needed mechanistic insight into normal and disease state functions, as well as afford evaluation for the potential of these proteins as epigenetic-based therapeutic targets.

Role for first zinc finger of WT1 in DNA sequence specificity: Denys-Drash syndrome-associated WT1 mutant in ZF1 enhances affinity for a subset of WT1 binding sites

Wilms tumor protein (WT1) is a Cys2-His2 zinc-finger transcription factor vital for embryonic development of the genitourinary system. The protein contains a C-terminal DNA binding domain with four tandem zinc-fingers (ZF1-4). An alternative splicing of Wt1 can add three additional amino acids-lysine (K), threonine (T) and serine (S)-between ZF3 and ZF4. In the -KTS isoform, ZF2-4 determine the sequence-specificity of DNA binding, whereas the function of ZF1 remains elusive. Three X-ray structures are described here for wild-type -KTS isoform ZF1-4 in complex with its cognate DNA sequence. We observed four unique ZF1 conformations. First, like ZF2-4, ZF1 can be positioned continuously in the DNA major groove forming a 'near-cognate' complex. Second, while ZF2-4 make base-specific interactions with one DNA molecule, ZF1 can interact with a second DNA molecule (or, presumably, two regions of the same DNA molecule). Third, ZF1 can intercalate at the joint of two tail-to-head DNA molecules. If such intercalation occurs on a continuous DNA molecule, it would kink the DNA at the ZF1 binding site. Fourth, two ZF1 units can dimerize. Furthermore, we examined a Denys-Drash syndrome-associated ZF1 mutation (methionine at position 342 is replaced by arginine). This mutation enhances WT1 affinity for a guanine base. X-ray crystallography of the mutant in complex with its preferred sequence revealed the interactions responsible for this affinity change. These results provide insight into the mechanisms of action of WT1, and clarify the fact that ZF1 plays a role in determining sequence specificity of this critical transcription factor.

Influence of Wilms' tumor suppressor gene WT1 on bovine Sertoli cells polarity and tight junctions via non-canonical WNT signaling pathway

Sertoli cells (SCs) are polarized epithelial cells and provide a microenvironment for the development of germ cells (GCs). The Wilms' tumor suppressor gene WT1 which support spermatogenesis is expressed explicitly in SCs. This study investigated the effect of WT1 on the polarity and blood-testis barrier (BTB) formation of bovine SCs in order to provide theoretical and practical bases for the spermatogenic process in mammals. In this study, newborn calf SCs were used as research material, and the RNAi technique was used to knockdown the endogenous WT1. The results show that WT1 knockdown did not affect the proliferation ability of SCs, but down-regulated the expression of polarity-associated proteins (Par3, Par6b, and E-cadherin), junction-associated protein (occludin) and inhibits transcription of downstream genes (WNT4, JNK, αPKC, and CDC42) in non-canonical WNT signaling pathway. WT1 also altered ZO-1 and occludin protein distribution. Overexpression of WNT1 did not affect the expression of Par6b, E-cadherin, and occludin, whereas the non-canonical WNT signaling pathway inhibitors wnt-c59, CCG-1423, and GO-6983 down-regulated the expression of Par6b, E-cadherin, and occludin respectively. This study indicates that WT1 mediates the regulation of several proteins involved in bovine SCs polarity maintenance and intercellular tight junctions (TJ) by non-canonical WNT signaling pathway.

Altered VEGF Splicing Isoform Balance in Tumor Endothelium Involves Activation of Splicing Factors Srpk1 and Srsf1 by the Wilms' Tumor Suppressor Wt1

Angiogenesis is one hallmark of cancer. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a known inducer of angiogenesis. Many patients benefit from antiangiogenic therapies, which however have limitations. Although VEGF is overexpressed in most tumors, different VEGF isoforms with distinct angiogenic properties are produced through alternative splicing. In podocytes, the Wilms' tumor suppressor 1 (WT1) suppresses the Serine/arginine-rich protein-specific splicing factor kinase (SRPK1), and indirectly Serine/arginine-rich splicing factor 1 (Srsf1) activity, and alters VEGF splicing. We analyzed VEGF isoforms, Wt1, Srpk1, and Srsf1 in normal and tumor endothelium. Wt1, Srpk1, Srsf1, and the angiogenic VEGF164a isoform were highly expressed in tumor endothelium compared to normal lung endothelium. Nuclear expression of Srsf1 was detectable in the endothelium of various tumor types, but not in healthy tissues. Inducible conditional vessel-specific knockout of Wt1 reduced Wt1, Srpk1, and Srsf1 expression in endothelial cells and induced a shift towards the antiangiogenic VEGF120 isoform. Wt1(-KTS) directly binds and activates both the promoters of Srpk1 and Srsf1 in endothelial cells. In conclusion, Wt1 activates Srpk1 and Srsf1 and induces expression of angiogenic VEGF isoforms in tumor endothelium.

Podocyte-Specific Induction of Krüppel-Like Factor 15 Restores Differentiation Markers and Attenuates Kidney Injury in Proteinuric Kidney Disease

BACKGROUND

Podocyte injury is the hallmark of proteinuric kidney diseases, such as FSGS and minimal change disease, and destabilization of the podocyte's actin cytoskeleton contributes to podocyte dysfunction in many of these conditions. Although agents, such as glucocorticoids and cyclosporin, stabilize the actin cytoskeleton, systemic toxicity hinders chronic use. We previously showed that loss of the kidney-enriched zinc finger transcription factor Krüppel-like factor 15 (KLF15) increases susceptibility to proteinuric kidney disease and attenuates the salutary effects of retinoic acid and glucocorticoids in the podocyte.

METHODS

We induced podocyte-specific KLF15 in two proteinuric murine models, HIV-1 transgenic (Tg26) mice and adriamycin (ADR)-induced nephropathy, and used RNA sequencing of isolated glomeruli and subsequent enrichment analysis to investigate pathways mediated by podocyte-specific KLF15 in Tg26 mice. We also explored in cultured human podocytes the potential mediating role of Wilms Tumor 1 (WT1), a transcription factor critical for podocyte differentiation.

RESULTS

In Tg26 mice, inducing podocyte-specific KLF15 attenuated podocyte injury, glomerulosclerosis, tubulointerstitial fibrosis, and inflammation, while improving renal function and overall survival; it also attenuated podocyte injury in ADR-treated mice. Enrichment analysis of RNA sequencing from the Tg26 mouse model shows that KLF15 induction activates pathways involved in stabilization of actin cytoskeleton, focal adhesion, and podocyte differentiation. Transcription factor enrichment analysis, with further experimental validation, suggests that KLF15 activity is in part mediated by WT1.

CONCLUSIONS

Inducing podocyte-specific KLF15 attenuates kidney injury by directly and indirectly upregulating genes critical for podocyte differentiation, suggesting that KLF15 induction might be a potential strategy for treating proteinuric kidney disease.

Wilms' Tumor Protein 1 and Enzymatic Oxidation of 5-Methylcytosine in Brain Tumors: Potential Perspectives

The patterns of 5-methylcytosine (5mC) and its oxidized derivatives, 5-hydroxymethylcytosine, 5-formylcytosine, and 5-carboxylcytosine (5caC) are reportedly altered in a range of cancers. Likewise, Wilms' Tumor protein 1 (WT1), a transcription factor essential for urogenital, epicardium, and kidney development exhibits aberrant expression in multiple tumors. Interestingly, WT1 directly interacts with TET proteins that catalyze the enzymatic oxidation of 5mC and exhibits high affinity for 5caC-containing DNA substrates in vitro. Here we review recent developments in the fields of Tet-dependent 5mC oxidation and WT1 biology and explore potential perspectives for studying the interplay between TETs and WT1 in brain tumors.

Regulation of retinoic acid synthetic enzymes by WT1 and HDAC inhibitors in 293 cells

All-trans retinoic acid (atRA), which is mainly generated endogenously via two steps of oxidation from vitamin A (retinol), plays an indispensible role in the development of the kidney and many other organs. Enzymes that catalyze the oxidation of retinol to generate atRA, including aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 family (ALDH1)A1, ALDH1A2 and ALDH1A3, exhibit complex expression patterns at different stages of renal development. However, molecular triggers that control these differential expression levels are poorly understood. In this study, we provide in vitro evidence to demonstrate that Wilms' tumor 1 (WT1) negatively regulates the expression of the atRA synthetic enzymes, ALDH1A1, ALDH1A2 and ALDH1A3, in the 293 cell line, leading to significant blockage of atRA production. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the suppression of ALDH1A1 by WT1 can be markedly attenuated by histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis). Taken together, we provide evidence to indicate that WT1 and HDACs are strong regulators of endogenous retinoic acid synthetic enzymes in 293 cells, indicating that they may be involved in the regulation of atRA synthesis.

Wilms' tumor gene 1 silencing inhibits proliferation of human osteosarcoma MG-63 cell line by cell cycle arrest and apoptosis activation

Wilms' tumor gene 1 (WT1) plays complex roles in tumorigenesis, acting as tumor suppressor gene or an oncogene depending on the cellular context. A high WT1 expression level was described in various types of human bone and soft-tissue sarcomas, including osteosarcoma (OS), but its function in carcinogenesis is not yet well understood. This study investigated WT1 both in human OS tissues and in human OS MG-63 cell line in which WT1 gene is up-regulated. The results demonstrated that WT1 is expressed in 50% of human OS cases. WT1-silenced MG-63 cells showed deregulation of proteins of cell cycle and down-regulation of PI3K/AKT pathway. Induction of apoptotic programme was also established by activation of caspase-3 and increase of Bax/Bcl2 ratio and p53 protein. This study provided new findings on role of WT1 and indicated an association between WT1 expression, cell cycle and apoptotic machinery. In conclusion, WT1 acts as a tumour promoter in osteosarcoma and it could be a potential therapeutic target.

Repression of CMIP transcription by WT1 is relevant to podocyte health

The WT1 (Wilm's tumor suppressor) gene is expressed throughout life in podocytes and is essential for the functional integrity of the glomerular filtration barrier. We have previously shown that CMIP (C-Maf inducing protein) is overproduced in podocyte diseases and alters intracellular signaling. Here we isolated the proximal region of the human CMIP promoter and showed by chromatin immunoprecipitation assays and electrophoretic-mobility shift that Wilm's tumor protein (WT1) bound to 2 WT1 response elements, located at positions -290/-274 and -57/-41 relative to transcription start site. Unlike the human CMIP gene, only one Wt1 response element was identified in the mouse Cmip proximal promoter located at position -217/-206. Luciferase reporter assays indicated that WT1 dose-dependently inhibited the transcriptional induction of the CMIP promoter. Transfection of decoy oligonucleotides mimicking the WT1 response elements prevented the inhibition of WT1 on CMIP promoter activity. Furthermore, WT1 silencing promoted Cmip expression. In line with these findings, the abundance of Cmip was early and significantly increased at the transcript and protein level in podocytes displaying a primary defect in Wt1, including Denys-Drash syndrome and Frasier syndrome. Thus, WT1 is a major repressor of the CMIP gene in physiological situations, while conditional deletion of CMIP in the developing kidney did not affect the development of mature glomeruli.

Denys-Drash syndrome associated WT1 glutamine 369 mutants have altered sequence-preferences and altered responses to epigenetic modifications

Mutations in human zinc-finger transcription factor WT1 result in abnormal development of the kidneys and genitalia and an array of pediatric problems including nephropathy, blastoma, gonadal dysgenesis and genital discordance. Several overlapping phenotypes are associated with WT1 mutations, including Wilms tumors, Denys-Drash syndrome (DDS), Frasier syndrome (FS) and WAGR syndrome (Wilms tumor, aniridia, genitourinary malformations, and mental retardation). These conditions vary in severity from individual to individual; they can be fatal in early childhood, or relatively benign into adulthood. DDS mutations cluster predominantly in zinc fingers (ZF) 2 and 3 at the C-terminus of WT1, which together with ZF4 determine the sequence-specificity of DNA binding. We examined three DDS associated mutations in ZF2 of human WT1 where the normal glutamine at position 369 is replaced by arginine (Q369R), lysine (Q369K) or histidine (Q369H). These mutations alter the sequence-specificity of ZF2, we find, changing its affinity for certain bases and certain epigenetic forms of cytosine. X-ray crystallography of the DNA binding domains of normal WT1, Q369R and Q369H in complex with preferred sequences revealed the molecular interactions responsible for these affinity changes. DDS is inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion, implying a gain of function by mutant WT1 proteins. This gain, we speculate, might derive from the ability of the mutant proteins to sequester WT1 into unproductive oligomers, or to erroneously bind to variant target sequences.

A role of WT1 in cell division and genomic stability

Wilms' tumor-1 protein (WT1) is a transcription factor that can either activate or repress genes to regulate cell growth, apoptosis and differentiation. WT1 can act as either a tumor suppressor or an oncogene. The cellular functions of WT1 are predominantly regulated by its various interacting partners. Recently we have found that WT1 can regulate the fidelity of chromosome segregation through its interaction with the spindle assembly checkpoint protein, Mitotic arrest deficient-2 (MAD2). WT1 delays anaphase entry by inhibiting the ubiquitination activity of the Anaphase promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C). Our findings have revealed an important role of WT1 in the regulation of mitotic checkpoint and genomic stability.

Wilms tumor 1 gene, CD97, and the emerging biogenetic profile of glioblastoma

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common type of primary brain tumor, and current treatment regimens are only marginally effective. One of the most vexing and malignant aspects of GBM is its pervasive infiltration into surrounding brain tissue. This review describes the role of the Wilms tumor 1 gene (WT1) and its relationship to GBM. WT1 has several alternative splicing products, one of which, the KTS(+) variant, has been demonstrated to be involved in the transcriptional activation of a variety of oncogenes as well as the inhibition of tumor suppressor genes. Further, this paper will examine the relationship of WT1 with CD97, a gene that codes for an epidermal growth factor receptor family member, an adhesion G-protein-coupled receptor, thought to promote tumor invasiveness and migration. The authors suggest that further research into WT1 and CD97 will allow clinicians to begin to deal more effectively with the infiltrative behavior displayed by GBM and design new therapies that target this deadly disease.

Deficiency in WT1-targeting microRNA-125a leads to myeloid malignancies and urogenital abnormalities

The Wilms' tumor gene WT1 is overexpressed in leukemia and solid tumors and has an oncogenic role in leukemogenesis and tumorigenesis. However, precise regulatory mechanisms of WT1 overexpression remain undetermined. In the present study, microRNA-125a (miR-125a) was identified as a miRNA that suppressed WT1 expression via binding to the WT1-3'UTR. MiR-125a knockout mice overexpressed WT1, developed myeloproliferative disorder (MPD) characterized by expansion of myeloid cells in bone marrow (BM), spleen and peripheral blood, and displayed urogenital abnormalities. Silencing of WT1 expression in hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells of miR-125a knockout MPD mice by short-hairpin RNA inhibited myeloid colony formation in vitro. Furthermore, the incidence and severity of MPD were lower in miR-125a (-/-) mice than in miR-125a (+/-) mice, indicating the operation of compensatory mechanisms for the complete loss of miR-125a. To elucidate the compensatory mechanisms, miRNA array was performed. MiR-486 was occasionally induced in compete loss of miR-125a and inhibited WT1 expression instead of miR-125a, resulting in the cancellation of MPD occurrence. These results showed for the first time the post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms of WT1 by both miR-125a and miR-486 and should contribute to the elucidation of mechanisms of normal hematopoiesis and kidney development.

Wilms' tumor gene 1 (WT1) silencing inhibits proliferation of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor sNF96.2 cell line

Wilms' tumor gene 1 (WT1) plays complex roles in tumorigenesis, acting as tumor suppressor gene or an oncogene depending on the cellular context. WT1 expression has been variably reported in both benign and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) by means of immunohistochemistry. The aim of the present study was to characterize its potential pathogenetic role in these relatively uncommon malignant tumors. Firstly, immunohistochemical analyses in MPNST sNF96.2 cell line showed strong WT1 staining in nuclear and perinuclear areas of neoplastic cells. Thus, we investigated the effects of silencing WT1 by RNA interference. Through Western Blot analysis and proliferation assay we found that WT1 knockdown leads to the reduction of cell growth in a time- and dose-dependent manner. siWT1 inhibited proliferation of sNF96.2 cell lines likely by influencing cell cycle progression through a decrease in the protein levels of cyclin D1 and inhibition of Akt phosphorylation compared to the control cells. These results indicate that WT1 knockdown attenuates the biological behavior of MPNST cells by decreasing Akt activity, demonstrating that WT1 is involved in the development and progression of MPNSTs. Thus, WT1 is suggested to serve as a potential therapeutic target for MPNSTs.

Prohibitin is required for transcriptional repression by the WT1-BASP1 complex

The Wilms' tumor-1 protein (WT1) is a transcriptional regulator that can either activate or repress genes controlling cell growth, apoptosis and differentiation. The transcriptional corepressor BASP1 interacts with WT1 and mediates WT1's transcriptional repression activity. BASP1 is contained within large complexes, suggesting that it works in concert with other factors. Here we report that the transcriptional repressor prohibitin is part of the WT1-BASP1 transcriptional repression complex. Prohibitin interacts with BASP1, colocalizes with BASP1 in the nucleus, and is recruited to the promoter region of WT1 target genes to elicit BASP1-dependent transcriptional repression. We demonstrate that prohibitin and BASP1 cooperate to recruit the chromatin remodeling factor BRG1 to WT1-responsive promoters and that this results in the dissociation of CBP from the promoter region of WT1 target genes. As seen with BASP1, prohibitin can associate with phospholipids. We demonstrate that the recruitment of PIP2 and HDAC1 to WT1 target genes is also dependent on the concerted activity of BASP1 and prohibitin. Our findings provide new insights into the function of prohibitin in transcriptional regulation and uncover a BASP1-prohibitin complex that plays an essential role in the PIP2-dependent recruitment of chromatin remodeling activities to the promoter.

WT1 interacts with MAD2 and regulates mitotic checkpoint function

Tumour suppressors safeguard the fidelity of the mitotic checkpoint by transcriptional regulation of genes that encode components of the mitotic checkpoint complex (MCC). Here we report a new role for the tumour suppressor and transcription factor, WT1, in the mitotic checkpoint. We show that WT1 regulates the MCC by directly interacting with the spindle assembly checkpoint protein, MAD2. WT1 colocalizes with MAD2 during mitosis and preferentially binds to the functionally active, closed-conformer, C-MAD2. Furthermore, WT1 associates with the MCC containing MAD2, BUBR1 and CDC20, resulting in prolonged inhibition of the anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) and delayed degradation of its substrates SECURIN and CYCLIN B1. Strikingly, RNA interference-mediated depletion of WT1 leads to enhanced turnover of SECURIN, decreased lag time to anaphase and defects in chromosome segregation. Our findings identify WT1 as a regulator of the mitotic checkpoint and chromosomal stability.

Mechanisms of transcriptional regulation by WT1 (Wilms' tumour 1)

The WT1 (Wilms' tumour 1) gene encodes a zinc finger transcription factor and RNA-binding protein that direct the development of several organs and tissues. WT1 manifests both tumour suppressor and oncogenic activities, but the reasons behind these opposing functions are still not clear. As a transcriptional regulator, WT1 can either activate or repress numerous target genes resulting in disparate biological effects such as growth, differentiation and apoptosis. The complex nature of WT1 is exemplified by a plethora of isoforms, post-translational modifications and multiple binding partners. How WT1 achieves specificity to regulate a large number of target genes involved in diverse physiological processes is the focus of the present review. We discuss the wealth of the growing molecular information that defines our current understanding of the versatility and utility of WT1 as a master regulator of organ development, a tumour suppressor and an oncogene.

Classification of a frameshift/extended and a stop mutation in WT1 as gain-of-function mutations that activate cell cycle genes and promote Wilms tumour cell proliferation

The WT1 gene encodes a zinc finger transcription factor important for normal kidney development. WT1 is a suppressor for Wilms tumour development and an oncogene for diverse malignant tumours. We recently established cell lines from primary Wilms tumours with different WT1 mutations. To investigate the function of mutant WT1 proteins, we performed WT1 knockdown experiments in cell lines with a frameshift/extension (p.V432fsX87 = Wilms3) and a stop mutation (p.P362X = Wilms2) of WT1, followed by genome-wide gene expression analysis. We also expressed wild-type and mutant WT1 proteins in human mesenchymal stem cells and established gene expression profiles. A detailed analysis of gene expression data enabled us to classify the WT1 mutations as gain-of-function mutations. The mutant WT1(Wilms2) and WT1(Wilms3) proteins acquired an ability to modulate the expression of a highly significant number of genes from the G2/M phase of the cell cycle, and WT1 knockdown experiments showed that they are required for Wilms tumour cell proliferation. p53 negatively regulates the activity of a large number of these genes that are also part of a core proliferation cluster in diverse human cancers. Our data strongly suggest that mutant WT1 proteins facilitate expression of these cell cycle genes by antagonizing transcriptional repression mediated by p53. We show that mutant WT1 can physically interact with p53. Together the findings show for the first time that mutant WT1 proteins have a gain-of-function and act as oncogenes for Wilms tumour development by regulating Wilms tumour cell proliferation.

Wt1 in the kidney--a tale in mouse models

The WT1 gene was originally identified through its involvement in the development of Wilms tumours. The gene is characterized by a plethora of different isoforms with, in some cases, clearly different functions in transcriptional control and RNA metabolism. Many different mouse models for Wt1 have already been generated, and these are increasingly providing new information on the molecular roles of Wt1 in normal development and disease. In this review we discuss the different models that have been generated and what they have taught us about the role of Wt1 in the kidney.

FOXL2 transcriptionally represses Sf1 expression by antagonizing WT1 during ovarian development in mice

Steroidogenic factor 1 (SF1; Ad4BP/NR5A1) plays key roles in gonadal development. Initially, the Sf1 gene is expressed in mouse fetal gonads of both sexes, but later is up-regulated in testes and down-regulated in ovaries. While Sf1 expression is activated and maintained by Wilms tumor 1 (WT1) and LIM homeobox 9 (LHX9), the mechanism of sex-specific regulation remains unclear. We hypothesized that Sf1 is repressed by the transcription factor Forkhead box L2 (FOXL2) during ovarian development. In an in vitro system (TM3 cells), up-regulation of Sf1 by the WT1 splice variant WT1-KTS was antagonized by FOXL2, as determined by quantitative RT-PCR. Using reporter assays, we localized the Sf1 proximal promoter region involved in this antagonism to a 674-bp interval. A conserved FOXL2 binding site was identified in this interval by in vitro chromatin immunoprecipitation. Introducing mutations into this site abolished negative regulation by FOXL2 in reporter assays. Finally, in Foxl2-null mice, Sf1 expression was increased 2-fold relative to wild-type XX fetal gonads. Our results support the hypothesis that FOXL2 negatively regulates Sf1 expression by antagonizing WT1-KTS during early ovarian development in mice.

A novel cell-penetrating peptide derived from WT1 enhances p53 activity, induces cell senescence and displays antimelanoma activity in xeno- and syngeneic systems

The Wilms tumor protein 1 (WT1) transcription factor has been associated in malignant melanoma with cell survival and metastasis, thus emerging as a candidate for targeted therapy. A lysine-arginine rich peptide, WT1-pTj, derived from the ZF domain of WT1 was evaluated as an antitumor agent against A2058 human melanoma cells and B16F10-Nex2 syngeneic murine melanoma. Peptide WT1-pTj quickly penetrated human melanoma cells and induced senescence, recognized by increased SA-β-galactosidase activity, enhanced transcriptional activity of p53, and induction of the cell cycle inhibitors p21 and p27. Moreover, the peptide bound to p53 and competed with WT1 protein for binding to p53. WT1-pTj treatment led to sustained cell growth suppression, abrogation of clonogenicity and G2/M cell cycle arrest. Notably, in vivo studies showed that WT1-pTj inhibited both the metastases and subcutaneous growth of murine melanoma in syngeneic mice, and prolonged the survival of nude mice challenged with human melanoma cells. The 27-amino acid cell-penetrating WT1-derived peptide, depends on C(3) and H(16) for effective antimelanoma activity, inhibits proliferation of WT1-expressing human tumor cell lines, and may have an effective role in the treatment of WT1-expressing malignancies.

An unusual presentation of Denys-Drash syndrome due to bigenic disease

We report a case of Denys-Drash syndrome (DDS) in a 3-month-old girl presenting with bilateral renal cortical cysts mimicking polycystic kidney disease. Genetic analysis revealed a de novo heterozygous missense mutation c.1186G>A (p.Asp396Asn) in the WT1 gene, confirming the diagnosis of DDS. Because multiple renal cysts have never been reported in DDS, we explored several genes responsible for these renal manifestations, such as HNF-1β, PAX2, PKD1, and PKD2. Remarkably, we identified a heterozygous missense variant c.12439A>G (p.Lys4147Glu) in the PKD1 gene. The same variant was found in the patient's mother, who had no renal cysts, and in the grandfather, who had several renal cysts. Mutation prediction programs classified the c.12439A>G variant as being "likely pathogenic." We hypothesize that the severe cystic phenotype in the index patient could be due to the WT1 mutation, enhancing pathogenicity of the "hypomorph" PKD1 allele. A possible role for Wilms tumor suppressor 1 (WT1) in renal cyst development should be considered. From a conceptual point of view, this case shows that an unusual presentation of a known genetic syndrome might point to bigenic inheritance, with unexpected interference of mutated genes causing an uncommon clinical phenotype.

Klumpfuss controls FMRFamide expression by enabling BMP signaling within the NB5-6 lineage

A number of transcription factors that are expressed within most, if not all, embryonic neuroblast (NB) lineages participate in neural subtype specification. Some have been extensively studied in several NB lineages (e.g. components of the temporal gene cascade) whereas others only within specific NB lineages. To what extent they function in other lineages remains unknown. Klumpfuss (Klu), the Drosophila ortholog of the mammalian Wilms tumor 1 (WT1) protein, is one such transcription factor. Studies in the NB4-2 lineage have suggested that Klu functions to ensure that the two ganglion mother cells (GMCs) in this embryonic NB lineage acquire different fates. Owing to limited lineage marker availability, these observations were made only for the NB4-2 lineage. Recent findings reveal that Klu is necessary for larval neuroblast growth and self-renewal. We have extended the study of Klu to the well-known embryonic NB5-6T lineage and describe a novel role for Klu in the Drosophila embryonic CNS. Our results demonstrate that Klu is expressed specifically in the postmitotic Ap4/FMRFa neuron, promoting its differentiation through the initiation of BMP signaling. Our findings indicate a pleiotropic function of Klu in Ap cluster specification in general and particularly in Ap4 neuron differentiation, indicating that Klu is a multitasking transcription factor. Finally, our studies indicate that a transitory downregulation of klu is crucial for the specification of the Ap4/FMRFa neuron. Similar to WT1, klu seems to have either self-renewal or differentiation-promoting functions, depending on the developmental context.

Role of WT1-ZNF224 interaction in the expression of apoptosis-regulating genes

The transcription factor Wilms' tumor gene 1, WT1, is implicated both in normal developmental processes and in the generation of a variety of solid tumors and hematological malignancies. Physical interactions of other cellular proteins with WT1 are known to modulate its function. We previously identified the Krüppel-like zinc-finger protein, ZNF224, as a novel human WT1-associating protein that enhances the transcriptional activation of the human vitamin D receptor promoter by WT1. Here, we have analyzed the effects of WT1-ZNF224 interaction on the expression of apoptosis-regulating genes in the chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) K562 cell line. The results demonstrated that ZNF224 acts in fine tuning of WT1-dependent control of gene expression, acting as a co-activator of WT1 in the regulation of proapoptotic genes and suppressing WT1 mediated transactivation of antiapoptotitc genes. Moreover, the DNA damaging drug cytosine arabinoside (ara-C) induces expression of ZNF224 in K562 cells and this induction enhances cell apoptotic response to ara-C. These findings suggest that ZNF224 can be a mediator of DNA damage-induced apoptosis in leukemia cells.

Control of epigenetic states by WT1 via regulation of de novo DNA methyltransferase 3A

Although tumour suppressor gene hypermethylation is a universal feature of cancer cells, little is known about the necessary molecular triggers. Here, we show that Wilms' tumour 1 (WT1), a developmental master regulator that can also act as a tumour suppressor or oncoprotein, transcriptionally regulates the de novo DNA methyltransferase 3A (DNMT3A) and that cellular WT1 levels can influence DNA methylation of gene promoters genome-wide. Specifically, we demonstrate that depletion of WT1 by short-interfering RNAs leads to reduced DNMT3A in Wilms' tumour cells and human embryonal kidney-derived cell lines. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays demonstrate WT1 recruitment to the DNMT3A promoter region and reporter assays confirm that WT1 directly transactivates DNMT3A expression. Consistent with this regulatory role, immunohistochemical analysis shows co-expression of WT1 and DNMT3A proteins in nuclei of blastemal cells in human fetal kidney and Wilms' tumours. Using genome-wide promoter methylation arrays, we show that human embryonal kidney cells over-expressing WT1 acquire DNA methylation changes at specific gene promoters where DNMT3A recruitment is increased, with hypermethylation being associated with silencing of gene expression. Elevated DNMT3A is also demonstrated at hypermethylated genes in Wilms' tumour cells, including a region of long-range epigenetic silencing. Finally, we show that depletion of WT1 in Wilms' tumour cells can lead to reactivation of gene expression from methylated promoters, such as TGFB2, a key modulator of epithelial-mesenchymal transitions. Collectively, our work defines a new regulatory modality for WT1 involving elicitation of epigenetic alterations which is most likely crucial to its functions in development and disease.

DNA-binding motif and target genes of the imprinted transcription factor PEG3

The Peg3 gene is expressed only from the paternally inherited allele located on proximal mouse chromosome 7. The PEG3 protein encoded by this imprinted gene is predicted to bind DNA based on its multiple zinc finger motifs and nuclear localization. In the current study, we demonstrated PEG3's DNA-binding ability by characterizing its binding motif and target genes. We successfully identified target regions bound by PEG3 from mouse brain extracts using chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis. PEG3 was demonstrated to bind these candidate regions through the consensus DNA-binding motif AGTnnCnnnTGGCT. In vitro promoter assays established that PEG3 controls the expression of a given gene through this motif. Consistent with these observations, the transcriptional levels of a subset of the target genes are also affected in a mutant mouse model with reduced levels of PEG3 protein. Overall, these results confirm PEG3 as a DNA-binding protein controlling specific target genes that are involved in distinct cellular functions.

Repression of transcription by WT1-BASP1 requires the myristoylation of BASP1 and the PIP2-dependent recruitment of histone deacetylase

The Wilms' tumor 1 protein WT1 is a transcriptional regulator that is involved in cell growth and differentiation. The transcriptional corepressor BASP1 interacts with WT1 and converts WT1 from a transcriptional activator to a repressor. Here, we demonstrate that the N-terminal myristoylation of BASP1 is required in order to elicit transcriptional repression at WT1 target genes. We show that myristoylated BASP1 binds to nuclear PIP2, which leads to the recruitment of PIP2 to the promoter regions of WT1-dependent target genes. BASP1's myristoylation and association with PIP2 are required for the interaction of BASP1 with HDAC1, which mediates the recruitment of HDAC1 to the promoter and elicits transcriptional repression. Our findings uncover a role for myristoylation in transcription, as well as a critical function for PIP2 in gene-specific transcriptional repression through the recruitment of histone deacetylase.

klumpfuss distinguishes stem cells from progenitor cells during asymmetric neuroblast division

Asymmetric stem cell division balances maintenance of the stem cell pool and generation of diverse cell types by simultaneously allowing one daughter progeny to maintain a stem cell fate and its sibling to acquire a progenitor cell identity. A progenitor cell possesses restricted developmental potential, and defects in the regulation of progenitor cell potential can directly impinge on the maintenance of homeostasis and contribute to tumor initiation. Despite their importance, the molecular mechanisms underlying the precise regulation of restricted developmental potential in progenitor cells remain largely unknown. We used the type II neural stem cell (neuroblast) lineage in Drosophila larval brain as a genetic model system to investigate how an intermediate neural progenitor (INP) cell acquires restricted developmental potential. We identify the transcription factor Klumpfuss (Klu) as distinguishing a type II neuroblast from an INP in larval brains. klu functions to maintain the identity of type II neuroblasts, and klu mutant larval brains show progressive loss of type II neuroblasts due to premature differentiation. Consistently, Klu protein is detected in type II neuroblasts but is undetectable in immature INPs. Misexpression of klu triggers immature INPs to revert to type II neuroblasts. In larval brains lacking brain tumor function or exhibiting constitutively activated Notch signaling, removal of klu function prevents the reversion of immature INPs. These results led us to propose that multiple mechanisms converge to exert precise control of klu and distinguish a progenitor cell from its sibling stem cell during asymmetric neuroblast division.

The origin and differentiation process of X and Y chromosomes of the black marsh turtle (Siebenrockiella crassicollis, Geoemydidae, Testudines)

The black marsh turtle (Siebenrockiella crassicollis) has morphologically differentiated X and Y sex chromosomes. To elucidate the origin and evolutionary process of S. crassicollis X and Y chromosomes, we performed cross-species chromosome painting with chromosome-specific DNA from Chinese soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis) and chromosome mapping of the sex-linked genes of S. crassicollis using FISH. The X and Y chromosomes of S. crassicollis were hybridized with DNA probe of P. sinensis chromosome 5, which is homologous to chicken chromosome 5. S. crassicollis homologues of 14 chicken chromosome 5-linked genes were all localized to the X long arm, whereas two genes were mapped to the Y short arm and the other 12 genes were localized to the Y long arm in the same order as the X chromosome. This result suggests that extensive linkage homology has been retained between chicken chromosome 5 and S. crassicollis X and Y chromosomes and that S. crassicollis X and Y chromosomes are at an early stage of sex chromosome differentiation. Comparison of the locations of two site-specific repetitive DNA sequences on the X and Y chromosomes demonstrated that the centromere shift was the result of centromere repositioning, not of pericentric inversion.

The role of Wt1 in regulating mesenchyme in cancer, development, and tissue homeostasis

From both the fundamental and clinical perspectives, there is growing interest in mesenchymal cells and the mechanisms that regulate the two-way switch between mesenchymal and epithelial states. Here, we review recent findings showing that the Wilms' tumor gene (Wt1) is a key regulator of mesenchyme maintenance and the mesenchyme to epithelial balance in the development of certain mesodermal organs. We summarize recent experiments demonstrating, unexpectedly, that Wt1 is also essential for the integrity or function of multiple adult tissues, mainly, we argue, through regulating mesenchymal cells. We also discuss growing evidence that implicates Wt1 in tissue repair and regeneration. Drawing on these findings, we highlight the similarities between Wt1-expressing cells in different tissues. We believe that future studies aimed at elucidating the mechanisms underlying the functions of Wt1 in adult cells will reveal key cell types, pathways, and molecules regulating adult tissue homeostasis and repair.

Nuclear transport of Wilms' tumour protein Wt1 involves importins α and β

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Wilms' tumour protein, Wt1, is a zinc finger molecule, which is required for normal embryonic development. Mutations of the WT1 gene can give rise to childhood cancer of the kidneys. Different Wt1 isoforms exist, which function either as transcription factors or have a presumed role in mRNA processing. Previous studies suggested that Wt1 undergoes nucleocytoplasmic shuttling, and cytoplasmic Wt1 was higher in malignant than in normal cells. The aim of this study was to analyse the molecular pathways along which Wt1 shuttles between the cytoplasm and nucleus.

METHODS

Interaction of Wt1 protein with various importin α subtypes and importin β was assessed in pull-down assays and co-immunoprecipitation experiments. Nuclear localisation signals (NLS) were identified by combining site-directed mutagenesis with subcellular immunodetection of the transfected Wt1 variants.

RESULTS

Wt1(+/-KTS) proteins were found to interact with importin α1 and importin β in vitro and in living cells in vivo. A NLS that was necessary and sufficient for nuclear import could be mapped to the third Wt1 zinc finger. Mutation of this NLS strongly weakened binding of Wt1 to importins.

CONCLUSION

Nuclear translocation of Wilms' tumour protein involves importins α and β, and a NLS in the third zinc finger.

Abnormal WT1 expression in human fetuses with bilateral renal agenesis and cardiac malformations

BACKGROUND

Bilateral renal agenesis has multiple etiologies. Animal models have provided useful information on possible causes of this condition, but its etiology in humans is less clear. We recently described autopsy findings of two human fetuses with bilateral renal agenesis and abnormal expression of WT1 (Wilms tumor 1) in liver mesothelium.

METHODS

We have identified 14 additional fetuses with bilateral renal agenesis from autopsies performed in our institution over the past 10 years and subjected archival liver biopsy specimens from these cases to immunohistochemistry for WT1, as well as α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and desmin to assess liver mesenchymal abnormalities.

RESULTS

Six of seven fetuses with combined bilateral renal agenesis and cardiac anomalies showed abnormalities of WT1 expression in liver mesothelial cells, which was not seen in other fetuses with bilateral renal agenesis. Except in one case, the fetuses with renal agenesis and cardiac defects also showed liver mesenchymal anomalies (assessed by increased α-SMA expression), which was not present in other renal agenesis fetuses.

CONCLUSIONS

WT1 is widely expressed in mesothelial cells during development, and we hypothesized that some of the defects are caused by abnormal function of mesenchyme derived from mesothelial cells, similar to the mesothelium-derived defects proposed in animal models. The methods we used are available to many laboratories and can be applied to archival paraffin tissue blocks. We suggest that future similar studies could help to expand the understanding of renal agenesis in humans and could help to subclassify this condition. This would be useful in patient management and counseling.

Possible role of WT1 in a human fetus with evolving bronchial atresia, pulmonary malformation and renal agenesis

The association of peripheral bronchial atresia and congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM) has recently been recognised, but the pathology of the lesions evolving together has not been described. We present autopsy findings in a 20 week fetus showing areas of peripheral bronchial destruction and airway malformation consistent with developing CPAM in the right lung supporting a causal relationship between these lesions. This fetus also had congenital heart defect, bilateral renal agenesis and syndactyly. We identified another fetus from our autopsy files, with bilateral renal agenesis, similar right sided pulmonary malformation and cardiac defects. Similar bilateral renal agenesis and defects of the heart and lungs are found in wt1(-/-) mice and we have investigated the expression of WT1 in these fetuses. We hypothesise that the cardiac, liver, renal and possibly lung lesions in these two cases may arise due to mesenchymal defects consequent to WT1 misexpression and discuss evidence for this from the scientific literature. We used immunoperoxidase stains to analyse WT1 expression in autopsy hepatic tissue in both fetuses. We also investigated the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), a marker of activated hepatic stellate cells/myofibroblasts, and desmin in hepatic mesenchyme and compare these findings with control fetuses, without congenital malformations. We found reduced WT1 expression in hepatic mesothelium in both fetuses with malformations. There was also increased expression of α-SMA in liver perisinusoidal cells, as seen in the wt1(-/-) mouse model. We therefore propose that abnormality of WT1 signalling may be an underlying factor, as WT1 is expressed in coelomic lining cells from which mesenchyme is derived in many organs.

WT1 in disease: shifting the epithelial-mesenchymal balance

WT1 is a versatile gene that controls transitions between the mesenchymal and epithelial state of cells in a tissue-context dependent manner. As such, WT1 is indispensable for normal development of many organs and tissues. Uncontrolled epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a hallmark of a diverse array of pathologies and disturbance of mesenchymal to epithelial transition (MET) has been associated with a number of developmental abnormalities. It is therefore not surprising that WT1 has been linked to many of these. Here we review the role of WT1 in proper control of the mesenchymal-epithelial balance of cells and discuss how far these roles can explain the role of WT1 in a variety of disease states.

Organ specific regenerative markers in peri-organ adipose: kidney

Background

Therapeutically bioactive cell populations are currently understood to promote regenerative outcomes in vivo by leveraging mechanisms of action including secretion of growth factors, site specific engraftment and directed differentiation. Constitutive cellular populations undoubtedly participate in the regenerative process. Adipose tissue represents a source of therapeutically bioactive cell populations. The potential of these cells to participate in various aspects of the regenerative process has been demonstrated broadly. However, organ association of secretory and developmental markers to specific peri-organ adipose depots has not been investigated. To characterize this topographical association, we explored the potential of cells isolated from the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) of kidney sourced adipose to express key renal associated factors.

Results

We report that renal adipose tissue is a novel reservoir for EPO expressing cells. Kidney sourced adipose stromal cells demonstrate hypoxia regulated expression of EPO and VEGF transcripts. Using iso-electric focusing, we demonstrate that kidney and non-kidney sourced adipose stromal cells present unique patterns of EPO post-translational modification, consistent with the idea that renal and non-renal sources are functionally distinct adipose depots. In addition, kidney sourced adipose stromal cells specifically express the key renal developmental transcription factor WT1.

Conclusions

Taken together, these data are consistent with the notion that kidney sourced adipose stromal (KiSAS) cells may be primed to recreate a regenerative micro-environment within the kidney. These findings open the possibility of isolating solid-organ associated adipose derived cell populations for therapeutic applications in organ-specific regenerative medicine products.

HtrA2, taming the oncogenic activities of WT1

Wilms' tumour is a paediatric malignancy of the kidneys and is one of the most common solid childhood cancers. The Wilms' tumour 1 protein (WT1) is a transcription factor that can either activate or repress genes involved in growth, apoptosis and differentiation. It is frequently mutated or aberrantly expressed in Wilms' tumour, where the wild type protein would normally act as a tumour suppressor. Several studies, however, have found that wild type WT1 acts as an oncogene in adult tumours, primarily through the inhibition of apoptosis. The expression of WT1 correlates with the aggressiveness of several adult cancers, and its continued expression following treatment is indicative of a poor outcome.We recently found that the treatment of tumour cell lines with cytotoxic drugs leads to the cleavage of WT1 by the serine protease HtrA2. HtrA2 binds to a specific region of WT1, the suppression domain, and then cleaves WT1 at multiple sites. The HtrA2-mediated proteolysis of WT1 leads to its removal from gene promoter regions and changes in gene expression. Cleavage of WT1 by HtrA2 enhances apoptosis. This event is advantageous to the treatment of adult tumours where WT1 acts as an oncogene. However, when WT1 is acting as a tumour suppressor in paediatric malignancies, proteolysis by HtrA2 would be antagonistic to therapy.