1
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Tang SJ, Zhang QG. Myeloid sarcoma as the only manifestation in a rare mixed lineage leukemia-fusion-driven acute myeloid leukemia: A case report. World J Clin Cases 2023; 11:6000-6004. [PMID: 37727473 PMCID: PMC10506021 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v11.i25.6000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mixed lineage leukemia (MLL)-eleven-nineteen lysine-rich leukemia (ELL) fusion gene is a rare occurrence among the various MLL fusion genes. We present the first case in which myeloid sarcoma (MS) was the only manifestation of adult MLL-ELL-positive acute myeloid leukemia (AML). CASE SUMMARY We report a case of a 33-year-old male patient who was admitted in June 2022 with a right occipital area mass measuring approximately 7 cm × 8 cm. Blood work was normal. The patient underwent right occipital giant subscalp mass excision and incisional flap grafting. Immunohistochemistry was positive for myeloperoxidase, CD43 and CD45 and negative for CD3, CD20, CD34, and CD56. The bone marrow aspirate showed hypercellularity with 20% myeloblasts. Flow cytometry showed that myeloblasts accounted for 27.21% of the nucleated cells, which expressed CD33, CD38, and CD117. The karyotype was 46, XY, t (11, 19) (q23; p13.1), -12, + mar/46, XY. Next-generation sequencing showed a fusion of MLL exon 7 to exon 2 of ELL. A diagnosis of MLL-ELL-positive AML (M2 subtype) with subcutaneous MS was made. CONCLUSION MLL-ELL-positive AML with MS is a rare clinical entity. Additional research is needed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of the pathogenesis of MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-Jie Tang
- The First Clinical Medical College of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Qi-Guo Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Chuzhou Hospital affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Chuzhou 239001, Anhui Province, China
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2
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Conn VM, Gabryelska M, Toubia J, Kirk K, Gantley L, Powell JA, Cildir G, Marri S, Liu R, Stringer BW, Townley S, Webb ST, Lin H, Samaraweera SE, Bailey S, Moore AS, Maybury M, Liu D, Colella AD, Chataway T, Wallington-Gates CT, Walters L, Sibbons J, Selth LA, Tergaonkar V, D'Andrea RJ, Pitson SM, Goodall GJ, Conn SJ. Circular RNAs drive oncogenic chromosomal translocations within the MLL recombinome in leukemia. Cancer Cell 2023; 41:1309-1326.e10. [PMID: 37295428 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2023.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The first step of oncogenesis is the acquisition of a repertoire of genetic mutations to initiate and sustain the malignancy. An important example of this initiation phase in acute leukemias is the formation of a potent oncogene by chromosomal translocations between the mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) gene and one of 100 translocation partners, known as the MLL recombinome. Here, we show that circular RNAs (circRNAs)-a family of covalently closed, alternatively spliced RNA molecules-are enriched within the MLL recombinome and can bind DNA, forming circRNA:DNA hybrids (circR loops) at their cognate loci. These circR loops promote transcriptional pausing, proteasome inhibition, chromatin re-organization, and DNA breakage. Importantly, overexpressing circRNAs in mouse leukemia xenograft models results in co-localization of genomic loci, de novo generation of clinically relevant chromosomal translocations mimicking the MLL recombinome, and hastening of disease onset. Our findings provide fundamental insight into the acquisition of chromosomal translocations by endogenous RNA carcinogens in leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa M Conn
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine & Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia; Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology & University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Marta Gabryelska
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine & Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
| | - John Toubia
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology & University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; ACRF Cancer Genomics Facility, SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Kirsty Kirk
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine & Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
| | - Laura Gantley
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine & Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
| | - Jason A Powell
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology & University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, the University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Gökhan Cildir
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology & University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Shashikanth Marri
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine & Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
| | - Ryan Liu
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine & Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
| | - Brett W Stringer
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine & Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
| | - Scott Townley
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine & Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
| | - Stuart T Webb
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine & Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
| | - He Lin
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine & Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
| | - Saumya E Samaraweera
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology & University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Sheree Bailey
- Health and Biomedical Innovation, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Andrew S Moore
- Child Health Research Centre, the University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4101, Australia; Oncology Service, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, QLD 4101, Australia
| | - Mellissa Maybury
- Child Health Research Centre, the University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4101, Australia
| | - Dawei Liu
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology & University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Alex D Colella
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine & Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia; Flinders Omics Facility, College of Medicine & Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
| | - Timothy Chataway
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine & Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia; Flinders Omics Facility, College of Medicine & Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
| | - Craig T Wallington-Gates
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine & Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia; Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology & University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, the University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
| | - Lucie Walters
- Adelaide Rural Clinical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, the University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Jane Sibbons
- Adelaide Microscopy, Division of Research and Innovation, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Luke A Selth
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine & Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia; Freemasons Centre for Male Health and Wellbeing, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
| | - Vinay Tergaonkar
- Laboratory of NFκB Signalling, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A(∗)STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore 138673, Republic of Singapore
| | - Richard J D'Andrea
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology & University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Stuart M Pitson
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology & University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, the University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Gregory J Goodall
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology & University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, the University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Simon J Conn
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine & Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia; Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology & University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia.
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3
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Yuan Y, Du L, Tan R, Yu Y, Jiang J, Yao A, Luo J, Tang R, Xiao Y, Sun H. Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluations of DOT1L Peptide Mimetics Targeting the Protein-Protein Interactions between DOT1L and MLL-AF9/MLL-ENL. J Med Chem 2022; 65:7770-7785. [PMID: 35612819 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
On the basis of a previously identified DOT1L peptide mimetic (compound 3), a series of novel peptide mimetics were designed and synthesized. These compounds can potently bind to AF9 and ENL either in cell-free binding assays or in leukemia cells, and selectively inhibit the growth of leukemia cells containing mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) fusion proteins. The most potent compound 12 exhibited comparable anticancer cellular activities to those of EPZ5676, a clinical stage enzymatic inhibitor of DOT1L in several leukemia cell lines containing MLL fusion proteins. Mechanism studies for compound 12 indicated that it did not affect the global methylation of H3K79 catalyzed by DOT1L but could effectively suppress the methylation of H3K79 at MLL fusion proteins targeted genes and inhibit the expressions of these genes. Our studies thus demonstrated that inhibiting the protein-protein interactions between DOT1L and MLL fusion proteins is a potentially effective strategy for the treatment of MLL rearranged leukemias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinan Yuan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Lei Du
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Rongliang Tan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yifan Yu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Jinxin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.,Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Aihong Yao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Jiajun Luo
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Rui Tang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yibei Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.,Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Haiying Sun
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
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4
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Chin HS, Fu NY. Physiological Functions of Mcl-1: Insights From Genetic Mouse Models. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:704547. [PMID: 34336857 PMCID: PMC8322662 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.704547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability to regulate the survival and death of a cell is paramount throughout the lifespan of a multicellular organism. Apoptosis, a main physiological form of programmed cell death, is regulated by the Bcl-2 family proteins that are either pro-apoptotic or pro-survival. The in vivo functions of distinct Bcl-2 family members are largely unmasked by genetically engineered murine models. Mcl-1 is one of the two Bcl-2 like pro-survival genes whose germline deletion causes embryonic lethality in mice. Its requisite for the survival of a broad range of cell types has been further unraveled by using conditional and inducible deletion murine model systems in different tissues or cell lineages and at distinct developmental stages. Moreover, genetic mouse cancer models have also demonstrated that Mcl-1 is essential for the survival of multiple tumor types. The MCL-1 locus is commonly amplified across various cancer types in humans. Small molecule inhibitors with high affinity and specificity to human MCL-1 have been developed and explored for the treatment of certain cancers. To facilitate the pre-clinical studies of MCL-1 in cancer and other diseases, transgenic mouse models over-expressing human MCL-1 as well as humanized MCL-1 mouse models have been recently engineered. This review discusses the current advances in understanding the physiological roles of Mcl-1 based on studies using genetic murine models and its critical implications in pathology and treatment of human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui San Chin
- Programme in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Nai Yang Fu
- Programme in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Physiology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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5
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Hu C, Yu M, Li C, Wang Y, Li X, Ulrich B, Su R, Dong L, Weng H, Huang H, Jiang X, Chen J, Jin J. miR-550-1 functions as a tumor suppressor in acute myeloid leukemia via the hippo signaling pathway. Int J Biol Sci 2020; 16:2853-2867. [PMID: 33061801 PMCID: PMC7545716 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.44365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and N6-methyladenosine (m6A) are known to serve as key regulators of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Our previous microarray analysis indicated miR-550-1 was significantly downregulated in AML. The specific biological roles of miR-550-1 and its indirect interactions and regulation of m6A in AML, however, remain poorly understood. At the present study, we found that miR-550-1 was significantly down-regulated in primary AML samples from human patients, likely owing to hypermethylation of the associated CpG islands. When miR-550-1 expression was induced, it impaired AML cell proliferation both in vitro and in vivo, thus suppressing tumor development. When ectopically expressed, miR-550-1 drove the G0/1 cell cycle phase arrest, differentiation, and apoptotic death of affected cells. We confirmed mechanistically that WW-domain containing transcription regulator-1 (WWTR1) gene was a downstream target of miR-550-1. Moreover, we also identified Wilms tumor 1-associated protein (WTAP), a vital component of the m6A methyltransferase complex, as a target of miR-550-1. These data indicated that miR-550-1 might mediate a decrease in m6A levels via targeting WTAP, which led to a further reduction in WWTR1 stability. Using gain- and loss-of-function approaches, we were able to determine that miR-550-1 disrupted the proliferation and tumorigenesis of AML cells at least in part via the direct targeting of WWTR1. Taken together, our results provide direct evidence that miR-550-1 acts as a tumor suppressor in the context of AML pathogenesis, suggesting that efforts to bolster miR-550-1 expression in AML patients may thus be a viable clinical strategy to improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Hu
- Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 310003, P.R. China.,Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45219, USA.,Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA
| | - Mengxia Yu
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 216 Huansha Road, Hangzhou, 310006, P.R. China
| | - Chenying Li
- Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 310003, P.R. China.,Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45219, USA
| | - Yungui Wang
- Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 310003, P.R. China.,Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45219, USA.,Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA
| | - Xia Li
- Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 310003, P.R. China
| | - Bryan Ulrich
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA
| | - Rui Su
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45219, USA.,Department of Systems Biology & the Gehr Family Center for Leukemia Research, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA 91016, USA
| | - Lei Dong
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45219, USA.,Department of Systems Biology & the Gehr Family Center for Leukemia Research, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA 91016, USA
| | - Hengyou Weng
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45219, USA.,Department of Systems Biology & the Gehr Family Center for Leukemia Research, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA 91016, USA
| | - Huilin Huang
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45219, USA.,Department of Systems Biology & the Gehr Family Center for Leukemia Research, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA 91016, USA
| | - Xi Jiang
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45219, USA.,Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA.,Department of Systems Biology & the Gehr Family Center for Leukemia Research, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA 91016, USA
| | - Jianjun Chen
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45219, USA.,Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA.,Department of Systems Biology & the Gehr Family Center for Leukemia Research, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA 91016, USA
| | - Jie Jin
- Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 310003, P.R. China
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6
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Xie L, Hu WY, Hu DP, Shi G, Li Y, Yang J, Prins GS. Effects of Inorganic Arsenic on Human Prostate Stem-Progenitor Cell Transformation, Autophagic Flux Blockade, and NRF2 Pathway Activation. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2020; 128:67008. [PMID: 32525701 PMCID: PMC7289393 DOI: 10.1289/ehp6471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inorganic arsenic (iAs) is an environmental toxicant associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer in chronically exposed populations worldwide. However, the biological mechanisms underlying iAs-induced prostate carcinogenesis remain unclear. OBJECTIVES We studied how iAs affects normal human prostate stem-progenitor cells (PrSPCs) and drives transformation and interrogated the molecular mechanisms involved. METHODS PrSPCs were enriched by spheroid culture from normal human primary or immortalized prostate epithelial cells, and their differentiation capability was evaluated by organoid culture. Microarray analysis was conducted to identify iAs-dysregulated genes, and lentiviral infection was used for stable manipulation of identified genes. Soft agar colony growth assays were applied to examine iAs-induced transformation. For in vivo study, PrSPCs mixed with rat urogenital sinus mesenchyme were grafted under the renal capsule of nude mice to generate prostatelike tissues, and mice were exposed to 5 ppm (∼65μM) iAs in drinking water for 3 months. RESULTS Low-dose iAs (1μM) disturbed PrSPC homeostasis in vitro, leading to increased self-renewal and suppressed differentiation. Transcriptomic analysis indicated that iAs activated oncogenic pathways in PrSPCs, including the KEAP1-NRF2 pathway. Further, iAs-exposed proliferative progenitor cells exhibited NRF2 pathway activation that was sustained in their progeny cells. Knockdown of NRF2 inhibited spheroid formation by driving PrSPC differentiation, whereas its activation enhanced spheroid growth. Importantly, iAs-induced transformation was suppressed by NRF2 knockdown. Mechanistically, iAs suppressed Vacuolar ATPase subunit VMA5 expression, impairing lysosome acidification and inhibiting autophagic protein degradation including p62, which further activated NRF2. In vivo, chronic iAs exposure activated NRF2 in both epithelial and stroma cells of chimeric human prostate grafts and induced premalignant events. CONCLUSIONS Low-dose iAs increased self-renewal and decreased differentiation of human PrSPCs by activating the p62-NRF2 axis, resulting in epithelial cell transformation. NRF2 is activated by iAs through specific autophagic flux blockade in progenitor cells, which may have potential therapeutic implications. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP6471.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lishi Xie
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Chicago Center for Health and Environment, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Wen-Yang Hu
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Chicago Center for Health and Environment, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Dan-Ping Hu
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Guangbin Shi
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Ye Li
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Jianfu Yang
- Department of Urology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Gail S. Prins
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Chicago Center for Health and Environment, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Departments of Physiology & Biophysics and Pathology, College of Medicine; Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- University of Illinois Cancer Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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7
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Schwaller J. Learning from mouse models of MLL fusion gene-driven acute leukemia. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2020; 1863:194550. [PMID: 32320749 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2020.194550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
5-10% of human acute leukemias carry chromosomal translocations involving the mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) gene that result in the expression of chimeric protein fusing MLL to >80 different partners of which AF4, ENL and AF9 are the most prevalent. In contrast to many other leukemia-associated mutations, several MLL-fusions are powerful oncogenes that transform hematopoietic stem cells but also more committed progenitor cells. Here, I review different approaches that were used to express MLL fusions in the murine hematopoietic system which often, but not always, resulted in highly penetrant and transplantable leukemias that closely phenocopied the human disease. Due to its simple and reliable nature, reconstitution of irradiated mice with bone marrow cells retrovirally expressing the MLL-AF9 fusion became the most frequently in vivo model to study the biology of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). I review some of the most influential studies that used this model to dissect critical protein interactions, the impact of epigenetic regulators, microRNAs and microenvironment-dependent signals for MLL fusion-driven leukemia. In addition, I highlight studies that used this model for shRNA- or genome editing-based screens for cellular vulnerabilities that allowed to identify novel therapeutic targets of which some entered clinical trials. Finally, I discuss some inherent characteristics of the widely used mouse model based on retroviral expression of the MLL-AF9 fusion that can limit general conclusions for the biology of AML. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: The MLL family of proteins in normal development and disease edited by Thomas A Milne.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juerg Schwaller
- University Children's Hospital Beider Basel (UKBB), Basel, Switzerland; Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Switzerland.
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8
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The Impact of the Cellular Origin in Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Learning From Mouse Models. Hemasphere 2019; 3:e152. [PMID: 31723801 PMCID: PMC6745939 DOI: 10.1097/hs9.0000000000000152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a genetically heterogeneous disease driven by a limited number of cooperating mutations. There is a long-standing debate as to whether AML driver mutations occur in hematopoietic stem or in more committed progenitor cells. Here, we review how different mouse models, despite their inherent limitations, have functionally demonstrated that cellular origin plays a critical role in the biology of the disease, influencing clinical outcome. AML driven by potent oncogenes such as mixed lineage leukemia fusions often seem to emerge from committed myeloid progenitors whereas AML without any major cytogenetic abnormalities seem to develop from a combination of preleukemic initiating events arising in the hematopoietic stem cell pool. More refined mouse models may serve as experimental platforms to identify and validate novel targeted therapeutic strategies.
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9
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Mesuraca M, Amodio N, Chiarella E, Scicchitano S, Aloisio A, Codispoti B, Lucchino V, Montalcini Y, Bond HM, Morrone G. Turning Stem Cells Bad: Generation of Clinically Relevant Models of Human Acute Myeloid Leukemia through Gene Delivery- or Genome Editing-Based Approaches. Molecules 2018; 23:E2060. [PMID: 30126100 PMCID: PMC6222541 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23082060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Revised: 08/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML), the most common acute leukemia in the adult, is believed to arise as a consequence of multiple molecular events that confer on primitive hematopoietic progenitors unlimited self-renewal potential and cause defective differentiation. A number of genetic aberrations, among which a variety of gene fusions, have been implicated in the development of a transformed phenotype through the generation of dysfunctional molecules that disrupt key regulatory mechanisms controlling survival, proliferation, and differentiation in normal stem and progenitor cells. Such genetic aberrations can be recreated experimentally to a large extent, to render normal hematopoietic stem cells "bad", analogous to the leukemic stem cells. Here, we wish to provide a brief outline of the complementary experimental approaches, largely based on gene delivery and more recently on gene editing, employed over the last two decades to gain insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying AML development and progression and on the prospects that their applications offer for the discovery and validation of innovative therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Mesuraca
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Nicola Amodio
- Laboratory of Medical Oncology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Emanuela Chiarella
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Stefania Scicchitano
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Annamaria Aloisio
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Bruna Codispoti
- Tecnologica Research Institute-Marrelli Hospital, 88900 Crotone, Italy.
| | - Valeria Lucchino
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 53127 Bonn, Germany.
| | - Ylenia Montalcini
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Heather M Bond
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Morrone
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
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10
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Pascal LE, Masoodi KZ, Liu J, Qiu X, Song Q, Wang Y, Zang Y, Yang T, Wang Y, Rigatti LH, Chandran U, Colli LM, Vencio RZN, Lu Y, Zhang J, Wang Z. Conditional deletion of ELL2 induces murine prostate intraepithelial neoplasia. J Endocrinol 2017; 235:123-136. [PMID: 28870994 PMCID: PMC5679084 DOI: 10.1530/joe-17-0112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2017] [Accepted: 08/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Elongation factor, RNA polymerase II, 2 (ELL2) is an RNA Pol II elongation factor with functional properties similar to ELL that can interact with the prostate tumor suppressor EAF2. In the prostate, ELL2 is an androgen response gene that is upregulated in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). We recently showed that ELL2 loss could enhance prostate cancer cell proliferation and migration, and that ELL2 gene expression was downregulated in high Gleason score prostate cancer specimens. Here, prostate-specific deletion of ELL2 in a mouse model revealed a potential role for ELL2 as a prostate tumor suppressor in vivoEll2-knockout mice exhibited prostatic defects including increased epithelial proliferation, vascularity and PIN lesions similar to the previously determined prostate phenotype in Eaf2-knockout mice. Microarray analysis of prostates from Ell2-knockout and wild-type mice on a C57BL/6J background at age 3 months and qPCR validation at 17 months of age revealed a number of differentially expressed genes associated with proliferation, cellular motility and epithelial and neural differentiation. OncoPrint analysis identified combined downregulation or deletion in prostate adenocarcinoma cases from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data portal. These results suggest that ELL2 and its pathway genes likely play an important role in the development and progression of prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura E Pascal
- Department of UrologyUniversity of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Khalid Z Masoodi
- Department of UrologyUniversity of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Transcriptomics LabDivision of Plant Biotechnology, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Shalimar, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - June Liu
- Department of UrologyUniversity of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Xiaonan Qiu
- Department of UrologyUniversity of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- School of MedicineTsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Qiong Song
- Department of UrologyUniversity of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Center for Translational MedicineGuangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Yujuan Wang
- Department of UrologyUniversity of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Yachen Zang
- Department of UrologyUniversity of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of UrologyThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Tiejun Yang
- Department of UrologyUniversity of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of UrologyHenan Cancer Hospital, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yao Wang
- Department of UrologyUniversity of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of UrologyChina-Japan Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Lora H Rigatti
- Division of Laboratory Animal ResourcesUniversity of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Uma Chandran
- Department of Biomedical InformaticsUniversity of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Leandro M Colli
- Ribeirao Preto Medical SchoolUniversity of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto-SP, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Z N Vencio
- Department of Computing and Mathematics FFCLRP-USPUniversity of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Yi Lu
- Key Laboratory of Longevity and Aging-related DiseasesMinistry of Education, China and Center for Translational Medicine Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Department of BiologySouthern University of Science and Technology School of Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Longevity and Aging-related DiseasesMinistry of Education, China and Center for Translational Medicine Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Department of BiologySouthern University of Science and Technology School of Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhou Wang
- Department of UrologyUniversity of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- University of Pittsburgh Cancer InstituteUniversity of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical BiologyUniversity of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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11
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Peng L, Tang Y, Zhang Y, Guo S, Peng L, Ye L, Wang Y, Jiang Y. Structural maintenance of chromosomes 4 is required for leukemia stem cell maintenance in MLL-AF9 induced acute myeloid leukemia. Leuk Lymphoma 2017; 59:2423-2430. [PMID: 29043883 DOI: 10.1080/10428194.2017.1387906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The gene, structural maintenance of chromosomes 4 (SMC4) plays important role in chromosomes condensing and mitotic sister chromatid segregation, which has been revealed in regulating multiple cancer development and carcinogenesis. However, the role of SMC4 in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) propagation and its function in regulation of leukemia stem cells (LSCs) is not yet clear. Using an MLL-AF9 induced AML mouse model, we demonstrated that down modulating of SMC4 expression could prolong the survival time of AML mice. Furthermore, we found that knockdown SMC4 expression decreased the proportion of LSCs and affected its leukemia-initiating capacity. Cell cycle assay demonstrated that more LSCs were arrested in G0 phase by SMC4 knockdown. This activity was accompanied by increased expression of the Cdkn1a (P21) and Cdkn1b (P27) as well as decreased expression of CDK4. Therefore, our study revealed the critical role of SMC4 during AML progression and provided new insights into the mechanism of LSC maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luyun Peng
- a Department of Laboratory Medicine , West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University , Chengdu , China.,b Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education , Chengdu , China
| | - Yuanting Tang
- a Department of Laboratory Medicine , West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University , Chengdu , China.,b Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education , Chengdu , China
| | - Yingchi Zhang
- c State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital , Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College , Tianjin , China
| | - Siqi Guo
- a Department of Laboratory Medicine , West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University , Chengdu , China.,b Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education , Chengdu , China
| | - Leiwen Peng
- a Department of Laboratory Medicine , West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University , Chengdu , China.,b Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education , Chengdu , China
| | - Lei Ye
- a Department of Laboratory Medicine , West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University , Chengdu , China.,b Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education , Chengdu , China
| | - Yuefang Wang
- a Department of Laboratory Medicine , West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University , Chengdu , China.,b Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education , Chengdu , China
| | - Yongmei Jiang
- a Department of Laboratory Medicine , West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University , Chengdu , China.,b Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education , Chengdu , China
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12
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Zhang B, Hsu YC. Emerging roles of transit-amplifying cells in tissue regeneration and cancer. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2017; 6. [PMID: 28670819 DOI: 10.1002/wdev.282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2017] [Revised: 04/27/2017] [Accepted: 04/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Most regenerative tissues employ transit-amplifying cells (TACs) that are positioned in between stem cells and differentiated progeny. In a classical hierarchical model, stem cells undergo limited divisions to produce TACs, which then proliferate rapidly to expand the system and produce diverse differentiated cell types. Although TACs are indispensable for generating tissues, they have been largely viewed as a transit point between stem cells and downstream lineages. Studies in the past few years, however, have revealed some fascinating biology and unanticipated functions of TACs. In the hair follicle, recent findings have placed TACs as key players in tissue regeneration by coordinating tissue production, governing stem cell behaviors, and instructing niche remodeling. In the hematopoietic system, rather than being transient, some TACs may participate in long-term hematopoiesis under steady state. Here, we compare and summarize recent discoveries about TACs in the hair follicle and the hematopoietic system. We also discuss how TACs of these two tissues contribute to the formation of cancer. WIREs Dev Biol 2017, 6:e282. doi: 10.1002/wdev.282 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Zhang
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University and Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Ya-Chieh Hsu
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University and Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
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13
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Brumatti G, Lalaoui N, Wei AH, Silke J. 'Did He Who Made the Lamb Make Thee?' New Developments in Treating the 'Fearful Symmetry' of Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Trends Mol Med 2017; 23:264-281. [PMID: 28196625 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2017.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2016] [Revised: 01/12/2017] [Accepted: 01/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Malignant cells must circumvent endogenous cell death pathways to survive and develop into cancers. Acquired cell death resistance also sets up malignant cells to survive anticancer therapies. Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is an aggressive blood cancer characterized by high relapse rate and resistance to cytotoxic therapies. Recent collaborative profiling projects have led to a greater understanding of the 'fearful symmetry' of the genomic landscape of AML, and point to the development of novel potential therapies that can overcome factors linked to chemoresistance. We review here the most recent research in the genetics of AML and how these discoveries have led, or might lead, to therapies that specifically activate cell death pathways to substantially challenge this 'fearful' disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Brumatti
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Najoua Lalaoui
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Andrew H Wei
- Alfred Hospital and Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - John Silke
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
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Impact of loss of BH3-only proteins on the development and treatment of MLL-fusion gene-driven AML in mice. Cell Death Dis 2016; 7:e2351. [PMID: 27584789 PMCID: PMC5059861 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2016.258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Inhibition of the apoptosis pathway controlled by opposing members of the Bcl-2 protein family plays a central role in cancer development and resistance to therapy. To investigate how pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 homology domain 3 (BH3)-only proteins impact on acute myeloid leukemia (AML), we generated mixed lineage leukemia (MLL)-AF9 and MLL-ENL AMLs from BH3-only gene knockout mice. Disease development was not accelerated by loss of Bim, Puma, Noxa, Bmf, or combinations thereof; hence these BH3-only proteins are apparently ineffectual as tumor suppressors in this model. We tested the sensitivity of MLL-AF9 AMLs of each genotype in vitro to standard chemotherapeutic drugs and to the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib, with or without the BH3 mimetic ABT-737. Loss of Puma and/or Noxa increased resistance to cytarabine, daunorubicin and etoposide, while loss of Bim protected against cytarabine and loss of Bmf had no impact. ABT-737 increased sensitivity to the genotoxic drugs but was not dependent on any BH3-only protein tested. The AML lines were very sensitive to bortezomib and loss of Noxa conveyed significant resistance. In vivo, several MLL-AF9 AMLs responded well to daunorubicin and this response was highly dependent on Puma and Noxa but not Bim. Combination therapy with ABT-737 provided little added benefit at the daunorubicin dose trialed. Bortezomib also extended survival of AML-bearing mice, albeit less than daunorubicin. In summary, our genetic studies reveal the importance of Puma and Noxa for the action of genotoxics currently used to treat MLL-driven AML and suggest that, while addition of ABT-737-like BH3 mimetics might enhance their efficacy, new Noxa-like BH3 mimetics targeting Mcl-1 might have greater potential.
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15
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Brumatti G, Ma C, Lalaoui N, Nguyen NY, Navarro M, Tanzer MC, Richmond J, Ghisi M, Salmon JM, Silke N, Pomilio G, Glaser SP, de Valle E, Gugasyan R, Gurthridge MA, Condon SM, Johnstone RW, Lock R, Salvesen G, Wei A, Vaux DL, Ekert PG, Silke J. The caspase-8 inhibitor emricasan combines with the SMAC mimetic birinapant to induce necroptosis and treat acute myeloid leukemia. Sci Transl Med 2016; 8:339ra69. [DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aad3099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2015] [Accepted: 04/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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16
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Hu WQ, Wang XX, Yang RR, Yu K. MLL-ELL fusion gene in an acute myelomonocytic leukemia patient transformed from acute promyelocytic leukemia. Clin Case Rep 2015; 3:402-5. [PMID: 26185637 PMCID: PMC4498851 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2014] [Revised: 01/27/2015] [Accepted: 02/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
We report an extremely rare case of acute myelomonocytic leukemia (M4) with an MLL-ELL fusion gene lacking the PML-RARα rearrangement that transformed from hypergranular acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) without showing any karyotypic evolution. The treatment was effective with chemotherapy for M4 and idarubicin plus a cytarabine-based chemotherapy protocol without ATRA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wang Qiang Hu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiao Xia Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Rong Rong Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Kang Yu
- Department of Haematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
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17
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Kawashima-Goto S, Imamura T, Tomoyasu C, Yano M, Yoshida H, Fujiki A, Tamura S, Osone S, Ishida H, Morimoto A, Kuroda H, Hosoi H. BCL2 Inhibitor (ABT-737): A Restorer of Prednisolone Sensitivity in Early T-Cell Precursor-Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia with High MEF2C Expression? PLoS One 2015; 10:e0132926. [PMID: 26172269 PMCID: PMC4501565 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0132926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2015] [Accepted: 06/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Early T-cell precursor-acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ETP-ALL) has been identified as a high-risk subtype of pediatric T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). Conventional chemotherapy is not fully effective for this subtype of leukemia; therefore, potential therapeutic targets need to be explored. Analysis of the gene expression patterns of the transcription factors in pediatric T-ALL revealed that MEF2C and FLT3 were expressed at higher levels in ETP-ALL than typical T-ALL. Using human T-ALL and BaF3 cell lines with high expression levels of MEF2C, the present study tested whether the BCL2 inhibitor (ABT-737) restores the sensitivity to prednisolone (PSL), because MEF2C causes PSL resistance, possibly by augmenting the anti-apoptotic activity of BCL2. Treatment with PSL and ABT-737 caused a significant reduction in the IC50 of PSL in the MEF2C-expressing LOUCY cells, in addition to the MEF2C-transduced BaF3 cells, but not in the non-MEF2C-expressing Jurkat cells. The combination treatment significantly accelerated the killing of primary leukemic blast cells of ETP-ALL with high expression levels of MEF2C, which were co-cultured with murine stromal cells. These findings suggest that BCL2 inhibitors may be a therapeutic candidate in vivo for patients with ETP-ALL with high expression levels of MEF2C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachiko Kawashima-Goto
- Department of Pediatrics, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Toshihiko Imamura
- Department of Pediatrics, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Chihiro Tomoyasu
- Department of Pediatrics, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Mio Yano
- Department of Pediatrics, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hideki Yoshida
- Department of Pediatrics, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Atsushi Fujiki
- Department of Pediatrics, Matsushita Memorial Hospital, Moriguchi, Japan
| | | | - Shinya Osone
- Department of Pediatrics, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Ishida
- Department of Pediatrics, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto, Japan
- Department of Pediatrics, Matsushita Memorial Hospital, Moriguchi, Japan
| | - Akira Morimoto
- Department of Pediatrics, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Shimotuke, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kuroda
- Department of Pediatrics, Kyoto City Hospital, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hajime Hosoi
- Department of Pediatrics, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto, Japan
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18
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Zhang Y, Peng L, Hu T, Wan Y, Ren Y, Zhang J, Wang X, Zhou Y, Yuan W, Wang Q, Cheng T, Zhu X. La-related protein 4B maintains murine MLL-AF9 leukemia stem cell self-renewal by regulating cell cycle progression. Exp Hematol 2015; 43:309-18.e2. [PMID: 25534202 DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2014.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2014] [Revised: 12/08/2014] [Accepted: 12/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Our recent study identified a nonsense mutation of La-related protein 4B (LARP4B) from whole genome sequencing of a 3-year-old female monozygotic twin pair discordant for MLL-associated acute myeloid leukemia (AML). To study the role of LARP4B in AML, we established a LARP4B-knockdown MLL-AF9 AML mouse model. Using this mouse model, we found that LARP4B knockdown significantly decreased leukemia cells in the peripheral blood, spleen, and bone marrow and prolonged the survival of AML recipient mice. Additional studies showed that LARP4B knockdown reduced leukemia stem cells (LSCs) and impaired the self-renew capacity of LSCs. Cell cycle analysis revealed that LARP4B knockdown arrested more LSCs in the G0 phase. The transcription of the cell cycle inhibitors p16, p19, and p21 and of the lineage-specific transcription factor CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein α was increased in the LARP4B-knockdown LSCs. Thus, our results demonstrate that LARP4B plays an important role in the maintenance of LSCs and suggest that LARP4B may regulate the cell cycle of LSCs via suppressing the expression of the cell cycle inhibitors p16, p19, and p21 and the myeloid specific transcription factor CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein α.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingchi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China; Center for Stem Cell Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Luyun Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China; Center for Stem Cell Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tianyuan Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China; Center for Stem Cell Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China; Center for Stem Cell Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanyuan Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China; Center for Stem Cell Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jingliao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China; Center for Stem Cell Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaojuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China; Center for Stem Cell Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China; Center for Stem Cell Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Weiping Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China; Center for Stem Cell Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qianfei Wang
- Laboratory of Genome Variations and Precision Bio-Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China; Center for Stem Cell Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaofan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China; Center for Stem Cell Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
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19
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Panagopoulos I, Gorunova L, Kerndrup G, Spetalen S, Tierens A, Osnes LTN, Andersen K, Müller LSO, Hellebostad M, Zeller B, Heim S. Rare MLL-ELL fusion transcripts in childhood acute myeloid leukemia-association with young age and myeloid sarcomas? Exp Hematol Oncol 2015; 5:8. [PMID: 26949571 PMCID: PMC4779576 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-016-0037-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2015] [Accepted: 03/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The chromosomal translocation t(11;19)(q23;p13) with a breakpoint within subband 19p13.1 is found mainly in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and results in the MLL-ELL fusion gene. Variations in the structure of MLL-ELL seem to influence the leukemogenic potency of the fusion in vivo and may lie behind differences in clinical features. The number of cases reported so far is very limited and the addition of more information about MLL-ELL variants is essential if the possible clinical significance of rare fusions is to be determined. CASE PRESENTATION Cytogenetic and molecular genetic analyses were done on the bone marrow cells of a 20-month-old boy with an unusual form of myelomonocytic AML with multiple myeloid sarcomas infiltrating bone and soft tissues. The G-banding analysis together with FISH yielded the karyotype 47,XY, +6,t(8;19;11)(q24;p13;q23). FISH analysis also demonstrated that MLL was split. RNA-sequencing showed that the translocation had generated an MLL-ELL chimera in which exon 9 of MLL (nt 4241 in sequence with accession number NM_005933.3) was fused to exon 6 of ELL (nt 817 in sequence with accession number NM_006532.3). RT-PCR together with Sanger sequencing verified the presence of the above-mentioned fusion transcript. CONCLUSIONS Based on our findings and information on a few previously reported patients, we speculate that young age, myelomonoblastic AML, and the presence of extramedullary disease may be typical of children with rare MLL-ELL fusion transcripts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Panagopoulos
- Section for Cancer Cytogenetics, Institute for Cancer Genetics and Informatics, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Nydalen, P.O.Box 4953, 0424 Oslo, Norway ; Centre for Cancer Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ludmila Gorunova
- Section for Cancer Cytogenetics, Institute for Cancer Genetics and Informatics, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Nydalen, P.O.Box 4953, 0424 Oslo, Norway ; Centre for Cancer Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Gitte Kerndrup
- Department of Pathology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Signe Spetalen
- Department of Pathology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anne Tierens
- Laboratory Medicine Program, Department of Haematopathology, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Liv T N Osnes
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kristin Andersen
- Section for Cancer Cytogenetics, Institute for Cancer Genetics and Informatics, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Nydalen, P.O.Box 4953, 0424 Oslo, Norway ; Centre for Cancer Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Marit Hellebostad
- Department of Pediatrics, Drammen Hospital, Vestre Viken HF, Drammen, Norway
| | - Bernward Zeller
- Department of Pediatrics, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sverre Heim
- Section for Cancer Cytogenetics, Institute for Cancer Genetics and Informatics, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Nydalen, P.O.Box 4953, 0424 Oslo, Norway ; Centre for Cancer Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway ; Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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20
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MicroRNA-196b promotes cell proliferation and suppress cell differentiation in vitro. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2015; 457:1-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2014.11.085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2014] [Accepted: 11/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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21
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Lymphohematopoietic cancers induced by chemicals and other agents and their implications for risk evaluation: An overview. MUTATION RESEARCH-REVIEWS IN MUTATION RESEARCH 2014; 761:40-64. [PMID: 24731989 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrrev.2014.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2013] [Revised: 04/02/2014] [Accepted: 04/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Lymphohematopoietic neoplasia are one of the most common types of cancer induced by therapeutic and environmental agents. Of the more than 100 human carcinogens identified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, approximately 25% induce leukemias or lymphomas. The objective of this review is to provide an introduction into the origins and mechanisms underlying lymphohematopoietic cancers induced by xenobiotics in humans with an emphasis on acute myeloid leukemia, and discuss the implications of this information for risk assessment. Among the agents causing lymphohematopoietic cancers, a number of patterns were observed. Most physical and chemical leukemia-inducing agents such as the therapeutic alkylating agents, topoisomerase II inhibitors, and ionizing radiation induce mainly acute myeloid leukemia through DNA-damaging mechanisms that result in either gene or chromosomal mutations. In contrast, biological agents and a few immunosuppressive chemicals induce primarily lymphoid neoplasms through mechanisms that involve alterations in immune response. Among the environmental agents examined, benzene was clearly associated with acute myeloid leukemia in humans, with increasing but still limited evidence for an association with lymphoid neoplasms. Ethylene oxide and 1,3-butadiene were linked primarily to lymphoid cancers. Although the association between formaldehyde and leukemia remains controversial, several recent evaluations have indicated a potential link between formaldehyde and acute myeloid leukemia. The four environmental agents examined in detail were all genotoxic, inducing gene mutations, chromosomal alterations, and/or micronuclei in vivo. Although it is clear that rapid progress has been made in recent years in our understanding of leukemogenesis, many questions remain for future research regarding chemically induced leukemias and lymphomas, including the mechanisms by which the environmental agents reviewed here induce these diseases and the risks associated with exposures to such agents.
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22
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Albouhair S, Morgado E, Lavau C. Flt3 does not play a critical role in murine myeloid leukemias induced by MLL fusion genes. PLoS One 2013; 8:e72261. [PMID: 23977266 PMCID: PMC3745452 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0072261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2013] [Accepted: 07/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Leukemias harboring MLL translocations are frequent in children and adults, and respond poorly to therapies. The receptor tyrosine kinase FLT3 is highly expressed in these leukemias. In vitro studies have shown that pediatric MLL-rearranged ALL cells are sensitive to FLT3 inhibitors and clinical trials are ongoing to measure their therapeutic efficacy. We sought to determine the contribution of Flt3 in the pathogenesis of MLL-rearranged leukemias using a myeloid leukemia mouse model. Bone marrow from Flt3 null mice transduced with MLL-ENL or MLL-CBP was transplanted into host mice and Flt3−/− leukemias were compared to their Flt3 wild type counterparts. Flt3 deficiency did not delay disease onset and had minimal impact on leukemia characteristics. To determine the anti-leukemic effect of FLT3 inhibition we studied the sensitivity of MLL-ENL leukemia cells to the FLT3 inhibitor PKC412 ex vivo. As previously reported for human MLL-rearranged leukemias, murine MLL-ENL leukemia cells with higher Flt3 levels were more sensitive to the cytotoxicity of PKC412. Interestingly, Flt3 deficient leukemia samples also displayed some sensitivity to PKC412. Our findings demonstrate that myeloid leukemias induced by MLL-rearranged genes are not dependent upon Flt3 signaling. They also highlight the discrepancy between the sensitivity of cells to Flt3 inhibition in vitro and the lack of contribution of Flt3 to the pathogenesis of MLL-rearranged leukemias in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ester Morgado
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR7151, Paris, France
| | - Catherine Lavau
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR7151, Paris, France
- * E-mail:
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23
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Emerenciano M, Kowarz E, Karl K, de Almeida Lopes B, Scholz B, Bracharz S, Meyer C, Pombo-de-Oliveira MS, Marschalek R. Functional analysis of the two reciprocal fusion genes MLL-NEBL and NEBL-MLL reveal their oncogenic potential. Cancer Lett 2013; 332:30-4. [PMID: 23340173 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2012.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2012] [Revised: 12/20/2012] [Accepted: 12/22/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
MLL gene aberrations are frequently diagnosed in infant acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We previously described the MLL-NEBL and NEBL-MLL genomic fusions in an infant AML patient with a chromosomal translocation t(10;11)(p12;q23). NEBL was the second Nebulin family member (LASP1, NEBL) which was found to be involved in MLL rearrangements. Here, we report on our attempts to unravel the oncogenic properties of both fusion genes. First, RT-PCR analyses revealed the presence of the MLL-NEBL and NEBL-MLL mRNAs in the diagnostic sample of the patient. Next, expression cassettes for MLL-NEBL and NEBL-MLL were cloned into a sleeping beauty vector backbone. After stable transfection, the biological effects of MLL-NEBL, NEBL-MLL or the combination of both fusion proteins were investigated in a conditional cell culture model. NEBL-MLL but also co-transfected cells displayed significantly higher growth rates according to the data obtained by cell proliferation assay. The focus formation experiments revealed differences in the shape and number of colonies when comparing MLL-NEBL, NEBL-MLL- and co-transfected cells. The results obtained in this study suggest that the reciprocal fusion genes of the Nebulin gene family might be of biological importance.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Carrier Proteins/genetics
- Carrier Proteins/metabolism
- Cell Proliferation
- Cell Shape
- Cytoskeletal Proteins/genetics
- Cytoskeletal Proteins/metabolism
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Gene Fusion
- Genotype
- HEK293 Cells
- Histone-Lysine N-Methyltransferase
- Humans
- Infant
- LIM Domain Proteins/genetics
- LIM Domain Proteins/metabolism
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/genetics
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/metabolism
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/pathology
- Mice
- Myeloid-Lymphoid Leukemia Protein/genetics
- Myeloid-Lymphoid Leukemia Protein/metabolism
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/genetics
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/metabolism
- Phenotype
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Transfection
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Emerenciano
- Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Program, Research Center, Instituto Nacional de Câncer, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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24
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Integrin alpha4 blockade sensitizes drug resistant pre-B acute lymphoblastic leukemia to chemotherapy. Blood 2013; 121:1814-8. [PMID: 23319569 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2012-01-406272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone marrow (BM) provides chemoprotection for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cells, contributing to lack of efficacy of current therapies. Integrin alpha4 (alpha4) mediates stromal adhesion of normal and malignant B-cell precursors, and according to gene expression analyses from 207 children with minimal residual disease, is highly associated with poorest outcome. We tested whether interference with alpha4-mediated stromal adhesion might be a new ALL treatment. Two models of leukemia were used, one genetic (conditional alpha4 ablation of BCR-ABL1 [p210(+)] leukemia) and one pharmacological (anti-functional alpha4 antibody treatment of primary ALL). Conditional deletion of alpha4 sensitized leukemia cell to nilotinib. Adhesion of primary pre-B ALL cells was alpha4-dependent; alpha4 blockade sensitized primary ALL cells toward chemotherapy. Chemotherapy combined with Natalizumab prolonged survival of NOD/SCID recipients of primary ALL, suggesting adjuvant alpha4 inhibition as a novel strategy for pre-B ALL.
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25
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Fujiki A, Imamura T, Sakamoto K, Kawashima S, Yoshida H, Hirashima Y, Miyachi M, Yagyu S, Nakatani T, Sugita K, Hosoi H. All-trans retinoic acid combined with 5-Aza-2′-deoxycitidine induces C/EBPα expression and growth inhibition in MLL-AF9-positive leukemic cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2012; 428:216-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2012.09.131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2012] [Accepted: 09/27/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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26
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Expression and function of PML-RARA in the hematopoietic progenitor cells of Ctsg-PML-RARA mice. PLoS One 2012; 7:e46529. [PMID: 23056333 PMCID: PMC3466302 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0046529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2011] [Accepted: 09/05/2012] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Because PML-RARA-induced acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is a morphologically differentiated leukemia, many groups have speculated about whether its leukemic cell of origin is a committed myeloid precursor (e.g. a promyelocyte) versus an hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell (HSPC). We originally targeted PML-RARA expression with CTSG regulatory elements, based on the early observation that this gene was maximally expressed in cells with promyelocyte morphology. Here, we show that both Ctsg, and PML-RARA targeted to the Ctsg locus (in Ctsg-PML-RARA mice), are expressed in the purified KLS cells of these mice (KLS = Kit+Lin−Sca+, which are highly enriched for HSPCs), and this expression results in biological effects in multi-lineage competitive repopulation assays. Further, we demonstrate the transcriptional consequences of PML-RARA expression in Ctsg-PML-RARA mice in early myeloid development in other myeloid progenitor compartments [common myeloid progenitors (CMPs) and granulocyte/monocyte progenitors (GMPs)], which have a distinct gene expression signature compared to wild-type (WT) mice. Although PML-RARA is indeed expressed at high levels in the promyelocytes of Ctsg-PML-RARA mice and alters the transcriptional signature of these cells, it does not induce their self-renewal. In sum, these results demonstrate that in the Ctsg-PML-RARA mouse model of APL, PML-RARA is expressed in and affects the function of multipotent progenitor cells. Finally, since PML/Pml is normally expressed in the HSPCs of both humans and mice, and since some human APL samples contain TCR rearrangements and express T lineage genes, we suggest that the very early hematopoietic expression of PML-RARA in this mouse model may closely mimic the physiologic expression pattern of PML-RARA in human APL patients.
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27
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Zámečníkova A. Acquisition of mixed lineage leukemia rearrangement in a chronic myeloid leukemia patient while on imatinib. Hematol Rep 2012; 3:e13. [PMID: 22184534 PMCID: PMC3238483 DOI: 10.4081/hr.2011.e13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2011] [Revised: 06/07/2011] [Accepted: 08/04/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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28
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Establishment of reproducible xenotransplantation model of T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia in NOD/SCID mice. JOURNAL OF HUAZHONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY. MEDICAL SCIENCES = HUA ZHONG KE JI DA XUE XUE BAO. YI XUE YING DE WEN BAN = HUAZHONG KEJI DAXUE XUEBAO. YIXUE YINGDEWEN BAN 2012; 32:511-516. [PMID: 22886962 DOI: 10.1007/s11596-012-0088-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2011] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is an aggressive leukemia. However the poor prognosis and low morbidity restrict further analysis of the disease. Therefore there is an increasing demand to develop animal models for identifying novel therapeutic approaches. In this study, we inoculated the anti-mouse CD122 monoclonal antibody conditioned NOD/SCID mice with the leukemia cells from 9 T-ALL patients and 1 cell line via the tail vein. Four of the 9 patients and the cell line were successfully engrafted. Flow cytometry detected high percentage of human CD45(+) cells in recipient mice. Immunohistochemistry showed infiltration of human CD45(+) cells in different organs. Serial transplantation was also achieved. In vivo drug treatment showed that dexamethasone could extend survival, which was consistent with clinical observation. These results demonstrated that we successfully established 5 xenotransplantation models of T-ALL in anti-mCD122 mAb conditioned NOD/SCID mice, which recapitulated the characteristics of original disease.
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29
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Jang SH, Chung HY. MYC and PIM2 co-expression in mouse bone marrow cells readily establishes permanent myeloid cell lines that can induce lethal myeloid sarcoma in vivo. Mol Cells 2012; 34:201-8. [PMID: 22843119 PMCID: PMC3887814 DOI: 10.1007/s10059-012-0142-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2012] [Accepted: 06/12/2012] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The hematopoietic cell malignancy is one of the most prevalent type of cancer and the disease has multiple pathologic molecular signatures. Research on the origin of hematopoietic cancer stem cells and the mode of subsequent maintenance and differentiation needs robust animal models that can reproduce the transformation and differentiation event in vivo. Here, we show that co-transduction of MYC and PIM2 proto-oncogenes into mouse bone marrow cells readily establishes permanent cell lines that can induce lethal myeloid sarcoma in vivo. Unlike the previous doubly transgenic mouse model in which coexpression of MYC and PIM2 transgenes exclusively induced B cell lymphoma, we were able to show that the same combination of genes can also transform primary bone marrow myeloid cells in vitro resulting in permanent cell lines which induce myeloid sarcoma upon in vivo transplantation. By inducing cancerous transformation of fresh bone marrow cells in a controlled environment, the model we established will be useful for detailed study of the molecular events involved in initial transformation process of primary myeloid bone marrow cells and provides a model that can give insight to the molecular pathologic characteristics of human myeloid sarcoma, a rare presentation of solid tumors of undifferentiated myeloid blast cells associated with various types of myeloid leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su Hwa Jang
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 133-791,
Korea
| | - Hee Yong Chung
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 133-791,
Korea
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30
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Hoshii T, Tadokoro Y, Naka K, Ooshio T, Muraguchi T, Sugiyama N, Soga T, Araki K, Yamamura KI, Hirao A. mTORC1 is essential for leukemia propagation but not stem cell self-renewal. J Clin Invest 2012; 122:2114-29. [PMID: 22622041 DOI: 10.1172/jci62279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2011] [Accepted: 04/04/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Although dysregulation of mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) promotes leukemogenesis, how mTORC1 affects established leukemia is unclear. We investigated the role of mTORC1 in mouse hematopoiesis using a mouse model of conditional deletion of Raptor, an essential component of mTORC1. Raptor deficiency impaired granulocyte and B cell development but did not alter survival or proliferation of hematopoietic progenitor cells. In a mouse model of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), Raptor deficiency significantly suppressed leukemia progression by causing apoptosis of differentiated, but not undifferentiated, leukemia cells. mTORC1 did not control cell cycle or cell growth in undifferentiated AML cells in vivo. Transplantation of Raptor-deficient undifferentiated AML cells in a limiting dilution revealed that mTORC1 is essential for leukemia initiation. Strikingly, a subset of AML cells with undifferentiated phenotypes survived long-term in the absence of mTORC1 activity. We further demonstrated that the reactivation of mTORC1 in those cells restored their leukemia-initiating capacity. Thus, AML cells lacking mTORC1 activity can self-renew as AML stem cells. Our findings provide mechanistic insight into how residual tumor cells circumvent anticancer therapies and drive tumor recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takayuki Hoshii
- Division of Molecular Genetics, Cancer and Stem Cell Research Program, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
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31
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Glaser SP, Lee EF, Trounson E, Bouillet P, Wei A, Fairlie WD, Izon DJ, Zuber J, Rappaport AR, Herold MJ, Alexander WS, Lowe SW, Robb L, Strasser A. Anti-apoptotic Mcl-1 is essential for the development and sustained growth of acute myeloid leukemia. Genes Dev 2012; 26:120-5. [PMID: 22279045 DOI: 10.1101/gad.182980.111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 323] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) frequently relapses after initial treatment. Drug resistance in AML has been attributed to high levels of the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family members Bcl-x(L) and Mcl-1. Here we report that removal of Mcl-1, but not loss or pharmacological blockade of Bcl-x(L), Bcl-2, or Bcl-w, caused the death of transformed AML and could cure disease in AML-afflicted mice. Enforced expression of selective inhibitors of prosurvival Bcl-2 family members revealed that Mcl-1 is critical for survival of human AML cells. Thus, targeting of Mcl-1 or regulators of its expression may be a useful strategy for the treatment of AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan P Glaser
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia
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32
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MLL fusion proteins preferentially regulate a subset of wild-type MLL target genes in the leukemic genome. Blood 2011; 117:6895-905. [PMID: 21518926 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2010-12-324699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
MLL encodes a histone methyltransferase that is critical in maintaining gene expression during embryonic development and hematopoiesis. 11q23 translocations result in the formation of chimeric MLL fusion proteins that act as potent drivers of acute leukemia. However, it remains unclear what portion of the leukemic genome is under the direct control of MLL fusions. By comparing patient-derived leukemic cell lines, we find that MLL fusion-bound genes are a small subset of that recognized by wild-type MLL. In an inducible MLL-ENL model, MLL fusion protein binding and changes in H3K79 methylation are limited to a specific portion of the genome, whereas wild-type MLL distributes to a much larger set of gene loci. Surprisingly, among 223 MLL-ENL-bound genes, only 12 demonstrate a significant increase in mRNA expression on induction of the fusion protein. In addition to Hoxa9 and Meis1, this includes Eya1 and Six1, which comprise a heterodimeric transcription factor important in several developmental pathways. We show that Eya1 has the capacity to immortalize hematopoietic progenitor cells in vitro and collaborates with Six1 in hematopoietic transformation assays. Altogether, our data suggest that MLL fusions contribute to the development of acute leukemia through direct activation of a small set of target genes.
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Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs, miRs) are postulated to be important regulators in various cancers, including leukemia. In a large-scale miRNA expression profiling analysis of 435 human miRNAs in 52 acute myeloid leukemia (AML) samples, we found that miR-126 and its minor counterpart in biogenesis, namely, miR-126*, were specifically aberrantly overexpressed in core binding factor (CBF) AMLs including both t(8;21)/AML1-ETO and inv(16)/CBFB-MYH11 samples. Our in vitro gain- and loss-of-function experiments showed that forced expression of miR-126 inhibited apoptosis and increased the viability of AML cells, whereas the opposite effect was observed when endogenous expression of miR-126 was knocked down. In addition, through in vitro colony-forming/replating assays, we demonstrated that forced expression of miR-126 enhanced proliferation and colony-forming/replating capacity of mouse normal bone marrow progenitor cells alone and particularly, in cooperation with AML1-ETO, a fusion gene resulting from t(8;21). Thus, our data shows that miR-126 may play a critical role in the development of CBF leukemias. In the present chapter, the materials and protocols for the study of miR-126 in leukemia are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zejuan Li
- Section of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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34
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El Hajj H, El-Sabban M, Hasegawa H, Zaatari G, Ablain J, Saab ST, Janin A, Mahfouz R, Nasr R, Kfoury Y, Nicot C, Hermine O, Hall W, de Thé H, Bazarbachi A. Therapy-induced selective loss of leukemia-initiating activity in murine adult T cell leukemia. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 207:2785-92. [PMID: 21135137 PMCID: PMC3005222 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20101095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Chronic HTLV-I (human T cell lymphotropic virus type I) infection may cause adult T cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL), a disease with dismal long-term prognosis. The HTLV-I transactivator, Tax, initiates ATL in transgenic mice. In this study, we demonstrate that an As(2)O(3) and IFN-α combination, known to trigger Tax proteolysis, cures Tax-driven ATL in mice. Unexpectedly, this combination therapy abrogated initial leukemia engraftment into secondary recipients, whereas the primary tumor bulk still grew in the primary hosts, only to ultimately abate later on. This loss of initial transplantability required proteasome function. A similar regimen recently yielded unprecedented disease control in human ATL. Our demonstration that this drug combination targeting Tax stability abrogates tumor cell immortality but not short-term growth may foretell a favorable long-term efficiency of this regimen in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiba El Hajj
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon
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35
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36
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Naghashpour M, Lancet J, Moscinski L, Zhang L. Mixed phenotype acute leukemia with t(11;19)(q23;p13.3)/ MLL-MLLT1(ENL), B/T-lymphoid type: A first case report. Am J Hematol 2010; 85:451-4. [PMID: 20513125 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.21703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The majority of cases of acute leukemia belong to a specific lineage origin, either lymphoid or myeloid, and therefore are classified as acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) or acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), based on morphologic features and cytochemical and immunophenotypic profile of the blast cells. A minority of acute leukemias however, show no clear evidence of differentiation along a single lineage. These are now classified under acute leukemias of ambiguous lineage by the most recent WHO classification and account for <4% of all cases of acute leukemia [1]. They include leukemias with no lineage specific antigens (acute undifferentiated leukemias) and those with blasts that express antigens of more than one lineage to such degree that it is not possible to assign the leukemia to any one particular lineage with certainty (mixed phenotype acute leukemias). The latter can either be leukemias with two distinct populations of blasts, each expressing antigens of a different lineage (historically referred to as "bilineal" leukemias) or a single blast population expressing antigens of multiple lineages (historically referred to as "biphenotypic" acute leukemias) [2]. Acute leukemias of ambiguous lineage may harbor a variety of genetic lesions. Those with t(9;22)(q34;q11) or translocations associated with mixed lineage leukemias (MLL) gene, i.e., t(11;V)(q23;V), occur frequently enough and are associated with distinct features, that are considered as separate entities according to the recent WHO classification. Co-expression of myeloid and B-lymphoid antigens is most common in mixed phenotype acute leukemia (MPAL), followed by co-expression of myeloid and T-lymphoid antigens, accounting for 66-70% and 23-24% of MLLs, respectively. Coexpression of B- and T-lineage associated antigens or antigens of all three lineages is exceedingly rare, accounting for <5% of MLLs [3,4]. The requirements for assigning more than one lineage to a single blast population has been established by current WHO classification [1].
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MESH Headings
- Acute Disease
- Adult
- Antigens, CD/analysis
- Antigens, Neoplasm/blood
- Bone Marrow/pathology
- Cell Lineage
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 11/genetics
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 11/ultrastructure
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 19/genetics
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 19/ultrastructure
- Gene Rearrangement
- Humans
- Immunophenotyping
- In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence
- Leukemia/classification
- Leukemia/genetics
- Leukemia/pathology
- Male
- Myeloid-Lymphoid Leukemia Protein/genetics
- Neoplasm Proteins/genetics
- Nuclear Proteins/genetics
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/genetics
- Transcription Factors/genetics
- Translocation, Genetic
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37
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Liu H, Cheng EHY, Hsieh JJD. MLL fusions: pathways to leukemia. Cancer Biol Ther 2010; 8:1204-11. [PMID: 19729989 DOI: 10.4161/cbt.8.13.8924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Human leukemias with chromosomal band 11q23 aberrations that disrupt the MLL/HRX/ALL-1 gene portend poor prognosis. MLL associated leukemias account for the majority of infant leukemia, approximately 10% of adult de novo leukemia and approximately 33% of therapy related acute leukemia with a balanced chromosome translocation. The 500 kD MLL precursor is processed by Taspase1 to generate mature MLL(N320/C180), which orchestrates many aspects of biology such as embryogenesis, cell cycle, cell fate and stem cell maintenance. Leukemogenic MLL translocations fuse the common MLL N-terminus (approximately 1,400 aa) in frame with more than 60 translocation partner genes (TPGs). Recent studies on MLL and MLL leukemia have greatly advanced our knowledge concerning the normal function of MLL and its deregulation in leukemogenesis. Here, we summarize the critical biological and pathological activities of MLL and MLL fusions, and discuss available models and potential therapeutic targets of MLL associated leukemias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Liu
- Molecular Oncology, Department of Medicine, Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
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38
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The AF4·MLL fusion protein is capable of inducing ALL in mice without requirement of MLL·AF4. Blood 2010; 115:3570-9. [DOI: 10.1182/blood-2009-06-229542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
The chromosomal translocation t(4;11)(q21;q23) is the most frequent genetic aberration of the human MLL gene, resulting in high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). To elucidate the leukemogenic potential of the fusion proteins MLL·AF4 and AF4·MLL, Lin−/Sca1+ purified cells (LSPCs) were retrovirally transduced with either both fusion genes or with MLL·AF4 or AF4·MLL alone. Recipients of AF4·MLL- or double-transduced LSPCs developed pro-B ALL, B/T biphenotypic acute leukemia, or mixed lineage leukemia. Transplantation of MLL·AF4- or mock-transduced LSPCs did not result in disease development during an observation period of 13 months. These findings indicate that the expression of the AF4·MLL fusion protein is capable of inducing acute lymphoblastic leukemia even in the absence of the MLL·AF4 fusion protein. In view of recent findings, these results may imply that t(4;11) leukemia is based on 2 oncoproteins, providing an explanation for the very early onset of disease in humans.
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39
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Abstract
Leukaemia stem cells (LSCs) are responsible for sustaining and propagating malignant disease, and, as such, are promising targets for therapy. Studies of human LSCs have served an important role in defining the major tenets of the cancer stem cell model, which centre on the frequencies of cancer stem cells, their potential hierarchical organisation and their degree of maturation. LSCs in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) have recently been studied using mouse syngeneic models of leukaemia induced by MLL oncogenes. These studies have revealed that LSCs are more analogous to progenitor cells and employ embryonic stem cell-like genetic programmes for their maintenance, prompting a refinement of the original cancer stem cell model with important implications for design of therapies to selectively target LSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael L Cleary
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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40
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Aberrant overexpression and function of the miR-17-92 cluster in MLL-rearranged acute leukemia. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2010; 107:3710-5. [PMID: 20133587 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0914900107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNA (miRNA)-17-92 cluster (miR-17-92), containing seven individual miRNAs, is frequently amplified and overexpressed in lymphomas and various solid tumors. We have found that it is also frequently amplified and the miRNAs are aberrantly overexpressed in mixed lineage leukemia (MLL)-rearranged acute leukemias. Furthermore, we show that MLL fusions exhibit a much stronger direct binding to the locus of this miRNA cluster than does wild-type MLL; these changes are associated with elevated levels of histone H3 acetylation and H3K4 trimethylation and an up-regulation of these miRNAs. We further observe that forced expression of this miRNA cluster increases proliferation and inhibits apoptosis of human cells. More importantly, we show that this miRNA cluster can significantly increase colony-forming capacity of normal mouse bone marrow progenitor cells alone and, particularly, in cooperation with MLL fusions. Finally, through combinatorial analysis of miRNA and mRNA arrays of mouse bone marrow progenitor cells transfected with this miRNA cluster and/or MLL fusion gene, we identified 363 potential miR-17-92 target genes that exhibited a significant inverse correlation of expression with the miRNAs. Remarkably, these potential target genes are significantly enriched (P < 0.01; >2-fold) in cell differentiation, hematopoiesis, cell cycle, and apoptosis. Taken together, our studies suggest that overexpression of miR-17-92 cluster in MLL-rearranged leukemias is likely attributed to both DNA copy number amplification and direct up-regulation by MLL fusions, and that the miRNAs in this cluster may play an essential role in the development of MLL-associated leukemias through inhibiting cell differentiation and apoptosis, while promoting cell proliferation, by regulating relevant target genes.
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Tashiro H, Mizutani-Noguchi M, Shirasaki R, Shirafuji N. Acute myelogenous leukemia cells with the MLL-ELL translocation convert morphologically and functionally into adherent myofibroblasts. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2009; 391:592-7. [PMID: 19932689 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2009.11.104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2009] [Accepted: 11/17/2009] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Bone marrow-myofibroblasts, a major component of bone marrow-stroma, are reported to originate from hematopoietic stem cells. We show in this paper that non-adherent leukemia blasts can change into myofibroblasts. When myeloblasts from two cases of acute myelogenous leukemia with a fusion product comprising mixed lineage leukemia and RNA polymerase II elongation factor, were cultured long term, their morphology changed to that of myofibroblasts with similar molecular characteristics to the parental myeloblasts. The original leukemia blasts, when cultured on the leukemia blast-derived myofibroblasts, grew extensively. Leukemia blasts can create their own microenvironment for proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haruko Tashiro
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173-8606, Japan
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42
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Zhou J, Feng X, Ban B, Liu J, Wang Z, Xiao W. Elongation factor ELL (Eleven-Nineteen Lysine-rich Leukemia) acts as a transcription factor for direct thrombospondin-1 regulation. J Biol Chem 2009; 284:19142-52. [PMID: 19447890 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m109.010439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The eleven-nineteen lysine-rich leukemia (ELL) gene undergoes translocation and fuses in-frame to the multiple lineage leukemia gene in a substantial proportion of patients suffering from acute forms of leukemia. Studies show that ELL indirectly modulates transcription by serving as a regulator for transcriptional elongation as well as for p53, U19/Eaf2, and steroid receptor activities. Our in vitro and in vivo data demonstrate that ELL could also serve as a transcriptional factor to directly induce transcription of the thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) gene. Experiments using ELL deletion mutants established that full-length ELL is required for the TSP-1 up-regulation and that the transactivation domain likely resides in the carboxyl terminus. Moreover, the DNA binding domain may localize to the first 45 amino acids of ELL. Not surprisingly, multiple lineage leukemia-ELL, which lacks these amino acids, did not induce expression from the TSP-1 promoter. In addition, the ELL core-response element appears to localize in the -1426 to -1418 region of the TSP-1 promoter. Finally, studies using zebrafish confirmed that ELL regulates TSP-1 mRNA expression in vivo, and ELL could inhibit zebrafish vasculogenesis, at least in part, through up-regulating TSP-1. Given the importance of TSP-1 as an anti-angiogenic protein, our findings may have important ramifications for better understanding cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangang Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Biodiversity and Conservation of Aquatic Organisms, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
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Global reduction of the epigenetic H3K79 methylation mark and increased chromosomal instability in CALM-AF10-positive leukemias. Blood 2009; 114:651-8. [PMID: 19443658 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2009-03-209395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromosomal translocations generating fusion proteins are frequently found in human leukemias. The fusion proteins play an important role in leukemogenesis by subverting the function of one or both partner proteins. The leukemogenic CALM-AF10 fusion protein is capable of interacting with the histone H3 lysine 79 (H3K79)-specific methyltransferase hDOT1L through the fused AF10 moiety. This interaction leads to local H3K79 hypermethylation on Hoxa5 loci, which up-regulates the expression of Hoxa5 and contributes to leukemogenesis. However, the long latency of leukemogenesis of CALM-AF10 transgenic mice suggests that the direct effects of fusion oncogene are not sufficient for the induction of leukemia. In this study, we show that the CALM-AF10 fusion protein can also greatly reduce global H3K79 methylation in both human and murine leukemic cells by disrupting the AF10-mediated association of hDOT1L with chromatin. Cells with reduced H3K79 methylation are more sensitive to gamma-irradiation and display increased chromosomal instability. Consistently, leukemia patients harboring CALM-AF10 fusion have more secondary chromosomal aberrations. These findings suggest that chromosomal instability associated with global epigenetic alteration contributes to malignant transformation in certain leukemias, and that leukemias with this type of epigenetic alteration might benefit from treatment regimens containing DNA-damaging agents. This study is registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00266136.
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Discordance of MLL-rearranged (MLL-R) infant acute lymphoblastic leukemia in monozygotic twins with spontaneous clearance of preleukemic clone in unaffected twin. Blood 2009; 113:6691-4. [PMID: 19411627 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2009-01-202259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Concordance of MLL-rearranged acute leukemia in infant monozygotic twins is thought to be 100% with a very short latency period, suggesting that either the MLL fusion itself is sufficient to cause leukemia or that it promotes the rapid acquisition of additional oncogenic events that result in overt disease. We report the first case of discordance in an infant monozygotic twin pair. Twin A presented at age 9 months with MLL-ENL(+) acute lymphoblastic leukemia and twin B remains healthy 3 years later. The presence and eventual clearance of a clonal population of MLL-ENL(+) cells was shown in the bone marrow and peripheral blood of twin B. Clearance of this clone was temporally associated with viral-induced cytopenias, suggesting an immune-mediated clearance of the clone before the development of leukemia. Thus, concordance of MLL-rearranged acute leukemia in infant monozygotic twins is not universal. The implications of this case for MLL-rearranged leukemogenesis are discussed.
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Somervaille TCP, Matheny CJ, Spencer GJ, Iwasaki M, Rinn JL, Witten DM, Chang HY, Shurtleff SA, Downing JR, Cleary ML. Hierarchical maintenance of MLL myeloid leukemia stem cells employs a transcriptional program shared with embryonic rather than adult stem cells. Cell Stem Cell 2009; 4:129-40. [PMID: 19200802 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2008.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 287] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2008] [Revised: 09/17/2008] [Accepted: 11/25/2008] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The genetic programs that promote retention of self-renewing leukemia stem cells (LSCs) at the apex of cellular hierarchies in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are not known. In a mouse model of human AML, LSCs exhibit variable frequencies that correlate with the initiating MLL oncogene and are maintained in a self-renewing state by a transcriptional subprogram more akin to that of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) than to that of adult stem cells. The transcription/chromatin regulatory factors Myb, Hmgb3, and Cbx5 are critical components of the program and suffice for Hoxa/Meis-independent immortalization of myeloid progenitors when coexpressed, establishing the cooperative and essential role of an ESC-like LSC maintenance program ancillary to the leukemia-initiating MLL/Hox/Meis program. Enriched expression of LSC maintenance and ESC-like program genes in normal myeloid progenitors and poor-prognosis human malignancies links the frequency of aberrantly self-renewing progenitor-like cancer stem cells (CSCs) to prognosis in human cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim C P Somervaille
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Cancer Research UK Leukaemia Biology Group, Paterson Institute for Cancer Research, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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46
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Senyuk V, Rinaldi CR, Li D, Cattaneo F, Stojanovic A, Pane F, Du X, Mahmud N, Dickstein J, Nucifora G. Consistent up-regulation of Stat3 Independently of Jak2 mutations in a new murine model of essential thrombocythemia. Cancer Res 2009; 69:262-71. [PMID: 19118011 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-08-2534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Janus-activated kinase 2 (JAK2) mutations are common in myeloproliferative disorders; however, although they are detected in virtually all polycythemia vera patients, they are found in approximately 50% of essential thrombocythemia (ET) patients, suggesting that converging pathways/abnormalities underlie the onset of ET. Recently, the chromosomal translocation 3;21, leading to the fusion gene AML1/MDS1/EVI1 (AME), was observed in an ET patient. After we forced the expression of AME in the bone marrow (BM) of C57BL/6J mice, all the reconstituted mice died of a disease with symptoms similar to ET with a latency of 8 to 16 months. Peripheral blood smears consistently showed an elevated number of dysplastic platelets with anisocytosis, degranulation, and giant size. Although the AME-positive mice did not harbor Jak2 mutations, the BM of most of them had significantly higher levels of activated Stat3 than the controls. With combined biochemical and biological assays we found that AME binds to the Stat3 promoter leading to its up-regulation. Signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3) analysis of a small group of ET patients shows that in about half of the patients, there is STAT3 hyperactivation independently of JAK2 mutations, suggesting that the hyperactivation of STAT3 by JAK2 mutations or promoter activation may be a critical step in development of ET.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitalyi Senyuk
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, 909 Wolcott Avenue, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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47
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Li Z, Luo RT, Mi S, Sun M, Chen P, Bao J, Neilly MB, Jayathilaka N, Johnson DS, Wang L, Lavau C, Zhang Y, Tseng C, Zhang X, Wang J, Yu J, Yang H, Wang SM, Rowley JD, Chen J, Thirman MJ. Consistent deregulation of gene expression between human and murine MLL rearrangement leukemias. Cancer Res 2009; 69:1109-16. [PMID: 19155294 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-08-3381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Important biological and pathologic properties are often conserved across species. Although several mouse leukemia models have been well established, the genes deregulated in both human and murine leukemia cells have not been studied systematically. We performed a serial analysis of gene expression in both human and murine MLL-ELL or MLL-ENL leukemia cells and identified 88 genes that seemed to be significantly deregulated in both types of leukemia cells, including 57 genes not reported previously as being deregulated in MLL-associated leukemias. These changes were validated by quantitative PCR. The most up-regulated genes include several HOX genes (e.g., HOX A5, HOXA9, and HOXA10) and MEIS1, which are the typical hallmark of MLL rearrangement leukemia. The most down-regulated genes include LTF, LCN2, MMP9, S100A8, S100A9, PADI4, TGFBI, and CYBB. Notably, the up-regulated genes are enriched in gene ontology terms, such as gene expression and transcription, whereas the down-regulated genes are enriched in signal transduction and apoptosis. We showed that the CpG islands of the down-regulated genes are hypermethylated. We also showed that seven individual microRNAs (miRNA) from the mir-17-92 cluster, which are overexpressed in human MLL rearrangement leukemias, are also consistently overexpressed in mouse MLL rearrangement leukemia cells. Nineteen possible targets of these miRNAs were identified, and two of them (i.e., APP and RASSF2) were confirmed further by luciferase reporter and mutagenesis assays. The identification and validation of consistent changes of gene expression in human and murine MLL rearrangement leukemias provide important insights into the genetic base for MLL-associated leukemogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zejuan Li
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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48
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Abstract
Epigenetics refers to a stable, mitotically perpetuated regulatory mechanism of gene expression without an alteration of the coding sequence. Epigenetic mechanism include DNA methylation and histone tail modifications. Epigenetic regulation is part of physiologic development and becomes abnormal in neoplasia, where silencing of critical genes by DNA methylation or histone deacetylation can contribute to leukemogenesis as an alternative to deletion or loss-of-function mutation. In acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), aberrant DNA methylation can be observed in multiple functionally relevant genes such as p15, p 73, E-cadherin, ID 4, RARbeta2. Abnormal activities of histone tail-modifying enzymes have also been seen in AML, frequently as a direct result of chromosomal translocations. It is now clear that these epigenetic changes play a significant role in development and progression of AML, and thus constitute important targets of therapy. The aim of targeting epigenetic effector protein or "epigenetic therapy" is to reverse epigenetic silencing and reactive various genes to induce a therapeutic effect such as differentiation, growth arrest, or apoptosis. Recent clinical studies have shown the relative safety and efficacy of such epigenetic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiro Oki
- Department of Leukemia, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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49
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Lewandowski D, Romeo PH. [Follow-up using optical imaging of hematopoietic reconstitution or the development of leukemia in vivo]. Ann Pathol 2008; 28 Spec No 1:S18-9. [PMID: 18984288 DOI: 10.1016/j.annpat.2008.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Lewandowski
- Laboratoire de recherche sur la réparation et la transcription dans les cellules souches (LRTS), institut de radiobiologie cellulaire et moléculaire (IRCM), CEA, DSV, 18, route du Panorama, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses cedex, France
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50
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Oncogenic Kras-induced leukemogeneis: hematopoietic stem cells as the initial target and lineage-specific progenitors as the potential targets for final leukemic transformation. Blood 2008; 113:1304-14. [PMID: 19066392 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2008-01-134262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
KRAS is often mutated in human hematopoietic malignancies, including juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML) and T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma (TLL/L). However, the exact role and function of oncogenic KRAS mutations in the initiation and progression of JMML and TLL/L remain elusive. Here, we report the use of a mouse bone marrow transplantation model to study oncogenic Kras-induced leukemogenesis. We show that as the first genetic hit, oncogenic Kras mutations initiate both JMML and TLL/L, but with different efficiencies. Limiting dilution analyses indicated that an oncogenic Kras mutation alone is insufficient to produce frank malignancy. Instead, it cooperates with additional subsequent genetic event(s). Moreover, transplantation of highly purified hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and myeloid progenitors identified HSCs as the primary target for the oncogenic Kras mutation. Karyotypic analysis further indicated that secondary genetic hit(s) target lineage-specific progenitors rather than HSCs for terminal tumor transformation into leukemic stem cells. Thus, we propose the cellular mechanism underlying oncogenic Kras-induced leukemogenesis, with HSCs as the primary target by the oncogenic Kras mutations and lineage-committed progenitors as the final target for cancer stem cell transformation. Our model might be also applicable to other solid tumors harboring oncogenic Kras mutations.
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