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Rampioni Vinciguerra GL, Capece M, Scafetta G, Rentsch S, Vecchione A, Lovat F, Croce CM. Role of Fra-2 in cancer. Cell Death Differ 2024; 31:136-149. [PMID: 38104183 PMCID: PMC10850073 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-023-01248-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Fos-related antigen-2 (Fra-2) is the most recently discovered member of the Fos family and, by dimerizing with Jun proteins, forms the activator protein 1 (AP-1) transcription factor. By inducing or repressing the transcription of several target genes, Fra-2 is critically involved in the modulation of cell response to a variety of extracellular stimuli, stressors and intracellular changes. In physiological conditions, Fra-2 has been found to be ubiquitously expressed in human cells, regulating differentiation and homeostasis of bone, muscle, nervous, lymphoid and other tissues. While other AP-1 members, like Jun and Fos, are well characterized, studies of Fra-2 functions in cancer are still at an early stage. Due to the lack of a trans-activating domain, which is present in other Fos proteins, it has been suggested that Fra-2 might inhibit cell transformation, eventually exerting an anti-tumor effect. In human malignancies, however, Fra-2 activity is enhanced (or induced) by dysregulation of microRNAs, oncogenes and extracellular signaling, suggesting a multifaceted role. Therefore, Fra-2 can promote or prevent transformation, proliferation, migration, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, drug resistance and metastasis formation in a tumor- and context-dependent manner. Intriguingly, recent data reports that Fra-2 is also expressed in cancer associated cells, contributing to the intricate crosstalk between neoplastic and non-neoplastic cells, that leads to the evolution and remodeling of the tumor microenvironment. In this review we summarize three decades of research on Fra-2, focusing on its oncogenic and anti-oncogenic effects in tumor progression and dissemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gian Luca Rampioni Vinciguerra
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics and Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sant'Andrea Hospital, University of Rome "Sapienza", Rome, 00189, Italy
| | - Marina Capece
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics and Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Giorgia Scafetta
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sant'Andrea Hospital, University of Rome "Sapienza", Rome, 00189, Italy
| | - Sydney Rentsch
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics and Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Andrea Vecchione
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sant'Andrea Hospital, University of Rome "Sapienza", Rome, 00189, Italy
| | - Francesca Lovat
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics and Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
| | - Carlo M Croce
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics and Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
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Bejjani F, Evanno E, Mahfoud S, Tolza C, Zibara K, Piechaczyk M, Jariel-Encontre I. Multiple Fra-1-bound enhancers showing different molecular and functional features can cooperate to repress gene transcription. Cell Biosci 2023; 13:129. [PMID: 37464380 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-01077-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND How transcription factors (TFs) down-regulate gene expression remains ill-understood, especially when they bind to multiple enhancers contacting the same gene promoter. In particular, it is not known whether they exert similar or significantly different molecular effects at these enhancers. RESULTS To address this issue, we used a particularly well-suited study model consisting of the down-regulation of the TGFB2 gene by the TF Fra-1 in Fra-1-overexpressing cancer cells, as Fra-1 binds to multiple enhancers interacting with the TGFB2 promoter. We show that Fra-1 does not repress TGFB2 transcription via reducing RNA Pol II recruitment at the gene promoter but by decreasing the formation of its transcription-initiating form. This is associated with complex long-range chromatin interactions implicating multiple molecularly and functionally heterogeneous Fra-1-bound transcriptional enhancers distal to the TGFB2 transcriptional start site. In particular, the latter display differential requirements upon the presence and the activity of the lysine acetyltransferase p300/CBP. Furthermore, the final transcriptional output of the TGFB2 gene seems to depend on a balance between the positive and negative effects of Fra-1 at these enhancers. CONCLUSION Our work unveils complex molecular mechanisms underlying the repressive actions of Fra-1 on TGFB2 gene expression. This has consequences for our general understanding of the functioning of the ubiquitous transcriptional complex AP-1, of which Fra-1 is the most documented component for prooncogenic activities. In addition, it raises the general question of the heterogeneity of the molecular functions of TFs binding to different enhancers regulating the same gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabienne Bejjani
- IGMM, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
- DSST, ER045, PRASE, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | | | - Samantha Mahfoud
- IGMM, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
- DSST, ER045, PRASE, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Claire Tolza
- IGMM, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Kazem Zibara
- DSST, ER045, PRASE, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
- Biology Department, Faculty of Sciences-I, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | | | - Isabelle Jariel-Encontre
- IGMM, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France.
- Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, IRCM, INSERM U1194, ICM, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France.
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Pirkkanen J, Tharmalingam S, Thome C, Sinex HC, Benjamin LV, Losch AC, Borgmann AJ, Dhaemers RM, Gordon C, Boreham DR, Mendonca MS. Genomic Loss and Epigenetic Silencing of the FOSL1 Tumor Suppressor Gene in Radiation-induced Neoplastic Transformation of Human CGL1 Cells Alters the Tumorigenic Phenotype In Vitro and In Vivo. Radiat Res 2023; 200:48-64. [PMID: 37141110 PMCID: PMC10409446 DOI: 10.1667/rade-22-00216.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The CGL1 human hybrid cell system has been utilized for many decades as an excellent cellular tool for investigating neoplastic transformation. Substantial work has been done previously implicating genetic factors related to chromosome 11 to the alteration of tumorigenic phenotype in CGL1 cells. This includes candidate tumor suppressor gene FOSL1, a member of the AP-1 transcription factor complex which encodes for protein FRA1. Here we present novel evidence supporting the role of FOSL1 in the suppression of tumorigenicity in segregants of the CGL1 system. Gamma-induced mutant (GIM) and control (CON) cells were isolated from 7 Gy gamma-irradiated CGL1s. Western, Southern and Northern blot analysis were utilized to assess FOSL1/FRA1 expression as well as methylation studies. GIMs were transfected to re-express FRA1 and in vivo tumorigenicity studies were conducted. Global transcriptomic microarray and RT-qPCR analysis were used to further characterize these unique cell segregants. GIMs were found to be tumorigenic in vivo when injected into nude mice whereas CON cells were not. GIMs show loss of Fosl/FRA1 expression as confirmed by Western blot. Southern and Northern blot analysis further reveals that FRA1 reduction in tumorigenic CGL1 segregants is likely due to transcriptional suppression. Results suggest that radiation-induced neoplastic transformation of CGL1 is in part due to silencing of the FOSL1 tumor suppressor gene promoter by methylation. The radiation-induced tumorigenic GIMs transfected to re-express FRA1 resulted in suppression of subcutaneous tumor growth in nude mice in vivo. Global microarray analysis and RT-qPCR validation elucidated several hundred differentially expressed genes. Downstream analysis reveals a significant number of altered pathways and enriched Gene Ontology terms genes related to cellular adhesion, proliferation, and migration. Together these findings provide strong evidence that FRA1 is a tumor suppressor gene deleted and epigenetically silenced after ionizing radiation-induced neoplastic transformation in the CGL1 human hybrid cell system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jake Pirkkanen
- Department of Biology, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, P3E 2C6, Canada
- Biomolecular Sciences Program, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, P3E 2C6, Canada
| | - Sujeenthar Tharmalingam
- Department of Biology, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, P3E 2C6, Canada
- Biomolecular Sciences Program, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, P3E 2C6, Canada
- Medical Sciences Division, NOSM University, Sudbury, Ontario, P3E 2C6, Canada
| | - Christopher Thome
- Department of Biology, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, P3E 2C6, Canada
- Biomolecular Sciences Program, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, P3E 2C6, Canada
- Medical Sciences Division, NOSM University, Sudbury, Ontario, P3E 2C6, Canada
| | - Helen Chin Sinex
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Radiation and Cancer Biology Laboratories, and Department of Medical & Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202
| | - Laura V. Benjamin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Radiation and Cancer Biology Laboratories, and Department of Medical & Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202
| | - Adam C. Losch
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Radiation and Cancer Biology Laboratories, and Department of Medical & Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202
| | - Anthony J. Borgmann
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Radiation and Cancer Biology Laboratories, and Department of Medical & Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202
| | - Ryan M. Dhaemers
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Radiation and Cancer Biology Laboratories, and Department of Medical & Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202
| | - Christopher Gordon
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Radiation and Cancer Biology Laboratories, and Department of Medical & Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202
| | - Douglas R. Boreham
- Biomolecular Sciences Program, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, P3E 2C6, Canada
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Radiation and Cancer Biology Laboratories, and Department of Medical & Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202
- Bruce Power, PO Box 1540, 177 Tie Rd, R.R. 2, Tiverton, Ontario, N0G 2T0, Canada
- Nuclear Innovation Institute, Port Elgin, Ontario, N0H 2C0, Canada
| | - Marc S. Mendonca
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Radiation and Cancer Biology Laboratories, and Department of Medical & Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202
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Casalino L, Talotta F, Matino I, Verde P. FRA-1 as a Regulator of EMT and Metastasis in Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098307. [PMID: 37176013 PMCID: PMC10179602 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Among FOS-related components of the dimeric AP-1 transcription factor, the oncoprotein FRA-1 (encoded by FOSL1) is a key regulator of invasion and metastasis. The well-established FRA-1 pro-invasive activity in breast cancer, in which FOSL1 is overexpressed in the TNBC (Triple Negative Breast Cancer)/basal subtypes, correlates with the FRA-1-dependent transcriptional regulation of EMT (Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition). After summarizing the major findings on FRA-1 in breast cancer invasiveness, we discuss the FRA-1 mechanistic links with EMT and cancer cell stemness, mediated by transcriptional and posttranscriptional interactions between FOSL1/FRA-1 and EMT-regulating transcription factors, miRNAs, RNA binding proteins and cytokines, along with other target genes involved in EMT. In addition to the FRA-1/AP-1 effects on the architecture of target promoters, we discuss the diagnostic and prognostic significance of the EMT-related FRA-1 transcriptome, along with therapeutic implications. Finally, we consider several novel perspectives regarding the less explored roles of FRA-1 in the tumor microenvironment and in control of the recently characterized hybrid EMT correlated with cancer cell plasticity, stemness, and metastatic potential. We will also examine the application of emerging technologies, such as single-cell analyses, along with animal models of TNBC and tumor-derived CTCs and PDXs (Circulating Tumor Cells and Patient-Derived Xenografts) for studying the FRA-1-mediated mechanisms in in vivo systems of EMT and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Casalino
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics "A. Buzzati Traverso", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Via Pietro Castellino, 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Talotta
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics "A. Buzzati Traverso", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Via Pietro Castellino, 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Ilenia Matino
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics "A. Buzzati Traverso", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Via Pietro Castellino, 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Pasquale Verde
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics "A. Buzzati Traverso", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Via Pietro Castellino, 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
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Pérez-Benavente B, Fathinajafabadi A, de la Fuente L, Gandía C, Martínez-Férriz A, Pardo-Sánchez JM, Milián L, Conesa A, Romero OA, Carretero J, Matthiesen R, Jariel-Encontre I, Piechaczyk M, Farràs R. New roles for AP-1/JUNB in cell cycle control and tumorigenic cell invasion via regulation of cyclin E1 and TGF-β2. Genome Biol 2022; 23:252. [PMID: 36494864 PMCID: PMC9733061 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-022-02800-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND JUNB transcription factor contributes to the formation of the ubiquitous transcriptional complex AP-1 involved in the control of many physiological and disease-associated functions. The roles of JUNB in the control of cell division and tumorigenic processes are acknowledged but still unclear. RESULTS Here, we report the results of combined transcriptomic, genomic, and functional studies showing that JUNB promotes cell cycle progression via induction of cyclin E1 and repression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β2 genes. We also show that high levels of JUNB switch the response of TGF-β2 stimulation from an antiproliferative to a pro-invasive one, induce endogenous TGF-β2 production by promoting TGF-β2 mRNA translation, and enhance tumor growth and metastasis in mice. Moreover, tumor genomic data indicate that JUNB amplification associates with poor prognosis in breast and ovarian cancer patients. CONCLUSIONS Our results reveal novel functions for JUNB in cell proliferation and tumor aggressiveness through regulation of cyclin E1 and TGF-β2 expression, which might be exploited for cancer prognosis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lorena de la Fuente
- grid.418274.c0000 0004 0399 600XCentro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain ,Present Address: PerkinElmer Informatics, Tres Cantos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carolina Gandía
- grid.418274.c0000 0004 0399 600XCentro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | | | | | - Lara Milián
- grid.5338.d0000 0001 2173 938XDepartment of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain ,grid.429003.c0000 0004 7413 8491INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Ana Conesa
- grid.507638.fSpanish National Research Council, Institute for Integrative Systems Biology, Paterna, Valencia, Spain ,grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Microbiology and Cell Science, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA
| | - Octavio A. Romero
- grid.429289.cCancer Genetics Group, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Julián Carretero
- grid.5338.d0000 0001 2173 938XDepartament de Fisiologia, Facultat de Farmacia, Universitat de València, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
| | - Rune Matthiesen
- grid.10772.330000000121511713Computational and Experimental Biology Group, NOVA Medical School-Research, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Isabelle Jariel-Encontre
- grid.121334.60000 0001 2097 0141Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France ,grid.488845.d0000 0004 0624 6108Present address: IRCM, Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, INSERM U1194, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Marc Piechaczyk
- grid.121334.60000 0001 2097 0141Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Rosa Farràs
- grid.418274.c0000 0004 0399 600XCentro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
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XIST loss impairs mammary stem cell differentiation and increases tumorigenicity through Mediator hyperactivation. Cell 2022; 185:2164-2183.e25. [PMID: 35597241 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2022.04.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
X inactivation (XCI) is triggered by upregulation of XIST, which coats the chromosome in cis, promoting formation of a heterochromatic domain (Xi). XIST role beyond initiation of XCI is only beginning to be elucidated. Here, we demonstrate that XIST loss impairs differentiation of human mammary stem cells (MaSCs) and promotes emergence of highly tumorigenic and metastatic carcinomas. On the Xi, XIST deficiency triggers epigenetic changes and reactivation of genes overlapping Polycomb domains, including Mediator subunit MED14. MED14 overdosage results in increased Mediator levels and hyperactivation of the MaSC enhancer landscape and transcriptional program, making differentiation less favorable. We further demonstrate that loss of XIST and Xi transcriptional instability is common among human breast tumors of poor prognosis. We conclude that XIST is a gatekeeper of human mammary epithelium homeostasis, thus unveiling a paradigm in the control of somatic cell identity with potential consequences for our understanding of gender-specific malignancies.
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Zeng F, He J, Jin X, Liao Q, Chen Z, Peng H, Zhou Y. FRA-1: A key factor regulating signal transduction of tumor cells and a potential target molecule for tumor therapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 150:113037. [PMID: 35658206 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Fos-related antigen-1 (FRA-1) is a member of activator protein-1 (AP-1) transcription factor superfamily, and FRA-1 is highly expressed in colon cancer, breast cancer, gastric cancer, lung cancer, bladder cancer, and other tumors. The expression level of FRA-1 is closely related to the processes of tumor cell proliferation, apoptosis, transformation, migration, and invasion, which is a potential therapeutic target and prognostic factor for many tumors. Clarifying the detailed mechanism of action of FRA-1 could provide the theoretical basis for tumor diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis, and is of great significance for the study of tumor etiology and pathogenesis. In this paper, the expression levels and influencing factors of FRA-1 in various tumor tissues and cells are summarized, as well as the effect of FRA-1 expression level on the biological behavior of tumor cells and the signal transduction mechanism. At the same time, the signal transduction mechanism of FRA-1 in inflammation was expounded. In addition, the related metabolites, drugs and non-coding RNA that affect the expression and function of FRA-1 were summarized. Finally, it illustrates that FRA-1 may be taken as a key factor for tumor prognosis and a potential therapeutic target. This review provides a theoretical basis for the systematic understanding of the relationship between FRA-1 and tumors, its function, and possible mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Zeng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China; Cancer Research Institute, Basic School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
| | - Junyu He
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China; Cancer Research Institute, Basic School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
| | - Xi Jin
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China; Cancer Research Institute, Basic School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
| | - Qianjin Liao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Zhifang Chen
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830054, China
| | - Honghua Peng
- Department of The Oncology, Third Xianya Hospital, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China.
| | - Yanhong Zhou
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China; Cancer Research Institute, Basic School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China.
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8
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Shetty A, Tripathi SK, Junttila S, Buchacher T, Biradar R, Bhosale S, Envall T, Laiho A, Moulder R, Rasool O, Galande S, Elo L, Lahesmaa R. A systematic comparison of FOSL1, FOSL2 and BATF-mediated transcriptional regulation during early human Th17 differentiation. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:4938-4958. [PMID: 35511484 PMCID: PMC9122603 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Th17 cells are essential for protection against extracellular pathogens, but their aberrant activity can cause autoimmunity. Molecular mechanisms that dictate Th17 cell-differentiation have been extensively studied using mouse models. However, species-specific differences underscore the need to validate these findings in human. Here, we characterized the human-specific roles of three AP-1 transcription factors, FOSL1, FOSL2 and BATF, during early stages of Th17 differentiation. Our results demonstrate that FOSL1 and FOSL2 co-repress Th17 fate-specification, whereas BATF promotes the Th17 lineage. Strikingly, FOSL1 was found to play different roles in human and mouse. Genome-wide binding analysis indicated that FOSL1, FOSL2 and BATF share occupancy over regulatory regions of genes involved in Th17 lineage commitment. These AP-1 factors also share their protein interacting partners, which suggests mechanisms for their functional interplay. Our study further reveals that the genomic binding sites of FOSL1, FOSL2 and BATF harbour hundreds of autoimmune disease-linked SNPs. We show that many of these SNPs alter the ability of these transcription factors to bind DNA. Our findings thus provide critical insights into AP-1-mediated regulation of human Th17-fate and associated pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Rahul Biradar
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku 20520, Finland
- InFLAMES Research Flagship Center, University of Turku, Turku 20520, Finland
| | - Santosh D Bhosale
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku 20520, Finland
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Protein Research Group, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, Odense M, DK 5230, Denmark
| | - Tapio Envall
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku 20520, Finland
| | - Asta Laiho
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku 20520, Finland
- InFLAMES Research Flagship Center, University of Turku, Turku 20520, Finland
| | - Robert Moulder
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku 20520, Finland
- InFLAMES Research Flagship Center, University of Turku, Turku 20520, Finland
| | - Omid Rasool
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku 20520, Finland
- InFLAMES Research Flagship Center, University of Turku, Turku 20520, Finland
| | - Sanjeev Galande
- Centre of Excellence in Epigenetics, Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune 411008, India
- Department of Life Sciences, Shiv Nadar University, Delhi-NCR
| | - Laura L Elo
- Correspondence may also be addressed to Laura Elo. Tel: +358 29 450 2090;
| | - Riitta Lahesmaa
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +358 29 450 2415;
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9
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Recoules L, Heurteau A, Raynal F, Karasu N, Moutahir F, Bejjani F, Jariel-Encontre I, Cuvier O, Sexton T, Lavigne AC, Bystricky K. The histone variant macroH2A1.1 regulates RNA Polymerase II paused genes within defined chromatin interaction landscapes. J Cell Sci 2022; 135:275002. [PMID: 35362516 PMCID: PMC9016624 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.259456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The histone variant macroH2A1.1 plays a role in cancer development and metastasis. To determine the underlying molecular mechanisms, we mapped the genome-wide localization of endogenous macroH2A1.1 in the human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231. We demonstrate that macroH2A1.1 specifically binds to active promoters and enhancers in addition to facultative heterochromatin. Selective knock down of macroH2A1.1 deregulates the expression of hundreds of highly active genes. Depending on the chromatin landscape, macroH2A1.1 acts through two distinct molecular mechanisms. The first mitigates excessive transcription by binding over domains including the promoter and the gene body. The second stimulates expression of RNA polymerase II (Pol II)-paused genes, including genes regulating mammary tumor cell migration. In contrast to the first mechanism, macroH2A1.1 specifically associates with the transcription start site of Pol II-paused genes. These processes occur in a predefined local 3D genome landscape, but do not require rewiring of enhancer-promoter contacts. We thus propose that macroH2A1.1 serves as a transcriptional modulator with a potential role in assisting the conversion of promoter-locked Pol II into a productive, elongating Pol II. Summary: Histone variant macroH2A1.1 binding to the TSS of genes dependent on Pol II pausing stimulates transcription by promoting Pol II release in a human triple-negative breast cancer cell model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludmila Recoules
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental biology unit (MCD), UMR5077, Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, F-31062 Toulouse, France
| | - Alexandre Heurteau
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental biology unit (MCD), UMR5077, Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, F-31062 Toulouse, France
| | - Flavien Raynal
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental biology unit (MCD), UMR5077, Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, F-31062 Toulouse, France
| | - Nezih Karasu
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC); CNRS, UMR7104; INSERM U1258; University of Strasbourg; Illkirch, France
| | - Fatima Moutahir
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental biology unit (MCD), UMR5077, Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, F-31062 Toulouse, France
| | - Fabienne Bejjani
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier (IGMM), CNRS, UMR5535, F-34293 3# Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, France
| | - Isabelle Jariel-Encontre
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier (IGMM), CNRS, UMR5535, F-34293 3# Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, France
| | - Olivier Cuvier
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental biology unit (MCD), UMR5077, Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, F-31062 Toulouse, France
| | - Thomas Sexton
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC); CNRS, UMR7104; INSERM U1258; University of Strasbourg; Illkirch, France
| | - Anne-Claire Lavigne
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental biology unit (MCD), UMR5077, Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, F-31062 Toulouse, France
| | - Kerstin Bystricky
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental biology unit (MCD), UMR5077, Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, F-31062 Toulouse, France.,Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), France
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10
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Casalino L, Talotta F, Cimmino A, Verde P. The Fra-1/AP-1 Oncoprotein: From the "Undruggable" Transcription Factor to Therapeutic Targeting. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14061480. [PMID: 35326630 PMCID: PMC8946526 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14061480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The genetic and epigenetic changes affecting transcription factors, coactivators, and chromatin modifiers are key determinants of the hallmarks of cancer. The acquired dependence on oncogenic transcriptional regulators, representing a major determinant of cancer cell vulnerability, points to transcription factors as ideal therapeutic targets. However, given the unavailability of catalytic activities or binding pockets for small-molecule inhibitors, transcription factors are generally regarded as undruggable proteins. Among components of the AP-1 complex, the FOS-family transcription factor Fra-1, encoded by FOSL1, has emerged as a prominent therapeutic target. Fra-1 is overexpressed in most solid tumors, in response to the BRAF-MAPK, Wnt-beta-catenin, Hippo-YAP, IL-6-Stat3, and other major oncogenic pathways. In vitro functional analyses, validated in onco-mouse models and corroborated by prognostic correlations, show that Fra-1-containing dimers control tumor growth and disease progression. Fra-1 participates in key mechanisms of cancer cell invasion, Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition, and metastatic spreading, by driving the expression of EMT-inducing transcription factors, cytokines, and microRNAs. Here we survey various strategies aimed at inhibiting tumor growth, metastatic dissemination, and drug resistance by interfering with Fra-1 expression, stability, and transcriptional activity. We summarize several tools aimed at the design and tumor-specific delivery of Fra-1/AP-1-specific drugs. Along with RNA-based therapeutics targeting the FOSL1 gene, its mRNA, or cognate regulatory circRNAs, we will examine the exploitation of blocking peptides, small molecule inhibitors, and innovative Fra-1 protein degraders. We also consider the possible caveats concerning Fra-1 inhibition in specific therapeutic contexts. Finally, we discuss a recent suicide gene therapy-based approach, aimed at selectively killing the Fra-1-overexpressing neoplastic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Casalino
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics “Adriano Buzzati Traverso”, Consiglio Nazionale dele Ricerche (CNR), 80131 Naples, Italy;
- Correspondence: (L.C.); (P.V.)
| | | | - Amelia Cimmino
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics “Adriano Buzzati Traverso”, Consiglio Nazionale dele Ricerche (CNR), 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Pasquale Verde
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics “Adriano Buzzati Traverso”, Consiglio Nazionale dele Ricerche (CNR), 80131 Naples, Italy;
- Correspondence: (L.C.); (P.V.)
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11
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Hu H, Yin S, Ma R, Chen R, Li S, Chen Y, Fei H, Yang L. CREBBP knockdown suppressed proliferation and promoted chemo-sensitivity via PERK-mediated unfolded protein response in ovarian cancer. J Cancer 2021; 12:4595-4603. [PMID: 34149923 PMCID: PMC8210551 DOI: 10.7150/jca.56135] [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: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
CREBBP, in short CBP, has been reported to be involved in tumorigenesis in various cancers, but its role in ovarian cancer remains largely unexplored. In our study, survival analysis of CBP in patients with ovarian cancer was conducted using the Kaplan-Meier Plotter database, then we utilized specific shRNA targeting CREBBP to block the expression of CBP, and detected its effect on cell proliferation and chemo-sensitivity in ovarian cancer cells. The results showed that high expression of CBP was correlated with poor prognosis in ovarian cancer patients. CREBBP knockdown in ovarian cancer cells significantly inhibited tumor proliferation both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, CREBBP knockdown promoted chemo-sensitivity in ovarian cancer cells. Mechanism research further demonstrated that CREBBP knockdown attenuated unfolded protein response (UPR), which was mediated by PERK/ATF4/STC2 signaling pathway. Our research linked CBP and UPR in ovarian cancer and may provide new strategies for the clinical treatment of ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoyang Hu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, 801 Heqing Road, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Sheng Yin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruyue Ma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, 801 Heqing Road, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Rujun Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, 801 Heqing Road, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuqing Li
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, 128 Shenyang Road, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaping Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, 801 Heqing Road, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - He Fei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, 801 Heqing Road, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Lina Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, 801 Heqing Road, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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