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Maalouf CA, Alberti A, Soutourina J. Mediator complex in transcription regulation and DNA repair: Relevance for human diseases. DNA Repair (Amst) 2024; 141:103714. [PMID: 38943827 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2024.103714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 06/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024]
Abstract
The Mediator complex is an essential coregulator of RNA polymerase II transcription. More recent developments suggest Mediator functions as a link between transcription regulation, genome organisation and DNA repair mechanisms including nucleotide excision repair, base excision repair, and homologous recombination. Dysfunctions of these processes are frequently associated with human pathologies, and growing evidence shows Mediator involvement in cancers, neurological, metabolic and infectious diseases. The detailed deciphering of molecular mechanisms of Mediator functions, using interdisciplinary approaches in different biological models and considering all functions of this complex, will contribute to our understanding of relevant human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christelle A Maalouf
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Gif-sur-Yvette 91198, France
| | - Adriana Alberti
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Gif-sur-Yvette 91198, France
| | - Julie Soutourina
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Gif-sur-Yvette 91198, France.
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2
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Pandey P, Khan F, Singh M, Verma A, Kumar H, Mazumder A, Rakhra G. Study Deciphering the Crucial Involvement of Notch Signaling Pathway in Human Cancers. Endocr Metab Immune Disord Drug Targets 2024; 24:1241-1253. [PMID: 37997805 DOI: 10.2174/0118715303261691231107113548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, dysregulation of the notch pathway has been associated with the development and progression of various cancers. Notch signaling is involved in several cellular processes, such as proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and angiogenesis, and its abnormal activation can lead to uncontrolled cell growth and tumorigenesis. In various human cancers, the Notch pathway has been shown to have both tumor-promoting and tumor-suppressive effects, depending on the context and stage of cancer development. Notch signaling has been implicated in tumor initiation, cancer cell proliferation, cell migration and maintenance of cancer stem cells in several human cancers, including leukemia, breast, pancreatic and lung cancer. Understanding the role of the Notch pathway in cancer development and progression may provide new opportunities for the development of potent targeted therapies for cancer treatment. Several drugs targeting the Notch pathway are currently in preclinical or clinical development and may hold promise for anticancer therapy in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratibha Pandey
- Department of Biotechnology, Noida Institute of Engineering and Technology, Greater Noida, UP, India
| | - Fahad Khan
- Department of Biotechnology, Noida Institute of Engineering and Technology, Greater Noida, UP, India
| | - Megha Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, Noida Institute of Engineering and Technology, Greater Noida, UP, India
| | - Aditi Verma
- Department of Biotechnology, Noida Institute of Engineering and Technology, Greater Noida, UP, India
| | - Hariom Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology, Noida Institute of Engineering and Technology, Greater Noida, UP, India
| | - Avijit Mazumder
- Department of Pharmacology, Noida Institute of Engineering and Technology (Pharmacy Institute), Greater Noida, 201306, India
| | - Gurmeen Rakhra
- Department of Biochemistry, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India
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3
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Lütge A, Lu J, Hüllein J, Walther T, Sellner L, Wu B, Rosenquist R, Oakes CC, Dietrich S, Huber W, Zenz T. Subgroup-specific gene expression profiles and mixed epistasis in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Haematologica 2023; 108:2664-2676. [PMID: 37226709 PMCID: PMC10614035 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2022.281869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the molecular and phenotypic heterogeneity of cancer is a prerequisite for effective treatment. For chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), recurrent genetic driver events have been extensively cataloged, but this does not suffice to explain the disease's diverse course. Here, we performed RNA sequencing on 184 CLL patient samples. Unsupervised analysis revealed two major, orthogonal axes of gene expression variation: the first one represented the mutational status of the immunoglobulin heavy variable (IGHV) genes, and concomitantly, the three-group stratification of CLL by global DNA methylation. The second axis aligned with trisomy 12 status and affected chemokine, MAPK and mTOR signaling. We discovered non-additive effects (epistasis) of IGHV mutation status and trisomy 12 on multiple phenotypes, including the expression of 893 genes. Multiple types of epistasis were observed, including synergy, buffering, suppression and inversion, suggesting that molecular understanding of disease heterogeneity requires studying such genetic events not only individually but in combination. We detected strong differentially expressed gene signatures associated with major gene mutations and copy number aberrations including SF3B1, BRAF and TP53, as well as del(17)(p13), del(13)(q14) and del(11)(q22.3) beyond dosage effect. Our study reveals previously underappreciated gene expression signatures for the major molecular subtypes in CLL and the presence of epistasis between them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Almut Lütge
- Genome Biology Unit, EMBL, Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Zurich, Zurich
| | - Junyan Lu
- Genome Biology Unit, EMBL, Heidelberg, Germany; Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg
| | | | - Tatjana Walther
- Molecular Therapy in Hematology and Oncology and Department of Translational Oncology, NCT and DKFZ, Heidelberg
| | - Leopold Sellner
- Molecular Therapy in Hematology and Oncology and Department of Translational Oncology, NCT and DKFZ, Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Medicine V, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg
| | - Bian Wu
- Molecular Therapy in Hematology and Oncology and Department of Translational Oncology, NCT and DKFZ, Heidelberg, Germany; Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan
| | - Richard Rosenquist
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Clinical Genetics, Karolinska University Hospital, Solna
| | - Christopher C Oakes
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, The Ohio State University, Columbus
| | - Sascha Dietrich
- Department of Medicine V, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg
| | | | - Thorsten Zenz
- Molecular Therapy in Hematology and Oncology and Department of Translational Oncology, NCT and DKFZ, Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich.
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4
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Mancikova V, Pesova M, Pavlova S, Helma R, Zavacka K, Hejret V, Taus P, Hynst J, Plevova K, Malcikova J, Pospisilova S. Distinct p53 phosphorylation patterns in chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients are reflected in the activation of circumjacent pathways upon DNA damage. Mol Oncol 2022; 17:82-97. [PMID: 36334078 PMCID: PMC9812841 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
TP53 gene abnormalities represent the most important biomarker in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Altered protein modifications could also influence p53 function, even in the wild-type protein. We assessed the impact of p53 protein phosphorylations on p53 functions as an alternative inactivation mechanism. We studied p53 phospho-profiles induced by DNA-damaging agents (fludarabine, doxorubicin) in 71 TP53-intact primary CLL samples. Doxorubicin induced two distinct phospho-profiles: profile I (heavily phosphorylated) and profile II (hypophosphorylated). Profile II samples were less capable of activating p53 target genes upon doxorubicin exposure, resembling TP53-mutant samples at the transcriptomic level, whereas standard p53 signaling was triggered in profile I. ATM locus defects were more common in profile II. The samples also differed in the basal activity of the hypoxia pathway: the highest level was detected in TP53-mutant samples, followed by profile II and profile I. Our study suggests that wild-type TP53 CLL cells with less phosphorylated p53 show TP53-mutant-like behavior after DNA damage. p53 hypophosphorylation and the related lower ability to respond to DNA damage are linked to ATM locus defects and the higher basal activity of the hypoxia pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Mancikova
- Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC)Masaryk UniversityBrnoCzech Republic,Department of Internal Medicine – Hematology and Oncology, Faculty of MedicineMasaryk University and University Hospital BrnoCzech Republic
| | - Michaela Pesova
- Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC)Masaryk UniversityBrnoCzech Republic,Department of Internal Medicine – Hematology and Oncology, Faculty of MedicineMasaryk University and University Hospital BrnoCzech Republic
| | - Sarka Pavlova
- Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC)Masaryk UniversityBrnoCzech Republic,Department of Internal Medicine – Hematology and Oncology, Faculty of MedicineMasaryk University and University Hospital BrnoCzech Republic
| | - Robert Helma
- Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC)Masaryk UniversityBrnoCzech Republic,Department of Internal Medicine – Hematology and Oncology, Faculty of MedicineMasaryk University and University Hospital BrnoCzech Republic
| | - Kristyna Zavacka
- Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC)Masaryk UniversityBrnoCzech Republic,Department of Internal Medicine – Hematology and Oncology, Faculty of MedicineMasaryk University and University Hospital BrnoCzech Republic
| | - Vaclav Hejret
- Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC)Masaryk UniversityBrnoCzech Republic
| | - Petr Taus
- Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC)Masaryk UniversityBrnoCzech Republic
| | - Jakub Hynst
- Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC)Masaryk UniversityBrnoCzech Republic
| | - Karla Plevova
- Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC)Masaryk UniversityBrnoCzech Republic,Department of Internal Medicine – Hematology and Oncology, Faculty of MedicineMasaryk University and University Hospital BrnoCzech Republic,Institute of Medical Genetics and Genomics, Faculty of MedicineMasaryk University and University Hospital BrnoCzech Republic
| | - Jitka Malcikova
- Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC)Masaryk UniversityBrnoCzech Republic,Department of Internal Medicine – Hematology and Oncology, Faculty of MedicineMasaryk University and University Hospital BrnoCzech Republic
| | - Sarka Pospisilova
- Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC)Masaryk UniversityBrnoCzech Republic,Department of Internal Medicine – Hematology and Oncology, Faculty of MedicineMasaryk University and University Hospital BrnoCzech Republic,Institute of Medical Genetics and Genomics, Faculty of MedicineMasaryk University and University Hospital BrnoCzech Republic
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5
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Edelmann J. NOTCH1 Signalling: A key pathway for the development of high-risk chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1019730. [DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1019730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
NOTCH1 is a cell surface receptor that releases its intracellular domain as transcription factor upon activation. With the advent of next-generation sequencing, the NOTCH1 gene was found recurrently mutated in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). Here, virtually all NOTCH1 mutations affect the protein’s PEST-domain and impair inactivation and degradation of the released transcription factor, thus increasing NOTCH1 signalling strength. Besides sequence alterations directly affecting the NOTCH1 gene, multiple other genomic and non-genomic alterations have by now been identified in CLL cells that could promote an abnormally strong NOTCH1 signalling strength. This renders NOTCH1 one of the key signalling pathways in CLL pathophysiology. The frequency of genomic alterations affecting NOTCH1 signalling is rising over the CLL disease course culminating in the observation that besides TP53 loss, 8q gain and CDKN2A/B loss, NOTCH1 mutation is a hallmark genomic alteration associated with transformation of CLL into an aggressive lymphoma (Richter transformation). Both findings associate de-regulated NOTCH1 signalling with the development of high-risk CLL. This narrative review provides data on the role of NOTCH1 mutation for CLL development and progression, discusses the impact of NOTCH1 mutation on treatment response, gives insight into potential modes of NOTCH1 pathway activation and regulation, summarises alterations that have been discussed to contribute to a de-regulation of NOTCH1 signalling in CLL cells and provides a perspective on how to assess NOTCH1 signalling in CLL samples.
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Yang Q, Ciebiera M, Bariani MV, Ali M, Elkafas H, Boyer TG, Al-Hendy A. Comprehensive Review of Uterine Fibroids: Developmental Origin, Pathogenesis, and Treatment. Endocr Rev 2022; 43:678-719. [PMID: 34741454 PMCID: PMC9277653 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnab039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Uterine fibroids are benign monoclonal neoplasms of the myometrium, representing the most common tumors in women worldwide. To date, no long-term or noninvasive treatment option exists for hormone-dependent uterine fibroids, due to the limited knowledge about the molecular mechanisms underlying the initiation and development of uterine fibroids. This paper comprehensively summarizes the recent research advances on uterine fibroids, focusing on risk factors, development origin, pathogenetic mechanisms, and treatment options. Additionally, we describe the current treatment interventions for uterine fibroids. Finally, future perspectives on uterine fibroids studies are summarized. Deeper mechanistic insights into tumor etiology and the complexity of uterine fibroids can contribute to the progress of newer targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiwei Yang
- Qiwei Yang, Ph.D. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave, M167, Billings, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
| | - Michal Ciebiera
- Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center of Postgraduate Medical Education, ul. Cegłowska 80, 01-809, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Mohamed Ali
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt
| | - Hoda Elkafas
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Egyptian Drug Authority, formerly National Organization for Drug Control and Research, Cairo 35521, Egypt
| | - Thomas G Boyer
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229-3900, USA
| | - Ayman Al-Hendy
- Correspondence: Ayman Al-Hendy, MD, Ph.D. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave, N112, Peck Pavilion, Chicago, IL 60637. USA.
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7
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Multiple Mechanisms of NOTCH1 Activation in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: NOTCH1 Mutations and Beyond. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14122997. [PMID: 35740661 PMCID: PMC9221163 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14122997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Mutations of the NOTCH1 gene are a validated prognostic marker in chronic lymphocytic leukemia and a potential predictive marker for anti-CD20-based therapies. At present, the most frequent pathological alteration of the NOTCH1 gene is due to somatic genetic mutations, which have a multifaceted functional impact. However, beside NOTCH1 mutations, other factors may lead to activation of the NOTCH1 pathway, and these include mutations of FBXW7, MED12, SPEN, SF3B1 as well as other B-cell pathways. Understanding the preferential strategies though which CLL cells hijack NOTCH1 signaling may present important clues for designing targeted treatment strategies for the management of CLL. Abstract The Notch signaling pathway plays a fundamental role for the terminal differentiation of multiple cell types, including B and T lymphocytes. The Notch receptors are transmembrane proteins that, upon ligand engagement, undergo multiple processing steps that ultimately release their intracytoplasmic portion. The activated protein ultimately operates as a nuclear transcriptional co-factor, whose stability is finely regulated. The Notch pathway has gained growing attention in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) because of the high rate of somatic mutations of the NOTCH1 gene. In CLL, NOTCH1 mutations represent a validated prognostic marker and a potential predictive marker for anti-CD20-based therapies, as pathological alterations of the Notch pathway can provide significant growth and survival advantage to neoplastic clone. However, beside NOTCH1 mutation, other events have been demonstrated to perturb the Notch pathway, namely somatic mutations of upstream, or even apparently unrelated, proteins such as FBXW7, MED12, SPEN, SF3B1, as well as physiological signals from other pathways such as the B-cell receptor. Here we review these mechanisms of activation of the NOTCH1 pathway in the context of CLL; the resulting picture highlights how multiple different mechanisms, that might occur under specific genomic, phenotypic and microenvironmental contexts, ultimately result in the same search for proliferative and survival advantages (through activation of MYC), as well as immune escape and therapy evasion (from anti-CD20 biological therapies). Understanding the preferential strategies through which CLL cells hijack NOTCH1 signaling may present important clues for designing targeted treatment strategies for the management of CLL.
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8
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Stavast CJ, van Zuijen I, Erkeland SJ. MicroRNA-139, an Emerging Gate-Keeper in Various Types of Cancer. Cells 2022; 11:cells11050769. [PMID: 35269391 PMCID: PMC8909004 DOI: 10.3390/cells11050769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Mounting data show that MIR139 is commonly silenced in solid cancer and hematological malignancies. MIR139 acts as a critical tumor suppressor by tuning the cellular response to different types of stress, including DNA damage, and by repressing oncogenic signaling pathways. Recently, novel insights into the mechanism of MIR139 silencing in tumor cells have been described. These include epigenetic silencing, inhibition of POL-II transcriptional activity on gene regulatory elements, enhanced expression of competing RNAs and post-transcriptional regulation by the microprocessor complex. Some of these MIR139-silencing mechanisms have been demonstrated in different types of cancer, suggesting that these are more general oncogenic events. Reactivation of MIR139 expression in tumor cells causes inhibition of tumor cell expansion and induction of cell death by the repression of oncogenic mRNA targets. In this review, we discuss the different aspects of MIR139 as a tumor suppressor gene and give an overview on different transcriptional mechanisms regulating MIR139 in oncogenic stress and across different types of cancer. The novel insights into the expression regulation and the tumor-suppressing activities of MIR139 may pave the way to new treatment options for cancer.
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9
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Srivastava S, Makala H, Sharma V, Suri V, Sarkar C, Kulshreshtha R. MED12 is overexpressed in glioblastoma patients and serves as an oncogene by targeting the VDR/BCL6/p53 axis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:104. [PMID: 35091793 PMCID: PMC11071957 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-04056-6] [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: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma is the most life-threatening tumor of the central nervous system. Despite recent therapeutic advancements, maximum survival of glioblastoma patients remains dismal. The mediator complex is a set of proteins, essential for eukaryotic gene expression. Abnormal expression/mutations of specific mediator genes have been associated with progression of various cancers, however, its role and status in glioblastoma remains largely unknown. Our work shows overexpression of a subunit of kinase assembly of mediator complex, MED12, in various glioblastoma patient cohorts including Indian glioblastoma patients and cell lines. Functional characterization of MED12 using both overexpression and knockdown approach revealed that it promotes glioblastoma cell proliferation, migration and inhibits apoptosis. Transcriptome analysis post MED12 knockdown revealed Vitamin D receptor (VDR) pathway to be one of the key pathways affected by MED12 in glioblastoma. We studied direct interaction of MED12 with VDR protein using docking studies and co-immunoprecipitation assay. We identify BCL6, a secondary regulator of VDR signaling, to be directly regulated by MED12 through a combination of chromatin immunoprecipitation, qRT-PCR and western analyses. We further show that MED12 brings about the inhibition of p53 levels and apoptosis partly through induction of BCL6 in glioblastoma. Overall, this stands as the first report of MED12 over-expression and involvement in glioblastoma pathogenesis and identifies MED12 as an important mediator of VDR signaling and an attractive molecule for development of new therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srishti Srivastava
- Department of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, 110016, India
| | - Hima Makala
- Department of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, 110016, India
| | - Vikas Sharma
- Department of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, 110016, India
| | - Vaishali Suri
- Neuropathology Neurosciences Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Chitra Sarkar
- Department of Pathology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Ritu Kulshreshtha
- Department of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, 110016, India.
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10
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Gonzalez C, Akula S, Burleson M. The role of mediator subunit 12 in tumorigenesis and cancer therapeutics (Review). Oncol Lett 2022; 23:74. [PMID: 35111243 PMCID: PMC8771631 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2022.13194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Mediator complex subunit 12 (MED12) is a subunit of Mediator, a large multi-subunit protein complex that acts an important regulator of transcription. Specifically, MED12 is an integral part of the kinase module of Mediator along with MED13, CyclinC (CycC) and CDK8. Structural studies have indicated that MED12 makes a direct connection to CycC through a specific interface and thereby functions to create a link between MED13 and CycC-CDK8. Disruption of the MED12-CycC interface often leads to dysregulated CDK8 kinase activity, which has important physiological implications. For example, a number of studies have indicated that mutations within MED12 can lead to the formation of benign or malignant tumors, either as a result of MED12-CycC disruption or through distinct independent mechanisms. Furthermore, recent studies have indicated that the N-terminal portion of MED12 forms a direct connection to CDK8. Mutations within MED12 do not appear to disrupt the physical connection to CDK8, but rather abrogate CDK8 kinase activity. Thus, mutations in MED12 can cause disruption of CDK8 kinase activity through two separate mechanisms. The aim of the present review article was to discuss the MED12 mutational landscape in a variety of benign and malignant tumors, as well as the mechanistic basis behind tumorigenesis. Furthermore, the link between MED12 and drug resistance has also been discussed, as well as potential cancer therapeutics related to MED12-altered tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian Gonzalez
- Department of Biology, University of The Incarnate Word, San Antonio, TX 78209, USA
| | - Shivani Akula
- Department of Chemistry, University of The Incarnate Word, San Antonio, TX 78209, USA
| | - Marieke Burleson
- Department of Biology, University of The Incarnate Word, San Antonio, TX 78209, USA
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11
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Kolijn PM, Muggen AF, Ljungström V, Agathangelidis A, Wolvers-Tettero ILM, Beverloo HB, Pál K, Hengeveld PJ, Darzentas N, Hendriks RW, van Dongen JJM, Rosenquist R, Langerak AW. Consistent B Cell Receptor Immunoglobulin Features Between Siblings in Familial Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. Front Oncol 2021; 11:740083. [PMID: 34513715 PMCID: PMC8427434 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.740083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Key processes in the onset and evolution of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) are thought to include chronic (antigenic) activation of mature B cells through the B cell receptor (BcR), signals from the microenvironment, and acquisition of genetic alterations. Here we describe three families in which two or more siblings were affected by CLL. We investigated whether there are immunogenetic similarities in the leukemia-specific immunoglobulin heavy (IGH) and light (IGL/IGK) chain gene rearrangements of the siblings in each family. Furthermore, we performed array analysis to study if similarities in CLL-associated chromosomal aberrations are present within each family and screened for somatic mutations using paired tumor/normal whole-genome sequencing (WGS). In two families a consistent IGHV gene mutational status (one IGHV-unmutated, one IGHV-mutated) was observed. Intriguingly, the third family with four affected siblings was characterized by usage of the lambda IGLV3-21 gene, with the hallmark R110 mutation of the recently described clinically aggressive IGLV3-21R110 subset. In this family, the CLL-specific rearrangements in two siblings could be assigned to either stereotyped subset #2 or the immunogenetically related subset #169, both of which belong to the broader IGLV3-21R110 subgroup. Consistent patterns of cytogenetic aberrations were encountered in all three families. Furthermore, the CLL clones carried somatic mutations previously associated with IGHV mutational status, cytogenetic aberrations and stereotyped subsets, respectively. From these findings, we conclude that similarities in immunogenetic characteristics in familial CLL, in combination with genetic aberrations acquired, point towards shared underlying mechanisms behind CLL development within each family.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Martijn Kolijn
- Laboratory Medical Immunology, Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Alice F Muggen
- Laboratory Medical Immunology, Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Viktor Ljungström
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.,Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Genetics, Karolinska University Laboratory, Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, Sweden
| | - Andreas Agathangelidis
- Institute of Applied Biosciences, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, Thessaloniki, Greece.,Department of Biology, School of Science, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Ingrid L M Wolvers-Tettero
- Laboratory Medical Immunology, Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - H Berna Beverloo
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Karol Pál
- CEITEC - Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Paul J Hengeveld
- Laboratory Medical Immunology, Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Nikos Darzentas
- Department of Hematology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Rudi W Hendriks
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Richard Rosenquist
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Genetics, Karolinska University Laboratory, Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, Sweden
| | - Anton W Langerak
- Laboratory Medical Immunology, Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
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12
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Helbig DR, Abu‐Zeinah G, Bhavsar E, Christos PJ, Furman RR, Allan JN. Outcomes in CLL patients with NOTCH1 regulatory pathway mutations. Am J Hematol 2021; 96:E187-E189. [PMID: 33625731 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.26140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel R. Helbig
- Division of Hematology and Oncology Weill Cornell Medical College New York New York
| | - Ghaith Abu‐Zeinah
- Division of Hematology and Oncology Weill Cornell Medical College New York New York
| | - Erica Bhavsar
- Division of Hematology and Oncology Weill Cornell Medical College New York New York
| | - Paul J. Christos
- Department of Population Health Sciences Weill Cornell Medical College New York New York
| | - Richard R. Furman
- Division of Hematology and Oncology Weill Cornell Medical College New York New York
| | - John N. Allan
- Division of Hematology and Oncology Weill Cornell Medical College New York New York
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13
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Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is characterized by extreme genomic heterogeneity. Numerous recurrent genetic abnormalities are associated with dismal clinical outcome in patients treated with chemo(immuno)therapy, with aberrations of the TP53 gene being the main genomic abnormalities that dictate treatment choice. In the era of novel agents the predictive significance of the genomic aberrations is highly challenged as the results of the clinical trials performed thus far question the previously established unfavorable impact of genomic aberrations, even that of the TP53 gene. The prognostic and predictive value of the most common genomic abnormalities is discussed in the present review.
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14
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Locher M, Jukic E, Bohn JP, Untergasser G, Steurer M, Cramer CA, Schwendinger S, Vogi V, Verdorfer I, Witsch-Baumgartner M, Nachbaur D, Gunsilius E, Wolf D, Zschocke J, Steiner N. Clonal dynamics in a composite chronic lymphocytic leukemia and hairy cell leukemia-variant. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 2020; 60:287-292. [PMID: 33277788 PMCID: PMC7984250 DOI: 10.1002/gcc.22925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Composite lymphoma is the rare simultaneous manifestation of two distinct lymphomas. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) has a propensity for occurring in composite lymphomas, a phenomenon that remains to be elucidated. We applied cytogenetics, droplet digital polymerase chain reaction, and massively parallel sequencing to analyze longitudinally a patient with CLL, who 3 years later showed transformation to a hairy cell leukemia-variant (HCL-V). Outgrowth of the IGHV4-34-positive HCL-V clone at the expense of the initially dominant CLL clone with trisomy 12 and MED12 mutation started before CLL-guided treatment and was accompanied by a TP53 mutation, which was already detectable at diagnosis of CLL. Furthermore, deep sequencing of IGH showed a composite lymphoma with presence of both disease components at all analyzed timepoints (down to a minor clone: major clone ratio of ~1:1000). Overall, our analyses showed a disease course that resembled clonal dynamics reported for malignancies with intratumoral heterogeneity and illustrate the utility of deep sequencing of IGH to detect distinct clonal populations at diagnosis, monitor clonal response to therapy, and possibly improve clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurus Locher
- Institute of Human Genetics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Emina Jukic
- Institute of Human Genetics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Jan-Paul Bohn
- Department of Internal Medicine V, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Gerold Untergasser
- Department of Internal Medicine V, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Michael Steurer
- Department of Internal Medicine V, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Simon Schwendinger
- Institute of Human Genetics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Verena Vogi
- Institute of Human Genetics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Irmgard Verdorfer
- Institute of Human Genetics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - David Nachbaur
- Department of Internal Medicine V, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Eberhard Gunsilius
- Department of Internal Medicine V, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Dominik Wolf
- Department of Internal Medicine V, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.,Medical Clinic III, Oncology, Hematology, Immuno-Oncology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Johannes Zschocke
- Institute of Human Genetics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Normann Steiner
- Department of Internal Medicine V, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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15
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Straub J, Venigalla S, Newman JJ. Mediator's Kinase Module: A Modular Regulator of Cell Fate. Stem Cells Dev 2020; 29:1535-1551. [PMID: 33161841 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2020.0164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Selective gene expression is crucial in maintaining the self-renewing and multipotent properties of stem cells. Mediator is a large, evolutionarily conserved, multi-subunit protein complex that modulates gene expression by relaying signals from cell type-specific transcription factors to RNA polymerase II. In humans, this complex consists of 30 subunits arranged in four modules. One critical module of the Mediator complex is the kinase module consisting of four subunits: MED12, MED13, CDK8, and CCNC. The kinase module exists in variable association with the 26-subunit Mediator core and affects transcription through phosphorylation of transcription factors and by controlling Mediator structure and function. Many studies have shown the kinase module to be a key player in the maintenance of stem cells that is distinct from a general role in transcription. Genetic studies have revealed that dysregulation of this kinase subunit contributes to the development of many human diseases. In this review, we discuss the importance of the Mediator kinase module by examining how this module functions with the more recently identified transcriptional super-enhancers, how changes in the kinase module and its activity can lead to the development of human disease, and the role of this unique module in directing and maintaining cell state. As we look to use stem cells to understand human development and treat human disease through both cell-based therapies and tissue engineering, we need to remain aware of the on-going research and address critical gaps in knowledge related to the molecular mechanisms that control cell fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Straub
- School of Biological Sciences, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, Louisiana, USA
| | - Sree Venigalla
- School of Biological Sciences, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, Louisiana, USA
| | - Jamie J Newman
- School of Biological Sciences, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, Louisiana, USA
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16
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Wu D, Zhang Z, Chen X, Yan Y, Liu X. Angel or Devil ? - CDK8 as the new drug target. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 213:113043. [PMID: 33257171 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.113043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 8 (CDK8) plays an momentous role in transcription regulation by forming kinase module or transcription factor phosphorylation. A large number of evidences have identified CDK8 as an important factor in cancer occurrence and development. In addition, CDK8 also participates in the regulation of cancer cell stress response to radiotherapy and chemotherapy, assists tumor cell invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance. Therefore, CDK8 is regarded as a promising target for cancer therapy. Most studies in recent years supported the role of CDK8 as a carcinogen, however, under certain conditions, CDK8 exists as a tumor suppressor. The functional diversity of CDK8 and its exceptional role in different types of cancer have aroused great interest from scientists but even more controversy during the discovery of CDK8 inhibitors. In addition, CDK8 appears to be an effective target for inflammation diseases and immune system disorders. Therefore, we summarized the research results of CDK8, involving physiological/pathogenic mechanisms and the development status of compounds targeting CDK8, provide a reference for the feasibility evaluation of CDK8 as a therapeutic target, and guidance for researchers who are involved in this field for the first time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Wu
- School of Biological Engineering, Hefei Technology College, Hefei, 238000, PR China
| | - Zhaoyan Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, PR China
| | - Xing Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, PR China
| | - Yaoyao Yan
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, PR China
| | - Xinhua Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, PR China.
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17
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Srivastava S, Kulshreshtha R. Insights into the regulatory role and clinical relevance of mediator subunit, MED12, in human diseases. J Cell Physiol 2020; 236:3163-3177. [PMID: 33174211 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Transcriptional dysregulation is central to many diseases including cancer. Mutation or deregulated expression of proteins involved in transcriptional machinery leads to aberrant gene expression that disturbs intricate cellular processes of division and differentiation. The subunits of the mediator complex are master regulators of stimuli-derived transcription and are essential for transcription by RNA polymerase II. MED12 is a part of the CDK8 kinase module of the mediator complex and is essential for kinase assembly and function. Other than its function in activation of the kinase activity of CDK8 mediator, it also brings about transcription repression or activation, in response to several signalling pathways, a function that is independent of its role as a part of kinase assembly. Accumulating evidence suggests that MED12 controls complex transcription programs that are defining in cell fate determination, differentiation, and carcinogenesis. Mutations or differential expression of MED12 manifest in several human disorders and diseases. For instance, MED12 mutations are the gold standard for the diagnosis of several X-linked intellectual disability syndromes. Further, certain MED12 mutations are categorised as driver mutations in carcinogenesis as well. This is a timely review that provides for the first time a wholesome view on the critical roles and pathways regulated by MED12, its interactions along with the implications of MED12 alterations/mutations in various cancers and nonneoplastic disorders. Based on the preclinical studies, MED12 indeed emerges as an attractive novel therapeutic target for various diseases and intellectual disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srishti Srivastava
- Department of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Ritu Kulshreshtha
- Department of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, India
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18
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Ring A, Zenz T. Genetics of "high-risk" chronic lymphocytic leukemia in the times of chemoimmunotherapy. Haematologica 2020; 105:1180-1182. [PMID: 32358080 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2020.246504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Ring
- Department of Medical Oncology and Haematology, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Thorsten Zenz
- Department of Medical Oncology and Haematology, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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19
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Andreani G, Carrà G, Lingua MF, Maffeo B, Brancaccio M, Taulli R, Morotti A. Tumor Suppressors in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: From Lost Partners to Active Targets. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12030629. [PMID: 32182763 PMCID: PMC7139490 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12030629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor suppressors play an important role in cancer pathogenesis and in the modulation of resistance to treatments. Loss of function of the proteins encoded by tumor suppressors, through genomic inactivation of the gene, disable all the controls that balance growth, survival, and apoptosis, promoting cancer transformation. Parallel to genetic impairments, tumor suppressor products may also be functionally inactivated in the absence of mutations/deletions upon post-transcriptional and post-translational modifications. Because restoring tumor suppressor functions remains the most effective and selective approach to induce apoptosis in cancer, the dissection of mechanisms of tumor suppressor inactivation is advisable in order to further augment targeted strategies. This review will summarize the role of tumor suppressors in chronic lymphocytic leukemia and attempt to describe how tumor suppressors can represent new hopes in our arsenal against chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Andreani
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, 10043 Orbassano, Italy; (G.A.); (G.C.); (B.M.)
| | - Giovanna Carrà
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, 10043 Orbassano, Italy; (G.A.); (G.C.); (B.M.)
| | | | - Beatrice Maffeo
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, 10043 Orbassano, Italy; (G.A.); (G.C.); (B.M.)
| | - Mara Brancaccio
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, 10126 Turin, Italy;
| | - Riccardo Taulli
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10043 Orbassano, Italy; (M.F.L.); (R.T.)
| | - Alessandro Morotti
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, 10043 Orbassano, Italy; (G.A.); (G.C.); (B.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-011-9026305
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20
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Zhang S, O'Regan R, Xu W. The emerging role of mediator complex subunit 12 in tumorigenesis and response to chemotherapeutics. Cancer 2019; 126:939-948. [PMID: 31869450 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.32672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Revised: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Transcriptional dysregulation induced by disease-defining genetic alterations of proteins in transcriptional machinery is a key feature of cancers. Mediator complex subunit 12 (MED12) is the central architectural subunit in the kinase module of Mediator, a large transcriptional regulatory complex that controls essential steps of transcription. Emerging evidence links deregulated MED12 to human cancers. MED12 is frequently mutated in benign tumors and cancers. Although the missense mutations of MED12 in benign tumors disrupt the kinase activity of Mediator, MED12 mutations in cancers could eliminate the interaction between Mediator complex and RNA polymerase II, leading to severe transcriptional misregulation. Aberrant expression of MED12 is associated with the prognosis of various types of human cancers. Loss of MED12 function has been associated with the development of resistance to chemotherapeutics. Moreover, MED12 is modified by posttranscriptional regulations. Arginine methylation of MED12 has been shown to regulate MED12-mediated transcriptional regulation and response to chemotherapeutics in human cancer cell lines. In this mini-review, the authors provide an overview of the roles of MED12 in the development of benign and malignant tumors as well as its roles in chemoresistance. The studies of MED12 exemplify that aberrant transcriptional programming is a therapeutic vulnerability for certain types of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengjie Zhang
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin.,Institute of Cancer and Basic Medicine (ICBM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ruth O'Regan
- Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Wei Xu
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
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21
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Deng Y, Luo KL, Shaye DD, Greenwald I. A Screen of the Conserved Kinome for Negative Regulators of LIN-12 Negative Regulatory Region ("NRR")-Missense Activity in Caenorhabditis elegans. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2019; 9:3567-3574. [PMID: 31519743 PMCID: PMC6829150 DOI: 10.1534/g3.119.400471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Genetic analysis of LIN-12/Notch signaling in C. elegans has provided many insights into human biology. Activating missense mutations in the Negative Regulatory Region (NRR) of the ectodomain of LIN-12/Notch were first described in C. elegans, and similar mutations in human Notch were later found to cause T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). The ubiquitin ligase sel-10/Fbw7 is the prototype of a conserved negative regulator of lin-12/Notch that was first defined by loss-of-function mutations that enhance lin-12 NRR-missense activity in C. elegans, and then demonstrated to regulate Notch activity in mammalian cells and to be a bona fide tumor suppressor in T-ALL. Here, we report the results of an RNAi screen of 248 C. elegans protein kinase-encoding genes with human orthologs for enhancement of a weakly activating NRR-missense mutation of lin-12 in the Vulval Precursor Cells. We identified, and validated, thirteen kinase genes whose loss led to increase lin-12 activity; eleven of these genes have never been implicated previously in regulating Notch activity in any system. Depleting the activity of five kinase genes (cdk-8, wnk-1, kin-3, hpo-11, and mig-15) also significantly enhanced the activity of a transgene in which heterologous sequences drive expression of the untethered intracellular domain of LIN-12, suggesting that they increase the activity or stability of the signal-transducing form of LIN-12/Notch. Precedents set by other regulators of lin-12/Notch defined through genetic interactions in C. elegans suggest that this new set of genes may include negative regulators that are functionally relevant to mammalian development and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Katherine Leisan Luo
- Integrated Program in Cellular, Molecular and Biophysical Studies, Columbia University, NY 10027
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22
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Clinicopathologic Features and Genetic Alterations of a Primary Osteosarcoma of the Uterine Corpus. Int J Gynecol Pathol 2019; 38:414-419. [DOI: 10.1097/pgp.0000000000000511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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23
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Edelmann J, Holzmann K, Tausch E, Saunderson EA, Jebaraj BMC, Steinbrecher D, Dolnik A, Blätte TJ, Landau DA, Saub J, Estenfelder S, Ibach S, Cymbalista F, Leblond V, Delmer A, Bahlo J, Robrecht S, Fischer K, Goede V, Bullinger L, Wu CJ, Mertens D, Ficz G, Gribben JG, Hallek M, Döhner H, Stilgenbauer S. Genomic alterations in high-risk chronic lymphocytic leukemia frequently affect cell cycle key regulators and NOTCH1-regulated transcription. Haematologica 2019; 105:1379-1390. [PMID: 31467127 PMCID: PMC7193490 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2019.217307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
To identify genomic alterations contributing to the pathogenesis of high-risk chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) beyond the well-established role of TP53 aberrations, we comprehensively analyzed 75 relapsed/refractory and 71 treatment-naïve high-risk cases from prospective clinical trials by single nucleotide polymorphism arrays and targeted next-generation sequencing. Increased genomic complexity was a hallmark of relapsed/refractory and treatment-naïve high-risk CLL. In relapsed/refractory cases previously exposed to the selective pressure of chemo(immuno)therapy, gain(8)(q24.21) and del(9)(p21.3) were particularly enriched. Both alterations affect key regulators of cell-cycle progression, namely MYC and CDKN2A/B. While homozygous CDKN2A/B loss has been directly associated with Richter transformation, we did not find this association for heterozygous loss of CDKN2A/B. Gains in 8q24.21 were either focal gains in a MYC enhancer region or large gains affecting the MYC locus, but only the latter type was highly enriched in relapsed/refractory CLL (17%). In addition to a high frequency of NOTCH1 mutations (23%), we found recurrent genetic alterations in SPEN (4% mutated), RBPJ (8% deleted) and SNW1 (8% deleted), all affecting a protein complex that represses transcription of NOTCH1 target genes. We investigated the functional impact of these alterations on HES1, DTX1 and MYC gene transcription and found derepression of these NOTCH1 target genes particularly with SPEN mutations. In summary, we provide new insights into the genomic architecture of high-risk CLL, define novel recurrent DNA copy number alterations and refine knowledge on del(9p), gain(8q) and alterations affecting NOTCH1 signaling. This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov with number NCT01392079.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Edelmann
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany .,Centre for Haemato-Oncology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | | | - Eugen Tausch
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Emily A Saunderson
- Centre for Haemato-Oncology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | | | | | - Anna Dolnik
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Tamara J Blätte
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Dan A Landau
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.,New York Genome Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jenny Saub
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Sven Estenfelder
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Stefan Ibach
- Wissenschaftlicher Service Pharma GmbH (WiSP), Langenfeld, Germany
| | | | | | - Alain Delmer
- Service d'Hématologie Clinique, CHU de Reims, Reims, France
| | - Jasmin Bahlo
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Sandra Robrecht
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Kirsten Fischer
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Valentin Goede
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Lars Bullinger
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany.,Department of Hematology, Oncology and Tumor Immunology, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Campus Virchow Klinikum, Berlin, Germany
| | - Catherine J Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Daniel Mertens
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Gabriella Ficz
- Centre for Haemato-Oncology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - John G Gribben
- Centre for Haemato-Oncology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Michael Hallek
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Hartmut Döhner
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
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24
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Ježek J, Smethurst DGJ, Stieg DC, Kiss ZAC, Hanley SE, Ganesan V, Chang KT, Cooper KF, Strich R. Cyclin C: The Story of a Non-Cycling Cyclin. BIOLOGY 2019; 8:biology8010003. [PMID: 30621145 PMCID: PMC6466611 DOI: 10.3390/biology8010003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Revised: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 12/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The class I cyclin family is a well-studied group of structurally conserved proteins that interact with their associated cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdks) to regulate different stages of cell cycle progression depending on their oscillating expression levels. However, the role of class II cyclins, which primarily act as transcription factors and whose expression remains constant throughout the cell cycle, is less well understood. As a classic example of a transcriptional cyclin, cyclin C forms a regulatory sub-complex with its partner kinase Cdk8 and two accessory subunits Med12 and Med13 called the Cdk8-dependent kinase module (CKM). The CKM reversibly associates with the multi-subunit transcriptional coactivator complex, the Mediator, to modulate RNA polymerase II-dependent transcription. Apart from its transcriptional regulatory function, recent research has revealed a novel signaling role for cyclin C at the mitochondria. Upon oxidative stress, cyclin C leaves the nucleus and directly activates the guanosine 5’-triphosphatase (GTPase) Drp1, or Dnm1 in yeast, to induce mitochondrial fragmentation. Importantly, cyclin C-induced mitochondrial fission was found to increase sensitivity of both mammalian and yeast cells to apoptosis. Here, we review and discuss the biology of cyclin C, focusing mainly on its transcriptional and non-transcriptional roles in tumor promotion or suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Ježek
- Department of Molecular Biology, School of Osteopathic Medicine, Rowan University, Stratford, NJ 08084, USA.
| | - Daniel G J Smethurst
- Department of Molecular Biology, School of Osteopathic Medicine, Rowan University, Stratford, NJ 08084, USA.
| | - David C Stieg
- Department of Molecular Biology, School of Osteopathic Medicine, Rowan University, Stratford, NJ 08084, USA.
| | - Z A C Kiss
- Department of Molecular Biology, School of Osteopathic Medicine, Rowan University, Stratford, NJ 08084, USA.
| | - Sara E Hanley
- Department of Molecular Biology, School of Osteopathic Medicine, Rowan University, Stratford, NJ 08084, USA.
| | - Vidyaramanan Ganesan
- Department of Molecular Biology, School of Osteopathic Medicine, Rowan University, Stratford, NJ 08084, USA.
| | - Kai-Ti Chang
- Department of Molecular Biology, School of Osteopathic Medicine, Rowan University, Stratford, NJ 08084, USA.
| | - Katrina F Cooper
- Department of Molecular Biology, School of Osteopathic Medicine, Rowan University, Stratford, NJ 08084, USA.
| | - Randy Strich
- Department of Molecular Biology, School of Osteopathic Medicine, Rowan University, Stratford, NJ 08084, USA.
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25
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Li X, Liu M, Ji JY. Understanding Obesity as a Risk Factor for Uterine Tumors Using Drosophila. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1167:129-155. [PMID: 31520353 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-23629-8_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Multiple large-scale epidemiological studies have identified obesity as an important risk factor for a variety of human cancers, particularly cancers of the uterus, gallbladder, kidney, liver, colon, and ovary, but there is much uncertainty regarding how obesity increases the cancer risks. Given that obesity has been consistently identified as a major risk factor for uterine tumors, the most common malignancies of the female reproductive system, we use uterine tumors as a pathological context to survey the relevant literature and propose a novel hypothesis: chronic downregulation of the cyclin-dependent kinase 8 (CDK8) module, composed of CDK8 (or its paralog CDK19), Cyclin C, MED12 (or MED12L), and MED13 (or MED13L), by elevated insulin or insulin-like growth factor signaling in obese women may increase the chances to dysregulate the activities of transcription factors regulated by the CDK8 module, thereby increasing the risk of uterine tumors. Although we focus on endometrial cancer and uterine leiomyomas (or fibroids), two major forms of uterine tumors, our model may offer additional insights into how obesity increases the risk of other types of cancers and diseases. To illustrate the power of model organisms for studying human diseases, here we place more emphasis on the findings obtained from Drosophila melanogaster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Li
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, USA
| | - Mengmeng Liu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, USA
| | - Jun-Yuan Ji
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, USA.
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Rosati E, Baldoni S, De Falco F, Del Papa B, Dorillo E, Rompietti C, Albi E, Falzetti F, Di Ianni M, Sportoletti P. NOTCH1 Aberrations in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. Front Oncol 2018; 8:229. [PMID: 29998084 PMCID: PMC6030253 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2018.00229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2018] [Accepted: 06/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is an incurable B-cell neoplasm characterized by highly variable clinical outcomes. In recent years, genomic and molecular studies revealed a remarkable heterogeneity in CLL, which mirrored the clinical diversity of this disease. These studies profoundly enhanced our understanding of leukemia cell biology and led to the identification of new biomarkers with potential prognostic and therapeutic significance. Accumulating evidence indicates a key role of deregulated NOTCH1 signaling and NOTCH1 mutations in CLL. This review highlights recent discoveries that improve our understanding of the pathophysiological NOTCH1 signaling in CLL and the clinical impact of NOTCH1 mutations in retrospective and prospective trials. In addition, we discuss the rationale for a therapeutic strategy aiming at inhibiting NOTCH1 signaling in CLL, along with an overview on the currently available NOTCH1-directed approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Rosati
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Biosciences and Medical Embryology Section, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Stefano Baldoni
- Department of Life, Hematology Section, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Perugia, Italy
| | - Filomena De Falco
- Institute of Hematology-Centro di Ricerche Emato-Oncologiche (CREO), University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Beatrice Del Papa
- Institute of Hematology-Centro di Ricerche Emato-Oncologiche (CREO), University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Erica Dorillo
- Institute of Hematology-Centro di Ricerche Emato-Oncologiche (CREO), University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Chiara Rompietti
- Institute of Hematology-Centro di Ricerche Emato-Oncologiche (CREO), University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Elisa Albi
- Institute of Hematology-Centro di Ricerche Emato-Oncologiche (CREO), University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Franca Falzetti
- Institute of Hematology-Centro di Ricerche Emato-Oncologiche (CREO), University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Mauro Di Ianni
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University of Chieti Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,Department of Hematology, Transfusion Medicine and Biotechnologies, Ospedale Civile, Pescara, Italy
| | - Paolo Sportoletti
- Institute of Hematology-Centro di Ricerche Emato-Oncologiche (CREO), University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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Vaisitti T, Braggio E, Allan JN, Arruga F, Serra S, Zamò A, Tam W, Chadburn A, Furman RR, Deaglio S. Novel Richter's syndrome xenograft models to study genetic architecture, biology and therapy responses. Cancer Res 2018; 78:3413-3420. [DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-17-4004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2017] [Revised: 02/10/2018] [Accepted: 04/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Abstract
Mediator Complex Subunit 12 (MED12) is part of the transcriptional preinitiation machinery. Mutations of its gene predominantly occur in two types of highly frequent benign tumors, uterine leiomyomas and fibroadenomas of the breast, where they apparently act as driver mutations. Nevertheless, their presence is not restricted to benign tumors having been found at considerable frequencies in uterine leiomyosarcomas, malignant phyllodes tumors, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia also. Most of the mutations are located within exon 2 of the gene but in rare cases the intron 1/exon 2 boundary or exon 1 are affected. As to their type, predominantly single nucleotide exchanges with a hotspot in one codon are found, but small deletions clustering around that hotspot also are not uncommon. These latter deletions are leaving the open reading frame intact. As to the types of mutations, so far no apparent differences between the tumor entities affected have emerged. Interestingly, this pattern with small deletions clustered around the hotspot of single nucleotide exchanges resembles that seen as a result of targeted gene editing. In contrast to other driver mutations the percentage of
MED12-mutation positive tumors of independent clonal origin increases with the number of tumors per patient suggesting unknown etiological factors supporting site specific mutagenesis. These factors may act by inducing simultaneous site-specific double strand breaks the erroneous repair of which may lead to corresponding mutations. As inducers of DNA damage and its repair such as foreign nucleic acids of the microbiome displaying sequence homology to the putative target site might play a role. Interestingly, a 16 base pair homology of the hotspot to a putative terminator base-paired hairpin sequence of a Staphylococcus aureus tRNA gene cluster has been noted which might form R-loop like structures with its target sequence thus inducing said changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jörn Bullerdiek
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical Center, University of Rostock, Rostock, D-18057, Germany.,Human Genetics, University of Bremen, Bremen, D-28359 , Germany
| | - Birgit Rommel
- Human Genetics, University of Bremen, Bremen, D-28359 , Germany
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Underwood RS, Deng Y, Greenwald I. Integration of EGFR and LIN-12/Notch Signaling by LIN-1/Elk1, the Cdk8 Kinase Module, and SUR-2/Med23 in Vulval Precursor Cell Fate Patterning in Caenorhabditis elegans. Genetics 2017; 207:1473-1488. [PMID: 28954762 PMCID: PMC5714460 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.117.300192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Accepted: 09/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Six initially equivalent, multipotential Vulval Precursor Cells (VPCs) in Caenorhabditis elegans adopt distinct cell fates in a precise spatial pattern, with each fate associated with transcription of different target genes. The pattern is centered on a cell that adopts the "1°" fate through Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) activity, and produces a lateral signal composed of ligands that activate LIN-12/Notch in the two flanking VPCs to cause them to adopt "2°" fate. Here, we investigate orthologs of a transcription complex that acts in mammalian EGFR signaling-lin-1/Elk1, sur-2/Med23, and the Cdk8 Kinase module (CKM)-previously implicated in aspects of 1° fate in C. elegans and show they act in different combinations for different processes for 2° fate. When EGFR is inactive, the CKM, but not SUR-2, helps to set a threshold for LIN-12/Notch activity in all VPCs. When EGFR is active, all three factors act to resist LIN-12/Notch, as revealed by the reduced ability of ectopically-activated LIN-12/Notch to activate target gene reporters. We show that overcoming this resistance in the 1° VPC leads to repression of lateral signal gene reporters, suggesting that resistance to LIN-12/Notch helps ensure that P6.p becomes a robust source of the lateral signal. In addition, we show that sur-2/Med23 and lin-1/Elk1, and not the CKM, are required to promote endocytic downregulation of LIN-12-GFP in the 1° VPC. Finally, our analysis using cell fate reporters reveals that both EGFR and LIN-12/Notch signal transduction pathways are active in all VPCs in lin-1/Elk1 mutants, and that lin-1/Elk1 is important for integrating EGFR and lin-12/Notch signaling inputs in the VPCs so that the proper gene complement is transcribed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan S Underwood
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York 10032
| | - Yuting Deng
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027
| | - Iva Greenwald
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York 10032
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027
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