1
|
Valsakumar D, Voigt P. Nucleosomal asymmetry: a novel mechanism to regulate nucleosome function. Biochem Soc Trans 2024:BST20230877. [PMID: 38778762 DOI: 10.1042/bst20230877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Nucleosomes constitute the fundamental building blocks of chromatin. They are comprised of DNA wrapped around a histone octamer formed of two copies each of the four core histones H2A, H2B, H3, and H4. Nucleosomal histones undergo a plethora of posttranslational modifications that regulate gene expression and other chromatin-templated processes by altering chromatin structure or by recruiting effector proteins. Given their symmetric arrangement, the sister histones within a nucleosome have commonly been considered to be equivalent and to carry the same modifications. However, it is now clear that nucleosomes can exhibit asymmetry, combining differentially modified sister histones or different variants of the same histone within a single nucleosome. Enabled by the development of novel tools that allow generating asymmetrically modified nucleosomes, recent biochemical and cell-based studies have begun to shed light on the origins and functional consequences of nucleosomal asymmetry. These studies indicate that nucleosomal asymmetry represents a novel regulatory mechanism in the establishment and functional readout of chromatin states. Asymmetry expands the combinatorial space available for setting up complex sets of histone marks at individual nucleosomes, regulating multivalent interactions with histone modifiers and readers. The resulting functional consequences of asymmetry regulate transcription, poising of developmental gene expression by bivalent chromatin, and the mechanisms by which oncohistones deregulate chromatin states in cancer. Here, we review recent progress and current challenges in uncovering the mechanisms and biological functions of nucleosomal asymmetry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Devisree Valsakumar
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, U.K
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, U.K
| | - Philipp Voigt
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, U.K
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Giacomini G, Piquet S, Chevallier O, Dabin J, Bai SK, Kim B, Siddaway R, Raught B, Coyaud E, Shan CM, Reid RJD, Toda T, Rothstein R, Barra V, Wilhelm T, Hamadat S, Bertin C, Crane A, Dubois F, Forne I, Imhof A, Bandopadhayay P, Beroukhim R, Naim V, Jia S, Hawkins C, Rondinelli B, Polo SE. Aberrant DNA repair reveals a vulnerability in histone H3.3-mutant brain tumors. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:2372-2388. [PMID: 38214234 PMCID: PMC10954481 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad1257] [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: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Pediatric high-grade gliomas (pHGG) are devastating and incurable brain tumors with recurrent mutations in histone H3.3. These mutations promote oncogenesis by dysregulating gene expression through alterations of histone modifications. We identify aberrant DNA repair as an independent mechanism, which fosters genome instability in H3.3 mutant pHGG, and opens new therapeutic options. The two most frequent H3.3 mutations in pHGG, K27M and G34R, drive aberrant repair of replication-associated damage by non-homologous end joining (NHEJ). Aberrant NHEJ is mediated by the DNA repair enzyme polynucleotide kinase 3'-phosphatase (PNKP), which shows increased association with mutant H3.3 at damaged replication forks. PNKP sustains the proliferation of cells bearing H3.3 mutations, thus conferring a molecular vulnerability, specific to mutant cells, with potential for therapeutic targeting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Giacomini
- Epigenetics & Cell Fate Centre, CNRS/Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Sandra Piquet
- Epigenetics & Cell Fate Centre, CNRS/Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Odile Chevallier
- Epigenetics & Cell Fate Centre, CNRS/Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Juliette Dabin
- Epigenetics & Cell Fate Centre, CNRS/Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Siau-Kun Bai
- Epigenetics & Cell Fate Centre, CNRS/Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Byungjin Kim
- Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Robert Siddaway
- Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Brian Raught
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, 101 College Street, Toronto, ON M5G1L7, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Etienne Coyaud
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, 101 College Street, Toronto, ON M5G1L7, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Université de Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1192 - Protéomique Réponse Inflammatoire Spectrométrie de Masse - PRISM, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Chun-Min Shan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Robert J D Reid
- Department of Genetics & Development, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Takenori Toda
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Rodney Rothstein
- Department of Genetics & Development, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Viviana Barra
- CNRS UMR9019 Genome Integrity and Cancers, Université Paris-Saclay, Gustave Roussy Institute, Villejuif, France
| | - Therese Wilhelm
- CNRS UMR9019 Genome Integrity and Cancers, Université Paris-Saclay, Gustave Roussy Institute, Villejuif, France
| | - Sabah Hamadat
- CNRS UMR9019 Genome Integrity and Cancers, Université Paris-Saclay, Gustave Roussy Institute, Villejuif, France
| | - Chloé Bertin
- CNRS UMR9019 Genome Integrity and Cancers, Université Paris-Saclay, Gustave Roussy Institute, Villejuif, France
| | - Alexander Crane
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, USA
| | - Frank Dubois
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, USA
| | - Ignasi Forne
- Protein Analysis Unit, BioMedical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Axel Imhof
- Protein Analysis Unit, BioMedical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Pratiti Bandopadhayay
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, USA
| | - Rameen Beroukhim
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, USA
| | - Valeria Naim
- CNRS UMR9019 Genome Integrity and Cancers, Université Paris-Saclay, Gustave Roussy Institute, Villejuif, France
| | - Songtao Jia
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Cynthia Hawkins
- Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Sophie E Polo
- Epigenetics & Cell Fate Centre, CNRS/Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Voon HPJ, Hii L, Garvie A, Udugama M, Krug B, Russo C, Chüeh AC, Daly RJ, Morey A, Bell TDM, Turner SJ, Rosenbluh J, Daniel P, Firestein R, Mann JR, Collas P, Jabado N, Wong LH. Pediatric glioma histone H3.3 K27M/G34R mutations drive abnormalities in PML nuclear bodies. Genome Biol 2023; 24:284. [PMID: 38066546 PMCID: PMC10704828 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-023-03122-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Point mutations in histone variant H3.3 (H3.3K27M, H3.3G34R) and the H3.3-specific ATRX/DAXX chaperone complex are frequent events in pediatric gliomas. These H3.3 point mutations affect many chromatin modifications but the exact oncogenic mechanisms are currently unclear. Histone H3.3 is known to localize to nuclear compartments known as promyelocytic leukemia (PML) nuclear bodies, which are frequently mutated and confirmed as oncogenic drivers in acute promyelocytic leukemia. RESULTS We find that the pediatric glioma-associated H3.3 point mutations disrupt the formation of PML nuclear bodies and this prevents differentiation down glial lineages. Similar to leukemias driven by PML mutations, H3.3-mutated glioma cells are sensitive to drugs that target PML bodies. We also find that point mutations in IDH1/2-which are common events in adult gliomas and myeloid leukemias-also disrupt the formation of PML bodies. CONCLUSIONS We identify PML as a contributor to oncogenesis in a subset of gliomas and show that targeting PML bodies is effective in treating these H3.3-mutated pediatric gliomas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hsiao P J Voon
- Cancer Program, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Linda Hii
- Cancer Program, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Andrew Garvie
- Cancer Program, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Maheshi Udugama
- Cancer Program, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Brian Krug
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Caterina Russo
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Anderly C Chüeh
- Cancer Program, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Roger J Daly
- Cancer Program, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Alison Morey
- Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Toby D M Bell
- School of Chemistry, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Stephen J Turner
- Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Joseph Rosenbluh
- Cancer Program, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Paul Daniel
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Ron Firestein
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Jeffrey R Mann
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Philippe Collas
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, 0317, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, 0424, Oslo, Norway
| | - Nada Jabado
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Lee H Wong
- Cancer Program, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Serdyukova K, Swearingen AR, Coradin M, Nevo M, Tran H, Bajric E, Brumbaugh J. Leveraging dominant-negative histone H3 K-to-M mutations to study chromatin during differentiation and development. Development 2023; 150:dev202169. [PMID: 38771302 PMCID: PMC10617616 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202169] [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] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
Histone modifications are associated with regulation of gene expression that controls a vast array of biological processes. Often, these associations are drawn by correlating the genomic location of a particular histone modification with gene expression or phenotype; however, establishing a causal relationship between histone marks and biological processes remains challenging. Consequently, there is a strong need for experimental approaches to directly manipulate histone modifications. A class of mutations on the N-terminal tail of histone H3, lysine-to-methionine (K-to-M) mutations, was identified as dominant-negative inhibitors of histone methylation at their respective and specific residues. The dominant-negative nature of K-to-M mutants makes them a valuable tool for studying the function of specific methylation marks on histone H3. Here, we review recent applications of K-to-M mutations to understand the role of histone methylation during development and homeostasis. We highlight important advantages and limitations that require consideration when using K-to-M mutants, particularly in a developmental context.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ksenia Serdyukova
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
- University of Colorado Cancer Center, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Charles C. Gates Center for Regenerative Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Alison R. Swearingen
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
- University of Colorado Cancer Center, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Charles C. Gates Center for Regenerative Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Mariel Coradin
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
- University of Colorado Cancer Center, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Charles C. Gates Center for Regenerative Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Mika Nevo
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
- University of Colorado Cancer Center, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Charles C. Gates Center for Regenerative Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Huong Tran
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
- University of Colorado Cancer Center, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Charles C. Gates Center for Regenerative Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Emir Bajric
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
- University of Colorado Cancer Center, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Charles C. Gates Center for Regenerative Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Justin Brumbaugh
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
- University of Colorado Cancer Center, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Charles C. Gates Center for Regenerative Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Salomoni P, Flanagan AM, Cottone L. (B)On(e)-cohistones and the epigenetic alterations at the root of bone cancer. Cell Death Differ 2023:10.1038/s41418-023-01227-9. [PMID: 37828086 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-023-01227-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Identification of mutations in histones in a number of human neoplasms and developmental syndromes represents the most compelling evidence to date for a causal role of epigenetic perturbations in human disease. In most cases, these mutations have gain of function properties that cause deviation from normal developmental processes leading to embryo defects and/or neoplastic transformation. These exciting discoveries represent a step-change in our understanding of the role of chromatin (dys)regulation in development and disease. However, the mechanisms of action of oncogenic histone mutations (oncohistones) remain only partially understood. Here, we critically assess existing literature on oncohistones focussing mainly on bone neoplasms. We show how it is possible to draw parallels with some of the cell-autonomous mechanisms of action described in paediatric brain cancer, although the functions of oncohistones in bone tumours remain under-investigated. In this respect, it is becoming clear that histone mutations targeting the same residues display, at least in part, tissue-specific oncogenic mechanisms. Furthermore, it is emerging that cancer cells carrying oncohistones can modify the surrounding microenvironment to support growth and/or alter differentiation trajectories. A better understanding of oncohistone function in different neoplasms provide potential for identification of signalling that could be targeted therapeutically. Finally, we discuss some of the main concepts and future directions in this research area, while also drawing possible connections and parallels with other cancer epigenetic mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Salomoni
- Nuclear Function Group, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 53127, Bonn, Germany.
| | - Adrienne M Flanagan
- Department of Histopathology, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, Middlesex, HA7 4LP, UK
- Department of Pathology, UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Lucia Cottone
- Department of Pathology, UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
McNicholas M, De Cola A, Bashardanesh Z, Foss A, Lloyd CB, Hébert S, Faury D, Andrade AF, Jabado N, Kleinman CL, Pathania M. A Compendium of Syngeneic, Transplantable Pediatric High-Grade Glioma Models Reveals Subtype-Specific Therapeutic Vulnerabilities. Cancer Discov 2023; 13:1592-1615. [PMID: 37011011 PMCID: PMC10326601 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-23-0004] [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: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
Pediatric high-grade gliomas (pHGG) are lethal, incurable brain tumors frequently driven by clonal mutations in histone genes. They often harbor a range of additional genetic alterations that correlate with different ages, anatomic locations, and tumor subtypes. We developed models representing 16 pHGG subtypes driven by different combinations of alterations targeted to specific brain regions. Tumors developed with varying latencies and cell lines derived from these models engrafted in syngeneic, immunocompetent mice with high penetrance. Targeted drug screening revealed unexpected selective vulnerabilities-H3.3G34R/PDGFRAC235Y to FGFR inhibition, H3.3K27M/PDGFRAWT to PDGFRA inhibition, and H3.3K27M/PDGFRAWT and H3.3K27M/PPM1DΔC/PIK3CAE545K to combined inhibition of MEK and PIK3CA. Moreover, H3.3K27M tumors with PIK3CA, NF1, and FGFR1 mutations were more invasive and harbored distinct additional phenotypes, such as exophytic spread, cranial nerve invasion, and spinal dissemination. Collectively, these models reveal that different partner alterations produce distinct effects on pHGG cellular composition, latency, invasiveness, and treatment sensitivity. SIGNIFICANCE Histone-mutant pediatric gliomas are a highly heterogeneous tumor entity. Different histone mutations correlate with different ages of onset, survival outcomes, brain regions, and partner alterations. We have developed models of histone-mutant gliomas that reflect this anatomic and genetic heterogeneity and provide evidence of subtype-specific biology and therapeutic targeting. See related commentary by Lubanszky and Hawkins, p. 1516. This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1501.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael McNicholas
- Department of Oncology and Milner Therapeutics Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- CRUK Children's Brain Tumour Centre of Excellence, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Antonella De Cola
- Department of Oncology and Milner Therapeutics Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- CRUK Children's Brain Tumour Centre of Excellence, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Zahedeh Bashardanesh
- Lady Davis Research Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Amelia Foss
- Department of Oncology and Milner Therapeutics Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- CRUK Children's Brain Tumour Centre of Excellence, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Cameron B. Lloyd
- Department of Oncology and Milner Therapeutics Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- CRUK Children's Brain Tumour Centre of Excellence, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Steven Hébert
- Lady Davis Research Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Damien Faury
- Department of Pediatrics, McGill University, and The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Nada Jabado
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, McGill University, and The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Division of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Claudia L. Kleinman
- Lady Davis Research Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Manav Pathania
- Department of Oncology and Milner Therapeutics Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- CRUK Children's Brain Tumour Centre of Excellence, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Andrade AF, Chen CCL, Jabado N. Oncohistones in brain tumors: the soil and seed. Trends Cancer 2023; 9:444-455. [PMID: 36933956 PMCID: PMC11075889 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2023.02.003] [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: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Recurrent somatic mutations in histone 3 (H3) variants (termed 'oncohistones') have been identified in high-grade gliomas (HGGs) in children and young adults and induce tumorigenesis through disruption of chromatin states. Oncohistones occur with exquisite neuroanatomical specificity and are associated with specific age distribution and epigenome landscapes. Here, we review the known intrinsic ('seed') and the extrinsic ('soil') factors needed for their optimal oncogenic effect and highlight the many unresolved questions regarding their effects on development and crosstalk with the tumor microenvironment. The 'seed and soil' analogy, used to explain tumor metastatic niches, also applies to oncohistones, which mainly thrive and flourish in specific chromatin states during very narrow windows of development, creating exquisite vulnerabilities, which could provide effective therapies for these deadly cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Carol C L Chen
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A 0C7, Canada
| | - Nada Jabado
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A 0C7, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A 0C7, Canada; The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Voon HPJ, Wong LH. Chromatin mutations in pediatric high grade gliomas. Front Oncol 2023; 12:1104129. [PMID: 36686810 PMCID: PMC9853562 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1104129] [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: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pediatric high grade gliomas (HGG) are lethal tumors which are currently untreatable. A number of recent studies have provided much needed insights into the mutations and mechanisms which drive oncogenesis in pediatric HGGs. It is now clear that mutations in chromatin proteins, particularly H3.3 and its associated chaperone complex (ATRX), are a hallmark feature of pediatric HGGs. We review the current literature on the normal roles of the ATRX/H3.3 complex and how these functions are disrupted by oncogenic mutations. We discuss the current clinical trials and pre-clinical models that target chromatin and DNA, and how these agents fit into the ATRX/H3.3 mutation model. As chromatin mutations are a relatively new discovery in pediatric HGGs, developing clear mechanistic insights are a key step to improving therapies for these tumors.
Collapse
|
9
|
Robusti G, Vai A, Bonaldi T, Noberini R. Investigating pathological epigenetic aberrations by epi-proteomics. Clin Epigenetics 2022; 14:145. [PMID: 36371348 PMCID: PMC9652867 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-022-01371-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetics includes a complex set of processes that alter gene activity without modifying the DNA sequence, which ultimately determines how the genetic information common to all the cells of an organism is used to generate different cell types. Dysregulation in the deposition and maintenance of epigenetic features, which include histone posttranslational modifications (PTMs) and histone variants, can result in the inappropriate expression or silencing of genes, often leading to diseased states, including cancer. The investigation of histone PTMs and variants in the context of clinical samples has highlighted their importance as biomarkers for patient stratification and as key players in aberrant epigenetic mechanisms potentially targetable for therapy. Mass spectrometry (MS) has emerged as the most powerful and versatile tool for the comprehensive, unbiased and quantitative analysis of histone proteoforms. In recent years, these approaches-which we refer to as "epi-proteomics"-have demonstrated their usefulness for the investigation of epigenetic mechanisms in pathological conditions, offering a number of advantages compared with the antibody-based methods traditionally used to profile clinical samples. In this review article, we will provide a critical overview of the MS-based approaches that can be employed to study histone PTMs and variants in clinical samples, with a strong focus on the latest advances in this area, such as the analysis of uncommon modifications and the integration of epi-proteomics data into multi-OMICs approaches, as well as the challenges to be addressed to fully exploit the potential of this novel field of research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Robusti
- grid.15667.330000 0004 1757 0843Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20139 Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Vai
- grid.15667.330000 0004 1757 0843Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20139 Milan, Italy
| | - Tiziana Bonaldi
- grid.15667.330000 0004 1757 0843Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20139 Milan, Italy ,grid.4708.b0000 0004 1757 2822Department of Oncology and Hematology-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Noberini
- grid.15667.330000 0004 1757 0843Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20139 Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Mitchener MM, Muir TW. Oncohistones: Exposing the nuances and vulnerabilities of epigenetic regulation. Mol Cell 2022; 82:2925-2938. [PMID: 35985302 PMCID: PMC9482148 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2022.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Work over the last decade has uncovered a new layer of epigenetic dysregulation. It is now appreciated that somatic missense mutations in histones, the packaging agents of genomic DNA, are often associated with human pathologies, especially cancer. Although some of these "oncohistone" mutations are thought to be key drivers of cancer, the impacts of the majority of them on disease onset and progression remain to be elucidated. Here, we survey this rapidly expanding research field with particular emphasis on how histone mutants, even at low dosage, can corrupt chromatin states. This work is unveiling the remarkable intricacies of epigenetic control mechanisms. Throughout, we highlight how studies of oncohistones have leveraged, and in some cases fueled, the advances in our ability to manipulate and interrogate chromatin at the molecular level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Tom W Muir
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Uthamacumaran A. Dissecting cell fate dynamics in pediatric glioblastoma through the lens of complex systems and cellular cybernetics. BIOLOGICAL CYBERNETICS 2022; 116:407-445. [PMID: 35678918 DOI: 10.1007/s00422-022-00935-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Cancers are complex dynamic ecosystems. Reductionist approaches to science are inadequate in characterizing their self-organized patterns and collective emergent behaviors. Since current approaches to single-cell analysis in cancer systems rely primarily on single time-point multiomics, many of the temporal features and causal adaptive behaviors in cancer dynamics are vastly ignored. As such, tools and concepts from the interdisciplinary paradigm of complex systems theory are introduced herein to decode the cellular cybernetics of cancer differentiation dynamics and behavioral patterns. An intuition for the attractors and complex networks underlying cancer processes such as cell fate decision-making, multiscale pattern formation systems, and epigenetic state-transitions is developed. The applications of complex systems physics in paving targeted therapies and causal pattern discovery in precision oncology are discussed. Pediatric high-grade gliomas are discussed as a model-system to demonstrate that cancers are complex adaptive systems, in which the emergence and selection of heterogeneous cellular states and phenotypic plasticity are driven by complex multiscale network dynamics. In specific, pediatric glioblastoma (GBM) is used as a proof-of-concept model to illustrate the applications of the complex systems framework in understanding GBM cell fate decisions and decoding their adaptive cellular dynamics. The scope of these tools in forecasting cancer cell fate dynamics in the emerging field of computational oncology and patient-centered systems medicine is highlighted.
Collapse
|
12
|
Uthamacumaran A, Zenil H. A Review of Mathematical and Computational Methods in Cancer Dynamics. Front Oncol 2022; 12:850731. [PMID: 35957879 PMCID: PMC9359441 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.850731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancers are complex adaptive diseases regulated by the nonlinear feedback systems between genetic instabilities, environmental signals, cellular protein flows, and gene regulatory networks. Understanding the cybernetics of cancer requires the integration of information dynamics across multidimensional spatiotemporal scales, including genetic, transcriptional, metabolic, proteomic, epigenetic, and multi-cellular networks. However, the time-series analysis of these complex networks remains vastly absent in cancer research. With longitudinal screening and time-series analysis of cellular dynamics, universally observed causal patterns pertaining to dynamical systems, may self-organize in the signaling or gene expression state-space of cancer triggering processes. A class of these patterns, strange attractors, may be mathematical biomarkers of cancer progression. The emergence of intracellular chaos and chaotic cell population dynamics remains a new paradigm in systems medicine. As such, chaotic and complex dynamics are discussed as mathematical hallmarks of cancer cell fate dynamics herein. Given the assumption that time-resolved single-cell datasets are made available, a survey of interdisciplinary tools and algorithms from complexity theory, are hereby reviewed to investigate critical phenomena and chaotic dynamics in cancer ecosystems. To conclude, the perspective cultivates an intuition for computational systems oncology in terms of nonlinear dynamics, information theory, inverse problems, and complexity. We highlight the limitations we see in the area of statistical machine learning but the opportunity at combining it with the symbolic computational power offered by the mathematical tools explored.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Hector Zenil
- Machine Learning Group, Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, The University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- The Alan Turing Institute, British Library, London, United Kingdom
- Oxford Immune Algorithmics, Reading, United Kingdom
- Algorithmic Dynamics Lab, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Algorithmic Nature Group, LABORES, Paris, France
- *Correspondence: Hector Zenil,
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Acidic patch histone mutations and their effects on nucleosome remodeling. Biochem Soc Trans 2022; 50:907-919. [PMID: 35356970 DOI: 10.1042/bst20210773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Structural and biochemical studies have identified a histone surface on each side of the nucleosome disk termed 'the nucleosome acidic patch' that acts as a regulatory hub for the function of numerous nuclear proteins, including ATP-dependent chromatin complexes (remodelers). Four major remodeler subfamilies, SWI/SNF, ISWI, CHD, and INO80, have distinct modes of interaction with one or both nucleosome acidic patches, contributing to their specific remodeling outcomes. Genome-wide sequencing analyses of various human cancers have uncovered high-frequency mutations in histone coding genes, including some that map to the acidic patch. How cancer-related acidic patch histone mutations affect nucleosome remodeling is mainly unknown. Recent advances in in vitro chromatin reconstitution have enabled access to physiologically relevant nucleosomes, including asymmetric nucleosomes that possess both wild-type and acidic patch mutant histone copies. Biochemical investigation of these substrates revealed unexpected remodeling outcomes with far-reaching implications for alteration of chromatin structure. This review summarizes recent findings of how different remodeler families interpret wild-type and mutant acidic patches for their remodeling functions and discusses models for remodeler-mediated changes in chromatin landscapes as a consequence of acidic patch mutations.
Collapse
|
14
|
Abstract
Over the past few decades, epigenetic regulators have emerged as major players in cellular processes that drive cancer initiation and progression, and subsequently modulate the responsiveness of cancers to therapeutic agents. This Special Issue of The FEBS Journal, Cancer Epigenetics, features an exciting collection of review articles that focus on the functions of a broad spectrum of epigenetic modulators in cancer. The diverse topics explored herein range from the roles of transposable elements and chromatin architecture in cancer and the most recent research advances on cancer-associated histone variants (oncohistones), to the effects of altered epigenetics on transcription and advanced cancer cell phenotypes. Moreover, the prospective key function of cancer metabolism in linking epigenetics and transcriptional regulation, and the potential of epigenetics for targeted cancer therapeutics is discussed. We hope that this collection of articles will give readers an enlightening overview of the most recent advances in the fast-moving field of cancer epigenetics.
Collapse
|
15
|
Selvam K, Plummer DA, Mao P, Wyrick JJ. Set2 histone methyltransferase regulates transcription coupled-nucleotide excision repair in yeast. PLoS Genet 2022; 18:e1010085. [PMID: 35263330 PMCID: PMC8936446 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Helix-distorting DNA lesions, including ultraviolet (UV) light-induced damage, are repaired by the global genomic-nucleotide excision repair (GG-NER) and transcription coupled-nucleotide excision repair (TC-NER) pathways. Previous studies have shown that histone post-translational modifications (PTMs) such as histone acetylation and methylation can promote GG-NER in chromatin. Whether histone PTMs also regulate the repair of DNA lesions by the TC-NER pathway in transcribed DNA is unknown. Here, we report that histone H3 K36 methylation (H3K36me) by the Set2 histone methyltransferase in yeast regulates TC-NER. Mutations in Set2 or H3K36 result in UV sensitivity that is epistatic with Rad26, the primary TC-NER factor in yeast, and cause a defect in the repair of UV damage across the yeast genome. We further show that mutations in Set2 or H3K36 in a GG-NER deficient strain (i.e., rad16Δ) partially rescue its UV sensitivity. Our data indicate that deletion of SET2 rescues UV sensitivity in a GG-NER deficient strain by activating cryptic antisense transcription, so that the non-transcribed strand (NTS) of yeast genes is repaired by TC-NER. These findings indicate that Set2 methylation of H3K36 establishes transcriptional asymmetry in repair by promoting canonical TC-NER of the transcribed strand (TS) and suppressing cryptic TC-NER of the NTS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathiresan Selvam
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
| | - Dalton A. Plummer
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
| | - Peng Mao
- Department of Internal Medicine, Program in Cellular and Molecular Oncology, University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States of America
| | - John J. Wyrick
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
- Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Janssen SM, Lorincz MC. Interplay between chromatin marks in development and disease. Nat Rev Genet 2022; 23:137-153. [PMID: 34608297 DOI: 10.1038/s41576-021-00416-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
DNA methylation (DNAme) and histone post-translational modifications (PTMs) have important roles in transcriptional regulation. Although many reports have characterized the functions of such chromatin marks in isolation, recent genome-wide studies reveal surprisingly complex interactions between them. Here, we focus on the interplay between DNAme and methylation of specific lysine residues on the histone H3 tail. We describe the impact of genetic perturbation of the relevant methyltransferases in the mouse on the landscape of chromatin marks as well as the transcriptome. In addition, we discuss the specific neurodevelopmental growth syndromes and cancers resulting from pathogenic mutations in the human orthologues of these genes. Integrating these observations underscores the fundamental importance of crosstalk between DNA and histone H3 methylation in development and disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sanne M Janssen
- Department of Medical Genetics, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Matthew C Lorincz
- Department of Medical Genetics, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|