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Methylation of Subtelomeric Chromatin Modifies the Expression of the lncRNA TERRA, Disturbing Telomere Homeostasis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23063271. [PMID: 35328692 PMCID: PMC8955364 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23063271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) telomeric repeat-containing RNA (TERRA) has been associated with telomeric homeostasis, telomerase recruitment, and the process of chromosome healing; nevertheless, the impact of this association has not been investigated during the carcinogenic process. Determining whether changes in TERRA expression are a cause or a consequence of cell transformation is a complex task because studies are usually carried out using either cancerous cells or tumor samples. To determine the role of this lncRNA in cellular aging and chromosome healing, we evaluated telomeric integrity and TERRA expression during the establishment of a clone of untransformed myeloid cells. We found that reduced expression of TERRA disturbed the telomeric homeostasis of certain loci, but the expression of the lncRNA was affected only when the methylation of subtelomeric bivalent chromatin domains was compromised. We conclude that the disruption in TERRA homeostasis is a consequence of cellular transformation and that changes in its expression profile can lead to telomeric and genomic instability.
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2
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Mechanism of Human Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase ( hTERT) Regulation and Clinical Impacts in Leukemia. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12081188. [PMID: 34440361 PMCID: PMC8392866 DOI: 10.3390/genes12081188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The proliferative capacity and continuous survival of cells are highly dependent on telomerase expression and the maintenance of telomere length. For this reason, elevated expression of telomerase has been identified in virtually all cancers, including leukemias; however, it should be noted that expression of telomerase is sometimes observed later in malignant development. This time point of activation is highly dependent on the type of leukemia and its causative factors. Many recent studies in this field have contributed to the elucidation of the mechanisms by which the various forms of leukemias increase telomerase activity. These include the dysregulation of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) at various levels which include transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and post-translational stages. The pathways and biological molecules involved in these processes are also being deciphered with the advent of enabling technologies such as next-generation sequencing (NGS), ribonucleic acid sequencing (RNA-Seq), liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LCMS/MS), and many others. It has also been established that TERT possess diagnostic value as most adult cells do not express high levels of telomerase. Indeed, studies have shown that prognosis is not favorable in patients who have leukemias expressing high levels of telomerase. Recent research has indicated that targeting of this gene is able to control the survival of malignant cells and therefore offers a potential treatment for TERT-dependent leukemias. Here we review the mechanisms of hTERT regulation and deliberate their association in malignant states of leukemic cells. Further, we also cover the clinical implications of this gene including its use in diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic discoveries.
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3
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Li Y, Gu J, Ding Y, Gao H, Li Y, Sun Y, He M, Zhang W, Yin J, Bai C, Gao Y. A small molecule compound IX inhibits telomere and attenuates oncogenesis of drug-resistant leukemia cells. FASEB J 2020; 34:8843-8857. [PMID: 32433826 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201902651rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Drug resistance is a common obstacle in leukemia treatment and failing to eradicate leukemia stem cells is the main cause of leukemia relapse. Previous studies have demonstrated that telomerase activity is associated with deregulated self-renewal of leukemia stem cells (LSCs). Here, we identified a novel compound IX, an imatinib derivative with a replacement fragment of a telomerase inhibitor, which can effectively eradicate LSCs but had no influence on normal hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) survival. We showed that compound IX can decrease the viability of drug-resistant K562/G cells and blast crisis CML primary patient cells. Besides, IX can affect LSC survival, inhibit the colony-forming ability, and reduce LSC frequency. In vivo results showed that IX can relieve the tumor burden in patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model and prolong the lifespan. We observed that compound IX can not only decrease telomerase activity, but also affect the alternative lengthening of telomeres. In addition, IX can inhibit both the canonical and non-canonical Wnt pathways. Our data suggested this novel compound IX as a promising candidate for drug-resistant leukemia therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinghui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, PUMC Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, CAMS Key Laboratory of Gene Therapy for Blood Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Jiali Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, PUMC Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, CAMS Key Laboratory of Gene Therapy for Blood Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Yahui Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, PUMC Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, CAMS Key Laboratory of Gene Therapy for Blood Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China.,State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Huier Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, PUMC Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, CAMS Key Laboratory of Gene Therapy for Blood Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Yafang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, PUMC Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, CAMS Key Laboratory of Gene Therapy for Blood Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Yue Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, PUMC Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, CAMS Key Laboratory of Gene Therapy for Blood Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Mei He
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, PUMC Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, CAMS Key Laboratory of Gene Therapy for Blood Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Wenshan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, PUMC Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, CAMS Key Laboratory of Gene Therapy for Blood Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Jingjing Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, PUMC Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, CAMS Key Laboratory of Gene Therapy for Blood Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Cuigai Bai
- High-throughput Molecular Drug Discovery Center, Tianjin International Joint Academy of BioMedicine, Tianjin, P. R. China
| | - Yingdai Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, PUMC Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, CAMS Key Laboratory of Gene Therapy for Blood Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
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4
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Almeida TP, Ramos AA, Ferreira J, Azqueta A, Rocha E. Bioactive Compounds from Seaweed with Anti-Leukemic Activity: A Mini-Review on Carotenoids and Phlorotannins. Mini Rev Med Chem 2020; 20:39-53. [PMID: 30854962 DOI: 10.2174/1389557519666190311095655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2017] [Revised: 04/08/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) represents 15-20% of all new cases of leukemia and is characterized by an uncontrolled proliferation of abnormal myeloid cells. Currently, the first-line of treatment involves Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs), which specifically inhibits the activity of the fusion protein BCR-ABL. However, resistance, mainly due to mutations, can occur. In the attempt to find more effective and less toxic therapies, several approaches are taken into consideration such as research of new anti-leukemic drugs and "combination chemotherapy" where different drugs that act by different mechanisms are used. Here, we reviewed the molecular mechanisms of CML, the main mechanisms of drug resistance and current strategies to enhance the therapeutic effect of TKIs in CML. Despite major advances in CML treatment, new, more potent anticancer drugs and with fewer side effects are needed. Marine organisms, and particularly seaweed, have a high diversity of bioactive compounds with some of them having anticancer activity in several in vitro and in vivo models. The state-of-art suggests that their use during cancer treatment may improve the outcome. We reviewed here the yet few data supporting anti-leukemic activity of some carotenoids and phlorotannins in some leukemia models. Also, strategies to overcome drug resistance are discussed, particularly the combination of conventional drugs with natural compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tânia P Almeida
- Team of Histomorphology, Physiopathology and Applied Toxicology, CIIMAR/CIMAR - Interdisciplinary Center for Marine and Environmental Research, U.Porto - University of Porto, Avenida General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal.,Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Department of Microscopy, ICBAS - Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, U.Porto - University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, no 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.,FCUP - Faculty of Sciences, U. Porto - University of Porto (U.Porto), Rua do Campo Alegre, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Alice A Ramos
- Team of Histomorphology, Physiopathology and Applied Toxicology, CIIMAR/CIMAR - Interdisciplinary Center for Marine and Environmental Research, U.Porto - University of Porto, Avenida General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal.,Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Department of Microscopy, ICBAS - Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, U.Porto - University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, no 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Joana Ferreira
- Team of Histomorphology, Physiopathology and Applied Toxicology, CIIMAR/CIMAR - Interdisciplinary Center for Marine and Environmental Research, U.Porto - University of Porto, Avenida General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal.,Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Department of Microscopy, ICBAS - Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, U.Porto - University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, no 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.,FCUP - Faculty of Sciences, U. Porto - University of Porto (U.Porto), Rua do Campo Alegre, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Amaya Azqueta
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Navarra, C/Irunlarrea 1, CP 31008 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
| | - Eduardo Rocha
- Team of Histomorphology, Physiopathology and Applied Toxicology, CIIMAR/CIMAR - Interdisciplinary Center for Marine and Environmental Research, U.Porto - University of Porto, Avenida General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal.,Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Department of Microscopy, ICBAS - Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, U.Porto - University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, no 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
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Abdelrahman AH, Eid MM, Hassan M, Eid OM, AbdelKader RMA, AlAzhary NM, Shahin RY, Sallam MT. Telomerase reverse transcriptase gene amplification in hematological malignancies. EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL HUMAN GENETICS 2019. [DOI: 10.1186/s43042-019-0036-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Telomere is a complex DNA–protein structure located at the end of all eukaryotic chromosomes. The major role of human telomerase is to catalyze the addition of telomeric repeat sequences TTAGGG onto chromosome ends for stabilization of telomere length in attaining cellular immortality and may therefore be a critical step in carcinogenesis. Expression of significant levels of telomerase can dramatically increase proliferative life span and promote cellular immortality, thereby contributing to the malignant phenotype. The purpose of this study is to investigate telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene amplification in hematological neoplasms, e.g., multiple myeloma (MM), B-non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL), and acute myeloid leukemia (AML), using FISH technique and to evaluate its potential use as a prognostic marker.
Results
TERT amplification was detected in all groups of the participant patients (15 MM, 15 B-NHL, and 15 AML patients), with higher incidence in AML patients (53.3%). A significant association between the pattern of presentation and telomerase amplification was detected in 88.9% of the relapsed patients who demonstrated amplification of TERT. TERT amplification shows a significant association with p53 deletion and a highly significant association with poor prognosis.
Conclusions
TERT gene amplification is significantly associated with hematological malignancies and may play a critical role in carcinogenesis; thus, elucidation of their regulatory mechanism is highly demanding. Higher amplification was found in relapsed cases than de novo cases which highlight its potential implication in clinical analysis and disease monitoring. Moreover, our results suggest the future use of TERT gene as a potential prognostic marker that may aid in treatment decision and chemotherapy.
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Cai H, Li L, Jiang J, Zhao C, Yang C. Costunolide enhances sensitivity of K562/ADR chronic myeloid leukemia cells to doxorubicin through PI3K/Akt pathway. Phytother Res 2019; 33:1683-1688. [PMID: 30937974 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.6355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Revised: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Costunolide, a sesquiterpene lactone, a small molecular monomer extracted from Inula helenium, has been reported to possess antiproliferative effects on several cancer cell lines. The current study was designed to evaluate the effect of costunolide on sensitivity of K562/ADR chronic myeloid leukemia cells to doxorubicin. The antiproliferative effect of costunolide was assessed by CCK-8 assay. Flow cytometry and Western blot were used to examine the mechanisms of antileukemia action. Costunolide dramatically enhanced doxorubicin-induced antiproliferative activity against K562/ADR cells through inhibition of PI3K/Akt pathway, activation of caspases 3, cleavage of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase, and downregulation of p-glycoprotein expression. These results demonstrate that costunolide may be a potent therapeutic agent against CML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Cai
- Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Liangjun Li
- Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Jie Jiang
- Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Chengyan Zhao
- Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Chunhui Yang
- Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116023, China
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7
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Soltanian S, Dehghani H. BORIS: a key regulator of cancer stemness. Cancer Cell Int 2018; 18:154. [PMID: 30323717 PMCID: PMC6173857 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-018-0650-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 09/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BORIS (CTCFL) is a DNA binding protein which is involved in tumorigenesis. Although, there are different opinions on the level of gene expression and function of BORIS in normal and cancer tissues, the results of many studies have classified BORIS as a protein belonging to cancer/testis (CT) genes, which are identified as a group of genes that are expressed normally in testis, and abnormally in various types of cancers. In testis, BORIS induces the expression of some male germ cell/testis specific genes, and plays crucial roles during spermatogenesis and production of sperm. In tumorigenesis, the role of BORIS in the expression induction of some CT genes and oncogenes, as well as increasing proliferation/viability of cancer cells has been demonstrated in many researches. In addition to cancer cells, some believe that BORIS is also expressed in normal conditions and plays a universal function in cell division and regulation of genes. The following is a comprehensive review on contradictory views on the expression pattern and biological function of BORIS in normal, as well as cancer cells/tissues, and presents some evidence that support the expression of BORIS in cancer stem cells (CSCs) and advanced stage/poorer differentiation grade of cancers. Boris is involved in the regulation of CSC cellular and molecular features such as self-renewal, chemo-resistance, tumorigenicity, sphere-forming ability, and migration capacity. Finally, the role of BORIS in regulating two important signaling pathways including Wnt/β-catenin and Notch in CSCs, and its ability in recruiting transcription factors or chromatin-remodeling proteins to induce tumorigenesis is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Soltanian
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - Hesam Dehghani
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Azadi Square, Mashhad, 91775-1793 Iran
- Division of Biotechnology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Research Group, Research Institute of Biotechnology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
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8
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Lin S, Wei J, Wunderlich M, Chou FS, Mulloy JC. Immortalization of human AE pre-leukemia cells by hTERT allows leukemic transformation. Oncotarget 2018; 7:55939-55950. [PMID: 27509060 PMCID: PMC5302887 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.11093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Human CD34+ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPC) expressing fusion protein AML1-ETO (AE), generated by the t(8;21)(q22;q22) rearrangement, manifest enhanced self-renewal and dysregulated differentiation without leukemic transformation, representing a pre-leukemia stage. Enabling replicative immortalization via telomerase reactivation is a crucial step in cancer development. However, AE expression alone is not sufficient to maintain high telomerase activity to immortalize human HSPC cells, which may hamper transformation. Here, we investigated the cooperativity of telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), the catalytic subunit of telomerase, and AE in disease progression. Enforced expression of hTERT immortalized human AE pre-leukemia cells in a telomere-lengthening independent manner, and improved the pre-leukemia stem cell function by enhancing cell proliferation and survival. AE-hTERT cells retained cytokine dependency and multi-lineage differentiation potential similar to parental AE clones. Over the short-term, AE-hTERT cells did not show features of stepwise transformation, with no leukemogenecity evident upon initial injection into immunodeficient mice. Strikingly, after extended culture, we observed full transformation of one AE-hTERT clone, which recapitulated the disease evolution process in patients and emphasizes the importance of acquiring cooperating mutations in t(8;21) AML leukemogenesis. In summary, achieving unlimited proliferative potential via hTERT activation, and thereby allowing for acquisition of additional mutations, is a critical link for transition from pre-leukemia to overt disease in human cells. AE-hTERT cells represent a tractable model to study cooperating genetic lesions important for t(8;21) AML disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Lin
- Cancer and Blood Disease Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Research Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Junping Wei
- Cancer and Blood Disease Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Research Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Mark Wunderlich
- Cancer and Blood Disease Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Research Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Fu-Sheng Chou
- Cancer and Blood Disease Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Research Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - James C Mulloy
- Cancer and Blood Disease Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Research Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The activation of telomere maintenance pathways has long been regarded as a key hallmark of cancer and this has propelled the development of novel inhibitors of telomerase. In this review, we detail the background biology on telomere maintenance in health and disease, then concentrate on the recent preclinical and clinical development behind targeting telomerase in blood cancers. RECENT FINDINGS Preclinical and clinical studies have shown that imetelstat, a competitive inhibitor of telomerase, has activity in certain hematologic malignancies, in particular the myeloproliferative neoplasms and acute myeloid leukemia. SUMMARY Telomerase inhibition has shown remarkable efficacy in myeloid malignancies, and current and future preclinical and clinical studies are necessary to comprehensively investigate its underlying mechanism of action. Future work should identify the potential genetic susceptibilities to telomerase inhibition therapy, and evaluate rational combinations of telomerase inhibitors with chemotherapy and other novel agents. Robust preclinical evaluation is essential to best translate these new agents successfully into our clinical treatment algorithm for myeloid and other blood cancers.
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Ropio J, Merlio JP, Soares P, Chevret E. Telomerase Activation in Hematological Malignancies. Genes (Basel) 2016; 7:genes7090061. [PMID: 27618103 PMCID: PMC5039560 DOI: 10.3390/genes7090061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2016] [Revised: 07/15/2016] [Accepted: 07/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomerase expression and telomere maintenance are critical for cell proliferation and survival, and they play important roles in development and cancer, including hematological malignancies. Transcriptional regulation of the rate-limiting subunit of human telomerase reverse transcriptase gen (hTERT) is a complex process, and unveiling the mechanisms behind its reactivation is an important step for the development of diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Here, we review the main mechanisms of telomerase activation and the associated hematologic malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Ropio
- Cutaneous Lymphoma Oncogenesis Team INSERM U1053 Bordeaux Research in Translational Oncology, Bordeaux University, Bordeaux 33076, France.
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences of Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Porto 4050-313, Portugal.
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto 4200-135, Portugal.
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (Ipatimup)-Cancer Biology, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, s/n, Porto 4200-465, Portugal.
| | - Jean-Philippe Merlio
- Cutaneous Lymphoma Oncogenesis Team INSERM U1053 Bordeaux Research in Translational Oncology, Bordeaux University, Bordeaux 33076, France.
- Tumor Bank and Tumor Biology Laboratory, University Hospital Center Bordeaux, Pessac 33604, France.
| | - Paula Soares
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto 4200-135, Portugal.
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (Ipatimup)-Cancer Biology, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, s/n, Porto 4200-465, Portugal.
- Department of Pathology and Oncology, Medical Faculty of Porto University, Porto 4200-319, Portugal.
| | - Edith Chevret
- Cutaneous Lymphoma Oncogenesis Team INSERM U1053 Bordeaux Research in Translational Oncology, Bordeaux University, Bordeaux 33076, France.
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11
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Bruedigam C, Bagger FO, Heidel FH, Paine Kuhn C, Guignes S, Song A, Austin R, Vu T, Lee E, Riyat S, Moore AS, Lock RB, Bullinger L, Hill GR, Armstrong SA, Williams DA, Lane SW. Telomerase inhibition effectively targets mouse and human AML stem cells and delays relapse following chemotherapy. Cell Stem Cell 2015; 15:775-90. [PMID: 25479751 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2014.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2014] [Revised: 08/01/2014] [Accepted: 11/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive and lethal blood cancer maintained by rare populations of leukemia stem cells (LSCs). Selective targeting of LSCs is a promising approach for treating AML and preventing relapse following chemotherapy, and developing such therapeutic modalities is a key priority. Here, we show that targeting telomerase activity eradicates AML LSCs. Genetic deletion of the telomerase subunit Terc in a retroviral mouse AML model induces cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis of LSCs, and depletion of telomerase-deficient LSCs is partially rescued by p53 knockdown. Murine Terc(-/-) LSCs express a specific gene expression signature that can be identified in human AML patient cohorts and is positively correlated with patient survival following chemotherapy. In xenografts of primary human AML, genetic or pharmacological inhibition of telomerase targets LSCs, impairs leukemia progression, and delays relapse following chemotherapy. Altogether, these results establish telomerase inhibition as an effective strategy for eliminating AML LSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Bruedigam
- Division of Immunology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Frederik O Bagger
- The Finsen Laboratory, Bioinformatics Centre, Department of Biology, and Biotech Research and Innovation Center (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, 1165 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Florian H Heidel
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital, Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Catherine Paine Kuhn
- Division of Immunology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Solene Guignes
- Division of Immunology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Axia Song
- Division of Immunology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Rebecca Austin
- Division of Immunology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Therese Vu
- Division of Immunology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Erwin Lee
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Sarbjit Riyat
- Department of Haematology, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Andrew S Moore
- Queensland Children's Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia; University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Richard B Lock
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Lars Bullinger
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Geoffrey R Hill
- Division of Immunology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia; Department of Haematology, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia; University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Scott A Armstrong
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Leukemia Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - David A Williams
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Steven W Lane
- Division of Immunology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia; Department of Haematology, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia; University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia.
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12
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Castronuovo CC, Cuestas ML, Oubiña JR, Mathet VL. Effect of several PEO-PPO amphiphiles onbax,bcl-2, andhTERTmRNAs: An insight into apoptosis and cell immortalization induced in hepatoma cells by these polymeric excipients. Biotechnol Appl Biochem 2015; 63:273-80. [DOI: 10.1002/bab.1352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2014] [Accepted: 01/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Celeste Castronuovo
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica; UBA-CONICET; Facultad de Medicina; Universidad de Buenos Aires; Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires; Argentina
- CONICET; Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires; Argentina
| | - María Luján Cuestas
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica; UBA-CONICET; Facultad de Medicina; Universidad de Buenos Aires; Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires; Argentina
- CONICET; Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires; Argentina
| | - José Raúl Oubiña
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica; UBA-CONICET; Facultad de Medicina; Universidad de Buenos Aires; Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires; Argentina
- CONICET; Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires; Argentina
| | - Verónica Lidia Mathet
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica; UBA-CONICET; Facultad de Medicina; Universidad de Buenos Aires; Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires; Argentina
- CONICET; Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires; Argentina
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13
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Abstract
Leukemia stem cells (LSCs), featuring unlimited self-renewal capacity and chemoresistance, are critical cellular targets for new treatments to improve outcomes for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In this issue of Cell Stem Cell, Bruedigam et al. (2014) demonstrate that inhibition of telomerase is damaging to LSCs and may represent a promising therapeutic approach in AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Huei Kuo
- Division of Hematopoietic Stem Cell and Leukemia Research, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.
| | - Ravi Bhatia
- Division of Hematopoietic Stem Cell and Leukemia Research, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.
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14
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Bruedigam C, Bagger FO, Heidel FH, Paine Kuhn C, Guignes S, Song A, Austin R, Vu T, Lee E, Riyat S, Moore AS, Lock RB, Bullinger L, Hill GR, Armstrong SA, Williams DA, Lane SW. Telomerase inhibition effectively targets mouse and human AML stem cells and delays relapse following chemotherapy. Cell Stem Cell 2014. [PMID: 25479751 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2014.11.010.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive and lethal blood cancer maintained by rare populations of leukemia stem cells (LSCs). Selective targeting of LSCs is a promising approach for treating AML and preventing relapse following chemotherapy, and developing such therapeutic modalities is a key priority. Here, we show that targeting telomerase activity eradicates AML LSCs. Genetic deletion of the telomerase subunit Terc in a retroviral mouse AML model induces cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis of LSCs, and depletion of telomerase-deficient LSCs is partially rescued by p53 knockdown. Murine Terc(-/-) LSCs express a specific gene expression signature that can be identified in human AML patient cohorts and is positively correlated with patient survival following chemotherapy. In xenografts of primary human AML, genetic or pharmacological inhibition of telomerase targets LSCs, impairs leukemia progression, and delays relapse following chemotherapy. Altogether, these results establish telomerase inhibition as an effective strategy for eliminating AML LSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Bruedigam
- Division of Immunology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Frederik O Bagger
- The Finsen Laboratory, Bioinformatics Centre, Department of Biology, and Biotech Research and Innovation Center (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, 1165 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Florian H Heidel
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital, Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Catherine Paine Kuhn
- Division of Immunology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Solene Guignes
- Division of Immunology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Axia Song
- Division of Immunology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Rebecca Austin
- Division of Immunology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Therese Vu
- Division of Immunology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Erwin Lee
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Sarbjit Riyat
- Department of Haematology, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Andrew S Moore
- Queensland Children's Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia; University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Richard B Lock
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Lars Bullinger
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Geoffrey R Hill
- Division of Immunology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia; Department of Haematology, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia; University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Scott A Armstrong
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Leukemia Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - David A Williams
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Steven W Lane
- Division of Immunology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia; Department of Haematology, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia; University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia.
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15
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Alberti L, Renaud S, Losi L, Leyvraz S, Benhattar J. High expression of hTERT and stemness genes in BORIS/CTCFL positive cells isolated from embryonic cancer cells. PLoS One 2014; 9:e109921. [PMID: 25279549 PMCID: PMC4184884 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0109921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2014] [Accepted: 09/12/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BORIS/CTCFL is a member of cancer testis antigen family normally expressed in germ cells. In tumors, it is aberrantly expressed although its functions are not completely well-defined. To better understand the functions of BORIS in cancer, we selected the embryonic cancer cells as a model. Using a molecular beacon, which specifically targets BORIS mRNA, we demonstrated that BORIS positive cells are a small subpopulation of tumor cells (3–5% of total). The BORIS-positive cells isolated using BORIS-molecular beacon, expressed higher telomerase hTERT, stem cell (NANOG, OCT4, SOX2) and cancer stem cell marker genes (CD44 and ALDH1) compared to the BORIS-negative tumor cells. In order to define the functional role of BORIS, stable BORIS-depleted embryonic cancer cells were generated. BORIS silencing strongly down-regulated the expression of hTERT, stem cell and cancer stem cell marker genes. Moreover, the BORIS knockdown increased cellular senescence in embryonic cancer cells, revealing a putative role of BORIS in the senescence biological program. Our data indicate an association of BORIS expressing cells subpopulation with the expression of stemness genes, highlighting the critical role played by BORIS in embryonic neoplastic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loredana Alberti
- Institute of Pathology, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Stéphanie Renaud
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Lorena Losi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Serge Leyvraz
- Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jean Benhattar
- Institute of Pathology, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Biopath Lab, Lausanne, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
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16
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Herrmann H, Blatt K, Shi J, Gleixner KV, Cerny-Reiterer S, Müllauer L, Vakoc CR, Sperr WR, Horny HP, Bradner JE, Zuber J, Valent P. Small-molecule inhibition of BRD4 as a new potent approach to eliminate leukemic stem- and progenitor cells in acute myeloid leukemia AML. Oncotarget 2013; 3:1588-99. [PMID: 23249862 PMCID: PMC3681497 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a life-threatening stem cell disease characterized by uncontrolled proliferation and accumulation of myeloblasts. Using an advanced RNAi screen-approach in an AML mouse model we have recently identified the epigenetic ‘reader’ BRD4 as a promising target in AML. In the current study, we asked whether inhibition of BRD4 by a small-molecule inhibitor, JQ1, leads to growth-inhibition and apoptosis in primary human AML stem- and progenitor cells. Primary cell samples were obtained from 37 patients with freshly diagnosed AML (n=23) or refractory AML (n=14). BRD4 was found to be expressed at the mRNA and protein level in unfractionated AML cells as well as in highly enriched CD34+/CD38− and CD34+/CD38+ stem- and progenitor cells in all patients examined. In unfractionated leukemic cells, submicromolar concentrations of JQ1 induced major growth-inhibitory effects (IC50 0.05-0.5 μM) in most samples, including cells derived from relapsed or refractory patients. In addition, JQ1 was found to induce apoptosis in CD34+/CD38− and CD34+/CD38+ stem- and progenitor cells in all donors examined as evidenced by combined surface/Annexin-V staining. Moreover, we were able to show that JQ1 synergizes with ARA-C in inducing growth inhibition in AML cells. Together, the BRD4-targeting drug JQ1 exerts major anti-leukemic effects in a broad range of human AML subtypes, including relapsed and refractory patients and all relevant stem- and progenitor cell compartments, including CD34+/CD38− and CD34+/CD38+ AML cells. These results characterize BRD4-inhibition as a promising new therapeutic approach in AML which should be further investigated in clinical trials.
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17
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García-Ramírez I, Ruiz-Roca L, Martín-Lorenzo A, Blanco O, García-Cenador MB, García-Criado FJ, Vicente-Dueñas C, Sánchez-García I. Genetic background affects susceptibility to tumoral stem cell reprogramming. Cell Cycle 2013; 12:2505-9. [PMID: 23839033 PMCID: PMC3841328 DOI: 10.4161/cc.25544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The latest studies of the interactions between oncogenes and its target cell have shown that certain oncogenes may act as passengers to reprogram tissue-specific stem/progenitor cell into a malignant cancer stem cell state. In this study, we show that the genetic background influences this tumoral stem cell reprogramming capacity of the oncogenes using as a model the Sca1-BCRABLp210 mice, where the type of tumor they develop, chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), is a function of tumoral stem cell reprogramming. Sca1-BCRABLp210 mice containing FVB genetic components were significantly more resistant to CML. However, pure Sca1-BCRABLp210 FVB mice developed thymomas that were not seen in the Sca1-BCRABLp210 mice into the B6 background. Collectively, our results demonstrate for the first time that tumoral stem cell reprogramming fate is subject to polymorphic genetic control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Idoia García-Ramírez
- Experimental Therapeutics and Translational Oncology Program; Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer (IBMCC); CSIC/ Universidad de Salamanca; Salamanca, Spain; Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL); Salamanca, Spain
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18
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Vicente-Dueñas C, Romero-Camarero I, García-Criado FJ, Cobaleda C, Sánchez-García I. The cellular architecture of multiple myeloma. Cell Cycle 2012; 11:3715-7. [PMID: 22983005 PMCID: PMC3495807 DOI: 10.4161/cc.22178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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19
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A novel molecular mechanism involved in multiple myeloma development revealed by targeting MafB to haematopoietic progenitors. EMBO J 2012; 31:3704-17. [PMID: 22903061 PMCID: PMC3442275 DOI: 10.1038/emboj.2012.227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2012] [Accepted: 07/20/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Transgenic expression of the MafB oncogene in haematopoietic stem/progenitor cells induces plasma cell neoplasia reminiscent of human multiple myeloma and suggests DNA methylation as cause of malignant transformation. Understanding the cellular origin of cancer can help to improve disease prevention and therapeutics. Human plasma cell neoplasias are thought to develop from either differentiated B cells or plasma cells. However, when the expression of Maf oncogenes (associated to human plasma cell neoplasias) is targeted to mouse B cells, the resulting animals fail to reproduce the human disease. Here, to explore early cellular changes that might take place in the development of plasma cell neoplasias, we engineered transgenic mice to express MafB in haematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HS/PCs). Unexpectedly, we show that plasma cell neoplasias arise in the MafB-transgenic mice. Beyond their clinical resemblance to human disease, these neoplasias highly express genes that are known to be upregulated in human multiple myeloma. Moreover, gene expression profiling revealed that MafB-expressing HS/PCs were more similar to B cells and tumour plasma cells than to any other subset, including wild-type HS/PCs. Consistent with this, genome-scale DNA methylation profiling revealed that MafB imposes an epigenetic program in HS/PCs, and that this program is preserved in mature B cells of MafB-transgenic mice, demonstrating a novel molecular mechanism involved in tumour initiation. Our findings suggest that, mechanistically, the haematopoietic progenitor population can be the target for transformation in MafB-associated plasma cell neoplasias.
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20
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Vicente-Dueñas C, Cobaleda C, Martínez-Climent JÁ, Sánchez-García I. MALT lymphoma meets stem cells. Cell Cycle 2012; 11:2961-2. [PMID: 22825253 PMCID: PMC3442895 DOI: 10.4161/cc.21264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Comment on: Vicente-Dueñas C, et al. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 2012; 109:10534-9.
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