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Akkawi R, Hidmi O, Haj-Yahia A, Monin J, Diment J, Drier Y, Stein GS, Aqeilan RI. WWOX promotes osteosarcoma development via upregulation of Myc. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:13. [PMID: 38182577 PMCID: PMC10770339 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06378-8] [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: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
Osteosarcoma is an aggressive bone tumor that primarily affects children and adolescents. This malignancy is highly aggressive, associated with poor clinical outcomes, and primarily metastasizes to the lungs. Due to its rarity and biological heterogeneity, limited studies on its molecular basis exist, hindering the development of effective therapies. The WW domain-containing oxidoreductase (WWOX) is frequently altered in human osteosarcoma. Combined deletion of Wwox and Trp53 using Osterix1-Cre transgenic mice has been shown to accelerate osteosarcoma development. In this study, we generated a traceable osteosarcoma mouse model harboring the deletion of Trp53 alone (single-knockout) or combined deletion of Wwox/Trp53 (double-knockout) and expressing a tdTomato reporter. By tracking Tomato expression at different time points, we detected the early presence of tdTomato-positive cells in the bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells of non-osteosarcoma-bearing mice (young BM). We found that double-knockout young BM cells, but not single-knockout young BM cells, exhibited tumorigenic traits both in vitro and in vivo. Molecular and cellular characterization of these double-knockout young BM cells revealed their resemblance to osteosarcoma tumor cells. Interestingly, one of the observed significant transcriptomic changes in double-knockout young BM cells was the upregulation of Myc and its target genes compared to single-knockout young BM cells. Intriguingly, Myc-chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing revealed its increased enrichment on Myc targets, which were upregulated in double-knockout young BM cells. Restoration of WWOX in double-knockout young BM cells reduced Myc protein levels. As a prototype target, we demonstrated the upregulation of MCM7, a known Myc target, in double-knockout young BM relative to single-knockout young BM cells. Inhibition of MCM7 expression using simvastatin resulted in reduced proliferation and tumor cell growth of double-knockout young BM cells. Our findings reveal BM mesenchymal stem cells as a platform to study osteosarcoma and Myc and its targets as WWOX effectors and early molecular events during osteosarcomagenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rania Akkawi
- The Concern Foundation Laboratories, The Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research, Department of Immunology and Cancer Research, IMRIC, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Osama Hidmi
- The Concern Foundation Laboratories, The Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research, Department of Immunology and Cancer Research, IMRIC, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ameen Haj-Yahia
- The Concern Foundation Laboratories, The Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research, Department of Immunology and Cancer Research, IMRIC, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Jonathon Monin
- The Concern Foundation Laboratories, The Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research, Department of Immunology and Cancer Research, IMRIC, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Judith Diment
- Department of Pathology, Hadassah University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yotam Drier
- The Concern Foundation Laboratories, The Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research, Department of Immunology and Cancer Research, IMRIC, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Gary S Stein
- Department of Biochemistry, Larner College of Medicine, UVM Cancer Center, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Rami I Aqeilan
- The Concern Foundation Laboratories, The Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research, Department of Immunology and Cancer Research, IMRIC, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
- Cyprus Cancer Research Institute (CCRI), Nicosia, Cyprus.
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Sharma A, Mistriel-Zerbib S, Najar RA, Engal E, Bentata M, Taqatqa N, Dahan S, Cohen K, Jaffe-Herman S, Geminder O, Baker M, Nevo Y, Plaschkes I, Kay G, Drier Y, Berger M, Salton M. Isoforms of the TAL1 transcription factor have different roles in hematopoiesis and cell growth. PLoS Biol 2023; 21:e3002175. [PMID: 37379322 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) protein 1 (TAL1) is a central transcription factor in hematopoiesis. The timing and level of TAL1 expression orchestrate the differentiation to specialized blood cells and its overexpression is a common cause of T-ALL. Here, we studied the 2 protein isoforms of TAL1, short and long, which are generated by the use of alternative promoters as well as by alternative splicing. We analyzed the expression of each isoform by deleting an enhancer or insulator, or by opening chromatin at the enhancer location. Our results show that each enhancer promotes expression from a specific TAL1 promoter. Expression from a specific promoter gives rise to a unique 5' UTR with differential regulation of translation. Moreover, our study suggests that the enhancers regulate TAL1 exon 3 alternative splicing by inducing changes in the chromatin at the splice site, which we demonstrate is mediated by KMT2B. Furthermore, our results indicate that TAL1-short binds more strongly to TAL1 E-protein partners and functions as a stronger transcription factor than TAL1-long. Specifically TAL1-short has a unique transcription signature promoting apoptosis. Finally, when we expressed both isoforms in mice bone marrow, we found that while overexpression of both isoforms prevents lymphoid differentiation, expression of TAL-short alone leads to hematopoietic stem cell exhaustion. Furthermore, we found that TAL1-short promoted erythropoiesis and reduced cell survival in the CML cell line K562. While TAL1 and its partners are considered promising therapeutic targets in the treatment of T-ALL, our results show that TAL1-short could act as a tumor suppressor and suggest that altering TAL1 isoform's ratio could be a preferred therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aveksha Sharma
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Shani Mistriel-Zerbib
- Faculty of Medicine, The Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Rauf Ahmad Najar
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Eden Engal
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Mercedes Bentata
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Nadeen Taqatqa
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Sara Dahan
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Klil Cohen
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Shiri Jaffe-Herman
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ophir Geminder
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Mai Baker
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yuval Nevo
- Info-CORE, Bioinformatics Unit of the I-CORE Computation Center, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Inbar Plaschkes
- Info-CORE, Bioinformatics Unit of the I-CORE Computation Center, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Gillian Kay
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yotam Drier
- Faculty of Medicine, The Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Michael Berger
- Faculty of Medicine, The Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Maayan Salton
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
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Metzner FJ, Huber E, Hopfner KP, Lammens K. Structural and biochemical characterization of human Schlafen 5. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:1147-1161. [PMID: 35037067 PMCID: PMC8789055 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab1278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The Schlafen family belongs to the interferon-stimulated genes and its members are involved in cell cycle regulation, T cell quiescence, inhibition of viral replication, DNA-repair and tRNA processing. Here, we present the cryo-EM structure of full-length human Schlafen 5 (SLFN5) and the high-resolution crystal structure of the highly conserved N-terminal core domain. We show that the core domain does not resemble an ATPase-like fold and neither binds nor hydrolyzes ATP. SLFN5 binds tRNA as well as single- and double-stranded DNA, suggesting a potential role in transcriptional regulation. Unlike rat Slfn13 or human SLFN11, human SLFN5 did not cleave tRNA. Based on the structure, we identified two residues in proximity to the zinc finger motif that decreased DNA binding when mutated. These results indicate that Schlafen proteins have divergent enzymatic functions and provide a structural platform for future biochemical and genetic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix J Metzner
- Department of Biochemistry, Gene Center, Feodor-Lynen-Straße 25, 81377 München, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Huber
- Department of Biochemistry, Gene Center, Feodor-Lynen-Straße 25, 81377 München, Germany
| | - Karl-Peter Hopfner
- Department of Biochemistry, Gene Center, Feodor-Lynen-Straße 25, 81377 München, Germany
| | - Katja Lammens
- Department of Biochemistry, Gene Center, Feodor-Lynen-Straße 25, 81377 München, Germany
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Schlafens: Emerging Proteins in Cancer Cell Biology. Cells 2021; 10:cells10092238. [PMID: 34571887 PMCID: PMC8465726 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Schlafens (SLFN) are a family of genes widely expressed in mammals, including humans and rodents. These intriguing proteins play different roles in regulating cell proliferation, cell differentiation, immune cell growth and maturation, and inhibiting viral replication. The emerging evidence is implicating Schlafens in cancer biology and chemosensitivity. Although Schlafens share common domains and a high degree of homology, different Schlafens act differently. In particular, they show specific and occasionally opposing effects in some cancer types. This review will briefly summarize the history, structure, and non-malignant biological functions of Schlafens. The roles of human and mouse Schlafens in different cancer types will then be outlined. Finally, we will discuss the implication of Schlafens in the anti-tumor effect of interferons and the use of Schlafens as predictors of chemosensitivity.
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Schlafen2 mutation unravels a role for chronic ER stress in the loss of T cell quiescence. Oncotarget 2018; 7:39396-39407. [PMID: 27276683 PMCID: PMC5129940 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.9818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2016] [Accepted: 05/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunologically naïve lymphocytes are kept in a quiescent state until antigen engagement. These quiescent immune cells are characterized by small cell size, lack of spontaneous proliferation and low metabolic rate. Lymphocyte quiescence is actively enforced condition which ensures the preservation of proper differentiation and proliferation capabilities of naïve and memory lymphocytes. Previously we described a chemically induced mutation in Schlafen2 (Slfn2), termed elektra, which breaks quiescence and compromises immunity. However, the mechanism by which Slfn2 maintains quiescence remains unknown. Here we demonstrate that elektra T cells display chronic ER stress under steady state conditions. Modulation of ER stress response by depletion of either UPR mediators XBP1 or CHOP, improved viability and partially corrected the developmental abnormalities and proliferation capabilities of elektra T cells. Altogether, our results demonstrate a functional connection between Slfn2 induced quiescence in T cells and ER homeostasis, clarifying a novel mechanism by which immune cell quiescence is maintained.
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Omar I, Rom O, Aviram M, Cohen-Daniel L, Gebre AK, Parks JS, Berger M. Slfn2 mutation-induced loss of T-cell quiescence leads to elevated de novo sterol synthesis. Immunology 2017; 152:484-493. [PMID: 28672048 DOI: 10.1111/imm.12785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2017] [Revised: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 06/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Acquisition of a 'quiescence programme' by naive T cells is important to provide a stress-free environment and resistance to apoptosis while preserving their responsiveness to activating stimuli. Therefore, the survival and proper function of naive T cells depends on their ability to maintain quiescence. Recently we demonstrated that by preventing chronic unresolved endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, Schlafen2 (Slfn2) maintains a stress-free environment to conserve a pool of naive T cells ready to respond to a microbial invasion. These findings strongly suggest an intimate association between quiescence and stress signalling. However, the connection between ER stress conditions and loss of T-cell quiescence is unknown. Here we demonstrate that homeostasis of cholesterol and lipids, is disrupted in T cells and monocytes from Slfn2-mutant, elektra, mice with higher levels of lipid rafts and lipid droplets found in these cells. Moreover, elektra T cells had elevated levels of free cholesterol and cholesteryl ester due to increased de novo synthesis and higher levels of the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase. As cholesterol plays an important role in the transition of T cells from resting to active state, and ER regulates cholesterol and lipid synthesis, we suggest that regulation of cholesterol levels through the prevention of ER stress is an essential component of the mechanism by which Slfn2 regulates quiescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Omar
- The Lautenberg Centre for Immunology and Cancer Research, The Biomedical Research Institute Israel Canada of the Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Oren Rom
- The Lipid Research Laboratory, Rambam Health Care Campus, The Rappaport Faculty of Medicine and Research Institute, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Michael Aviram
- The Lipid Research Laboratory, Rambam Health Care Campus, The Rappaport Faculty of Medicine and Research Institute, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Leonor Cohen-Daniel
- The Lautenberg Centre for Immunology and Cancer Research, The Biomedical Research Institute Israel Canada of the Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Abraham K Gebre
- Section on Molecular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical Center Blvd, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - John S Parks
- Section on Molecular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical Center Blvd, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Michael Berger
- The Lautenberg Centre for Immunology and Cancer Research, The Biomedical Research Institute Israel Canada of the Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
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