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Wu S, Luo P, Rouzi T, Yu Y, Xiong B, Wang Y, Zuo X. The Combination of JAK2V617F Allele Burden and WT1 Expression can Be Helpful in Distinguishing the Subtype of MPN Patients. Cancer Control 2023; 30:10732748231163648. [PMID: 36895113 PMCID: PMC10009047 DOI: 10.1177/10732748231163648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Classical Philadelphia-negative myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) includes Essential Thrombocythemia (ET), Polycythemia Vera (PV) and Primary Myelofibrosis (PMF). The JAK2V617F mutation is part of the major criteria for diagnosis of MPN. WT1 is reported to be highly overexpressed in most hematological malignancy. Our aim was to explore the combination value of JAK2V617F allele burden and WT1 expression in distinguishing the subtype of MPN patients. METHODS Allele specific real-time quantitative fluorescence PCR (AS-qPCR) was conducted to detect JAK2V617F allele burden. WT1 expression was assessed by RQ-PCR. Our study is a retrospective study. RESULTS JAK2V617F allele burden and WT1 expression were different in MPN subgroups. The expression of WT1 in PMF and PV is higher than in ET. JAK2V617F allele burden in PMF and PV is also higher than in ET. ROC analysis indicated that combination of JAK2V617F allele burden and WT1 expression to discriminate ET and PV, ET and PMF, PV and PMF is 0.956, 0.871, 0.737 respectively. Furthermore, their ability to distinguish ET patients with high Hb levels from PV patients with high platelet counts is 0.891. CONCLUSIONS Our data revealed that combination of JAK2V617F allele burden and WT1 expression is useful in distinguishing the subtype of MPN patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanyun Wu
- Department of Hematology, 89674Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ping Luo
- Department of Hematology, 89674Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Tuerxunayi Rouzi
- Department of Hematology, 89674Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yalan Yu
- Department of Hematology, 89674Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Bei Xiong
- Department of Hematology, 89674Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yingying Wang
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, 12550Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xuelan Zuo
- Department of Hematology, 89674Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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Catapano R, Sepe L, Toscano E, Paolella G, Chiurazzi F, Barbato SP, Bruzzese D, Arianna R, Grosso M, Romano S, Romano MF, Costanzo P, Cesaro E. Biological relevance of ZNF224 expression in chronic lymphocytic leukemia and its implication IN NF-kB pathway regulation. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:1010984. [PMID: 36425656 PMCID: PMC9681601 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.1010984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a heterogeneous disease, whose presentation and clinical course are highly variable. Identification of novel prognostic factors may contribute to improving the CLL classification and providing indications for treatment options. The zinc finger protein ZNF224 plays a key role in cell transformation, through the control of apoptotic and survival pathways. In this study, we evaluated the potential application of ZNF224 as a novel marker of CLL progression and therapy responsiveness. To this aim, we analyzed ZNF224 expression levels in B lymphocytes from CLL patients at different stages of the disease and in patients showing different treatment outcomes. The expression of ZNF224 was significantly increased in disease progression and dramatically decreased in patients in complete remission after chemotherapy. Gene expression correlation analysis performed on datasets of CLL patients revealed that ZNF224 expression was well correlated with that of some prognostic and predictive markers. Moreover, bioinformatic analysis coupled ZNF224 to NF-κB pathway, and experimental data demonstrated that RNA interference of ZNF224 reduced the activity of the NF-κB survival pathway in CLL cells. Consistently with a pro-survival role, ZNF224 knockdown raised spontaneous and drug-induced apoptosis and inhibited the proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from CLL patients. Our findings provide evidence for the involvement of ZNF224 in the survival of CLL cells via NF-κB pathway modulation, and also suggest ZNF224 as a prognostic and predictive molecular marker of CLL disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Catapano
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Leandra Sepe
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Ceinge Advanced Technologies, Naples, Italy
| | - Elvira Toscano
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Ceinge Advanced Technologies, Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Paolella
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Ceinge Advanced Technologies, Naples, Italy
| | - Federico Chiurazzi
- Division of Hematology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Serafina Patrizia Barbato
- Division of Hematology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Dario Bruzzese
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosa Arianna
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Michela Grosso
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Ceinge Advanced Technologies, Naples, Italy
| | - Simona Romano
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Fiammetta Romano
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Paola Costanzo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Elena Cesaro
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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3
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Cesaro E, Falanga AP, Catapano R, Greco F, Romano S, Borbone N, Pastore A, Marzano M, Chiurazzi F, D’Errico S, Piccialli G, Oliviero G, Costanzo P, Grosso M. Exploring a peptide nucleic acid-based antisense approach for CD5 targeting in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0266090. [PMID: 35358273 PMCID: PMC8970396 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0266090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
We herein report an innovative antisense approach based on Peptide Nucleic Acids (PNAs) to down-modulate CD5 expression levels in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Using bioinformatics tools, we selected a 12-mer tract of the CD5 mRNA as the molecular target and synthesized the complementary and control PNA strands bearing a serine phosphate dipeptide tail to enhance their water solubility and bioavailability. The specific recognition of the 12-mer DNA strand, corresponding to the target mRNA sequence by the complementary PNA strand, was confirmed by non-denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, thermal difference spectroscopy, circular dichroism (CD), and CD melting studies. Cytofluorimetric assays and real-time PCR analysis demonstrated the downregulation of CD5 expression due to incubation with the anti-CD5 PNA at RNA and protein levels in Jurkat cell line and peripheral blood mononuclear cells from B-CLL patients. Interestingly, we also observed that transfection with the anti-CD5 PNA increases apoptotic response induced by fludarabine in B-CLL cells. The herein reported results suggest that PNAs could represent a potential candidate for the development of antisense therapeutic agents in CLL.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/genetics
- Leukocytes, Mononuclear
- Oligonucleotides, Antisense/genetics
- Oligonucleotides, Antisense/pharmacology
- Peptide Nucleic Acids/chemistry
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Cesaro
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | | | - Rosa Catapano
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Francesca Greco
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Simona Romano
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Nicola Borbone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
- ISBE-IT, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Arianna Pastore
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Maria Marzano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Federico Chiurazzi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of Hematology, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Stefano D’Errico
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Gennaro Piccialli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
- ISBE-IT, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Giorgia Oliviero
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
- ISBE-IT, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Paola Costanzo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Michela Grosso
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
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Cesaro E, Lupo A, Rapuano R, Pastore A, Grosso M, Costanzo P. ZNF224 Protein: Multifaceted Functions Based on Its Molecular Partners. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26206296. [PMID: 34684876 PMCID: PMC8537547 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26206296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor ZNF224 is a Kruppel-like zinc finger protein that consists of 707 amino acids and contains 19 tandemly repeated C2H2 zinc finger domains that mediate DNA binding and protein-protein interactions. ZNF224 was originally identified as a transcriptional repressor of genes involved in energy metabolism, and it was demonstrated that ZNF224-mediated transcriptional repression needs the interaction of its KRAB repressor domain with the co-repressor KAP1 and its zinc finger domains 1-3 with the arginine methyltransferase PRMT5. Furthermore, the protein ZNF255 was identified as an alternative isoform of ZNF224 that possesses different domain compositions mediating distinctive functional interactions. Subsequent studies showed that ZNF224 is a multifunctional protein able to exert different transcriptional activities depending on the cell context and the variety of its molecular partners. Indeed, it has been shown that ZNF224 can act as a repressor, an activator and a cofactor for other DNA-binding transcription factors in different human cancers. Here, we provide a brief overview of the current knowledge on the multifaceted interactions of ZNF224 and the resulting different roles of this protein in various cellular contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Cesaro
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (A.P.); (M.G.)
- Correspondence: (E.C.); (P.C.)
| | - Angelo Lupo
- Department of Sciences and Technologies, University of Sannio, 82100 Benevento, Italy; (A.L.); (R.R.)
| | - Roberta Rapuano
- Department of Sciences and Technologies, University of Sannio, 82100 Benevento, Italy; (A.L.); (R.R.)
| | - Arianna Pastore
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (A.P.); (M.G.)
| | - Michela Grosso
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (A.P.); (M.G.)
| | - Paola Costanzo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (A.P.); (M.G.)
- Correspondence: (E.C.); (P.C.)
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5
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Trombetti S, Sessa R, Catapano R, Rinaldi L, Lo Bianco A, Feliciello A, Izzo P, Grosso M. Exploring the Leukemogenic Potential of GATA-1 S, the Shorter Isoform of GATA-1: Novel Insights into Mechanisms Hampering Respiratory Chain Complex II Activity and Limiting Oxidative Phosphorylation Efficiency. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:1603. [PMID: 34679737 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10101603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
GATA-1 is a key regulator of hematopoiesis. A balanced ratio of its two isoforms, GATA-1FL and GATA-1S, contributes to normal hematopoiesis, whereas aberrant expression of GATA-1S alters the differentiation/proliferation potential of hematopoietic precursors and represents a poor prognostic factor in myeloid leukemia. We previously reported that GATA-1S over-expression correlates with high levels of the succinate dehydrogenase subunit C (SDHC). Alternative splicing variants of the SDHC transcript are over-expressed in several tumors and act as potent dominant negative inhibitors of SDH activity. With this in mind, we investigated the levels of SDHC variants and the oxidative mitochondrial metabolism in myeloid leukemia K562 cells over-expressing GATA-1 isoforms. Over-expression of SDHC variants accompanied by decreased SDH complex II activity and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) efficiency was found associated only with GATA-1S. Given the tumor suppressor role of SDH and the effects of OXPHOS limitations in leukemogenesis, identification of a link between GATA-1S and impaired complex II activity unveils novel pro-leukemic mechanisms triggered by GATA-1S. Abnormal levels of GATA-1S and SDHC variants were also found in an acute myeloid leukemia patient, thus supporting in vitro results. A better understanding of these mechanisms can contribute to identify novel promising therapeutic targets in myeloid leukemia.
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6
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Liccardo R, Sessa R, Trombetti S, De Rosa M, Izzo P, Grosso M, Duraturo F. MiR-137 Targets the 3' Untranslated Region of MSH2: Potential Implications in Lynch Syndrome-Related Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4662. [PMID: 34572889 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13184662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mismatch Repair (MMR) gene dysregulation plays a fundamental role in Lynch Syndrome (LS) pathogenesis, a form of hereditary colorectal cancer. Loss or overexpression of key MMR genes leads to genome instability and tumorigenesis; however, the mechanisms controlling MMR gene expression are unknown. One such gene, MSH2, exerts an important role, not only in MMR, but also in cell proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle control. In this study, we explored the functions and underlying molecular mechanisms of increased MSH2 expression related to a c.*226A>G variant in the 3'untranslated (UTR) region of MSH2 that had been previously identified in a subject clinically suspected of LS. Bioinformatics identified a putative binding site for miR-137 in this region. To verify miRNA targeting specificity, we performed luciferase gene reporter assays using a MSH2 3'UTR psiCHECK-2 vector in human SW480 cells over-expressing miR-137, which showed a drastic reduction in luciferase activity (p > 0.0001). This effect was abolished by site-directed mutagenesis of the putative miR-137 seed site. Moreover, in these cells we observed that miR-137 levels were inversely correlated with MSH2 expression levels. These results were confirmed by results in normal and tumoral tissues from the patient carrying the 3'UTR c.*226A>G variant in MSH2. Finally, miR-137 overexpression in SW480 cells significantly suppressed cell proliferation in a time- and dose-dependent manner (p < 0.0001), supporting a role for MSH2 in apoptosis and cell proliferation processes. Our findings suggest miR-137 helps control MSH2 expression via its 3'UTR and that dysregulation of this mechanism appears to promote tumorigenesis in colon cells.
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7
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Cesaro E, Pastore A, Polverino A, Manna L, Divisato G, Quintavalle C, Di Sanzo M, Faniello MC, Grosso M, Costanzo P. ZNF224 is a mediator of TGF-β pro-oncogenic function in melanoma. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 30:2100-2109. [PMID: 34181020 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddab173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The zinc finger protein ZNF224 plays a dual role in cancer, operating as both tumor suppressor and oncogenic factor depending on cellular and molecular partners. In this research we investigated the role of ZNF224 in melanoma, a highly invasive and metastatic cancer, and provided evidence for the involvement of ZNF224 in the TGF-β signaling as a mediator of the TGF-β pro-oncogenic function. Our results showed that ZNF224, whose expression increased in melanoma cell lines after TGF-β stimulation, potentiated the activation induced by TGF-β on its target genes involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Accordingly, overexpression of ZNF224 enhanced the tumourigenic properties of melanoma cells, promoting cell proliferation and invasiveness, while ZNF224 knockdown had the opposite effect. Moreover, ZNF224 positively modulates the expression of TGF-β itself and its type 1 and 2 receptors (TβR1 and TβR2), thus highlighting a possible mechanism by which ZNF224 could enhance the endogenous TGFβ/Smad signalling. Our findings unveil a positive regulatory loop between TGF-β and ZNF224 to promote EMT, consequently increasing the tumour metastatic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Cesaro
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Arianna Pastore
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Alessia Polverino
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Manna
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Divisato
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Cristina Quintavalle
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology (IEOS) G. Salvatore, CNR, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Maddalena Di Sanzo
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine University of Catanzaro "Magna Graecia", 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Maria Concetta Faniello
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine University of Catanzaro "Magna Graecia", 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Michela Grosso
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Paola Costanzo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
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8
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Trombetti S, Cesaro E, Catapano R, Sessa R, Lo Bianco A, Izzo P, Grosso M. Oxidative Stress and ROS-Mediated Signaling in Leukemia: Novel Promising Perspectives to Eradicate Chemoresistant Cells in Myeloid Leukemia. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:2470. [PMID: 33671113 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Myeloid leukemic cells are intrinsically under oxidative stress due to impaired reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis, a common signature of several hematological malignancies. The present review focuses on the molecular mechanisms of aberrant ROS production in myeloid leukemia cells as well as on the redox-dependent signaling pathways involved in the leukemogenic process. Finally, the relevance of new chemotherapy options that specifically exert their pharmacological activity by altering the cellular redox imbalance will be discussed as an effective strategy to eradicate chemoresistant cells.
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Sobocińska J, Molenda S, Machnik M, Oleksiewicz U. KRAB-ZFP Transcriptional Regulators Acting as Oncogenes and Tumor Suppressors: An Overview. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:2212. [PMID: 33672287 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22042212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Krüppel-associated box zinc finger proteins (KRAB-ZFPs) constitute the largest family of transcriptional factors exerting co-repressor functions in mammalian cells. In general, KRAB-ZFPs have a dual structure. They may bind to specific DNA sequences via zinc finger motifs and recruit a repressive complex through the KRAB domain. Such a complex mediates histone deacetylation, trimethylation of histone 3 at lysine 9 (H3K9me3), and subsequent heterochromatization. Nevertheless, apart from their repressive role, KRAB-ZFPs may also co-activate gene transcription, likely through interaction with other factors implicated in transcriptional control. KRAB-ZFPs play essential roles in various biological processes, including development, imprinting, retroelement silencing, and carcinogenesis. Cancer cells possess multiple genomic, epigenomic, and transcriptomic aberrations. A growing number of data indicates that the expression of many KRAB-ZFPs is altered in several tumor types, in which they may act as oncogenes or tumor suppressors. Hereby, we review the available literature describing the oncogenic and suppressive roles of various KRAB-ZFPs in cancer. We focused on their association with the clinicopathological features and treatment response, as well as their influence on the cancer cell phenotype. Moreover, we summarized the identified upstream and downstream molecular mechanisms that may govern the functioning of KRAB-ZFPs in a cancer setting.
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Wang Q, Ge X, Zhang J, Chen L. Effect of lncRNA WT1-AS regulating WT1 on oxidative stress injury and apoptosis of neurons in Alzheimer's disease via inhibition of the miR-375/SIX4 axis. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:23974-23995. [PMID: 33234729 PMCID: PMC7762490 DOI: 10.18632/aging.104079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2019] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To study the effect of lncRNA WT1-AS on oxidative stress injury (OSI) and apoptosis of neurons in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and its specific mechanisms related to the microRNA-375 (miR-375)/SIX4 axis and WT1 expression. Results: After bioinformatic prediction, WT1-AS was found to be downregulated in Aβ25-35treated SH-SY5Y cells, and WT1-AS overexpression inhibited WT1 expression. WT1 could target miR-375 to promote its expression. miR-375 bound to SIX4, and miR-375 overexpression inhibited SIX4 expression. WT1-AS inhibited OSI and apoptosis, while WT1 and miR-375 overexpression or SIX4 silencing reversed the WT1-AS effect on OSI and apoptosis. In vivo experiments revealed that WT1-AS improved learning/memory abilities and inhibited OSI and apoptosis in AD mice. Conclusion: Overexpression of WT1-AS can inhibit the miR-375/SIX4 axis, OSI and neuronal apoptosis in AD by inhibiting WT1 expression. Methods: Related lncRNAs were identified, and miR-375 downstream targets were predicted. WT1-AS, WT1, miR-375 and SIX4 expression was detected in a cell model induced by Aβ25-35. The binding of WT1 with miR-375 and that of miR-375 with SIX4 were further confirmed. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP), reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities, and apoptosis levels were tested after mitochondrial membrane potential observation. Learning/memory abilities and neuronal apoptosis were tested in a mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quanbao Wang
- Department of Neurology, The People’s Hospital of Linyi City, Linyi 276000, P.R. China
| | - Xiumin Ge
- Department of Neurology, Linyi Mental Health Center, Linyi 276000, P.R. China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Emergency Internal Medicine, The People’s Hospital of Linyi City, Linyi 276000, P.R. China
| | - Licheng Chen
- Department of Neurology, The People’s Hospital of Linyi City, Linyi 276000, P.R. China
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Abstract
The Wilms' tumor 1 (WT1) gene is an important regulatory molecule that plays a vital role in cell growth and development. Initially, knowledge of WT1 was mostly limited to Wilms' tumor. Over the past years, numerous studies have shown that WT1 is aberrant expressed or mutated in hematopoietic malignancies, including acute leukemia (AL), myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). Currently, many studies focus on exploring the role of WT1 in hematopoietic malignancies. Such studies improve the understanding of hematopoietic malignancies, and the collection of data about WT1 expression or mutation in hematopoietic malignancies over the past years can facilitate the risk stratification of hematopoietic malignancies. In this review, we highlight the important role of WT1 in hematopoietic malignancies, discuss its potential clinical applications as a minimal residual disease (MRD) and prognostic biomarker, and evaluate the possible therapy target of WT1 in hematopoietic malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Luo
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Jing
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Kezhen Yi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine & Center for Gene Diagnosis, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Sanyun Wu
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Fuling Zhou
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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12
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Sodaro G, Blasio G, Fiorentino F, Auberger P, Costanzo P, Cesaro E. ZNF224 is a transcriptional repressor of AXL in chronic myeloid leukemia cells. Biochimie 2018; 154:127-131. [PMID: 30176265 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2018.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 08/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
ZNF224 is a KRAB-zinc finger transcription factor that exerts a key tumor suppressive role in chronic myelogenous leukemia. In this study, we identify the receptor tyrosine kinase Axl as a novel target of ZNF224 transcriptional repression activity. Axl overexpression is found in many types of cancer and is frequently associated with drug resistance. Interestingly, we also found that sensitivity to imatinib can be partly restored in imatinib-resistant chronic myelogenous leukemia cells by ZNF224 overexpression and the resulting suppression of Axl expression. These results, in accordance with our previous findings, support the role of ZNF224 in imatinib responsiveness and shed new insights into potential therapeutic use of ZNF224 in imatinib-resistant chronic myelogenous leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaetano Sodaro
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, 80131, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Blasio
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, 80131, Italy
| | - Federica Fiorentino
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, 80131, Italy
| | | | - Paola Costanzo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, 80131, Italy.
| | - Elena Cesaro
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, 80131, Italy
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Pons M, Reichardt CM, Hennig D, Nathan A, Kiweler N, Stocking C, Wichmann C, Christmann M, Butter F, Reichardt S, Schneider G, Heinzel T, Englert C, Hartkamp J, Krämer OH, Mahendrarajah N. Loss of Wilms tumor 1 protein is a marker for apoptosis in response to replicative stress in leukemic cells. Arch Toxicol 2018; 92:2119-35. [PMID: 29589053 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-018-2202-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
A remaining expression of the transcription factor Wilms tumor 1 (WT1) after cytotoxic chemotherapy indicates remaining leukemic clones in patients. We determined the regulation and relevance of WT1 in leukemic cells exposed to replicative stress and DNA damage. To induce these conditions, we used the clinically relevant chemotherapeutics hydroxyurea and doxorubicin. We additionally treated cells with the pro-apoptotic kinase inhibitor staurosporine. Our data show that these agents promote apoptosis to a variable extent in a panel of 12 leukemic cell lines and that caspases cleave WT1 during apoptosis. A chemical inhibition of caspases as well as an overexpression of mitochondrial, anti-apoptotic BCL2 family proteins significantly reduces the processing of WT1 and cell death in hydroxyurea-sensitive acute promyelocytic leukemia cells. Although the reduction of WT1 correlates with the pharmacological efficiency of chemotherapeutics in various leukemic cells, the elimination of WT1 by different strategies of RNA interference (RNAi) does not lead to changes in the cell cycle of chronic myeloid leukemia K562 cells. RNAi against WT1 does also not increase the extent of apoptosis and the accumulation of γH2AX in K562 cells exposed to hydroxyurea. Likewise, a targeted genetic depletion of WT1 in primary oviduct cells does not increase the levels of γH2AX. Our findings position WT1 as a downstream target of the apoptotic process that occurs in response to cytotoxic forms of replicative stress and DNA damage.
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Sodaro G, Cesaro E, Montano G, Blasio G, Fiorentino F, Romano S, Jacquel A, Aurberger P, Costanzo P. Role of ZNF224 in c-Myc repression and imatinib responsiveness in chronic myeloid leukemia. Oncotarget 2018; 9:3417-31. [PMID: 29423056 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.23283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor ZNF224 plays a key proapoptotic role in chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), by modulating Wilms Tumor protein 1 (WT1) dependent apoptotic genes transcription. Recently, we demonstrated that Bcr-Abl signaling represses ZNF224 expression in Bcr-Abl positive CML cell lines and in CML patients. Interestingly, Imatinib and second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors specifically increase ZNF224 expression. On the other hand, Bcr-Abl positively modulates, via JAK2 activation, the expression of the c-Myc oncogene, which is required for Bcr-Abl oncogenic transformation in CML. Consequently, JAK2 inhibitors represent promising molecular therapeutic tools in CML. In this work, we demonstrate that ZNF224 is a novel transcriptional repressor of c-Myc in CML. We also show that ZNF224 induction by Imatinib and AG490, a specific JAK2 inhibitor, is responsible for the transcriptional repression of c-MYC, thus highlighting the crucial role of the ZNF224/c-Myc axis in Imatinib responsiveness. Interestingly, we also report that ZNF224 is induced by AG490 in Imatinib-resistant CML cells, leading to c-Myc repression and apoptosis induction. These findings suggest that the development of molecular tools able to induce ZNF224 expression could provide promising means to bypass Imatinib resistance in CML.
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15
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Busiello T, Ciano M, Romano S, Sodaro G, Garofalo O, Bruzzese D, Simeone L, Chiurazzi F, Fiammetta Romano M, Costanzo P, Cesaro E. Role of ZNF224 in cell growth and chemoresistance of chronic lymphocitic leukemia. Hum Mol Genet 2017; 26:344-353. [PMID: 28040726 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddw427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 12/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is associated with apoptosis resistance and defective control of cell growth. Our study describes for the first time a critical role in CLL for the KRAB-zinc finger protein ZNF224. High ZNF224 transcript levels were detected in CLL patients with respect to control cells. Moreover, ZNF224 expression was significantly lowered after conventional chemotherapy treatment in a subset of CLL patients. By in vitro experiments we confirmed that ZNF224 expression is suppressed by fludarabine and demonstrated that ZNF224 is involved in apoptosis resistance in CLL cells. Moreover, we showed that ZNF224 positively modulates cyclin D3 gene expression. Consistently, we observed that alteration of ZNF224 expression leads to defects in cell cycle control. All together, our results strongly suggest that in CLL cells high expression level of ZNF224 can lead to inappropriate cell growth and apoptosis resistance, thus contributing to CLL progression. Targeting ZNF224 could thus improve CLL response to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Busiello
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Pansini 5 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Michela Ciano
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Pansini 5 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Simona Romano
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Pansini 5 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Gaetano Sodaro
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Pansini 5 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Olgavalentina Garofalo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Pansini 5 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Dario Bruzzese
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Via Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Luigia Simeone
- Division of Hematology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Via Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Federico Chiurazzi
- Division of Hematology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Via Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Fiammetta Romano
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Pansini 5 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Paola Costanzo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Pansini 5 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Elena Cesaro
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Pansini 5 80131, Naples, Italy
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Cesaro E, Sodaro G, Montano G, Grosso M, Lupo A, Costanzo P. The Complex Role of the ZNF224 Transcription Factor in Cancer. Adv Protein Chem Struct Biol 2016; 107:191-222. [PMID: 28215224 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2016.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
ZNF224 is a member of the Kruppel-associated box zinc finger proteins (KRAB-ZFPs) family. It was originally identified as a transcriptional repressor involved in gene-specific silencing through the recruitment of the corepressor KAP1, chromatin-modifying activities, and the arginine methyltransferase PRMT5 on the promoter of its target genes. Recent findings indicate that ZNF224 can behave both as a tumor suppressor or an oncogene in different human cancers. The transcriptional regulatory properties of ZNF224 in these systems appear to be complex and influenced by specific sets of interactors. ZNF224 can also act as a transcription cofactor for other DNA-binding proteins. A role for ZNF224 in transcriptional activation has also emerged. Here, we review the state of the literature supporting both roles of ZNF224 in cancer. We also examine the functional activity of ZNF224 as a transcription factor and the influence of protein partners on its dual behavior. Increasing information on the mechanism through which ZNF224 can operate could lead to the identification of agents capable of modulating ZNF224 function, thus potentially paving the way to new therapeutic strategies for treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Cesaro
- University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - G Sodaro
- University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - G Montano
- BioMedical Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - M Grosso
- University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - A Lupo
- University of Sannio, Benevento, Italy
| | - P Costanzo
- University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
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Ullmark T, Järvstråt L, Sandén C, Montano G, Jernmark-Nilsson H, Lilljebjörn H, Lennartsson A, Fioretos T, Drott K, Vidovic K, Nilsson B, Gullberg U. Distinct global binding patterns of the Wilms tumor gene 1 (WT1) -KTS and +KTS isoforms in leukemic cells. Haematologica 2016; 102:336-345. [PMID: 27612989 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2016.149815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2016] [Accepted: 09/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The zinc finger transcription factor Wilms tumor gene 1 (WT1) acts as an oncogene in acute myeloid leukemia. A naturally occurring alternative splice event between zinc fingers three and four, removing or retaining three amino acids (±KTS), is believed to change the DNA binding affinity of WT1, although there are conflicting data regarding the binding affinity and motifs of the different isoforms. Increased expression of the WT1 -KTS isoform at the expense of the WT1 +KTS isoform is associated with poor prognosis in acute myeloid leukemia. We determined the genome-wide binding pattern of WT1 -KTS and WT1 +KTS in leukemic K562 cells by chromatin immunoprecipitation and deep sequencing. We discovered that the WT1 -KTS isoform predominantly binds close to transcription start sites and to enhancers, in a similar fashion to other transcription factors, whereas WT1 +KTS binding is enriched within gene bodies. We observed a significant overlap between WT1 -KTS and WT1 +KTS target genes, despite the binding sites being distinct. Motif discovery revealed distinct binding motifs for the isoforms, some of which have been previously reported as WT1 binding sites. Additional analyses showed that both WT1 -KTS and WT1 +KTS target genes are more likely to be transcribed than non-targets, and are involved in cell proliferation, cell death, and development. Our study provides evidence that WT1 -KTS and WT1 +KTS share target genes yet still bind distinct locations, indicating isoform-specific regulation in transcription of genes related to cell proliferation and differentiation, consistent with the involvement of WT1 in acute myeloid leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tove Ullmark
- Division of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Linnea Järvstråt
- Division of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Carl Sandén
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Giorgia Montano
- Division of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Helena Jernmark-Nilsson
- Division of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Henrik Lilljebjörn
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Andreas Lennartsson
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Thoas Fioretos
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Kristina Drott
- Division of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Karina Vidovic
- Division of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Björn Nilsson
- Division of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Urban Gullberg
- Division of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Huddinge, Sweden
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