scholarly journals Epigenetic targeting and personalized approaches for AML

Hematology ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 (1) ◽  
pp. 44-51 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gail J. Roboz

Abstract Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a genetically heterogeneous clonal hematopoietic stem cell disorder and the majority of patients with AML die from their disease. The treatment paradigms for AML were developed decades ago and, although there have been improvements in the outcomes of selected younger patients and those with specific cytogenetic and molecular genetic characteristics, the overall survival for older patients remains dismal. Over the last few years, next-generation sequencing technologies have identified recurrent mutations in genes encoding proteins involved in the epigenetic regulation of transcription in most patients with AML. This discovery has led to new insights into the role of the epigenome in AML and opens the possibility of epigenetically targeted therapies. This chapter describes how epigenetic dysregulation plays a role in AML and highlights current and future treatment strategies that attempt to exploit epigenetic targets.

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (9) ◽  
pp. 1018-1028 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elissa Furutani ◽  
Akiko Shimamura

Development of hematologic malignancies is driven by mutations that may be somatic or germline. Availability of next-generation DNA sequencing technologies has facilitated the development of individualized diagnostic evaluations and tailored treatment strategies. Until now, such personalized medical approaches have largely centered on prognostic stratification and treatment strategies informed by acquired somatic mutations. The role of germline mutations in children and adults with hematologic malignancies was previously underappreciated. Diagnosis of an inherited predisposition to hematologic malignancy informs choice of therapy, risk of treatment-related complications, donor selection for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, evaluation of comorbidities, and surveillance strategies to improve clinical outcomes. The recognition that patients with inherited hematologic malignancy syndromes may present without classic clinical stigmata or suspicious family history has led to increased reliance on genetic testing, which, in turn, has raised new diagnostic challenges. Genomic testing is a rapidly evolving field with an increasing number of choices for testing for the practicing clinician to navigate. This review will discuss general approaches to diagnosis and management of patients with germline predisposition to hematology malignancies and will consider applications and limitations of genomic testing in clinical practice.


2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (18) ◽  
pp. 6484 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bogusław Nedoszytko ◽  
Edyta Reszka ◽  
Danuta Gutowska-Owsiak ◽  
Magdalena Trzeciak ◽  
Magdalena Lange ◽  
...  

Atopic dermatitis is a heterogeneous disease, in which the pathogenesis is associated with mutations in genes encoding epidermal structural proteins, barrier enzymes, and their inhibitors; the role of genes regulating innate and adaptive immune responses and environmental factors inducing the disease is also noted. Recent studies point to the key role of epigenetic changes in the development of the disease. Epigenetic modifications are mainly mediated by DNA methylation, histone acetylation, and the action of specific non-coding RNAs. It has been documented that the profile of epigenetic changes in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) differs from that observed in healthy people. This applies to the genes affecting the regulation of immune response and inflammatory processes, e.g., both affecting Th1 bias and promoting Th2 responses and the genes of innate immunity, as well as those encoding the structural proteins of the epidermis. Understanding of the epigenetic alterations is therefore pivotal to both create new molecular classifications of atopic dermatitis and to enable the development of personalized treatment strategies.


2001 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 452-455 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. J. Lown ◽  
A. T. Watson ◽  
S. Purton

We are using a molecular-genetic approach to investigate the role of nuclear genes in the biogenesis of the electron transfer complexes of mitochondria and chloroplasts. Our analysis of nuclear mutants of the green alga Chlamydomonas that are defective in respiration or photosynthesis has led to the identification of genes encoding factors required for the expression of specific organellar genes, and genes encoding structural components of the complexes.


Biomolecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 374 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuliya I. Ragino ◽  
Ekaterina M. Stakhneva ◽  
Yana V. Polonskaya ◽  
Elena V. Kashtanova

Adipose tissue is considered one of the endocrine organs in the body because of its ability to synthesize and release a large number of hormones, cytokines, and growth and vasoactive factors that influence a variety of physiological and pathophysiological processes, such as vascular tone, inflammation, vascular smooth muscle cell migration, endothelial function, and vascular redox state. Moreover, genetic factors substantially contribute to the risk of obesity. Research into the biochemical effects of molecules secreted by visceral adipocytes as well as their molecular genetic characteristics is actively conducted around the world mostly in relation to pathologies of the cardiovascular system, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes mellitus. Adipokines could be developed into biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic targets in different diseases. This review describes the relevance of secretory activity molecules of visceral adipocytes in cardiovascular disease associated abdominal obesity.


2014 ◽  
Vol 139 (5) ◽  
pp. 594-601 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna P. Matynia ◽  
Philippe Szankasi ◽  
Wei Shen ◽  
Todd W. Kelley

Context Recent studies using massively parallel sequencing technologies, so-called next-generation sequencing, have uncovered numerous recurrent, single-gene variants or mutations across the spectrum of myeloid malignancies. Objectives To review the recent advances in the understanding of the molecular basis of myeloid neoplasms, including their significance for diagnostic and prognostic purposes and the possible implications for the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Data Sources Literature review. Conclusions The recurrent mutations found in myeloid malignancies fall into distinct functional categories. These include (1) cell signaling factors, (2) transcription factors, (3) regulators of the cell cycle, (4) regulators of DNA methylation, (5) regulators of histone modification, (6) RNA-splicing factors, and (7) components of the cohesin complex. As the clinical significance of these mutations and mutation combinations is established, testing for their presence is likely to become a routine part of the diagnostic workup. This review will attempt to establish a framework for understanding these mutations in the context of myeloproliferative neoplasms, myelodysplastic syndromes, and acute myeloid leukemia.


2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 85-90
Author(s):  
M A Makarova ◽  
A V Dmitriev ◽  
Z N Matveeva ◽  
K A Kaftyreva

Aim. To determine the serotype and virulence factors of the E. coli serogroup O26 isolated from children with diarrheal syndrome. Materials and methods. Fifty-three strains of E. coli O26 isolated in 2014-2016 from the stool of children with clinical manifestations of acute intestinal infection in Saint Petersburg were studied. Phenotypic (enzymatic and antigenic properties), molecular genetic [detection of virulence genes of enteropathogenic (EPEC - eae, bfp, hlyA), and enterohemorrhagic (EHEC - eae, stx1, stx2, ehxA), genes encoding O- and H-antigens (rfb and fliC), genes, defining phylogenetic group (chuA, yjaA и TspE)] methods were used. The phylogenetic group and the production Shiga toxins were determined. Results. All strains were identical to the antigen characteristics of serotype O26:H11 and phylogenetic group B1. Two pathogroups were created based on the set of virulence genes: a-EPEC (64.2%) and EHEC (35.8%). Strains EHEC produced Shiga-toxin 1, encoding gen stx1. No differences in enzymatic activities were found between the strains of E. coli О26:H11 for EPEC and EHEC strains. Conclusion. In the population of E. coli O26:H11, which caused acute intestinal infection in children in Saint Petersburg, more than 30% of the strains belonged to the highly virulent group EHEC. Molecular-genetic methods should be used for reliable detection of pathogens.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 324-333
Author(s):  
I. M. Lukavenko

The paper presents the results of studying the relationship between the genetic characteristics of the individual and the phenotypic manifestations of benign mammary dysplasia. Data were provided on the role of PvuII polymorphism in the development of breast tissue proliferation through the mechanisms of EsRα overexpression; this can be used as a marker for surgical treatment necessity. The objective of the work was to develop criteria for the diagnosis of proliferative benign mammary dysplasia on the basis of immunohistochemical and molecular genetic studies to substantiate the indications for surgical treatment. Materials and methods: The study involved 84 patients: 66 (78.6%) subjects from Sumy and 18 (78.6%) subjects – from the Sumy region. The mean age of the subjects was (32.3 ± 1.1) years, with the range of 16–62 years. Among the subjects, 82 (97.6%) were women with BMD and 2 (2.4%) were men who suffered from nodular gynecomastia. The burdened history of breast cancer in close relatives was reported in 33 (39.3%) individuals. Apart from a profound assessment of history data, the clinical course of the disease and comorbidities were studied. Instrumental and laboratory tests were performed. The morphological and immunohistochemical features of dissected tissues, as well as genetic differences of patients, were studied. By age, the subjects were divided into three groups: the first group (under 21 years) included 15 (17.8%) individuals, the second group (22–39 years) – 43 individuals (51.2%), the third group (over 40 years) – 26 individuals (31.0%). Results: The frequency of allelic variants of the EsRα gene PvuII polymorphism in patients with a proliferative form of benign mammary dysplasia was distributed as follows: T/T genotype - 27.4%, T/C genotype – 51.2%, C/C genotype - 21.4%. The most significant clinical predictors in patients with proliferative benign mammary dysplasia were: mastodynia (χ2 = 11.444; P = 0.003), decreased BMI of up to (21.17 ± 1.06) kg/m2 (F = 5.020; P = 0.009), prolonged menstruation of up to (5.67 ± 0.30) days (F = 3.017; P = 0.055). A group of patients whose mammary cells do not have estrogen receptors was identified. Since prescription of antiestrogens as a means of prevention in patients of this group will not be effective, such patients should be offered surgery as an option for further atypia prevention. Conclusions: Additional studies of EsRα expression and the pathological C-allele of the EsRα gene PvuII polymorphism have been found to play an important role as criteria for the diagnosis of proliferative benign mammary dysplasia that substantiate indications for surgical treatment. The specificity of the histological structure of tissue, the features of the cell receptor apparatus, and genetic predictors are important indicators for understanding the causes and mechanisms of proliferation in BMD. The calculated results indicate that BMDs begin to develop against the background of retained menstrual cycle and reproductive function, which indicates a crucial role of local estradiol receptors status in breast tissue in the development of proliferation foci in BMD. Hormone imbalance contributes to morphofunctional changeover. The results of the study will serve as the basis for identifying patients prone to the development of BMD proliferative forms and their timely surgical treatment to prevent the development of malignancy. Keywords benign mammary dysplasia, PvuІІ polymorphism in the estrogen receptor α gene, tissue proliferation.


Blood ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthieu Mosca ◽  
Gurvan Hermange ◽  
Amandine Tisserand ◽  
Robert John Noble ◽  
Christophe Marzac ◽  
...  

Classical BCR-ABL-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) are clonal disorders of hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) caused mainly by recurrent mutations in genes encoding JAK2 (JAK2), calreticulin (CALR), or the thrombopoietin receptor (MPL). Interferon alpha (IFNα) has demonstrated some efficacy in inducing molecular remission in MPN. In order to determine factors that influence molecular response rate, we evaluated the long-term molecular efficacy of IFNα in MPN patients by monitoring the fate of cells carrying driver mutations in a prospective observational and longitudinal study of 48 patients over more than 5 years. We measured several times per year the clonal architecture of early and late hematopoietic progenitors (84,845 measurements) and the global variant allele frequency in mature cells (409 measurements). Using mathematical modeling and hierarchical Bayesian inference, we further inferred the dynamics of IFNα-targeted mutated HSC. Our data support the hypothesis that IFNα targets JAK2V617F HSC by inducing their exit from quiescence and differentiation into progenitors. Our observations indicate that treatment efficacy is higher in homozygous than heterozygous JAK2V617F HSC and increases with high IFNα dosage in heterozygous JAK2V617F HSC. Besides, we found that the molecular responses of CALRm HSC to IFNα were heterogeneous, varying between type 1 and type 2 CALRm, and high dosage of IFNα correlates with worse outcomes. Together, our work indicates that the long-term molecular efficacy of IFNα implies an HSC exhaustion mechanism and depends on both the driver mutation type and IFNα dosage.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed Akhtar ◽  
Perry Elliott

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is most commonly transmitted as an autosomal dominant trait, caused by mutations in genes encoding cardiac sarcomere proteins. Other inheritable causes of the disease include mutations in genes coding for proteins important in calcium handling or that form part of the cytoskeleton. At present, the primary clinical role of genetic testing in HCM is to facilitate familial screening to allow the identification of individuals at risk of developing the disease. It is also used to diagnose genocopies, such as lysosomal and glycogen storage disease which have different treatment strategies, rates of disease progression and prognosis. The role of genetic testing in predicting prognosis is limited at present, but emerging data suggest that knowledge of the genetic basis of disease will assume an important role in disease stratification and offer potential targets for disease-modifying therapy in the near future.


2019 ◽  
Vol 63 (6) ◽  
pp. 757-771 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claire Francastel ◽  
Frédérique Magdinier

Abstract Despite the tremendous progress made in recent years in assembling the human genome, tandemly repeated DNA elements remain poorly characterized. These sequences account for the vast majority of methylated sites in the human genome and their methylated state is necessary for this repetitive DNA to function properly and to maintain genome integrity. Furthermore, recent advances highlight the emerging role of these sequences in regulating the functions of the human genome and its variability during evolution, among individuals, or in disease susceptibility. In addition, a number of inherited rare diseases are directly linked to the alteration of some of these repetitive DNA sequences, either through changes in the organization or size of the tandem repeat arrays or through mutations in genes encoding chromatin modifiers involved in the epigenetic regulation of these elements. Although largely overlooked so far in the functional annotation of the human genome, satellite elements play key roles in its architectural and topological organization. This includes functions as boundary elements delimitating functional domains or assembly of repressive nuclear compartments, with local or distal impact on gene expression. Thus, the consideration of satellite repeats organization and their associated epigenetic landmarks, including DNA methylation (DNAme), will become unavoidable in the near future to fully decipher human phenotypes and associated diseases.


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