scholarly journals Deletion of the p53 Target Gene PUMA Prevents Bone Marrow Failure in a Dyskeratosis Congenita Mouse Model

Blood ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 132 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 648-648
Author(s):  
Miriam Erlacher ◽  
Christian Molnar ◽  
Julia Miriam Weiss ◽  
Sheila Bohler ◽  
Doris Steinemann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Marrow ◽  
Dna Damage ◽  
Mouse Model ◽  
Malignant Transformation ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Bone Marrow Failure ◽  
Dyskeratosis Congenita ◽  
Hematopoietic Stem ◽  
Apoptosis Pathway ◽  
Intrinsic Apoptosis Pathway

Abstract Dyskeratosis congenita (DC) belongs to the group of inherited bone marrow failure syndromes (IBMFS) and is characterized by premature telomere shortening caused by mutations in components of the telomerase or the shelterin complexes. The main cause of death in affected patients is hematopoietic failure, but there is also a 10-15% risk of malignant transformation into secondary myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Critically short telomeres activate a DNA damage response with p53-mediated cell cycle inhibition, senescence and/or apoptosis, the latter mediated primarily by PUMA, a BCL-2 family member belonging to the group of pro-apoptotic BH3-only proteins and transcriptionally regulated by p53. Activation of p53 and expression of its target genes are critical for the exhaustion of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in DC patients. Inactivation of the DNA damage checkpoint could possibly mitigate hematopoietic failure but poses a significant risk of genomic instability and leukemia. Based on our earlier mouse model of secondary leukemia (Genes Dev, 24(15):1602-7), we hypothesized that selective inhibition of p53-mediated apoptosis - while all other p53-checkpoint-induced pathways remain active - could both delay hematopoietic failure and prevent malignant transformation. We established a DC mouse model by serial transplantation of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) derived from generation 3 mTerc-/- (G3 mTerc-/-) mice lacking the RNA telomerase component. While 8-12 week old donor mice and primary recipients had only a mild hematopoietic phenotype, secondary recipients demonstrated severe lymphopenia. 41% of secondary recipients died within 50 days after transplantation, and flow cytometric and histological analysis revealed pancytopenia and bone marrow aplasia. The surviving secondary recipients were analyzed 16 weeks after transplantation and displayed severely reduced HSPC viability ex vivo. Aiming to inhibit HSPC apoptosis in vivo, we deleted Puma in G3 mTerc-/- mice. PUMA deficiency significantly rescued bone marrow numbers, HSPC viability ex vivo (72% vs. 50% viable HSPCs, p=0.01) and hematopoietic output on a G3 mTerc-/-background. Most importantly, death of secondary recipients was fully prevented in the absence of PUMA. This rescue is associated with significantly longer telomeres and reduced levels of γH2AX foci in G3 mTerc-/-Puma-/- donor and recipient HSPCs when compared to their PUMA proficient counterparts. Notably, no signs of myelodysplasia or leukemia were found in mice receiving serial transplantations of G3 mTerc-/-Puma-/- bone marrow. Our data indicate that specific inhibition of the intrinsic apoptosis pathway is sufficient to restrain the death of HSPCs with critically short telomeres and ensure blood formation. The resulting reduction of proliferative pressure within the HSPC compartment preserves functional and genetic integrity of HSCs and leads to generally longer telomeres in the HSPC pool. We anticipate that prevention of bone marrow failure is sufficient to prevent outgrowth of (pre)malignant clones and transformation to secondary MDS and AML. Disclosures Niemeyer: Celgene: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

scholarly journals Monitoring and treatment of MDS in genetically susceptible persons

Hematology ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 (1) ◽  
pp. 105-109 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stella M. Davies
Keyword(s):  
Bone Marrow ◽  
Dna Damage ◽  
Bone Marrow Failure ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Informed Choice ◽  
Dyskeratosis Congenita ◽  
Careful Consideration ◽  
Host Susceptibility ◽  
Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes ◽  
Severe Infections

Abstract Genetic susceptibility to myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) occurs in children with inherited bone marrow failure syndromes, including Fanconi anemia, Shwachman Diamond syndrome, and dyskeratosis congenita. Available evidence (although not perfect) supports annual surveillance of the blood count and bone marrow in affected persons. Optimal treatment of MDS in these persons is most commonly transplantation. Careful consideration must be given to host susceptibility to DNA damage when selecting a transplant strategy, because significant dose reductions and avoidance of radiation are necessary. Transplantation before evolution to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is optimal, because outcomes of AML are extremely poor. Children and adults can present with germline mutations in GATA2 and RUNX1, both of which are associated with a 30% to 40% chance of evolution to MDS. GATA2 deficiency may be associated with a clinically important degree of immune suppression, which can cause severe infections that can complicate transplant strategies. GATA2 and RUNX1 deficiency is not associated with host susceptibility to DNA damage, and therefore, conventional treatment strategies for MDS and AML can be used. RUNX1 deficiency has a highly variable phenotype, and MDS can occur in childhood and later in adulthood within the same families, making annual surveillance with marrow examination burdensome; however, such strategies should be discussed with affected persons, allowing an informed choice.

Alterations In the Bone Marrow Microenvironment Contribute to Oxidative Stress and DNA Damage In Hematopoietic Stem/Progenitors Carrying a Csf3r Truncation Mutation

Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 116 (21) ◽  
pp. 387-387
Author(s):  
Ghada M Kunter ◽  
Jill Woloszynek ◽  
Daniel C. Link
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Bone Marrow ◽  
Dna Damage ◽  
Single Dose ◽  
Bone Marrow Failure ◽  
Bone Marrow Microenvironment ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Leukemic Transformation ◽  
Hematopoietic Stem ◽  
Increased Risk

Abstract Abstract 387 A shared feature of many bone marrow failure syndromes is their propensity to develop myelodysplasia (MDS) or acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The molecular mechanisms that underlie this susceptibility are largely unknown. Severe congenital neutropenia (SCN) is an inherited disorder of granulopoiesis that is associated with a marked increased risk of developing MDS/AML. Somatic mutations of CSF3R, encoding the G-CSF receptor (G-CSFR), that truncate the carboxy-terminal tail are associated with the development of MDS/AML in SCN. Transgenic mice carrying a ‘knock-in’ mutation of their Csf3r (termed d715 G-CSFR) reproducing a mutation found in a patient with SCN have normal basal granulopoiesis but an exaggerated neutrophil response to G-CSF treatment. We previously reported that the d715 G-CSFR is able to cooperate with the PML-RARƒÑ oncogene to induce AML in mice. Herein, we summarize data supporting the hypothesis that alterations in the bone marrow microenvironment induced by G-CSF contribute to oxidative DNA damage in hematopoietic stem/progenitors cells (HSPCs) and possibly leukemic transformation. We previously showed that G-CSF treatment is associated with a marked loss of osteoblasts in the bone marrow, thereby potentially disrupting the osteoblast stem cell niche (Semerad, Blood 2005). Of note, patients with SCN chronically treated with G-CSF are prone to develop osteopenia, suggesting that osteoblast suppression by G-CSF also may occur in humans. We first asked whether the d715 G-CSFR was able to mediate this response. Wild-type or d715 G-CSFR were treated with G-CSF for 1–7 days and osteoblast activity in the bone marrow measured by expression of CXCL12 and osteocalcin. Consistent with previous reports, a decrease in osteocalcin and CXCL12 was not apparent until after 3 days of G-CSF treatment and reached a maximum after 7 days. Surprisingly, the magnitude of osteoblast suppression was greater in d715 G-CSFR compared with wild-type mice. The fold-decrease in osteocalcin mRNA from baseline in wild-type mice was 147 ± 70.1 versus 1,513 ± 1091 in d715 G-CSFR mice (p < 0.001). Likewise, a greater fold-decrease in CXCL12 mRNA was observed. We next assessed oxidative stress in c-KIT+ Sca+ lineage− (KSL) progenitors after G-CSF treatment. In both wild-type and d715 G-CSFR KSL cells no increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) was observed at baseline or 12 hours after a single dose of G-CSF. However, after 7 days of G-CSF, a significant increase (3.4 ± 0.1 fold; p = 0.009) in ROS was observed in d715 G-CSFR but not wild-type KSL cells. To determine whether oxidative stress contributed to DNA damage, histone H2AX phosphorylation (pH2AX) was measured by flow cytometry. No increase in pH2AX was observed after short-term (less than 24 hour) G-CSF treatment. However, a modest but significant (1.9 ± 0.1 fold; p = 0.0007) increase in pH2AX was observed in d715 G-CSFR but not wild-type KSL cells after 7 days of G-CSF. To determine whether increased oxidative stress was casually linked to DNA damage, we co-administered the antioxidant N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) during G-CSF treatment. As expected, induction of ROS in KSL cells was markedly suppressed by NAC administration. Importantly, the increase in pH2AX levels in d715 G-CSFR KSL cells induced by G-CSF was completely blocked by NAC administration. Finally, to determine whether alterations in the bone marrow microenvironment, specifically decreased CXCL12 expression, contributed to DNA damage, we treated mice with AMD3100, a specific antagonist of CXCR4 (the major receptor for CXCL12). Treatment of wild-type or d715 G-CSFR mice with a single dose of G-CSF (3 hour time point) or with AMD3100 alone did not induce H2AXp. However, co-administration of AMD3100 with a single dose of G-CSF induced modest but significant H2AXp in d715 G-CSFR KSL cells (5.74 ± 1.06 fold; P<0.001). Collectively, these data suggest a model in which alterations in the bone marrow microenvironment induced by G-CSF may contribute to genetic instability in HSPCs and ultimately leukemic transformation. The mutant CSF3R may contribute to leukemogenesis through both increased ROS production in HSPCs and increased suppression of osteoblasts. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Gene Therapy Corrects the Lethal Bone Marrow Failure in a Mouse Model for RPS19-Deficient Diamond-Blackfan Anemia

Blood ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 120 (21) ◽  
pp. 513-513
Author(s):  
Pekka Jaako ◽  
Shubhranshu Debnath ◽  
Karin Olsson ◽  
Axel Schambach ◽  
Christopher Baum ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Therapy ◽  
Bone Marrow ◽  
Mouse Model ◽  
Progenitor Cells ◽  
Bone Marrow Cells ◽  
Bone Marrow Failure ◽  
Hematopoietic Stem ◽  
Diamond Blackfan Anemia ◽  
Stem And Progenitor Cells

Abstract Abstract 513 Diamond-Blackfan anemia (DBA) is a congenital erythroid hypoplasia associated with physical abnormalities and predisposition to cancer. Mutations in genes that encode ribosomal proteins have been identified in approximately 60–70 % of the patients. Among these genes, ribosomal protein S19 (RPS19) is the most common DBA gene (25 % of the cases). Current DBA therapies involve risks for serious side effects and a high proportion of deaths are treatment-related underscoring the need for novel therapies. We have previously demonstrated that enforced expression of RPS19 improves the proliferation, erythroid colony-forming potential and differentiation of patient derived RPS19-deficient hematopoietic progenitor cells in vitro (Hamaguchi, Blood 2002; Hamaguchi, Mol Ther 2003). Furthermore, RPS19 overexpression enhances the engraftment and erythroid differentiation of patient-derived hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells when transplanted into immunocompromised mice (Flygare, Exp Hematol 2008). Collectively these studies suggest the feasibility of gene therapy in the treatment of RPS19-deficient DBA. In the current project we have assessed the therapeutic efficacy of gene therapy using a mouse model for RPS19-deficient DBA (Jaako, Blood 2011; Jaako, Blood 2012). This model contains an Rps19-targeting shRNA (shRNA-D) that is expressed by a doxycycline-responsive promoter located downstream of Collagen A1 gene. Transgenic animals were bred either heterozygous or homozygous for the shRNA-D in order to generate two models with intermediate or severe Rps19 deficiency, respectively. Indeed, following transplantation, the administration of doxycycline to the recipients with homozygous shRNA-D bone marrow results in an acute and lethal bone marrow failure, while the heterozygous shRNA-D recipients develop a mild and chronic phenotype. We employed lentiviral vectors harboring a codon-optimized human RPS19 cDNA driven by the SFFV promoter, followed by IRES and GFP (SFFV-RPS19). A similar vector without the RPS19 cDNA was used as a control (SFFV-GFP). To assess the therapeutic potential of the SFFV-RPS19 vector in vivo, transduced c-Kit enriched bone marrow cells from control and homozygous shRNA-D mice were injected into lethally irradiated wild-type mice. Based on the percentage of GFP-positive cells, transduction efficiencies varied between 40 % and 60 %. Three months after transplantation, recipient mice were administered doxycycline in order to induce Rps19 deficiency. After two weeks of doxycycline administration, the recipients transplanted with SFFV-RPS19 or SFFV-GFP control cells showed no differences in blood cellularity. Remarkably, at the same time-point the recipients with SFFV-GFP homozygous shRNA-D bone marrow showed a dramatic decrease in blood cellularity that led to death, while the recipients with SFFV-RPS19 shRNA-D bone marrow showed nearly normal blood cellularity. These results demonstrate the potential of enforced expression of RPS19 to reverse the severe anemia and bone marrow failure in DBA. To assess the reconstitution advantage of transduced hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells with time, we performed similar experiments with heterozygous shRNA-D bone marrow cells. We monitored the percentage of GFP-positive myeloid cells in the peripheral blood, which provides a dynamic read-out for bone marrow activity. After four months of doxycycline administration, the mean percentage of GFP-positive cells in the recipients with SFFV-RPS19 heterozygous shRNA-D bone marrow increased to 97 %, while no similar advantage was observed in the recipients with SFFV-RPS19 or SFFV-GFP control bone marrow, or SFFV-GFP heterozygous shRNA-D bone marrow. Consistently, SFFV-RPS19 conferred a reconstitution advantage over the non-transduced cells in the bone marrow. Furthermore, SFFV-RPS19 reversed the hypocellular bone marrow observed in the SFFV-GFP heterozygous shRNA-D recipients. Taken together, using mouse models for RPS19-deficient DBA, we demonstrate that the enforced expression of RPS19 rescues the lethal bone marrow failure and confers a strong reconstitution advantage in vivo. These results provide a proof-of-principle for gene therapy in the treatment of RPS19-deficient DBA. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Premature Senescence in Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells in Ribosomopathy-Associated Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes

Blood ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 126 (23) ◽  
pp. 298-298
Author(s):  
Hengjun Chao ◽  
Johnson M. Liu
Keyword(s):  
Bone Marrow ◽  
Dna Damage ◽  
Ribosome Biogenesis ◽  
Bone Marrow Failure ◽  
Premature Senescence ◽  
Hematopoietic Stem ◽  
Cycle Arrest ◽  
Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes ◽  
P53 Activation ◽  
Adult Bone

Abstract Introduction: Aged hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are known to functionally decline and are prone to development of myeloid malignancies. Recent work has highlighted the twin roles of replication stress and decreased ribosome biogenesis as drivers for the accumulation of DNA damage and senescence. Certain bone marrow failure syndromes, including Shwachman-Diamond syndrome (SDS), Diamond-Blackfan anemia (DBA), and the acquired 5q- syndrome, are characterized by defects in ribosome biogenesis. Furthermore, recent work has suggested a role for p53 activation, through the 5S ribonucleoprotein particle (RNP), in driving cells to senescence following perturbation of ribosome biogenesis. Methods and Results: Here, we have used multiplexing flow cytometry protocols to define, enumerate, and characterize hematopoietic cells of distinct differentiation stages and lineages in 2 DBA cord bloods and 4 adult bone marrows (2 SDS, 1 DBA, and 1 patient with a diminutive somatic deletion of 5q: ages 27, 32, 40, and 30, respectively), as compared with 4 normal cord bloods and 6 normal adult bone marrows. We included a patient with bona fide MDS (diminutive somatic deletion of 5q including RPS14 in a young adult) to compare with the SDS and DBA patients, who do not meet criteria for MDS. Our preliminary results revealed significant defects in the primitive HSC and multipotent progenitor (MPP) compartments in both DBA and SDS. Specifically, we found in DBA and SDS bone marrow and cord blood samples (compared to normal controls): significantly decreased numbers of primitive HSCs (Lin-CD34+CD133+CD38-CD45RA-CD49f+CD90+) and MPPs (Lin-CD34+CD133+CD38-CD45RA-CD49f-CD90-); increased levels of apoptosis and dysregulated proliferation; and G0-1/S cell cycle arrest. We also found significant increases in senescence-associated β-galactosidase staining and G0-1/S cell cycle arrest in Lin-CD34+ and Lin-CD34+CD38-CD133+ subpopulations in all 4 adult patient bone marrows, as compared with normal adult bone marrows processed in identical fashion [see Fig. 1 for representative data from Lin-CD34+CD133+ hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) from one SDS patient]. Foci of the phosphorylated form of the variant histone H2AX (γH2AX) mark DNA damage, and γH2AX staining was similarly increased in comparison to controls (Fig. 1). The mechanism whereby disturbed ribosome biogenesis induces senescence has been suggested as involving 5S RNP-mediated p53 activation. However, our experiments did not demonstrate increased levels of p53 in the SDS patient marrows, as assessed by intracellular staining. Levels of p16, a well known marker of senescence, were markedly increased in the SDS patient samples, when compared to controls. Finally, in the 2 DBA cord bloods analyzed, there was increased senescence-associated β-galactosidase staining but to a lesser degree than in the adult bone marrow samples (as might be expected with temporal progression). Discussion: Taken together, our data suggest that ribosomopathies (which often present in childhood) are disorders of premature senescence. Consequent DNA damage accumulation and decreased repair and compensation may account for the development of MDS and acute myeloid leukemia, disorders seen in young ribosomopathy patients that ordinarily are rare in the general pediatric and young adult population. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

scholarly journals Treatment of inherited bone marrow failure syndromes beyond transplantation

Hematology ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 (1) ◽  
pp. 96-101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rodrigo T. Calado ◽  
Diego V. Clé
Keyword(s):  
Bone Marrow ◽  
Liver Toxicity ◽  
Bone Marrow Failure ◽  
Dyskeratosis Congenita ◽  
Hematopoietic Stem ◽  
Diamond Blackfan Anemia ◽  
Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes ◽  
Thrombopoietin Receptor ◽  
Cell Sources ◽  
Stimulating Factor

Abstract Despite significant progress in transplantation by the addition of alternative hematopoietic stem cell sources, many patients with inherited bone marrow failure syndromes are still not eligible for a transplant. In addition, the availability of sequencing panels has significantly improved diagnosis by identifying cryptic inherited cases. Androgens are the main nontransplant therapy for bone marrow failure in dyskeratosis congenita and Fanconi anemia, reaching responses in up to 80% of cases. Danazol and oxymetholone are more commonly used, but virilization and liver toxicity are major adverse events. Diamond-Blackfan anemia is commonly treated with corticosteroids, but most patients eventually become refractory to this treatment and toxicity is limiting. Growth factors still have a role in inherited cases, especially granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in congenital neutropenias. Novel therapies are warranted and thrombopoietin receptor agonists, leucine, quercetin, and novel gene therapy approaches may benefit inherited cases in the future.

Lentiviral FANCA Vectors Pseudotyped with a Modified Prototype Foamy Viral Envelope Corrects Murine Fanca−/− Hematopoietic Stem Cells with Reduced Toxicity.

Blood ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 110 (11) ◽  
pp. 1677-1677
Author(s):  
Zejin Sun ◽  
Yanzhu Yang ◽  
Yan Li ◽  
Daisy Zeng ◽  
Jingling Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Bone Marrow ◽  
Stem Cell ◽  
Gene Transfer ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Bone Marrow Failure ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Hematopoietic Stem ◽  
Ex Vivo Culture

Abstract Fanconi anemia (FA) is a recessive DNA repair disorder characterized by congenital abnormalities, bone marrow failure, genomic instability, and a predisposition to malignancies. As the majority of FA patients ultimately acquires severe bone marrow failure, transplantation of stem cells from a normal donor is the only curative treatment to replace the malfunctioning hematopoietic system. Stem cell gene transfer technology aimed at re-introducing the missing gene is a potentially promising therapy, however, prolonged ex vivo culture of cells, that was utilized in clinical trials with gammaretroviruses, results in a high incidence of apoptosis and at least in mice predisposes the surviving reinfused cells to hematological malignancy. Consequently, gene delivery systems such as lentiviruses that allow a reduction in ex vivo culture time are highly desirable. Here, we constructed a lentiviral vector expressing the human FANCA cDNA and tested the ability of this construct pseudotyped with either VSVG or a modified prototype foamyvirus (FV) envelope to correct Fanca−/− stem and progenitor cells in vitro and in vivo. In order to minimize genotoxic stress due to extended in vitro manipulations, an overnight transduction protocol was utilized where in the absence of prestimulation, murine Fanca−/− bone marrow cKit+ cells were co-cultured for 16h with FANCA lentivirus on the recombinant fibronectin fragment CH296. Transduction efficiency and transfer of lentivirally expressed FANCA was confirmed functionally in vitro by improved survival of consistently approximately 60% of clonogenic progenitors in serial concentrations of mitomycin C (MMC), irregardless of the envelope that was utilized to package the vector. Transduction of fibroblasts was also associated with complete correction of MMC-induced G2/M arrest and biochemically with the restoration of FancD2 mono-ubiquitination. Finally, to functionally determine whether gene delivery by the recombinant lentivirus during such a short transduction period is sufficient to correct Fanca−/− stem cell repopulation to wild-type levels, competitive repopulation experiments were conducted as previously described. Follow-up of up to 8 months demonstrated that the functional correction were also achieved in the hematopoietic stem cell compartment as evidenced by observations that the repopulating ability of Fanca−/− stem cells transduced with the recombinant lentivirus encoding hFANCA was equivalent to that of wild-type stem cells. Importantly, despite the fact that the gene transfer efficiency into cells surviving the transduction protocol were similar for both pseudotypes, VSVG was associated with a 4-fold higher toxicity to the c-kit+ cells than the FV envelope. Thus, when target cell numbers are limited as stem cells are in FA patients, the foamyviral envelope may facilitate overall greater survival of corrected stem cells. Collectively, these data indicate that the lentiviral construct can efficiently correct FA HSCs and progenitor cells in a short transduction protocol overnight without prestimulation and that the modified foamy envelope may have less cytotoxicity than the commonly used VSVG envelope.

The Impact of Telomere Shortening in Dyskeratosis Congenita Cells on DNA Damage Response Pathways.

Blood ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 110 (11) ◽  
pp. 4052-4052
Author(s):  
Travis Witt ◽  
Aloysius Klingelhutz ◽  
Erik Westin ◽  
Preeti Satyanarayana ◽  
Peter M. Lansdorp ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Marrow ◽  
Dna Damage ◽  
Dna Damage Response ◽  
Cellular Proliferation ◽  
Bone Marrow Failure ◽  
Telomerase Activity ◽  
Dyskeratosis Congenita ◽  
Cytotoxic Agents ◽  
Damage Response ◽  
And Control

Abstract Dyskeratosis congenita (DC) is an inherited multisystem disorder of premature aging, typically characterized by bone marrow failure, mucosal leukoplakia, abnormal skin pigmentation, and nail dystrophy. The X-linked and autosomal dominant forms of DC are associated with mutations in genes that affect telomerase activity resulting in a decrease in telomere length. DC, like other bone marrow failure disorders, is associated with ineffective hematopoiesis and a cancer predisposition. Standard treatment of bone marrow failure or cancer requires cytotoxic therapy, and clinical observations suggest DC patients have an increased sensitivity to cytotoxic therapy. To explain this, we hypothesized that the short telomeres in somatic cells from DC patients could alter the activity and/or expression of several proteins involved in DNA repair or the response to cellular stress including p16, p53 and p21. Lymphocytes from five DC subjects and age-matched controls were stimulated to grow in vitro in the presence of various cytotoxic agents with different modes of action, including Taxol (antimitotic agent and microtubule inhibitor) and Etoposide (topoisomerase inhibitor and DNA damaging agent). In addition, we tested fibroblasts and keratinocyte extracted from skin biopsies from DC and control subjects that were serially passaged. Cellular proliferation and cell death were monitored by cell counts and flow cytometry. Western blotting was used to measure steady state and DNA damage- induced expression of tumor suppressor protein p53 and other proteins involved in DNA damage response signaling pathway, including p16 and p21 in relation to telomere length. Results of flow cytometry accompanied by direct visualization showed a decreased proliferation of DC lymphocytes compared to normal cells, and this growth disadvantage was further accentuated following cell exposure to cytotoxic agents. DC lymphocytes exposed to 10−6 M Taxol showed a decrease in cellular proliferation between 3 and 8 fold while normal control cells exposed to the same agents exhibited only a 3 to 4 fold decrease in cell growth. Similarly DC lymphocytes exposed to Etoposide were inhibited to a greater extent than control cells. Western blot analysis of whole cell lysates indicated a difference in DNA damage response proteins. Of note, lymphocytes from several DC subjects exposed to Taxol did not upregulate p53 expression, while inducible levels were noted in Taxol-treated control cells. In contrast, DC and control lymphocytes exposed to Etoposide upregulated p53 in a similar dose dependent manner. No differences were noted in DC versus control lymphocytes with regards to basal or chemotherapy induced p16 expression. Interestingly, late passage DC fibroblasts displayed enhanced basal expression of p16. These results support the clinical observation of increased “chemosensitivity” in DC subjects and suggest that diminished telomerase activity and premature telomere shortening may interfere with normal DNA damage and stress response pathways. These data are also consistent with our finding that DC fibroblasts, keratinocytes, and lymphocytes have a reduced cell proliferative lifespan. Further studies are needed to dissect the role of telomeres in the cellular response to various types of DNA damage.

Dual Role Of MERIT40 In Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells

Blood ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 122 (21) ◽  
pp. 797-797
Author(s):  
Krasimira Rozenova ◽  
Jing Jiang ◽  
Chao Wu ◽  
Junmin Wu ◽  
Bernadette Aressy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Marrow ◽  
Dna Damage ◽  
Stem Cell ◽  
Progenitor Cells ◽  
Peripheral Blood ◽  
Bone Marrow Failure ◽  
Adaptor Protein ◽  
Self Renewal ◽  
Hematopoietic Stem

Abstract The balance between self-renewal and differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) is maintained by cell intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms, including tight regulation of signaling pathways such as Tpo-Mpl and SCF-ckit. Posttranslational modifications, such as phosphorylation and ubiquitination, regulate these pathways. While the role of protein phosphorylation is well established, the importance of ubiquitination in HSC self-renewal has not been well addressed. It is known that of the seven different lysines on ubiquitin, Lys48 polyubiquitination is a marker for protein degradation, and Lys63 polyubiquitination is associated with regulation of kinase activity, protein trafficking, and localization. In this study, we provide evidence that the adaptor protein MERIT40 has multiple roles in hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs). MERIT40 is a scaffolding protein shared by two distinct complexes with Lys63 deubiquitinase (DUB) activities: the nuclear RAP80 complex with a known role in DNA damage repair in breast/ovarian cancer cells, whereas the functions of the cytoplasmic BRISC remains less characterized. MERIT40 is important for integrity of both complexes, and its deficiency leads to their destabilization and a >90% reduction in deubiquitinase activity. By using MERIT40 knockout (M40-/-) mice, we found that lack of MERIT40 leads to a two-fold increase in phenotypic and functional HSCs determined by FACS and limiting dilution bone marrow transplantation (BMT), respectively. More importantly, M40-/- HSCs have increased regenerative capability demonstrated by increased chimerism in the peripheral blood after BMT of purified HSCs. The higher self-renewal potential of these HSCs provides a survival advantage to M40-/- mice and HSCs after repetitive administration of the cytotoxic agent 5-flurouracil (5FU). MERIT40 deficiency also preserves HSC stemness in culture as judged by an increase in peripheral blood chimerism in recipient mice transplanted with M40-/- Lin-Sca1+Kit+ (LSK) cells cultured in cytokines for nine days compared to recipient mice receiving cultured wildtype (WT) LSK cells. In contrast to the increased HSC homeostasis and superior stem cell activity due to MERIT40 deficiency, M40-/- mice are hypersensitive to DNA damaging agents caused by inter-cross linking (ICL), such as Mitomycin C (MMC) and acetaldehydes that are generated as side products of intracellular metabolism. MMC injection caused increased mortality in M40-/- mice compared to WT controls attributable to DNA damage-induced bone marrow failure. MMC-treated M40-/- mice showed marked reduction in LSK progenitor numbers accompanied by increased DNA damage, in comparison to WT mice. Consistent with the in vivo studies, M40-/- progenitor cells are hypersensitive to MMC and acetaldehyde treatment in a cell-autonomous manner in colony forming assays. ICL repair is known to require Fanconi Anemia (FA) proteins, an ICL repair network of which mutations in at least 15 different genes in humans cause bone marrow failure and cancer predisposition. Thus, M40-/- mice represent a novel mouse model to study ICL repair in HSPCs with potential relevance to bone marrow failure syndromes. Taken together, our data establishes a complex role of MERIT40 in HSPCs, warranting future investigation to decipher functional events downstream of two distinct deubiquitinating complexes associated with MERIT40 that may regulate distinct aspects of HSPC function. Furthermore, our findings reveal novel regulatory pathways involving a previously unappreciated role of K63-DUB in stem cell biology, DNA repair regulation and possibly bone marrow failure. DUBs are specialized proteases and have emerged as potential “druggable” targets for a variety of diseases. Hence, our work may provide insights into novel therapies for the treatment of bone marrow failure and associated malignancies that occur in dysregulated HSCs. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

scholarly journals The Role ofHibiscus sabdariffaL. (Roselle) in Maintenance ofEx VivoMurine Bone Marrow-Derived Hematopoietic Stem Cells

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zariyantey Abdul Hamid ◽  
Winnie Hii Lin Lin ◽  
Basma Jibril Abdalla ◽  
Ong Bee Yuen ◽  
Elda Surhaida Latif ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reactive Oxygen Species ◽  
Stem Cells ◽  
Bone Marrow ◽  
Dna Damage ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Reactive Oxygen ◽  
Oxygen Species ◽  
Sod Activity ◽  
Hematopoietic Stem ◽  
Murine Bone Marrow

Hematopoietic stem cells- (HSCs-) based therapy requiresex vivoexpansion of HSCs prior to therapeutic use. However,ex vivoculture was reported to promote excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), exposing HSCs to oxidative damage. Efforts to overcome this limitation include the use of antioxidants. In this study, the role ofHibiscus sabdariffaL. (Roselle) in maintenance of cultured murine bone marrow-derived HSCs was investigated. Aqueous extract of Roselle was added at varying concentrations (0–1000 ng/mL) for 24 hours to the freshly isolated murine bone marrow cells (BMCs) cultures. Effects of Roselle on cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, glutathione (GSH) level, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and DNA damage were investigated. Roselle enhanced the survival(P<0.05)of BMCs at 500 and 1000 ng/mL, increased survival of Sca-1+cells (HSCs) at 500 ng/mL, and maintained HSCs phenotype as shown from nonremarkable changes of surface marker antigen (Sca-1) expression in all experimental groups. Roselle increased(P<0.05)the GSH level and SOD activity but the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was unaffected. Moreover, Roselle showed significant cellular genoprotective potency against H2O2-induced DNA damage. Conclusively, Roselle shows novel property as potential supplement and genoprotectant against oxidative damage to cultured HSCs.

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