Inhibition of CML Development Following Conditional SIRT1 Deletion in Transgenic BCR-ABL Mice

Abstract Despite the success of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in treatment of CML, cures remain elusive, as primitive leukemia stem cells (LSC) are retained in patients achieving remission. Previous studies from our group have suggested that Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) inhibition may represent a novel approach for elimination of LSCs in chronic phase CML. SIRT1 was shown to be overexpressed in CML LSCs, and SIRT1 inhibition using shRNA or a small molecule SIRT1 inhibitor selectively eliminated CML LSCs by increasing p53 acetylation and activity (Li et.al; Cancer Cell 2012). These studies were limited by possible off-target effects and limited duration of in vivo exposure. Here we used a genetic mouse model to definitively delineate the role of SIRT1 in CML development. A model for conditional SIRT1 deletion in hematopoietic stem cells was established by crossing homozygous SIRT1 exon-4 floxed (SIRT1fl/fl) mice with Mx1-Cre mice. To study the requirement of SIRT1 for development of CML, Mx1-cre SIRT1fl/fl mice were crossed with SCL-tTA/BCR-ABL mice, representing a tet-regulated inducible transgenic mouse model of CML, to generate SCL-tTA/BCR-ABL Mx1-Cre SIRT1fl/fl mice (BA Mx1-Cre SIRT1fl/fl). BA SIRT1fl/fl mice lacking Mx1-Cre were used as controls. The mice were maintained on doxycycline until CML induction. Cre mediated deletion of SIRT1 was induced by intraperitoneal pIpC injections (250µg/mouse) administered every other day for a total of 7 doses. SIRT1 knockdown was confirmed by PCR for excised exon-4 and by RT-Q-PCR. Bone marrow (BM) cells from either BA Mx1-Cre SIRT1fl/fl or controls (both CD45.2) were transplanted into irradiated (800 cGy) CD45.1 congenic recipients (2X106 cells/mouse). Cre-mediated deletion of SIRT1 was induced by pIpC injection starting at 4 weeks post-transplant, followed by withdrawal of tetracycline to induce BCR-ABL expression. Serial PB counts and phenotypic evaluation of cell types by flow cytometry (Fig 1 A-B) showed SIRT1 knockdown to have a profound effect on CML development. By 8 weeks after BCR-ABL induction, BA SIRT1fl/fl mice (n=10), showed significantly lower neutrophils (p=0.0003) and Gr-1/Mac-1 positive myeloid cells (p=0.0002) compared to control mice. Subsequently, control mice developed progressive neutrophilic leukocytosis and increasing morbidity from leukemia, whereas BA SIRT1fl/fl mice demonstrated significantly lower WBC counts, without evidence of progressive increase or morbidity (Fig 1 A). This cohort of mice continues to be followed for survival. Another cohort of BA Mx1-Cre SIRT1fl/fl mice was sacrificed at 8 weeks post pIpC injection and BCR-ABL induction to evaluate the effect of SIRT1 knockdown on stem and progenitor populations (n=6 each). SIRT1 deleted mice demonstrated significant reduction in spleen size, weight, cellularity, and myeloid infiltration (Fig 2 A-B), and in myeloid cell expansion in the BM compared to controls (p=0.002). Primitive lineage negative, Sca1 positive, c-Kit negative (LSK) cells and granulocyte-macrophage progenitors (GMP) were significantly reduced in BM and spleen of BA SIRT1 deletedmice compared to control mice, whereas megakaryocyte-erythrocyte progenitors (MEP) were increased (Fig 3 A-B). Long term hematopoietic stem cells (LTHSC) in the BM are reduced following CML development. The percentage and number of LTHSC were significantly increased in SIRT1 deletedmice compared to control mice (Fig 3C-D). We also evaluated the effect of SIRT1 deletion on normal hematopoiesis by studying Mx1-Cre SIRT1fl/fl mice lacking BCR-ABL. SIRT1fl/fl mice without Mx1-Cre were studied as controls. Mx1-Cre SIRT1fl/fl and control mice were treated with pIpC to induce SIRT1 deletion. SIRT1deletedmice did not show significant alteration in blood counts, but demonstrated significantly higher LSK and LTHSC numbers in BM compared to control mice. Upon secondary transfer, recipients of BM from SIRT1deleted mice showed a modest increase in donor cell engraftment at 12 weeks compared to controls (90.8% (83.2-92.2%) vs 83.6% (75.8-86.7%); p=0.001). We conclude that genetic deletion of SIRT1 markedly inhibits all aspects of CML development in transgenic BCR-ABL mice, without impairing normal hematopoiesis. These observations demonstrate a critical role for SIRT1 in leukemia development, and support further evaluation of SIRT1 as a therapeutic target in CML. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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Role of Cohesin-Resolving Protease, Separase, In Hematopoiesis.

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v116.21.1593.1593 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 116 (21) ◽

pp. 1593-1593

Author(s):

Lanelle V. Nakamura ◽

Malini Mukherjee ◽

Margaret A. Goodell ◽

Debananda Pati

Keyword(s):

Stem Cells ◽

Hematopoietic Stem Cells ◽

Protein Complex ◽

Conflicts Of Interest ◽

Critical Role ◽

Hematopoietic Stem ◽

Sister Chromatids

Abstract Abstract 1593 Introduction: Cohesin is an evolutionarily conserved protein complex that forms during the replication of sister chromatids. It is a multi-protein complex that consists of four proteins, Smc1, Smc3, Rad21, and Scc3. Resolution of sister chromatid cohesion at the onset of anaphase depends on Separase, an endopeptidase that separates sister chromatids by cleaving cohesion Rad21. A recent study suggests a new role of Cohesin proteins in gene expression and development with implications in hematopoiesis. Our data indicates that cohesin-resolving protease Separase may play a critical role in hematopoiesis. HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesize that Separase plays a role in hematopoiesis by increasing the quantity of hematopoietic stem cells (HSC). METHODS: Our experimental approach was to isolate murine long-term HSC from WT mice and mice with one mutated copy of Separase (i.e. Separase heterozygotes). In addition, in vivo competitive long term repopulation assays were used assess the function of HSC in Separase heterozyotes. RESULTS: Separase heterozygote have increased HSC numbers (p<0.05) as compared to WT mice. In addition, an improved engraftment in a competitive repopulation assay (p < 0.001) was seen in the Separase heterozyotes. Analysis of the engrafted cells demonstrated no difference between the wild type and Separase heterozygote animals, indicating the increased engraftment may be due to unique features in the primitive hematopoietic stem cells. CONCLUSION: Investigation of the mechanism for improved HSC engraftment in Separase heterozygote mice will significantly contribute to our understanding of marrow engraftment and function. Elucidating the mechanisms of hematopoietic dysregulation will provide insights into the development of life-threatening disorders such as leukemia and, in the setting of bone marrow transplant, engraftment failure. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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Endothelial stroma programs hematopoietic stem cells to differentiate into regulatory dendritic cells through IL-10

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood-2006-01-007187 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 108 (4) ◽

pp. 1189-1197 ◽

Cited By ~ 88

Author(s):

Hua Tang ◽

Zhenhong Guo ◽

Minghui Zhang ◽

Jianli Wang ◽

Guoyou Chen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Stem Cells ◽

Dendritic Cells ◽

T Cell ◽

Hematopoietic Stem Cells ◽

Critical Role ◽

Regulatory Function ◽

Hematopoietic Stem ◽

Regulatory Dendritic Cells

Abstract Regulatory dendritic cells (DCs) have been reported recently, but their origin is poorly understood. Our previous study demonstrated that splenic stroma can drive mature DCs to proliferate and differentiate into regulatory DCs, and their natural counterpart with similar regulatory function in normal spleens has been identified. Considering that the spleen microenvironment supports hematopoiesis and that hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are found in spleens of adult mice, we wondered whether splenic microenvironment could differentiate HSCs into regulatory DCs. In this report, we demonstrate that endothelial splenic stroma induce HSCs to differentiate into a distinct regulatory DC subset with high expression of CD11b but low expression of Ia. CD11bhiIalo DCs secreting high levels of TGF-β, IL-10, and NO can suppress T-cell proliferation both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, CD11bhiIalo DCs have the ability to potently suppress allo-DTH in vivo, indicating their preventive or therapeutic perspectives for some immunologic disorders. The inhibitory function of CD11bhiIalo DCs is mediated through NO but not through induction of regulatory T (Treg) cells or T-cell anergy. IL-10, which is secreted by endothelial splenic stroma, plays a critical role in the differentiation of the regulatory CD11bhiIalo DCs from HSCs. These results suggest that splenic microenvironment may physiologically induce regulatory DC differentiation in situ.

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Lentiviral gene transfer regenerates hematopoietic stem cells in a mouse model for Mpl-deficient aplastic anemia

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood-2010-09-308262 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 117 (14) ◽

pp. 3737-3747 ◽

Cited By ~ 20

Author(s):

Dirk Heckl ◽

Daniel C. Wicke ◽

Martijn H. Brugman ◽

Johann Meyer ◽

Axel Schambach ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Stem Cells ◽

Bone Marrow ◽

Mouse Model ◽

Hematopoietic Stem Cells ◽

Aplastic Anemia ◽

Bone Marrow Cells ◽

Specific Expression ◽

Hematopoietic Stem ◽

Egfp Reporter

AbstractThpo/Mpl signaling plays an important role in the maintenance of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in addition to its role in megakaryopoiesis. Patients with inactivating mutations in Mpl develop thrombocytopenia and aplastic anemia because of progressive loss of HSCs. Yet, it is unknown whether this loss of HSCs is an irreversible process. In this study, we used the Mpl knockout (Mpl−/−) mouse model and expressed Mpl from newly developed lentiviral vectors specifically in the physiologic Mpl target populations, namely, HSCs and megakaryocytes. After validating lineage-specific expression in vivo using lentiviral eGFP reporter vectors, we performed bone marrow transplantation of transduced Mpl−/− bone marrow cells into Mpl−/− mice. We show that restoration of Mpl expression from transcriptionally targeted vectors prevents lethal adverse reactions of ectopic Mpl expression, replenishes the HSC pool, restores stem cell properties, and corrects platelet production. In some mice, megakaryocyte counts were atypically high, accompanied by bone neo-formation and marrow fibrosis. Gene-corrected Mpl−/− cells had increased long-term repopulating potential, with a marked increase in lineage−Sca1+cKit+ cells and early progenitor populations in reconstituted mice. Transcriptome analysis of lineage−Sca1+cKit+ cells in Mpl-corrected mice showed functional adjustment of genes involved in HSC self-renewal.

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A Critical Role for BMP Signaling in Adult Hematopoietic Stem Cells

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v120.21.1194.1194 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 120 (21) ◽

pp. 1194-1194

Author(s):

Ulrika Blank ◽

Sarah Warsi ◽

Silja Andradottir ◽

Emma Rörby ◽

Stefan Karlsson

Keyword(s):

Stem Cells ◽

Hematopoietic Stem Cells ◽

Critical Role ◽

Bmp Signaling ◽

Type Ii ◽

Post Transplantation ◽

Regenerative Capacity ◽

Hematopoietic Stem ◽

Donor Population

Abstract Abstract 1194 The Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMPs), which belong to the TGF-beta superfamily of ligands, figure prominently during development and are involved in a wide variety of biological processes throughout life. BMP ligands signal via Type I and Type II receptors, both of which are required at the cell surface for propagation of the signal intra-cellularly. Upon receptor activation, both the Smad1/5/8 pathway and the Tak1 MAPK circuitry can be activated, ultimately leading to transcriptional regulation of target genes (Blank et al., Development 2009). Although the BMP pathway plays a role during embryonic development of hematopoiesis, its role in adult hematopoiesis has remained elusive. Previous studies of the Smad1/5/8 pathway have indicated that this pathway is not involved in regulation of adult hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in vivo. However, previously published findings demonstrate that the BMP Type II receptor (BmprII) is highly expressed in HSCs, suggesting that BMPs may still play a role in adult HSC regulation via Smad-independent mechanisms. To fully elucidate the role of BMP signaling in hematopoietic cells, we utilized a conditional knockout mouse model targeted to the BmprII gene by Vav-Cre-mediated deletion. Steady state hematopoiesis was essentially normal in BmprII knockouts, but the more primitive LSK population in the bone marrow (BM) was significantly reduced in knockouts compared to littermate controls at 16 weeks of age (0.107% of BM vs. 0.133%, p≤0.05, n=8–10). This reduction in primitive cells translated functionally into a reduced colony forming capacity in vitro (86 colonies/90 000 cells plated vs. 112/90 000 cells plated for controls, p≤0.05, n=8–10). Additionally, when hematopoietic cells were challenged in vivo by transplanting 0.2×10e6 knockout or littermate control whole BM cells in a competitive fashion with 0×10e6 wild type whole BM cells into lethally irradiated recipient mice, the regenerative capacity of BmprII knockout cells was significantly reduced both short term in peripheral blood, at 4 weeks post transplantation (36.5% vs. 48.6% donor-derived cells, p≤0.05, n=7 donors per genotype), and long term in the BM at 16 weeks post transplantation (40.9% vs. 63.4% donor-derived cells, p≤0.05, n=7 donors per genotype). Furthermore, we found a reduction in the myeloid compartment in the BM of BmprII donor recipients at 16 weeks post transplantation (40.3% vs. 64.5% Gr1+/Mac1+ cells of the donor population, p≤0.05, n=7 donors per genotype) coupled with an increase in B-lymphoid cells (46.7% vs. 26.3% B220+ cells of the donor population, p≤0.05, n=7 donors per genotype). To quantify more primitive cells, LSK SLAM FACS analysis was performed, revealing a significant decrease in the numbers of LSK cells (3508 cells vs. 12022 cells per femur, p≤0.05, n=7 donors per genotype), as well as LSK SLAM cells (542 vs. 3023 cells per femur, p≤0.05) derived from BmprII donors. Our studies indicate that the BMP circuitry plays a critical role in HSC regulation and that inactivation of this pathway at the receptor level results in a reduced regenerative capacity in vivo. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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The critical role of agrin in the hematopoietic stem cell niche

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood-2011-01-331272 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 118 (10) ◽

pp. 2733-2742 ◽

Cited By ~ 33

Author(s):

Cristina Mazzon ◽

Achille Anselmo ◽

Javier Cibella ◽

Cristiana Soldani ◽

Annarita Destro ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Stem Cells ◽

Hematopoietic Stem Cells ◽

Critical Role ◽

Hematopoietic Stem ◽

Hematopoietic Stem Cell Niche ◽

Cell Niche ◽

Deficient Mice

Abstract Hematopoiesis is the process leading to the sustained production of blood cells by hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Growth, survival, and differentiation of HSCs occur in specialized microenvironments called “hematopoietic niches,” through molecular cues that are only partially understood. Here we show that agrin, a proteoglycan involved in the neuromuscular junction, is a critical niche-derived signal that controls survival and proliferation of HSCs. Agrin is expressed by multipotent nonhematopoietic mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and by differentiated osteoblasts lining the endosteal bone surface, whereas Lin−Sca1+c-Kit+ (LSK) cells express the α-dystroglycan receptor for agrin. In vitro, agrin-deficient MSCs were less efficient in supporting proliferation of mouse Lin−c-Kit+ cells, suggesting that agrin plays a role in the hematopoietic cell development. These results were indeed confirmed in vivo through the analysis of agrin knockout mice (Musk-L;Agrn−/−). Agrin-deficient mice displayed in vivo apoptosis of CD34+CD135− LSK cells and impaired hematopoiesis, both of which were reverted by an agrin-sufficient stroma. These data unveil a crucial role of agrin in the hematopoietic niches and in the cross-talk between stromal and hematopoietic stem cells.

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Activation of AKT1 in Hematopoietic Stem Cells Causes a Myeloproliferative Disease in a Tet-Inducible Mouse Model.

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v112.11.1356.1356 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 112 (11) ◽

pp. 1356-1356

Author(s):

Christian Brandts ◽

Miriam Rode ◽

Beate Lindtner ◽

Gabriele Koehler ◽

Steffen Koschmieder ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Stem Cells ◽

Bone Marrow ◽

Mouse Model ◽

Hematopoietic Stem Cells ◽

De Novo ◽

Myeloproliferative Disorder ◽

Myeloproliferative Disease ◽

Hematopoietic Stem ◽

Akt Phosphorylation

Abstract Activating mutations in Flt3, N- and K-Ras have been reported in all AML subtypes and represent common molecular defects in de novo AML. We have previously shown that these mutations lead to constitutive AKT phosphorylation and activation. As a consequence, Akt phosphorylation is found in myeloid blasts of the majority of AML patients. We reasoned that constitutively active AKT may contribute to leukemia development, and therefore we assessed the contribution of AKT in oncogenic transformation in vivo. For this purpose, we established an inducible mouse model expressing myristylated AKT1 under the control of the scl-3′ enhancer (MyrAKT1). This system restricts activated AKT1 to endothelium, hematopoietic stem cells and myeloid lineage cells at a low but detectable level. About 40% of induced mice developed a myeloproliferative disorder after latencies of 7 to 22 months. Onset of disease was frequently associated with hemangioma formation, due to endothelial MyrAKT1 expression. The myeloproliferative disorder was associated with splenomegaly with increased extramedullary hematopoiesis, while the peripheral blood contained mature granulocytes. Furthermore, the stem cell and progenitor cell compartment in spleens and bone marrow of these mice was altered compared to control mice. Colony formation assays with MyrAKT1-expressing bone marrow suggested that overactivation of AKT1 enhanced proliferation. The AKT1-induced disease was transplantable by both bone marrow and spleen cells. These findings highlight the oncogenic capacity of constitutively activated AKT1 in vivo and indicate that AKT is an attractive target for therapeutic intervention in AML.

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The Role of rap1b in Hoxb4 Transgenic Zebrafish Line,

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v118.21.3413.3413 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 118 (21) ◽

pp. 3413-3413

Author(s):

Zhixu He ◽

Liping Shu ◽

Xiaoyan Yang ◽

Min Deng ◽

Tingxi Liu

Keyword(s):

Stem Cells ◽

Hematopoietic Stem Cells ◽

Fluorescent Protein ◽

Conflicts Of Interest ◽

Control Group ◽

Transgenic Zebrafish ◽

Gene Expressions ◽

Hematopoietic Stem ◽

Experimental Group

Abstract Abstract 3413 Self-renewal – the generation of daughter cells having the same regenerative properties as the parental cell – is the defining feature of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Homeobox b4 (Hoxb4) is the key gene shown capable of expanding hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in vivo and in vitro. It is imperative to establish a stable Hoxb4 overexpressing transgenic live animal model. Here, using a Cre-loxP system, we established a transgenic zebrafish line that stably overexpressing enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) – tagged hoxb4 protein under the control of hemangioblast-specific lmo2 promoter. The results indicate that Hoxb4 favors hematopoietic stem cell development of hemangioblasts in vivo. The mechanisms of Hoxb4-mediated HSC proliferation and the reason why Hoxb4 overexpression can cause retardation of specific and terminal blood cells in vivo are still unknown. Rap1 belongs to the Ras subfamily of small GTP-binding proteins. Rap1 can regulate cell proliferation, differentiation, and adhesion through distinct mechanisms. So we want to know whether Hoxb4 overexpression can influence Rap1b expression. The expression difference of Rap1b in blank control group(Tubegin Wild type), experimental control group (Tg(zLmo2:LDL-EGFP)×Tg(zLmo2:Cre)), experimental group (Tg(zLmo2:LDL-Hoxb4-EGFP) ×Tg(zLmo2:Cre)) zebrafish embryo were detected by whole embryo in situ hybridization (WISH) with Rap1b antisense mRNA probe. It was found that Rap1b expression was extended from 30 to 36 hour postfertilization(hpf) when Hoxb4 was overexpressed. In the Hoxb4 expressed lines, rap1b was upregulated and strongly expressed in the caudal hematopoietic tissue (CHT) at 36 hpf. Then, the EGFP labeled hematopoietic cell in transgenic line were collected with the fluorescence activated cell sorter (FACS). The Rap1b mRNA expression of sorting cell were compared by SqRT-PCR (Semi-quantitative Reverse Transcription and Polymerase Chain Reaction). The gene expressions of Rap1b was upregulated in Hoxb4 experimental group. These results indicate that Rap1b gene maybe is downstream target gene of Hoxb4 gene in hematopoietic system of zebrafish. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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Inhibition of Let-7 Processing in Adult Murine Hematopoietic Stem Cells Induces a Fetal-Like High Self-Renewal Pattern in Their Progeny

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v118.21.45.45 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 118 (21) ◽

pp. 45-45 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Michael R. Copley ◽

David G. Kent ◽

Claudia Benz ◽

Stefan Wohrer ◽

Keegan M. Rowe ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Stem Cells ◽

Hematopoietic Stem Cells ◽

Conflicts Of Interest ◽

Lentiviral Vector ◽

Mirna Biogenesis ◽

Self Renewal ◽

Hematopoietic Stem ◽

Control Virus ◽

Elevated Expression

Abstract Abstract 45 Fetal hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in mice differ from their adult counterparts in a number of key properties. These include a higher cycling activity, an ability to more rapidly reconstitute the HSC compartment of irradiated recipient mice, a higher output of myeloid as compared to lymphoid progeny, and a greater sensitivity to the self-renewal promoting activity of Steel factor. We have previously shown that most of these features of fetal HSCs are sustained until 3 weeks after birth at which time they are rapidly (within 1 week), completely and permanently replaced with the corresponding properties of adult HSCs. A candidate regulator of this transition, Hmga2, was identified based on its greater expression in highly purified fetal versus adult HSCs (CD45+EPCR+CD48−CD150+; E-SLAM cells) with persistence of this difference in the matching lineage-negative (lin−) compartments. Experiments in which Hmga2 was overexpressed by lentiviral transduction of purified adult HSCs which were then transplanted into irradiated mice provided evidence that this chromatin remodeling factor can activate a fetal-like HSC program in these cells; i.e., more rapidly reconstitute the HSC compartment (increased self-renewal response) and produce clones with a higher proportion of myeloid cells. Based on the known ability of the let-7 family of microRNAs (miRNAs) to target Hmga2 transcripts resulting in their degradation and/or translational repression, we next hypothesized that let-7 miRNAs might be involved in controlling HSC developmental programs. A comparison of the levels of expression of 6 members of the let-7 family in purified fetal and adult HSCs, as well as in lin− hematopoietic cells, showed that transcripts for all of these are higher in the adult subsets, although this difference was significant only for let-7b (p<0.05). Since Lin28 is a natural inhibitor of let-7 miRNA biogenesis we proposed that overexpression of this protein might be used to simultaneously inhibit all let-7 miRNA species and therefore modulate let-7-mediated effects in HSCs. Transduction of BA/F3 cells with a Lin28-YFP lentiviral vector led to an elevated expression of Lin28 and a significant decrease in multiple let-7 miRNAs. To investigate the influence of Lin28 overexpression on adult HSC self-renewal activity in vivo, we used the same Lin28 lentiviral vector (or a control YFP vector) to transduce highly purified HSCs (40 E-SLAM cells, i.e. ∼20 HSCs/group/experiment, 3 experiments) in a 3–4-hour exposure protocol and then transplanted all of the cells directly into irradiated mice (total of 3–4 mice/group). The number of HSCs regenerated 6 weeks later was subsequently measured by performing limiting-dilution transplants in secondary mice (total of 12–16 secondary mice/group/experiment). Interestingly, analysis of the secondary recipients showed that the Lin28-overexpressing adult HSCs had expanded in the primary recipients ∼6-fold more than the control-virus transduced HSCs (p<0.001). These findings support our thesis that alterations in let-7 miRNA levels play a key role in regulating the developmental switch from fetal to adult HSCs programs that occurs between 3 and 4 weeks after birth in mice. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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Cell-Intrinsic and Cell-Extrinsic Involvement Of C/EBPβ In The Regulation Of Hematopoietic Stem Cells

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v122.21.1202.1202 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 122 (21) ◽

pp. 1202-1202

Author(s):

Akihiro Tamura ◽

Hideyo Hirai ◽

Yoshihiro Hayashi ◽

Asumi Yokota ◽

Atsushi Sato ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Stem Cells ◽

Steady State ◽

Hematopoietic Stem Cells ◽

Progenitor Cells ◽

Peripheral Blood ◽

Leucine Zipper ◽

Conflicts Of Interest ◽

Chronic Phase ◽

Hematopoietic Stem ◽

The Difference

Abstract Our previous findings have revealed the requirement of CCAAT Enhancer Binding Protein β (C/EBPβ), a leucine zipper transcription factor, in emergency granulopoiesis (Hirai et al. Nat Immunol, 2006). During emergency situations such as infection, C/EBPβ is involved in the sufficient supply of granulocytes through amplification of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (Satake et al. J Immunol, 2012). In addition, we have shown that C/EBPβ is upregulated by downstream signaling of BCR-ABL and promotes myeloid expansion and leukemic stem cells exhaustion in chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia (Hayashi et al. Leukemia, 2013). These observations suggested that C/EBPβ plays important roles in normal hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Here we investigated the cell-intrinsic and -extrinsic function of C/EBPβ in the regulation of HSCs by analyzing C/EBPβ knockout (KO) mice. At steady state, no obvious defects have been reported in hematopoiesis of C/EBPβ KO mice. Accordingly, the frequencies of long-term and short-term HSCs and various kinds of progenitor cells in bone marrows (BM) of C/EBPβ KO mice were identical to those in BM of wild type (WT) mice. To examine the functional consequences of C/EBPβ deletion, competitive repopulation assay was performed. In brief, 5x105 BM cells from WT or C/EBPβ KO mice (CD45.2+) and the same number of competitor CD45.1+ BM cells were transplanted into lethally irradiated CD45.1+ mice and the chimerisms of CD45.2+ cells in the peripheral blood of the recipient mice were monitored monthly. The chimerisms of C/EBPβ KO cells were significantly lower than that of WT cell at 1 month after transplantation and the differences were maintained thereafter (Figure A). In order to elucidate the reason for the difference, homing ability of C/EBPβ KO cells were assessed. Lineage depleted CD45.2+ WT or C/EBPβ KO BM cells together with the equal number of lineage negative CD45.1+ BM cells were transplanted into lethally irradiated CD45.1+ mice and the frequencies of CD45.2+ cells were analyzed 16 hours after transplantation. The frequencies of CD45.2+ WT and C/EBPβ KO donor cells in the recipient BMs were identical and the data indicated that the differences in the chimerisms after primary BM transplantation were due to the difference in the initial expansion of transplanted cells after equivalent levels of homing. To see the roles of C/EBPβ in hematopoiesis under stressed conditions, CD45.1+ mice were transplanted with CD45.2+ WT or C/EBPβ KO BM cells with equal numbers of CD45.1+ BM cells and these mice were administered with 150mg/kg 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) once a month and the chimerisms of peripheral blood were monitored every time before the next 5-FU administration. In consistent with the results mentioned above, the frequencies of CD45.2+ C/EBPβ KO cells were significantly lower than those of CD45.2+ WT cells 1 month after transplantation. After repetitive administration of 5-FU, however, the chimerisms of CD45.2+ C/EBPβ KO cells gradually caught up with those of CD45.2+ WT cells, suggesting that C/EBPβ is involved in the exhaustion of HSCs under stressed conditions (Figure B). To explore the functions of C/EBPβ in hematopoietic microenvironments, 1x106 CD45.1+ BM cells from WT mice were transplanted into irradiated (5Gy or 7Gy) WT or C/EBPβ KO mice (CD45.2+). All the WT recipient mice survived after 5Gy or 7Gy irradiation (4/4 and 4/4, respectively). In contrast, only 2/4 and 1/4 C/EBPβ KO recipient mice survived after 5Gy or 7Gy irradiation, respectively. We are currently trying to identify the cells expressing C/EBPβ in BM microenvironments and investigating the mechanisms for the higher sensitivity of C/EBPβ KO mice to irradiation. In summary, these data suggested that C/EBPβ is required for initial expansion of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells at the expense of HSCs under stressed conditions, while it is dispensable for maintenance of HSCs at steady state. We are now investigating the cellular and molecular targets of C/EBPβ in HSC regulation and would like to elucidate the cell-intrinsic and cell-extrinsic mechanisms in regulation of the homeostasis of hematopoietic system by C/EBPβ. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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Txnip enhances Fitness of Dnmt3a-Mutant Hematopoietic Stem Cells Via p21

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood-2021-146667 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 138 (Supplement 1) ◽

pp. 600-600

Author(s):

Christine R Zhang ◽

Elizabeth Leigh Ostrander ◽

Jiameng Sun ◽

Cates Mallaney ◽

Hamza Celik ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Stem Cells ◽

Mouse Model ◽

Hematopoietic Stem Cells ◽

Clonal Expansion ◽

Hematopoietic Stem ◽

Fitness Advantage ◽

Transplantation Experiment ◽

Mutant Cells ◽

P21 Promoter

Abstract Clonal hematopoiesis (CH) refers to the age-related expansion of specific clones in the blood system and manifests from somatic mutations acquired in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Approximately 50% of CH variants occur in the gene DNMT3A. While DNMT3A-mutant CH becomes almost ubiquitous in aging humans, a unifying molecular mechanism to illuminate how DNMT3A-mutant HSCs outcompete their counterparts is still lacking. Here, we used interferon-gamma (IFNg) as a model to study the mechanisms by which Dnmt3a mutations increase HSC fitness under recurrent hematopoietic stress. To represent the spectrum of DNMT3A variants found in humans, mouse genetic models were generated; Dnmt3a heterozygous (Vav-Cre; Dnmt3afl/+ = Dnmt3aHET) and homozygous (Vav-Cre; Dnmt3afl/fl = Dnmt3aKO) hematopoietic loss-of-function, and a knock-in model analogous to the hotspot point mutation most prevalent in AML (Vav-Cre; Dnmt3aR878H/+ = Dnmt3aR878). When Dnmt3a-mutant cells were competitively transplanted with wild-type (WT) competitor bone marrow (BM) cells and challenged with different inflammatory and proliferative stressors, Dnmt3aKO and Dnmt3aR878 HSCs were specifically resistant to the deleterious effects of IFNg on HSC self-renewal and clonal expansion. This insensitivity was also confirmed in a humanized mouse model where human CD34 + cord blood cells edited with DNMT3A-targeting gRNAs were xenografted into recipient mice and episodically exposed to human recombinant IFNg. DNMT3A mutant cells maintained their clone size, whereas AAVS1-targeted cells (control) were depleted over serial transplantation. These data suggest that Dnmt3a-mutant HSCs, mimicked DNMT3A-mutated human HSCs and are specifically resistant to IFNg-mediated depletion. One explanation for the observed resistance is that Dnmt3a-mutant HSCs have a fitness advantage under IFNg challenge. Therefore, we generated a novel mouse model to directly quantify the competition between Dnmt3a-mutant and WT HSCs. 10% donor BM cells (CD45.2; WT or Dnmt3a-mutant), 10% WT competitor BM cells (CD45.1/2; Ubc-GFP+) and 80% BM cells (CD45.1; IFNgr1KO; Rosa-M2-rtTA-IFNg) that express IFNg by doxycycline were transplanted into CD45.1 recipient mice. To normalize the effect of doxycycline, chimera made with 80% BM cells (CD45.1; IFNgr1KO; Rosa-M2-rtTA) were also transplanted into recipients. Our result from this transplantation experiment showed Dnmt3a-mutant HSCs resisted IFNg-mediated depletion due to an enhanced fitness advantage. Genetic ablation of IFNgr1 from Dnmt3a-mutant mice revealed that IFNg signaling is cell-intrinsically required by clonal expansion of Dnmt3a-mutant HSCs. In parallel, when HSCs were transplanted into IFNg-deficient recipient mice, clonal expansion of Dnmt3aKO HSCs but not WT HSCs was significantly compromised, suggesting IFNg signaling is also cell-extrinsically crucial for the clonal expansion of Dnmt3a-mutant HSCs in vivo. Mechanistically, DNA hypomethylation-associated over-expression of Thioredoxin-interacting protein (Txnip) in Dnmt3a-mutant HSCs was identified by coupling single-cell RNA-sequencing and Whole-Genome Bisulfite sequencing. The sustained Txnip levels in Dnmt3aKO HSCs led to p53 stabilization and upregulation of p21 under IFNg challenge, further correlated with a retained quiescence and resistance to apoptosis in response to IFNg exposure. Implementing biochemical studies, we observed Txnip mediated an enrichment of p53 at p21 promoter under IFNg exposure in Dnmt3aKO but not WT 32D murine myeloid cell line. Knocking down Txnip by shRNA normalized p53 occupancy at p21 promoter and rescued IFNg-associated p21 upregulation in Dnmt3aKO 32D cells. Functionally, knocking down Txnip and p21 re-sensitized Dnmt3aKO HSCs to IFNg-induced cell cycle activation and apoptosis. In vivo, down-regulation of p21 had no effect on WT HSCs in response to IFNg exposure, but it completely primed Dnmt3aKO and Dnmt3aR878 HSCs to IFNg-induced exhaustion in a transplantation experiment. Taken together, our data highlighted a Txnip-p53-p21 pathway that preserves the functional potential of Dnmt3a-mutant HSCs under conditions of inflammatory stress, which suggests a novel mechanism to explain the increased fitness of Dnmt3a-mutant HSCs and supports rationale for developing interventions to mitigate expansion of pre-malignant clones as a method of blood cancer prevention. Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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