scholarly journals EZH2 abnormalities in lymphoid malignancies: underlying mechanisms and therapeutic implications

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Boheng Li ◽  
Wee-Joo Chng
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Essential Role ◽  
Histone H3 ◽  
Epigenetic Silencing ◽  
Post Translational Modifications ◽  
Therapeutic Implications ◽  
Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 ◽  
Lymphoid Malignancies ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms

AbstractEZH2 is the catalytic subunit of the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), which along with other PRC2 components mediates gene expression suppression via the methylation of Histone H3 at lysine 27. Recent studies have revealed a dichotomous role of EZH2 in physiology and in the pathogenesis of cancer. While it plays an essential role in the development of the lymphoid system, its deregulation, whether due to genetic or non-genetic causes, promotes B cell- and T cell-related lymphoma or leukemia. These findings triggered a boom in the development of therapeutic EZH2 inhibitors in recent years. Here, we discuss physiologic and pathogenic function of EZH2 in lymphoid context, various internal causes of EZH2 aberrance and how EZH2 modulates lymphomagenesis through epigenetic silencing, post-translational modifications (PTMs), orchestrating with surrounding tumor micro-environment and associating with RNA or viral partners. We also summarize different strategies to directly inhibit PRC2-EZH2 or to intervene EZH2 upstream signaling.

scholarly journals Post-translational modifications of PRC2: signals directing its activity

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yiqi Yang ◽  
Gang Li
Keyword(s):  
Catalytic Activity ◽  
Transcriptional Repression ◽  
Essential Role ◽  
Histone H3 ◽  
Post Translational Modifications ◽  
Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 ◽  
Cellular Identity ◽  
Organismal Development ◽  
Biochemical Signals ◽  
Insight Into

Abstract Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) is a chromatin-modifying enzyme that catalyses the methylation of histone H3 at lysine 27 (H3K27me1/2/3). This complex maintains gene transcriptional repression and plays an essential role in the maintenance of cellular identity as well as normal organismal development. The activity of PRC2, including its genomic targeting and catalytic activity, is controlled by various signals. Recent studies have revealed that these signals involve cis chromatin features, PRC2 facultative subunits and post-translational modifications (PTMs) of PRC2 subunits. Overall, these findings have provided insight into the biochemical signals directing PRC2 function, although many mysteries remain.

scholarly journals Progressive Phosphorylation Modulates the Self-Association of a Variably Modified Histone H3 Peptide

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
George V. Papamokos ◽  
George Tziatzos ◽  
Dimitrios G. Papageorgiou ◽  
Spyros Georgatos ◽  
Efthimios Kaxiras ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intrinsically Disordered Proteins ◽  
Histone H3 ◽  
Intramolecular Interactions ◽  
Disordered Proteins ◽  
Post Translational Modifications ◽  
Intrinsically Disordered ◽  
Self Association ◽  
Dynamics Simulations ◽  
Peptide Charge

Protein phosphorylation is a key regulatory mechanism in eukaryotic cells. In the intrinsically disordered histone tails, phosphorylation is often a part of combinatorial post-translational modifications and an integral part of the “histone code” that regulates gene expression. Here, we study the association between two histone H3 tail peptides modified to different degrees, using fully atomistic molecular dynamics simulations. Assuming that the initial conformations are either α-helical or fully extended, we compare the propensity of the two peptides to associate with one another when both are unmodified, one modified and the other unmodified, or both modified. The simulations lead to the identification of distinct inter- and intramolecular interactions in the peptide dimer, highlighting a prominent role of a fine-tuned phosphorylation rheostat in peptide association. Progressive phosphorylation appears to modulate peptide charge, inducing strong and specific intermolecular interactions between the monomers, which do not result in the formation of amorphous or ordered aggregates, as documented by experimental evidence derived from Circular Dichroism and NMR spectroscopy. However, upon complete saturation of positive charges by phosphate groups, this effect is reversed: intramolecular interactions prevail and dimerization of zero-charge peptides is markedly reduced. These findings underscore the role of phosphorylation thresholds in the dynamics of intrinsically disordered proteins. Phosphorylation rheostats might account for the divergent effects of histone modifications on the modulation of chromatin structure.

scholarly journals The emerging role of microRNAs in bone remodeling and its therapeutic implications for osteoporosis

2018 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Qianyun Feng ◽  
Sheng Zheng ◽  
Jia Zheng
Keyword(s):  
Bone Remodeling ◽  
Noncoding Rna ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Epigenetic Modification ◽  
Therapeutic Implications ◽  
Small Noncoding Rna ◽  
Genetic And Environmental Factors ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Post Transcriptional Regulation

Osteoporosis, a common and multifactorial disease, is influenced by genetic factors and environments. However, the pathogenesis of osteoporosis has not been fully elucidated yet. Recently, emerging evidence suggests that epigenetic modifications may be the underlying mechanisms that link genetic and environmental factors with increased risks of osteoporosis and bone fracture. MicroRNA (miRNA), a major category of small noncoding RNA with 20–22 bases in length, is recognized as one important epigenetic modification. It can mediate post-transcriptional regulation of target genes with cell differentiation and apoptosis. In this review, we aimed to profile the role of miRNA in bone remodeling and its therapeutic implications for osteoporosis. A deeper insight into the role of miRNA in bone remodeling and osteoporosis can provide unique opportunities to develop a novel diagnostic and therapeutic approach of osteoporosis.

scholarly journals Reprogrammed marrow adipocytes contribute to myeloma-induced bone disease

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (494) ◽  
pp. eaau9087 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huan Liu ◽  
Jin He ◽  
Su Pin Koh ◽  
Yuping Zhong ◽  
Zhiqiang Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Disease ◽  
Unique Feature ◽  
Histone H3 ◽  
Bone Lesions ◽  
Peroxisome Proliferator ◽  
Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor ◽  
Osteolytic Lesions ◽  
Therapeutic Implications ◽  
Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 ◽  
Bone Changes

Osteolytic lesions in multiple myeloma are caused by osteoclast-mediated bone resorption and reduced bone formation. A unique feature of myeloma is a failure of bone healing after successful treatment. We observed adipocytes on trabecular bone near the resorbed area in successfully treated patients. Normal marrow adipocytes, when cocultured with myeloma cells, were reprogrammed and produced adipokines that activate osteoclastogenesis and suppress osteoblastogenesis. These adipocytes have reduced expression of peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor γ (PPARγ) mediated by recruitment of polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), which modifies PPARγ promoter methylation at trimethyl lysine-27 histone H3. We confirmed the importance of methylation in the PPARγ promoter by demonstrating that adipocyte-specific knockout of EZH2, a member of the PRC2, prevents adipocyte reprogramming and reverses bone changes in a mouse model. We validated the strong correlation between the frequency of bone lesions and the expression of EZH2 in marrow adipocytes from patients in remission. These results define a role for adipocytes in genesis of myeloma-associated bone disease and that reversal of adipocyte reprogramming has therapeutic implications.

scholarly journals RNA Modifications in Cancer: Functions, Mechanisms, and Therapeutic Implications

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 221-240 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huilin Huang ◽  
Hengyou Weng ◽  
Xiaolan Deng ◽  
Jianjun Chen
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Global Gene Expression ◽  
Rna Modifications ◽  
Aberrant Expression ◽  
Protein Coding ◽  
Therapeutic Implications ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Aberrant Rna ◽  
Gene Expression Dysregulation

Over 170 chemical modifications have been identified in protein-coding and noncoding RNAs and shown to exhibit broad impacts on gene expression. Dysregulation of RNA modifications caused by aberrant expression of or mutations in RNA modifiers aberrantly reprograms the epitranscriptome and skews global gene expression, which in turn leads to tumorigenesis and drug resistance. Here we review current knowledge of the functions and underlying mechanisms of aberrant RNA modifications in human cancers, particularly several common RNA modifications, including N6-methyladenosine (m6A), A-to-I editing, pseudouridine (ψ), 5-methylcytosine (m5C), 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (hm5C), N1-methyladenosine (m1A), and N4-acetylcytidine (ac4C), providing insights into therapeutic implications of targeting RNA modifications and the associated machineries for cancer therapy.

scholarly journals CDK6 kinase activity is required for thymocyte development

Blood ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 117 (23) ◽  
pp. 6120-6131 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miaofen G. Hu ◽  
Amit Deshpande ◽  
Nicolette Schlichting ◽  
Elisabeth A. Hinds ◽  
Changchuin Mao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Target Gene ◽  
Kinase Activity ◽  
Thymocyte Development ◽  
Hematopoietic Stem ◽  
Notch Target Gene ◽  
Target Gene Expression ◽  
Lymphoid Malignancies ◽  
Proliferation And Differentiation

Abstract Cyclin-dependent kinase-6 (CDK6) is required for early thymocyte development and tumorigenesis. To mechanistically dissect the role of CDK6 in thymocyte development, we generated and analyzed mutant knock-in mice and found that mice expressing a kinase-dead Cdk6 allele (Cdk6K43M) had a pronounced reduction in thymocytes and hematopoietic stem cells and progenitor cells (Lin−Sca-1+c-Kit+ [LSK]). In contrast, mice expressing the INK4-insensitive, hyperactive Cdk6R31C allele displayed excess proliferation in LSK and thymocytes. However, this is countered at least in part by increased apoptosis, which may limit progenitor and thymocyte expansion in the absence of other genetic events. Our mechanistic studies demonstrate that CDK6 kinase activity contributes to Notch signaling because inactive CDK6 kinase disrupts Notch-dependent survival, proliferation, and differentiation of LSK, with concomitant alteration of Notch target gene expression, such as massive up-regulation of CD25. Further, knockout of CD25 in Cdk6K43M mice rescued most defects observed in young mice. These results illustrate an important role for CDK6 kinase activity in thymocyte development that operates partially through modulating Notch target gene expression. This role of CDK6 as a downstream mediator of Notch identifies CDK6 kinase activity as a potential therapeutic target in human lymphoid malignancies.

scholarly journals EPC1/TIP60-Mediated Histone Acetylation Facilitates Spermiogenesis in Mice

2017 ◽  
Vol 37 (19) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yixin Dong ◽  
Kyo-ichi Isono ◽  
Kazuyuki Ohbo ◽  
Takaho A. Endo ◽  
Osamu Ohara ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Histone Acetylation ◽  
Germ Cells ◽  
Essential Role ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Male Germ Cells ◽  
Genetic Ablation ◽  
Histone Hyperacetylation ◽  
Critical Components ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms

ABSTRACT Global histone hyperacetylation is suggested to play a critical role for replacement of histones by transition proteins and protamines to compact the genome during spermiogenesis. However, the underlying mechanisms for hyperacetylation-mediated histone replacement remains poorly understood. Here, we report that EPC1 and TIP60, two critical components of the mammalian nucleosome acetyltransferase of H4 (NuA4) complexes, are coexpressed in male germ cells. Strikingly, genetic ablation of either Epc1 or Tip60 disrupts hyperacetylation and impairs histone replacement, in turn causing aberrant spermatid development. Taking these observations together, we reveal an essential role of the NuA4 complexes for histone hyperacetylation and subsequent compaction of the spermatid genome.

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