Chromatin Acetylation Research Articles

Reduced chromatin acetylation of malignant salivary gland tumors correlates with enhanced proliferation.

Epigenetic changes refer to any heritable modification in gene expression independent of alterations in the DNA sequence. Currently, it is well established that epigenetics represents a crucial player for tumor development. Nevertheless, the epigenetic mechanisms involved in the development and progression of salivary gland tumors (SGTs) remain poorly understood. In this study, we analyzed the pattern of acetyl-histone H3 (lys9) expression in benign and malignant SGTs and further correlate our results with tumors' proliferative activity and clinical outcomes. We assembled tissue microarrays (TMAs) of 84 cases of SGTs and analyzed for acetyl-histone H3 (lys9) and Ki-67 using immunohistochemistry. The study comprised 42 benign and 42 malignant SGTs. All cases included in this study were positive to acetyl-H3 (lys9). We observed that malignant SGTs were hypoacetylated compared with benign (P = 0.04). Moreover, acetyl-H3 (lys9) expression was inversely correlated with Ki67 (**P = 0.02). This study provides the first insight regarding histone modifications in SGTs. Our results suggest that epigenetic mechanism, particularly hypoacetylation of histone H3 (lys9), might play a role in the behavior of salivary gland tumors. Also, our findings suggest that interfering with the acetylation pattern of tumor histones represents a potential novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of SGTs.

Hyperinsulinemia Induced Changes in Chromatin Acetylation and Gene Expression in Triple Negative Breast Cancer

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), characterized by lack of expression of the estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) and absence of HER2 amplification, is a particularly aggressive breast cancer subtype, constituting about 15–20% of all breast cancers. Premenopausal women of African descent have a high risk for TNBC, especially those with higher body mass index (BMI). Moreover, obesity associated hyperinsulinemia or insulin‐resistance is considered as a poor prognostic factor for TNBC patients. Insulin signaling can activate the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway that is associated with increased proliferation rate of TNBC cells. However, the mechanistic role of insulin resistance in promoting TNBC is unclear. We are particularly interested in studying how insulin signaling impinges on mitochondrial dysfunction and nuclear gene expression through the mTOR pathway. mTOR signaling activates oxidative phosphorylation by the mitochondria thereby potentially increasing Acetyl‐CoA production through the TCA cycle. Nuclear histone acetyltransferases utilize acetyl‐CoA as a substrate to acetylate histones, leading to increased chromatin accessibility and gene expression. We show here that insulin treatment to the MDA‐MB‐231 TNBC cell line leads to increases in global histone acetylation levels, in particular H3K9ac, and altered expression of several genes. Transcriptome analysis along with H3K9ac ChIP‐sequencing reveal rewiring of cells towards anabolic processes such as DNA and protein synthesis. Insulin treatment furthermore induced cell proliferation and survival related pathways. Future studies will be focused on studying the molecular mechanism of insulin induced chromatin hyperacetylation and possible reversal by metformin.

The CREBBP Acetyltransferase Is a Haploinsufficient Tumor Suppressor in B-cell Lymphoma.

Inactivating mutations of the CREBBP acetyltransferase are highly frequent in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and follicular lymphoma (FL), the two most common germinal center (GC)-derived cancers. However, the role of CREBBP inactivation in lymphomagenesis remains unclear. Here, we show that CREBBP regulates enhancer/super-enhancer networks with central roles in GC/post-GC cell fate decisions, including genes involved in signal transduction by the B-cell receptor and CD40 receptor, transcriptional control of GC and plasma cell development, and antigen presentation. Consistently, Crebbp-deficient B cells exhibit enhanced response to mitogenic stimuli and perturbed plasma cell differentiation. Although GC-specific loss of Crebbp was insufficient to initiate malignant transformation, compound Crebbp-haploinsufficient/BCL2-transgenic mice, mimicking the genetics of FL and DLBCL, develop clonal lymphomas recapitulating the features of the human diseases. These findings establish CREBBP as a haploinsufficient tumor-suppressor gene in GC B cells and provide insights into the mechanisms by which its loss contributes to lymphomagenesis.Significance: Loss-of-function mutations of CREBBP are common and early lesions in FL and DLBCL, suggesting a prominent role in lymphoma initiation. Our studies identify the cellular program by which reduced CREBBP dosage facilitates malignant transformation, and have direct implications for targeted lymphoma therapy based on drugs affecting CREBBP-mediated chromatin acetylation. Cancer Discov; 7(3); 322-37. ©2017 AACR.This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 235.

HnRNPA2 is a novel histone acetyltransferase that mediates mitochondrial stress-induced nuclear gene expression.

Reduced mitochondrial DNA copy number, mitochondrial DNA mutations or disruption of electron transfer chain complexes induce mitochondria-to-nucleus retrograde signaling, which induces global change in nuclear gene expression ultimately contributing to various human pathologies including cancer. Recent studies suggest that these mitochondrial changes cause transcriptional reprogramming of nuclear genes although the mechanism of this cross talk remains unclear. Here, we provide evidence that mitochondria-to-nucleus retrograde signaling regulates chromatin acetylation and alters nuclear gene expression through the heterogeneous ribonucleoprotein A2 (hnRNAP2). These processes are reversed when mitochondrial DNA content is restored to near normal cell levels. We show that the mitochondrial stress-induced transcription coactivator hnRNAP2 acetylates Lys 8 of H4 through an intrinsic histone lysine acetyltransferase (KAT) activity with Arg 48 and Arg 50 of hnRNAP2 being essential for acetyl-CoA binding and acetyltransferase activity. H4K8 acetylation at the mitochondrial stress-responsive promoters by hnRNAP2 is essential for transcriptional activation. We found that the previously described mitochondria-to-nucleus retrograde signaling-mediated transformation of C2C12 cells caused an increased expression of genes involved in various oncogenic processes, which is retarded in hnRNAP2 silenced or hnRNAP2 KAT mutant cells. Taken together, these data show that altered gene expression by mitochondria-to-nucleus retrograde signaling involves a novel hnRNAP2-dependent epigenetic mechanism that may have a role in cancer and other pathologies.

Mutation Burden in Multiple Myeloma Is Captured By Gene Expression Profiles

Mutation Burden in Multiple Myeloma Is Captured By Gene Expression Profiles

21P - Immune cells can cause inappropriate inflammation leading to the miRNAome shift and cell transformation

Aim/Background: Overall, macrophages and some subtypes of lymphoid cells are found in tumour stroma. These cells secrete a variety of growth factors, proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, esp. TNF-a, IL-1b and IL-6, causing the formation of inflammatory microenvironment around tumour cells. TNF-a and IL-1b signaling increases activity of NF-kB pathway. At the same time, IL-6, triggers JAK-STAT signaling pathway, which effector is STAT3. NF-kB and STAT3 activity facilitates hyperexpression of miRNAs miR-155, miR-181 and miR-21 as well as down-regulates expression of miRNAs miR-15/16, miR-199 and let-7. This investigation aims to identify in what way these shifts in miRNAome can lead to epigenome reorganization supporting the cell transformation. Methods: MiRNA targets within gene transcripts were predicted in silico using TargetScan software. Results: Overexpressed miRNA miR-155 can suppress APC gene. As a result, beta-catenin avoids degradation and translocates into the nucleus. Therefore, miR-155 hyperexpression derepresses and enhances Wnt pathway signaling and, moreover, causes spontaneous ligand-independent activity of the pathway leading to the reactivation of stemness genes. Transcripts of HDAC2/4/8/9 and SIRT1/5 genes encoding histone deacetylases carry targets for at least one of up-regulated miRNAs miR-155, miR-181 or miR-21. Also, these miRNAs can silence EZH1, MLL, MLL3, NSD1, SETD6/7/8, SMYD1, SUV39H2 genes encoding histone methyltransferases. MiRNA miR-21 suppresses gene encoding de novo DNA methyltransferase DNMT3B. At the same time, down-regulation of miRNA miR-15/16 can allow hyperexpression of gene encoding acetyltransferase Elp3. These shifts cause the increase of overall level of chromatin acetylation and expression and, therefore, create epigenetic background for reactivation of silent transposons, oncogenes and stemness genes as well as other genes important for cell transformation. Conclusions: Immune system can paradoxically facilitate the tumour growth instead of healing. Cancer-related inflammation leads to the miRNAome and epigenome shifts contributing to the cell transformation and following tumour growth. Legal entity responsible for the study: Palladin Institute of Biochemistry of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine Funding: Palladin Institute of Biochemistry of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine Disclosure: All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

Epigenetic changes in histone acetylation underpin resistance to the topoisomerase I inhibitor irinotecan.

The topoisomerase I (TOP1) inhibitor irinotecan triggers cell death by trapping TOP1 on DNA, generating cytotoxic protein-linked DNA breaks (PDBs). Despite its wide application in a variety of solid tumors, the mechanisms of cancer cell resistance to irinotecan remains poorly understood. Here, we generated colorectal cancer (CRC) cell models for irinotecan resistance and report that resistance is neither due to downregulation of the main cellular target of irinotecan TOP1 nor upregulation of the key TOP1 PDB repair factor TDP1. Instead, the faster repair of PDBs underlies resistance, which is associated with perturbed histone H4K16 acetylation. Subsequent treatment of irinotecan-resistant, but not parental, CRC cells with histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors can effectively overcome resistance. Immunohistochemical analyses of CRC tissues further corroborate the importance of histone H4K16 acetylation in CRC. Finally, the resistant clones exhibit cross-resistance with oxaliplatin but not with ionising radiation or 5-fluoruracil, suggesting that the latter two could be employed following loss of irinotecan response. These findings identify perturbed chromatin acetylation in irinotecan resistance and establish HDAC inhibitors as potential therapeutic means to overcome resistance.

Histone deacetylases function as novel potential therapeutic targets for cancer.

Diverse cellular functions, including tumor suppressor gene expression, DNA repair, cell proliferation and apoptosis, are regulated by histone acetylation and deacetylation. Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are enzymes involved in remodeling of chromatin by deacetylating the lysine residues. They play a pivotal role in epigenetic regulation of gene expression. Dysregulation of HDACs and aberrant chromatin acetylation and deacetylation have been implicated in the pathogenesis of various diseases, including cancer. Histone deacetylases have become a target for the development of drugs for treating cancer because of their major contribution to oncogenic cell transformation. Overexpression of HDACs correlates with tumorigenesis. Previous work showed that inhibition of HDACs results in apoptosis and the inhibition of cell proliferation in multiple cells. A significant number of HDAC inhibitors have been developed in the past decade. These inhibitors have strong anticancer effects in vitro and in vivo, inducing growth arrest, differentiation, and programmed cell death, inhibiting cell migration, invasion, and metastasis, and suppressing angiogenesis. In addition, HDAC-mediated deacetylation alters the transcriptional activity of nuclear transcription factors, including p53, E2F, c-Myc, and nuclear factor-κB, as well as the extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, Notch, and Wnt signaling pathways. This review highlights the role of HDACs in cancer pathogenesis and, more importantly, that HDACs are potential novel therapeutic targets.

HDACs and HDAC Inhibitors in Cancer Development and Therapy.

Over the last several decades, it has become clear that epigenetic abnormalities may be one of the hallmarks of cancer. Posttranslational modifications of histones, for example, may play a crucial role in cancer development and progression by modulating gene transcription, chromatin remodeling, and nuclear architecture. Histone acetylation, a well-studied posttranslational histone modification, is controlled by the opposing activities of histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs). By removing acetyl groups, HDACs reverse chromatin acetylation and alter transcription of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. In addition, HDACs deacetylate numerous nonhistone cellular substrates that govern a wide array of biological processes including cancer initiation and progression. This review will discuss the role of HDACs in cancer and the therapeutic potential of HDAC inhibitors (HDACi) as emerging drugs in cancer treatment.

Modulating epigenetic HAT activity for reinstating acetylation homeostasis: A promising therapeutic strategy for neurological disorders.

Epigenetic mechanisms are emerging as a fundamental regulatory switch in neuronal function. Acetylation homeostasis governed by the antagonistic activities of HATs and HDACs plays a critical role in neuronal gene activity. It is now becoming increasingly clear that several neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative, and neuropsychiatric disorders are caused by aberrant changes in chromatin acetylation. Several HATs have been shown to be vital for neuronal processes such as synaptic plasticity and memory formation. Thus not surprisingly, dysregulation of such HATs has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative diseases including Huntington's disease (HD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). The current therapeutic strategy involves the use of small-molecule histone deacetylase inhibitors to compensate the acetylation deficits arising due to loss of HAT activity. Despite the promising therapeutic effects, the lack of isoform (target) specificity of HDACi raises concerns regarding their applicability. Mounting evidences about the role of HATs in neuronal survival, learning and memory has triggered a new wave of modulating specific HATs as a novel therapeutic option to tackle neurodegenerative diseases. In this review we focus on different HAT families and the critical roles they play in neural development and how the altered acetylation homeostasis culminates in neurodegeneration. Further, we describe the HDACi-based therapeutic approach and its flip side in overcoming neurodegenerative diseases. Furthermore, we discuss the therapeutic potential of HAT modulators in reinstating acetylation homeostasis to ameliorate neurodegenerative disorders.

Arabidopsis HOOKLESS1 Regulates Responses to Pathogens and Abscisic Acid through Interaction with MED18 and Acetylation of WRKY33 and ABI5 Chromatin.

Arabidopsis thaliana HOOKLESS1 (HLS1) encodes a putative histone acetyltransferase with known functions in seedling growth. Here, we show that HLS1 regulates plant responses to pathogens and abscisic acid (ABA) through histone acetylation at chromatin of target loci. The hls1 mutants show impaired responses to bacterial and fungal infection, accelerated senescence, and impaired responses to ABA. HLS1 modulates the expression of WRKY33 and ABA INSENSITIVE5 (ABI5), known regulators of pathogen and ABA responses, respectively, through direct association with these loci. Histone 3 acetylation (H3Ac), a positive mark of transcription, at WRKY33 and ABI5 requires HLS1 function. ABA treatment and pathogen infection enhance HLS1 recruitment and H3Ac at WRKY33. HLS1 associates with Mediator, a eukaryotic transcription coregulatory complex, through direct interaction with mediator subunit 18 (MED18), with which it shares multiple functions. HLS1 recruits MED18 to the WRKY33 promoter, boosting WKRY33 expression, suggesting the synergetic action of HLS1 and MED18. By contrast, MED18 recruitment to ABI5 and transcriptional activation are independent of HLS1. ABA-mediated priming of resistance to fungal infection was abrogated in hls1 and wrky33 mutants but correlated with ABA-induced HLS1 accumulation. In sum, HLS1 provides a regulatory node in pathogen and hormone response pathways through interaction with the Mediator complex and important transcription factors.

Endocrine disrupting chemical, bisphenol-A, induces breast cancer associated gene HOXB9 expression in vitro and in vivo

HOXB9 is a homeobox-containing gene that plays a key role in mammary gland development and is associated with breast and other types of cancer. Here, we demonstrate that HOXB9 expression is transcriptionally regulated by estradiol (E2), in vitro and in vivo. We also demonstrate that the endocrine disrupting chemical bisphenol-A (BPA) induces HOXB9 expression in cultured human breast cancer cells (MCF7) as well as in vivo in the mammary glands of ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Luciferase assay showed that estrogen-response-elements (EREs) in the HOXB9 promoter are required for BPA-induced expression. Estrogen-receptors (ERs) and ER-co-regulators such as MLL-histone methylase (MLL3), histone acetylases, CBP/P300, bind to the HOXB9 promoter EREs in the presence of BPA, modify chromatin (histone methylation and acetylation) and lead to gene activation. In summary, our results demonstrate that BPA exposure, like estradiol, increases HOXB9 expression in breast cells both in vitro and in vivo through a mechanism that involves increased recruitment of transcription and chromatin modification factors.

The TIP60 Complex Regulates Bivalent Chromatin Recognition by 53BP1 through Direct H4K20me Binding and H2AK15 Acetylation

The NuA4/TIP60 acetyltransferase complex is a key regulator of genome expression and stability. Here we identified MBTD1 as a stable subunit of the complex, and we reveal that, via a histone reader domain for H4K20me1/2, MBTD1 allows TIP60 to associate with specific gene promoters and to promote the repair of DNA double-strand breaks by homologous recombination. It was previously suggested that TIP60-dependent acetylation of H4 regulates binding of the non-homologous end joining factor 53BP1, which engages chromatin through simultaneous binding of H4K20me2 and H2AK15ub. We find that the TIP60 complex regulates association of 53BP1 partly by competing for H4K20me2 and by regulating H2AK15ub. Ubiquitylation of H2AK15 by RNF168 inhibits chromatin acetylation by TIP60, while this residue can be acetylated by TIP60 invivo, blocking its ubiquitylation. Altogether, these results uncover an intricate mechanism orchestrated by the TIP60 complex to regulate 53BP1-dependent repair through competitive bivalent binding and modification of chromatin.

Late-Life Environmental Enrichment Induces Acetylation Events and Nuclear Factor κB-Dependent Regulations in the Hippocampus of Aged Rats Showing Improved Plasticity and Learning.

Aging weakens memory functions. Optimizing the neuronal circuitry required for normal brain function can be achieved by increasing sensory, motor, and cognitive stimuli resulting from interactions with the environment (behavioral therapy). This can be experimentally modeled by exposing rodents to environmental enrichment (EE), as with large cages, numerous and varied toys, and interaction with other rodents. However, EE effects in aged rodents has been poorly studied, and it is not known whether beneficial mechanisms evidenced in the young adults can still be recruited during aging. Our study shows that aged rats respond to a belated period of EE by activating specific epigenetic and transcriptional signaling that promotes gene expression likely to facilitate plasticity and learning behaviors.

6-Mercaptopurine attenuates tumor necrosis factor-α production in microglia through Nur77-mediated transrepression and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling-mediated translational regulation.

BackgroundThe pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative diseases often involves the microglial activation and associated inflammatory processes. Activated microglia release pro-inflammatory factors that may be neurotoxic. 6-Mercaptopurine (6-MP) is a well-established immunosuppressive drug. Common understanding of their immunosuppressive properties is largely limited to peripheral immune cells. However, the effect of 6-MP in the central nervous system, especially in microglia in the context of neuroinflammation is, as yet, unclear. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is a key cytokine of the immune system that initiates and promotes neuroinflammation. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of 6-MP on TNF-α production by microglia to discern the molecular mechanisms of this modulation.MethodsLipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to induce an inflammatory response in cultured primary microglia or murine BV-2 microglial cells. Released TNF-α was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Gene expression was determined by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Signaling molecules were analyzed by western blotting, and activation of NF-κB was measured by ELISA-based DNA binding analysis and luciferase reporter assay. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) analysis was performed to examine NF-κB p65 and coactivator p300 enrichments and histone modifications at the endogenous TNF-α promoter.ResultsTreatment of LPS-activated microglia with 6-MP significantly attenuated TNF-α production. In 6-MP pretreated microglia, LPS-induced MAPK signaling, IκB-α degradation, NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation, and in vitro p65 DNA binding activity were not impaired. However, 6-MP suppressed transactivation activity of NF-κB and TNF-α promoter by inhibiting phosphorylation and acetylation of p65 on Ser276 and Lys310, respectively. ChIP analyses revealed that 6-MP dampened LPS-induced histone H3 acetylation of chromatin surrounding the TNF-α promoter, ultimately leading to a decrease in p65/coactivator-mediated transcription of TNF-α gene. Furthermore, 6-MP enhanced orphan nuclear receptor Nur77 expression. Using RNA interference approach, we further demonstrated that Nur77 upregulation contribute to 6-MP-mediated inhibitory effect on TNF-α production. Additionally, 6-MP also impeded TNF-α mRNA translation through prevention of LPS-activated PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling cascades.ConclusionsThese results suggest that 6-MP might have a therapeutic potential in neuroinflammation-related neurodegenerative disorders through downregulation of microglia-mediated inflammatory processes.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12974-016-0543-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Involvement of rice histone deacetylase HDA705 in seed germination and in response to ABA and abiotic stresses

Histone acetylation and deacetylation play crucial roles in the modification of chromatin structure and regulation of gene expression in eukaryotes. Histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs) assist to maintain the balance of chromatin acetylation status. Previous studies showed that plant HDACs are key regulators involved in response to development and stresses. In this study, we examined the expression pattern and function of HDA705, a member of the RPD3/HDA1-type HDAC in rice. Overexpression of HDA705 in rice decreased ABA and salt stress resistance during seed germination. Delayed seed germination of HDA705 overexpression lines was associated with down-regulated expression of GA biosynthetic genes and up-regulation of ABA biosynthetic genes. Moreover, overexpression of HDA705 in rice enhanced osmotic stress resistance during the seedling stage. Our findings demonstrate that HDA705 may play a role in regulating seed germination and the response to abiotic stresses in rice.

Dual HDAC and PI3K Inhibitor, CUDC-907 Alone or in Combination with ABL Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Against ABL Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Resistant Leukemia Cells

Introduction: Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is characterized by the t(9:22) translocation known as the Philadelphia chromosome (Ph). ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), imatinib and second-generation ABL TKIs, nilotinib and dasatinib have demonstrated the potency against CML patients. However, resistance to ABL TKI can develop in CML patients due to BCR-ABL point mutations. Moreover, ABL TKIs do not eliminate the leukemia stem cells (LSCs). Therefore, new approach against BCR-ABL mutant cells and LSCs may improve the outcome of Ph-positive leukemia patients. In eukaryotic cells, histone acetylation/deacetylation is important in transcriptional regulation. Chromatin acetylation is controlled by the opposing effects of two families of enzymes: histone acetyltransferases (HAT) and histone deacetylases (HDACs). Deregulation of HDAC activity may be a cause of malignant disease in humans. Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway also regulates cell metabolism, proliferation and survival. Furthermore, aberrant activation of PI3K signaling pathway has been shown to be important in initiation maintenance of human cancers. CUDC-907 is an oral inhibitor of class I PI3K as well as class I and II HDAC enzymes. CUDC-907 is currently being investigated in a pivotal phase 1 clinical trial against hematological malignancies such as malignant lymphoma. We suggested that CUDC-907 mediated inhibition PI3K and HDAC activity and in combination with ABL TKIs may abrogate the proliferation and survival of Ph-positive leukemia cells including T315I mutation and ABL TKI resistant.Materials and methods: In this study, we investigated the combination therapy with a CUDC-907 and an ABL TKIs (imatinib, nilotinib and ponatinib) by using the BCR-ABL positive cell line, K562, murine Ba/F3 cell line which was transfected with T315I mutant, nilotinib resistant K562 and ponatinib resistant Ba/F3 cells and primary samples.Results: The treatment of imatinib, nilotinib and ponatinib exhibits cell growth inhibition partially against K562 cells in the presence of feeder cell (HS-5). We found that mRNA of PI3K subunit is significantly increased after a co-culture with HS-5 in K562 and primary CD34 positive CML samples. 72 h treatment of CUDC-907 exhibits cell growth inhibition and induced apoptosis against K562 cells in a dose dependent manner. We examined the intracellular signaling after treatment of CUDC-907. Phosphorylation of JNK, histone acetylation and activity of caspase 3, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) was increased. Anti-apoptotic protein, Mcl-1 was decreased in a dose dependent. We next investigated the efficacy between imatinib and CUDC-907 by using these cell line. Combined treatment of K562 cells with imatinib and CUDC-907 caused significantly more cytotoxicity than each drug alone. Caspase activity was increased and Akt activity was reduced. Phosphorylation of BCR-ABL, Crk-L was reduced and cleaved PARP was increased after imatinib and CUDC-907 treatment. We investigated the CUDC-907 activity against T315I positive cells. CUDC-907 potently induced cell growth inhibition of Ba/F3 T315I cells in a dose dependent manner. Combined treatment of Ba/F3 T315I cells with ponatinib and CUDC-907 caused significantly more cytotoxicity than each drug alone. Caspase activity was increased and Akt activity was reduced after ponatinib and CUDC-907 treatment. To assess the activity of ponatinib and CUDC-907, we performed to test on tumor formation in mice. We injected nude mice subcutaneously with Ba/F3 T315I mutant cells. A dose of 20 mg/kg/day p.o of ponatinib and 30 mg/kg/day p.o of CUDC-907 inhibited tumor growth and reduced tumor volume compared with control mice. The treatments were well tolerated with no animal health concerns observed. We also found that the treatment of CUDC-907 exhibits cell growth inhibition against Ba/F3 ponatinib resistant cells, K562 nilotinib resistant cells, T315I mutant primary samples and CD34 positive CML samples.Conclusion: These results indicated that administration of the dual PI3K and HDAC inhibitor, CUDC-907 may be a powerful strategy against ABL TKI resistant cells including T315I mutation and enhance cytotoxic effects of ABL TKI against those Ph-positive leukemia cells. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Bivalent interaction of the PZP domain of BRPF1 with the nucleosome impacts chromatin dynamics and acetylation

BRPF1 (bromodomain PHD finger 1) is a core subunit of the MOZ histone acetyltransferase (HAT) complex, critical for normal developmental programs and implicated in acute leukemias. BRPF1 contains a unique assembly of zinc fingers, termed a PZP domain, the physiological role of which remains unclear. Here, we elucidate the structure-function relationship of this novel epigenetic reader and detail the biological and mechanistic consequences of its interaction with nucleosomes. PZP has a globular architecture and forms a 2:1 stoichiometry complex with the nucleosome, bivalently interacting with histone H3 and DNA. This binding impacts the nucleosome dynamics, shifting the DNA unwrapping/rewrapping equilibrium toward the unwrapped state and increasing DNA accessibility. We demonstrate that the DNA-binding function of the BRPF1 PZP domain is required for the MOZ-BRPF1-ING5-hEaf6 HAT complex to be recruited to chromatin and to acetylate nucleosomal histones. Our findings reveal a novel link between chromatin dynamics and MOZ-mediated acetylation.

Inhibition of p300 lysine acetyltransferase activity by luteolin reduces tumor growth in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) xenograft mouse model.

Chromatin acetylation is attributed with distinct functional relevance with respect to gene expression in normal and diseased conditions thereby leading to a topical interest in the concept of epigenetic modulators and therapy. We report here the identification and characterization of the acetylation inhibitory potential of an important dietary flavonoid, luteolin. Luteolin was found to inhibit p300 acetyltransferase with competitive binding to the acetyl CoA binding site. Luteolin treatment in a xenografted tumor model of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), led to a dramatic reduction in tumor growth within 4 weeks corresponding to a decrease in histone acetylation. Cells treated with luteolin exhibit cell cycle arrest and decreased cell migration. Luteolin treatment led to an alteration in gene expression and miRNA profile including up-regulation of p53 induced miR-195/215, let7C; potentially translating into a tumor suppressor function. It also led to down-regulation of oncomiRNAs such as miR-135a, thereby reflecting global changes in the microRNA network. Furthermore, a direct correlation between the inhibition of histone acetylation and gene expression was established using chromatin immunoprecipitation on promoters of differentially expressed genes. A network of dysregulated genes and miRNAs was mapped along with the gene ontology categories, and the effects of luteolin were observed to be potentially at multiple levels: at the level of gene expression, miRNA expression and miRNA processing.

Histone H4 acetylation required for chromatin decompaction during DNA replication.

Faithful DNA replication is a prerequisite for cell proliferation. Several cytological studies have shown that chromosome structures alter in the S-phase of the cell cycle. However, the molecular mechanisms behind the alteration of chromosome structures associated with DNA replication have not been elucidated. Here, we investigated chromatin structures and acetylation of specific histone residues during DNA replication using the meiotic nucleus of the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. The S. pombe meiotic nucleus provides a unique opportunity for measuring the levels of compaction of chromatin along the chromosome in a defined orientation. By direct measurement of chromatin compaction in living cells, we demonstrated that decompaction of chromatin occurs during meiotic DNA replication. This chromatin decompaction was suppressed by depletion of histone acetyltransferase Mst1 or by arginine substitution of specific lysine residues (K8 and K12) of histone H4. These results suggest that acetylation of histone H4 residues K8 and K12 plays a critical role in loosening chromatin structures during DNA replication.