CITED1 Expression Research Articles

Abstract 265: CITED4 Induces Physiologic Hypertrophy and Improves Cardiac Remodeling After Ischemic Injury

Cardiac hypertrophy is an adaptive response to increased hemodynamic stresses, which can be either physiologic, as with exercise, or pathologic, as with valvular heart disease. Recent data suggest that physiologic hypertrophy secondary to exercise may be mediated by the transcription factor CEBPβ and the p300-interacting protein CITED4. We sought to investigate the cardiovascular effects of CITED4 expression in vivo. Using a cardiac-specific and inducible transgenic mouse (Tg) model, we determined the effects of CITED4 expression on cardiac parameters including heart weight, cell size, cardiac function and gene expression. Expression of CITED4 for 3 weeks induced increases in heart weight (22% in HW/TL, p < 0.01) and cardiomyocyte (CM) size (24.5% in cell area, p < 0.001) with normal systolic function and without evidence of fibrosis. Gene profiling demonstrated increased expression of cardiac troponin, a favorable αMHC/βMHC ratio and a reduction in BNP consistent with physiologic hypertrophy. Genome-wide expression profiling of neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVMs) over-expressing CITED4 demonstrated the activation of a unique set of genes including BCL2, ATP12a, Efemp1, Ifi204 and Tcf19. To further examine the potential beneficial role of CITED4, we induced ischemia by transient occlusion of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary (30 min) followed by reperfusion for 24 hours, 6 days or 4 weeks. At 24 hrs after ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI), neither cardiac dysfunction on echo nor infarct sizes were different between CITED4 Tg and controls. However, CITED4 Tgs showed substantial recovery of cardiac function at 4 weeks (FS: CITED4 Tg 51%, Control 34%, p < 0.01) and a 3.4-fold reduction in fibrosis (p < 0.005). Analysis of possible cellular responses responsible for the functional recovery demonstrated enhanced autophagic flux with reduced accumulation of LC3II (down 71%, p<0.05) and p62 (down 54%, p<0.005). Further examination of the involved signaling pathway revealed direct activation of mTORC1 and its effectors consistent with a growth phenotype. We conclude that CITED4 expression is sufficient to induce physiologic cardiac hypertrophy and improves cardiac remodeling after ischemic injury likely through activation of mTORC1.

Is CITED2 a general regulator of stem cell functions?

In vertebrates, stem cells play a fundamental role in embryogenesis and lifetime homeostasis of adult tissues. The transcriptional regulator Cited2 is essential for many mouse developmental and morphological processes, and mutations in human CITED2 gene have repeatedly been associated with congenital heart defects. An increasing number of studies have now described the importance of Cited2 in self-renewal and cell fate decision of embryonic stem cells (ESC) and some adult stem cells. Interestingly, the loss of stem cell properties due to aging or extensive regeneration of some adult stem cells has been associated with a decrease of Cited2 expression, while an aberrant increase in CITED2 expression might play a critical role in malignant oncologic processes. Here, we review recent advances unravelling the complexity of Cited2 function as a regulator of the maintenance and cell fate decision of ESC and adult stem cells, and present its potential role in pathological conditions by modulating stem cells properties.

Gene expression network analysis reveals new transcriptional regulators as novel factors in human ischemic cardiomyopathy.

BackgroundIschemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) is characterized by transcriptomic changes that alter cellular processes leading to decreased cardiac output. Because the molecular network of ICM is largely unknown, the aim of this study was to characterize the role of new transcriptional regulators in the molecular mechanisms underlying the responses to ischemia.MethodsMyocardial tissue explants from ICM patients and control (CNT) subjects were analyzed by RNA-Sequencing (RNA-Seq) and quantitative Real-Time PCR.ResultsEnrichment analysis of the ICM transcriptomic profile allowed the characterization of novel master regulators. We found that the expression of the transcriptional regulators SP100 (−1.5-fold, p < 0.05), CITED2 (−3.8-fold, p < 0.05), CEBPD (−4.9-fold, p < 0.05) and BCL3 (−3.3-fold, p < 0.05) were lower in ICM than in CNT. To gain insights into the molecular network defined by the transcription factors, we identified CEBPD, BCL3, and HIF1A target genes in the RNA-Seq datasets. We further characterized the biological processes of the target genes by gene ontology annotation. Our results suggest that CEBPD-inducible genes with roles in the inhibition of apoptosis are downregulated and that BCL3-repressible genes are involved in the regulation of cellular metabolism in ICM. Moreover, our results suggest that CITED2 downregulation causes increased expression of HIF1A target genes. Functional analysis of HIF1A target genes revealed that hypoxic and stress response genes are activated in ICM. Finally, we found a significant correlation between the mRNA levels of BCL3 and the mRNA levels of both CEBPD (r = 0.73, p < 0.001) and CITED2 (r = 0.56, p < 0.05). Interestingly, CITED2 mRNA levels are directly related to ejection fraction (EF) (r = 0.54, p < 0.05).ConclusionsOur data indicate that changes in the expression of SP100, CITED2, CEBPD, and BCL3 affect their transcription regulatory networks, which subsequently alter a number of biological processes in ICM patients. The relationship between CITED2 mRNA levels and EF emphasizes the importance of this transcription factor in ICM. Moreover, our findings identify new mechanisms used to interpret gene expression changes in ICM and provide valuable resources for further investigation of the molecular basis of human cardiac ischemic response.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12920-015-0088-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Loss of CITED1, an MITF regulator, drives a phenotype switch in vitro and can predict clinical outcome in primary melanoma tumours.

CITED1 is a non-DNA binding transcriptional co-regulator whose expression can distinguish the ‘proliferative’ from ‘invasive’ signature in the phenotype-switching model of melanoma. We have found that, in addition to other ‘proliferative’ signature genes, CITED1 expression is repressed by TGFβ while the ‘invasive’ signature genes are upregulated. In agreement, CITED1 positively correlates with MITF expression and can discriminate the MITF-high/pigmentation tumour molecular subtype in a large cohort (120) of melanoma cell lines. Interestingly, CITED1 overexpression significantly suppressed MITF promoter activation, mRNA and protein expression levels while MITF was transiently upregulated following siRNA mediated CITED1 silencing. Conversely, MITF siRNA silencing resulted in CITED1 downregulation indicating a reciprocal relationship. Whole genome expression analysis identified a phenotype shift induced by CITED1 silencing and driven mainly by expression of MITF and a cohort of MITF target genes that were significantly altered. Concomitantly, we found changes in the cell-cycle profile that manifest as transient G1 accumulation, increased expression of CDKN1A and a reduction in cell viability. Additionally, we could predict survival outcome by classifying primary melanoma tumours using our in vitro derived ‘CITED1-silenced’ gene expression signature. We hypothesize that CITED1 acts a regulator of MITF, functioning to maintain MITF levels in a range compatible with tumourigenesis.

Fibroblast growth factor receptor–Frs2α signaling is critical for nephron progenitors

Previous studies using transgenic Pax3cre mice have revealed roles for fibroblast growth factor receptors (Fgfrs) and Fgfr substrate 2α (Frs2α) signaling in early metanephric mesenchyme patterning and in ureteric morphogenesis. The role of Fgfr/Frs2α signaling in nephron progenitors is unknown. Thus, we generated mouse models using BAC transgenic Six2EGFPcre (Six2cre) mediated deletion of Fgfrs and/or Frs2α in nephron progenitors. Six2cre mediated deletion of Fgfr1 or Fgfr2 alone led to no obvious kidney defects. Six2creFgfr1flox/floxFgfr2flox/flox (Fgfr1/2NP−/−) mice generate a discernable kidney; however, they develop nephron progenitor depletion starting at embryonic day 12.5 (E12.5) and later demonstrate severe cystic dysplasia. To determine the role of Frs2α signaling downstream of Fgfr2 in Fgfr1/2NP−/− mice, we generated Six2cre,Fgfr1flox/floxFgfr2LR/LR (Fgfr1NP−/−Fgfr2LR/LR) mice that have point mutations in the Frs2α binding site of Fgfr2. Like Fgfr1/2NP−/− mice, Fgfr1NP−/−Fgfr2LR/LR develop nephron progenitor depletion, but it does not start until E14.5 and older mice have less severe cystic dysplasia than Fgfr1/2NP−/− To determine the role of Frs2α alone in nephron progenitors, we generated Six2creFrs2′Aflox/flox (Frs2aNP−/−) mice. Frs2aNP−/−mice also develop nephron progenitor depletion and renal cysts, although these occurred later and were less severe than in the other Six2cre mutant mice. The nephron progenitor loss in all Six2cre mutant lines was associated with decreased Cited1 expression and increased apoptosis versus controls. FAC-sorted nephron progenitors in Six2cre Frs2′Aflox/flox mice demonstrated evidence of increased Notch activity versus controls, which likely drives the progenitor defects. Thus, Fgfr1 and Fgfr2 have synergistic roles in maintaining nephron progenitors; furthermore, Fgfr signaling in nephron progenitors appears to be mediated predominantly by Frs2α.

Evaluation of CITED1, SIX1, and CD56 protein expression for identification of blastemal elements in Wilms tumor.

Successful further treatment of Wilms tumors (WTs) after preoperative chemotherapy and surgery depends on correct histopathologic risk stratification, including quantification of remaining blastemal elements. In the present study, we assessed the usefulness of protein markers for the detection of WT blastema. Expression of the candidate blastemal protein markers CITED1, SIX1, and CD56 was evaluated by immunofluorescence regarding sensitivity and specificity for staining blastema in a tissue microarray containing cores from 30 WTs, a small number of rarer pediatric renal neoplasms, and normal postnatal kidney. CITED1, SIX1, and CD56 were expressed in blastema in 100%, 89%, and 74%, respectively, of the WTs with this component present. However, they were also expressed in 64%, 25%, and 79%, respectively, of epithelial WT elements and 48%, 52%, and 62%, respectively, of stromal WT elements. SIX1 showed the highest specificity, CITED1 the highest sensitivity, and CD56 low specificity and sensitivity for detection of postchemotherapy WT blastema. Cytokeratin staining proved to be a useful way to determine rudimentary tubular elements not readily recognized by routine staining.

CBP-CITED4 is required for luteinizing hormone-triggered target gene expression during ovulation.

Pituitary-secreted luteinizing hormone (LH) induces ovulation by activating an extracellular regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) cascade. However, little is known regarding the ERK1/2 downstream effectors that are involved in regulating rapid, transient expression of LH-target gene in ovulatory follicles. By comparing the gene expression profiles of LH-stimulated wild type with ERK1/2-deleted ovarian granulosa cells (GCs), we identified Cited4 as a previously unknown LH target gene during ovulation. LH induced Cited4 expression in pre-ovulatory follicles in an ERK1/2-dependent manner. CITED4 formed an endogenous protein complex and docked on the promoters of LH and ERK1/2 target genes. Both CITED4 expression and CBP acetyltransferase activity leading to histone acetylation were indispensable for LH-induced ovulation-related events. LH induced dynamic histone acetylation changes in pre-ovulatory GCs, including the acetylation of histone H2B (Lys5) and H3 (Lys9). This was essential for the rapid responses and dramatic increases of LH target gene expressions by the ordered activation of ERK1/2 and CITED4-CBP. In addition, histone deacetylases (HDACs) antagonized CITED4-CBP to turn off expression of these genes after exposure to LH. Thus, we determined that CITED4 was a novel LH and ERK1/2 target for triggering ovulation. These results support the proposition that LH induces rapid, significant gene expression in pre-ovulatory follicles by modulating histone acetylation status.

A novel pathway of regulating chondroprotective gene cited2 expression through primary cilia and erk1/2 pathway

A novel pathway of regulating chondroprotective gene cited2 expression through primary cilia and erk1/2 pathway

Decreased PU.1 and Enhanced CITED2 Cooperate To Maintain Self-Renewal In Hematopoietic Stem/Progenitors

The transcriptional co-activator CITED2 has a conserved role in the maintenance of normal adult hematopoiesis. We have shown before that CD34+ cells from a subset of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients display enhanced CITED2 expression and that interfering with this expression is detrimental for leukemia maintenance. Ectopic expression of CITED2 in normal CD34+ stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) resulted in increased proliferation and skewed myelo-erythroid differentiation in vitro. Long-Term Culture-Initiating Cell assays (LTC-IC) revealed a 5-fold increase in the number of Cobblestone Area Forming Cells (CAFCs), as a result of an increase in the number of phenotypically defined CD34+CD38- HSCs. CFC frequencies were also enhanced 5-fold upon CITED2 overexpression. To further substantiate these observations in vivo, we transplanted CITED2-transduced CD34+ cells into NSG mice. CD34+ cells with increased CITED2 expression displayed a >10x higher engraftment at week 12, as compared to control cells, confirming the higher frequency of CD34+CD38- HSCs, while myelo-lymphoid differentiation of these cells was comparable to control transplanted cells. Till date we have not observed leukemia development in these transplanted mice, suggesting that CITED2 as a single hit is not sufficient to transform human CB CD34+ cells.We recently identified the myeloid transcription factor PU.1 as a strong negative regulator of CITED2 and enhanced CITED2 expression in AML samples correlates with low PU.1 expression. We therefore investigated whether high CITED2 and low PU.1 expression would collaborate in maintaining self-renewal of HSCs. We combined lentiviral downregulation of PU.1 with overexpression of CITED2 (PU.1Low-CITED2High) and performed LTC-IC cultures on MS5 stroma. These experiments revealed that combined loss of PU.1 and enhanced CITED2 expression was sufficient to induce a strong proliferative advantage compared to control cells. Furthermore, a 3-fold increase of progenitor numbers was observed in CFC assays. While overexpression of CITED2 alone was not sufficient to allow 2nd CFC formation, additional downregulation of PU.1 now led to colony formation upon serial replating. This replating capacity of PU.1Low-CITED2High cells was limited to CD34+CD38- HSCs, as replating of CD34+CD38+ progenitor cells did not yield CFCs. This suggests that the combined loss of PU.1 and enhanced CITED2 expression is sufficient to maintain self-renewal properties of HSC, but this combination is not sufficient to reinforce self-renewal in committed progenitor cells.To more stringently assess self-renewal, cells were first cultured for 4 weeks on MS5 under myeloid differentiating conditions (G-CSF, IL3 and TPO) and subsequently plated into CFC assays, followed by secondary and tertiary replating experiments. Only PU.1Low-CITED2High cells were able to form CFCs after 10 weeks of culture, indicating that this combination indeed preserves self-renewal. Current experiments focus on the in vivo engraftment and self-renewal properties of these PU.1Low-CITED2High cells. Preliminary data indicate that these PU.1Low-CITED2High cells contribute ∼3-fold more to the myeloid lineage at week 12, compared to control and CITED2 only cells, and AML development is currently being investigated in these mice.Together, these data suggest that CITED2 is sufficient to increase LTC-IC and CFC frequencies, to skew myeloid differentiation, and to enhance engraftment of CB CD34+ cells in xenograft mice. Furthermore, CITED2 overexpression together with reduced PU.1 levels is necessary to maintain stem cell self-renewal. Disclosures:No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Predicting lymph node metastasis in early colorectal cancer using the CITED1 expression

BackgroundThe identification of molecular markers that are useful for predicting lymph node metastasis is urgently needed to determine treatment strategies for T1 colorectal cancer (CRC). We previously showed that 10 candidate genes are correlated with de-differentiation at the invasion front of CRC using a gene expression analysis. These 10 genes are potential markers that may predict lymph node metastasis by CRC. Materials and methodsSamples were obtained from 161 patients with CRC. Quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assays were performed using 66 T3 samples in order to extract genes correlated with lymph node metastasis. Immunohistochemical studies of the extracted genes were performed on 66 T3 and 95 T1 samples. A univariate analysis followed by a multivariate logistic regression model was used to examine independent risk factors for lymph node metastasis. ResultsThe CITED1 messenger RNA expression was found to be an independent risk factor for lymph node metastasis in T3 CRC patients (P = 0.040). A high CITED1 protein expression, as detected with immunohistochemistry, was also an independent risk factor in T3 CRC patients (P = 0.035). In T1 colorectal cancer patients, a high CITED1 protein expression was found to be an independent risk factor for lymph node metastasis (P = 0.010). The positive predictive and negative predictive values in the T1 colorectal cancer patients were 27.5% and 95.5%, respectively. ConclusionsThe CITED1 expression is correlated with lymph node metastasis in patients with CRC. In T1 colorectal cancer patients, CITED1 has the potential ability to predict the presence of lymph node metastasis.

CITED1 Expression in Liver Development and Hepatoblastoma

Hepatoblastoma, the most common pediatric liver cancer, consists of epithelial mixed embryonal/fetal (EMEF) and pure fetal histologic subtypes, with the latter exhibiting a more favorable prognosis. Few embryonal histology markers that yield insight into the biologic basis for this prognostic discrepancy exist. CBP/P-300 interacting transactivator 1 (CITED1), a transcriptional co-activator, is expressed in the self-renewing nephron progenitor population of the developing kidney and broadly in its malignant analog, Wilms tumor (WT). In this current study, CITED1 expression is detected in mouse embryonic liver initially on post-coitum day 10.5 (e10.5), begins to taper by e14.5, and is undetectable in e18.5 and adult livers. CITED1 expression is detected in regenerating murine hepatocytes following liver injury by partial hepatectomy and 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine. Importantly, while CITED1 is undetectable in normal human adult livers, 36 of 41 (87.8%) hepatoblastoma specimens express CITED1, where it is enriched in EMEF specimens compared to specimens of pure fetal histology. CITED1 overexpression in Hep293TT human hepatoblastoma cells induces cellular proliferation and upregulates the Wnt inhibitors Kringle containing transmembrane protein 1 (KREMEN1) and CXXC finger protein 4 (CXXC4). CITED1 mRNA expression correlates with expression of CXXC4 and KREMEN1 in clinical hepatoblastoma specimens. These data show that CITED1 is expressed during a defined time course of liver development and is no longer expressed in the adult liver but is upregulated in regenerating hepatocytes following liver injury. Moreover, as in WT, this embryonic marker is reexpressed in hepatoblastoma and correlates with embryonal histology. These findings identify CITED1 as a novel marker of hepatic progenitor cells that is re-expressed following liver injury and in embryonic liver tumors.

45. Increased PBMC expression of inflammation and neurological disease-associated genes correlates with anhedonia, the BOLD response to masked happy faces and subgenual anterior cingulate cortex volume in patients with primary mood disorders

Mood disorders are characterized by increased proinflammatory activity, anhedonia, abnormal neurophysiological responses to emotionally-valenced faces, and neuromorphometric abnormalities of the hippocampus and (particularly the left) subgenual anterior cingulate cortex (sgACC). However, the relationship between these variables is unclear. We performed whole-genome transcriptomics analysis on peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained from 24 healthy subjects and 29 unmedicated, currently depressed patients with a primary mood disorder (bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder). Thirteen out of 26 genes that showed both >1.25-fold expression changes and statistically significant differences between groups were previously implicated in neurological and/or inflammatory disease (CFD, NUCKS1, CTSZ, CD160, IL23A, SERTAD1, NFKBIZ, IER5, CITED2, APBB3, ADM, TNF, and NR4A2). Moreover, the comparison of the mood disordered versus healthy samples implicated a single Ingenuity Pathway Analysis gene network. Consistent with the hypothesis that increased expression of proinflammatory cytokines can diminish the pleasure experienced in response to positive stimuli, analogous to ‘sickness behavior’, anhedonia ratings correlated positively with gene expression of APBB3, CITED2, IER5, NR4A2, and TNF. Expression of CITED2 and APBB3 as well as the dopamine-related NR4A2 gene correlated inversely with the BOLD response to masked happy faces in the rostral ACC/ventromedial PFC and posterior cingulate. In the mood disorder group, a significant positive correlation was found between gray matter thickness of the left sgACC, measured using FreeSurfer, and expression of CITED2 and NR4A2.

SIX2 and CITED1, markers of nephronic progenitor self-renewal, remain active in primitive elements of Wilms' tumor

PurposeSIX2 and CITED1 are transcriptional regulators that specify self-renewing nephronic progenitor cells of the embryonic kidney. We hypothesized that SIX2, which promotes and maintains this stem cell population, and CITED1 remain active in Wilms' tumor (WT). MethodsTo evaluate expression domains and the pathogenic significance of SIX2 and CITED1 across WT, the Children's Oncology Group provided 40 WT specimens of stages I to IV (n = 10 per stage), which were enriched for unfavorable histology (n = 20) and treatment failure (relapse or death, n = 20). SIX2 and CITED1 protein expression was evaluated qualitatively (immunohistochemistry) and quantitatively (Western blot, or WB). Gene transcription was estimated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). ResultsSIX2 was visualized by immunohistochemistry in 36 (94.7%) of 38 specimens. Protein and messenger RNA expression of SIX2 were quantitatively similar across all stages of disease (P = .48 WB; P = 0.38 qPCR), in favorable or unfavorable histology (P = 0.51 WB; P = 0.58 qPCR), and in treatment failure or success (P = 0.86 WB; P = 0.49 qPCR). Although CITED1 expression paralleled SIX2 qualitatively, no quantitative correlation between SIX2 and CITED1 expression was observed (Spearman correlation coefficient, 0.28; P = 0.08). As in the fetal kidney, overlapping, but also distinct, WT cellular expression domains were observed between SIX2 and CITED1. ConclusionSIX2 and CITED1 remain active across all disease characteristics of WT. Activity of these genes in WT potentially identifies a population of self-renewing cancer cells that exhibit an embryonic, stemlike phenotype. Taken together, these transcriptional regulators may be fundamental to WT cellular self-renewal and may represent targets for novel therapies that promote terminal differentiation.

CITED2 Modulates Differentiation and Proliferation of Normal and Leukemic Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells Downstream of PU.1

Abstract 922Recently, it was demonstrated that the transcriptional co-activator CITED2 has a conserved role in the maintenance of normal adult hematopoiesis. Little is known regarding the regulation of CITED2, its expression levels in leukemic stem cells (LSCs) and whether CITED2 expression contributes to leukemogenesis. Using microarray data, we found variable CITED2 expression in ∼90% of sorted CD34+ AML cells (n=46). Q-PCR on 12 of these samples indicated that 50% of the leukemic samples displayed higher expression of CITED2 as compared to mobilized peripheral blood (PB) or cord blood (CB)-derived CD34+ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSCPs). To verify whether this expression of CITED2 in leukemic cells is functional, we performed RNAinterference on primary CD34+ cells from acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients (n=9). AML samples with high CITED2 expression were susceptible to lentiviral downregulation of CITED2 as evidenced by the loss of transduced cells from long-term leukemic cultures.To investigate a potential role of CITED2 in leukemogenesis, lentiviral gain-of-function experiments were performed with CB-derived CD34+ HSCPs. These experiments indicate that CITED2 expression increases cell numbers up to 5-fold in long-term culture-initiating cell (LTC-iC) experiments. This cell expansion on MS5-stromal cultures was paralleled by a short-term maintenance of progenitors. Colony-forming-cell (CFC) assays demonstrated a 3.5 fold higher output of CFC colonies compared to control cultures up to 2 weeks of MS-5 co-culture. CITED2-expressing colonies were larger than control colonies, verifying the increased cell numbers in LTC-iC experiments.To further dissect the effects of CITED2, transduced CD34+CD38− HSCs and CD34+CD38+ progenitors were sorted for single-cell liquid cultures and cell-divisions were followed for 6 days. Analysis of 360 single CD34+CD38− HSCs indicated that CITED2 overexpression leads to an enhanced quiescence (cells with no division) and decreased proliferation (cells that divide). However, tracking the divisions of 360 single CD34+CD38+ progenitor cells demonstrated the opposite: Cells overexpressing CITED2 divided more than control cells. These data are consistent with a role for CITED2 in leukemic stem cells (LSCs), where LSCs are thought to be more quiescent than leukemic progenitors.Since leukemias are also characterized by a differentiation block, we subsequently analyzed the differentiation of CB-derived CD34+ HSCPs upon overexpression of CITED2. In LTC-iC experiments, a shift in myelo-monocytic differentiation was observed. Enhanced CITED2 expression led to an increased percentage of CD15-positive cells (64%) at the expense of CD14-positive cells (9%) compared to control cultures (35% and 32% respectively). This bias towards granulocytic differentiation was also observed on May-Grunwald-Giemsa (MGG) stains and was furthermore confirmed in CFC assays. Furthermore, when analyzing erythroid differentiation, a clear reduction in CD71bright GPA+ cells could be observed in CITED2 expressing cells, compared to control cells (2% vs. 12% respectively), which was confirmed by CFC assays and MGG stains.Towards clarifying the regulation of CITED2, we scanned the CITED2 promoter for transcription factor binding sites and identified several PU.1 binding sites. Gene expression comparison between PU.1 and CITED2 in a panel of primary AML samples indicated that, apart from FAB M2 AMLs, PU.1 expression is inversely correlated with CITED2 expression. To functionally investigate this inverse correlation, we performed chromatin immunoprecipitations (ChIP) and demonstrated that PU.1 is indeed able to bind to the PU.1 binding sites in the CITED2 promoter of CB CD34+ cells. Subsequent overexpression of PU.1 in CB CD34+ HSPCs led to a 2-fold reduction in CITED2 expression.Taken together, we propose a model in which PU.1 tightly regulates CITED2 expression during normal myeloid differentiation. In certain AML subsets, this model would predict that low PU.1 expression results in failure to lower CITED2 expression below a certain threshold, which subsequently results in maintenance of LSC quiescence. Furthermore, the enhanced CITED2 levels result in an increased proliferation of downstream leukemic progenitors, where together with low PU.1 levels the normal myeloid differentiation program is perturbed contributing to leukemic development. Disclosures:No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

FGF/EGF signaling regulates the renewal of early nephron progenitors during embryonic development

Recent studies indicate that nephron progenitor cells of the embryonic kidney are arranged in a series of compartments of an increasing state of differentiation. The earliest progenitor compartment, distinguished by expression of CITED1, possesses greater capacity for renewal and differentiation than later compartments. Signaling events governing progression of nephron progenitor cells through stages of increasing differentiation are poorly understood, and their elucidation will provide key insights into normal and dysregulated nephrogenesis, as well as into regenerative processes that follow kidney injury. In this study, we found that the mouse CITED1(+) progenitor compartment is maintained in response to receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) ligands that activate both FGF and EGF receptors. This RTK signaling function is dependent on RAS and PI3K signaling but not ERK. In vivo, RAS inactivation by expression of sprouty 1 (Spry1) in CITED1(+) nephron progenitors results in loss of characteristic molecular marker expression and in increased death of progenitor cells. Lineage tracing shows that surviving Spry1-expressing progenitor cells are impaired in their subsequent epithelial differentiation, infrequently contributing to epithelial structures. These findings demonstrate that the survival and developmental potential of cells in the earliest embryonic nephron progenitor cell compartment are dependent on FGF/EGF signaling through RAS.

Abstract 113: Aberrant DNA methylation of the HIF-1α inhibitor gene CITED4 in breast cancer

Abstract CBP/p300-interacting transactivator with ED-rich carboxy-terminal domain, 4 (CITED4) inhibits the interaction between HIF-1α and p300/CBP thereby reducing expression of downstream hypoxia responsive genes. Since we have previously shown that diminished levels of nuclear CITED4 as a consequence of down-regulation or translocation to the cytoplasm are correlated with HIF-1α elevation in breast cancer, we hypothesized that either hypermethylation or somatic mutation of the CITED4 gene may also underlie elevated HIF-1α levels in breast tumors. CITED4 DNA methylation and mutation were analyzed in 168 breast carcinoma samples and 23 cancer cell lines using methylation-sensitive high resolution melting (MS-HRM) and DNA sequencing, respectively. Although no somatic CITED4 mutation was found, there was evidence of CITED4 promoter region methylation in five breast carcinoma samples, and three breast cancer cell lines (heterogeneously methylated in Hs578T and MDA-MB-231, and fully methylated in MDA-MB-453). There was a significant association between low CITED4 mRNA and high methylation in Hs578T (P = 0.0001) and MDA-MB-231 (P &amp;lt; 0.0001) and no expression was found in fully methylated cell line MDA-MB-453. Methylated CITED4 breast cancer cell lines were treated with 5-aza-2-deoxycytidine (DAC) and/or trichostatin A to evaluate the regulation of CITED4 expression through DNA methylation. CITED4 expression was re-expressed in fully methylated MDA-MB-453 cell line and increased expression in MDA-MB-231 (21.9-fold) and Hs578T (4.9-fold) after DAC mediated demethylation, and treatment with trichostatin A alone also resulted in increased CITED4 expression. A synergistic effect was seen after the combined treatment of DAC and trichostatin A. Furthermore, re-expressed CITED4 expression after DAC treatment may reduce HIF-1α and its downstream genes activity. MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line treated with DAC under hypoxia (0.1% oxygen) and demonstrated the downregulation of HIF-1α downstream genes VEGFA and SLC2A1 (P = 0.0029) when compared with the untreated MDA-MB-231 cell line under hypoxia. Immunohistochemstry also demonstrated that HIF-1α and downstream CA9 levels had decreased after CITED4 re-expressed under the hypoxic condition from 23% of positive staining in control to 10% after DAC treatment for HIF-1α and from 5 % to 3% for CA9. These data suggest that, CITED4 gene expression can be epigenetically silenced through DNA methylation in breast cancer, which may enhance the activity of HIF in developing aggressive breast cancer phenotypes. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 113. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-113

Aberrant Promoter Methylation in Overexpression of CITED1 in Papillary Thyroid Cancer

More than 80% of all thyroid cancers, the most common endocrine malignancy, are papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). It is well established that CITED1 (Cbp/p300 Interacting Transactivators with glutamic acid [E] and aspartic acid [D]-rich C-terminal domain) mRNA is characteristically overexpressed in PTC. Our previous study suggested a positive association of BRAF mutation with CITED1 overexpression. However, the mechanism of CITED1 expression in PTC remains to be elucidated. In the present study, we analyzed whether aberrant methylation of CITED1 gene promotes CITED1 overexpression in PTC. CITED1 mRNA expression levels were analyzed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction in three PTC-derived cell lines, TPC1, K1, and KTC-1, and in surgically dissected PTC and surrounding normal tissues from 19 patients. The BRAF mutation status of the cells and clinical specimens was determined by direct sequencing. The methylation status of the deoxycitidine-phosphate-deoxyguanosine dinucleotides (CpGs) in the CITED1 promoter was analyzed by the bisulfite-sequencing method using genomic DNA. Finally, the expression of CITED1 mRNA in TPC1 cells, when subjected to pharmacological inhibition of methylation, was analyzed. CITED1 mRNA was expressed at lower levels in TPC1 than in K1 and KTC-1 cells. A BRAF mutation was present in K1 and KTC-1 cells, but not in TPC1 cells. CITED1 promoter was hypomethylated in K-1 and KTC-1 cells, but not in TPC1 cells. In surgically dissected specimens, the mean expression level of CITED1 mRNA was 30-fold higher in PTC tissues than in normal tissues. CpGs in the CITED1 promoter were more heavily methylated in normal tissues than in PTC tissues. In PTC specimens without a BRAF mutation, two CpGs were more heavily methylated than in PTC specimens with the BRAF V600E mutation. Pharmacological inhibition of methylation in TPC1 cells by 5'-aza-2'-deoxycitidine resulted in increased expression of CITED1 mRNA. Hypomethylation of the CpGs in the promoter region of CITED1 is associated with higher expression of CITED1 mRNA in PTC tissues, consistent with the hypothesis that epigenetic regulation is involved in the overexpression of CITED1. This hypothesis is supported by pharmacologic inhibition studies in TPC1 cells.

Negative Feedback Regulation of NF-κB Action by CITED2 in the Nucleus

NF-κB is a family of important transcription factors that modulate immunity, development, inflammation, and cancer. The biological activity of NF-κB is subjected to various spatial and temporal regulations. Bioinformatics analysis predicts that CITED2 is topologically close to NF-κB in the protein interaction networks. In this study, we show that ectopic expression or knockdown of CITED2 attenuates or potentiates, respectively, the expression of NF-κB-responsive genes. Mechanistically, CITED2 constitutively localizes inside the nucleus and interacts specifically with the coactivator p300. This prevents p65 from binding to p300, impairs p65 acetylation, and attenuates p65 binding to its cognate promoters. Furthermore, LPS induces CITED2 expression via NF-κB in macrophages. CITED2 sensitizes cells to TNF-α-induced apoptosis. Collectively, this study identifies CITED2 as a novel regulator of NF-κB in the nucleus, which reveals a negative feedback mechanism for NF-κB signaling.

Abstract 3394: CITED2: A potential facilitator of breast cancer metastasis

Abstract Metastasis is the ultimate cause of mortality in breast cancer patients. Critical to our ability to prevent and treat metastasis is the identification of the key factors mediating the metastatic process and the understanding of their biological function. Using a murine model of breast cancer metastasis, we recently identified the transcriptional co-activator CITED2 as a potential mediator of bone metastasis. Here, we further explore the potential role of CITED2 in facilitating metastasis using human breast cancer cells. First, we examined the expression of CITED2 mRNA in human breast cancer patient samples by qRT-PCR. Interestingly, CITED2 mRNA levels were significantly (p &amp;lt; 0.05) elevated in primary breast tumors from patients surviving less than 5 years from time of diagnosis (non-survivors, n = 8) relative to those who survived greater than 5 years (survivors, n = 11). Further, mRNA levels of CITED2 were significantly (p &amp;lt; 0.05) elevated in breast cancer metastases (n = 25) relative to both primary breast tumors from survivors and normal mammary organoids. Consistent with mRNA expression, CITED2 protein levels were elevated in primary breast tumors and metastases relative to normal mammary epithelium by immunohistochemical analysis. To investigate the function of CITED2 we generated cell lines in which CITED2 expression was stably increased (CITED2) or decreased (shCITED2) using the human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231. While increased expression of CITED2 did not affect cell proliferation in vitro by MTS assay, survival following intracardiac injection was significantly reduced (p &amp;lt; 0.01) suggesting that CITED2 may enhance the ability of cancer cells to survive and grow at secondary sites. Consistent with this hypothesis, we also observed enhanced osteolysis at sites of bone metastasis in animals harboring CITED2 cells relative to vector control. In contrast, stable reduction of CITED2 levels significantly (p &amp;lt; 0.05) inhibited cell proliferation in vitro by MTS assay, consistent with the transcriptional regulation of numerous genes controlling cell cycle events (eg. cyclin E, cdk1, p21, ATM) as observed by qRT-PCR. Moreover, reduced expression of CITED2 resulted in the reversion of MDA-MB-231 cells to a more epithelial-like phenotype as evidenced by a more cuboidal morphology under light microscopy. This observation was further supported by Western analysis demonstrating decreased protein expression of the mesenchymal marker vimentin and increased expression of the epithelial markers E-cadherin and claudin-3. Further, reduction of CITED2 expression inhibited invasive ability by Matrigel invasion assay, while increased levels of CITED2 enhanced invasion. Taken together, these data support a potential role for CITED2 in regulating the metastatic potential of breast cancer cells. Note: This abstract was not presented at the AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010 because the presenter was unable to attend. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3394.

Identification of prospective factors promoting osteotropism in breast cancer: a potential role for CITED2

Breast cancer metastases develop in the bone more frequently than any other site and are a common cause of morbidity in the form of bone pain, pathological fractures, nerve compression and life-threatening hypercalcemia. Despite ongoing research efforts, the molecular and cellular mechanisms that regulate breast cancer cell homing to and colonization of the bone as well as resultant pathological bone alteration remain poorly understood. To identify key mediators promoting breast cancer metastasis to bone, we utilized an immunocompetent, syngeneic murine model of breast cancer metastasis employing the mammary tumor cell line NT2.5. Following intracardiac injection of NT2.5 cells in neu-N mice, metastases developed in the bone, liver and lung, closely mimicking the anatomical distribution of metastases in patients with breast cancer. Using an in vivo selection process, we established NT2.5 sublines demonstrating an enhanced ability to colonize the bone and liver. Genome-wide cDNA microarray analysis comparing gene expression between parental NT2.5 cells and established sublines revealed both known and novel mediators of bone metastasis and osteolysis, including the transcriptional co-activator CITED2. In further studies, we found that expression of CITED2 was elevated in human primary breast tumors and bone metastasis compared to normal mammary epithelium and was highest in breast cancer cell lines that cause osteolytic bone metastasis in animal models. In addition, reducing CITED2 expression in NT2.5 cells inhibited the establishment of bone metastasis and osteolysis in vivo, suggesting a potential role for CITED2 in promoting breast cancer bone metastasis.