MLL Complex Research Articles

Functional mapping of epigenetic regulators uncovers coordinated tumor suppression by the HBO1 and MLL1 complexes.

Epigenetic dysregulation is widespread in cancer. However, the specific epigenetic regulators and the processes they control to drive cancer phenotypes are poorly understood. Here, we employed a novel, scalable and high-throughput in vivo method to perform iterative functional screens of over 250 epigenetic regulatory genes within autochthonous oncogenic KRAS-driven lung tumors. We identified multiple novel epigenetic tumor suppressor and tumor dependency genes. We show that a specific HBO1 complex and the MLL1 complex are among the most impactful tumor suppressive epigenetic regulators in lung. The histone modifications generated by the HBO1 complex are frequently absent or reduced in human lung adenocarcinomas. The HBO1 and MLL1 complexes regulate chromatin accessibility of shared genomic regions, lineage fidelity and the expression of canonical tumor suppressor genes. The HBO1 and MLL1 complexes are epistatic during lung tumorigenesis, and their functional correlation is conserved in human cancer cell lines. Together, these results demonstrate the value of quantitative methods to generate a phenotypic roadmap of epigenetic regulatory genes in tumorigenesis in vivo .

MDB-38. AN INTEGRATED MODEL FOR RESISTANCE TO BROMODOMAIN INHIBITORS IN CHILDHOOD MEDULLOBLASTOMA

Abstract BACKGROUND Bromodomain inhibitors (BETi) have emerged as a potential treatment option for children with medulloblastoma, where hyperactivation of gene transcription by the MYC and MYCN transcription factors may lead to a transcriptional dependency. Yet, drug resistance limits the utility of these agents when employed as a monotherapy. We therefore sought to identify mechanisms of BETi resistance that inform rational development of multimodal therapy options. METHODS We used CRISPR screening of D458 medulloblastoma cells that have acquired resistance to the JQ1 inhibitor. We subsequently used small molecule inhibition and knockdown experiments to validate Menin as a target. Finally, we used RNAseq, ribosome profiling, and mass spectrometry to characterize transcriptional and post-transcriptional changes in D458 cells compared to D458 with JQ1 resistance. RESULTS In the setting of BETi resistance, we observed dependency on key transcriptional actors, such as MLL (KMT2A) and the Mediator complex, which we are now validating in mini-pool experiments. We further characterized aberrant MLL complex function through knockdown, small molecule inhibition, and RNA-sequencing of Menin, a critical MLL cofactor. Next, we were surprised to observe ribosome and proteosome genes as CRISPR dependencies in our initial screening of BETi-resistant cells, suggesting post-transcriptional regulation. Indeed, MYC, whose transcription is potently blocked by BETi, remained robust at the protein level in BETi resistance. We therefore performed integrated transcriptional, translational, and proteomic profiling to characterize gene regulation in BETi-resistance. We found that the BETi-resistant state leads to an “uncoupling” of transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation for a subset of genes, leading us to test small molecule inhibitors of post-transcriptional processes in BETi-resistant medulloblastoma. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, our data inform an integrated model of BETi resistance based on both transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms, suggesting new therapeutic angles that may be effective in combination with BETi therapies.

Synergistic Effects of the RARalpha Agonist Tamibarotene and the Menin Inhibitor Revumenib in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells with KMT2A Rearrangement or NPM1 Mutation.

Inhibition of menin in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) harboring histone-lysine-N-methyltransferase 2A rearrangement (KMT2Ar) or the mutated Nucleophosmin gene (NPM1c) is considered a novel and effective treatment approach in these patients. However, rapid acquisition of resistance mutations can impair treatment success. In patients with elevated retinoic acid receptor alpha (RARA) expression levels, promising effects are demonstrated by the next-generation RARalpha agonist tamibarotene, which restores differentiation or induces apoptosis. In this study, the combination of revumenib and tamibarotene was investigated in various KMT2Ar or NPM1c AML cell lines and patient-derived blasts, focusing on the potential synergistic induction of differentiation or apoptosis. Both effects were analyzed by flow cytometry and validated by Western blot analysis. Synergy calculations were performed using viability assays. Regulation of the relevant key mediators for the MLL complex were quantified by RT-qPCR. In MV4:11 cells characterized by the highest relative mRNA levels of RARA, highly synergistic induction of apoptosis is demonstrated upon combination treatment. Induction of apoptosis by combined treatment of MV4:11 cells is accompanied by pronounced induction of the pro-apoptotic protein BAX and a synergistic reduction in CDK6 mRNA levels. In MOLM13 and OCI-AML3 cells, an increase in differentiation markers like PU.1 or a decreased ratio of phosphorylated to total CEBPA is demonstrated. In parts, corresponding effects were observed in patient-derived AML cells carrying either KMT2Ar or NPM1c. The impact of revumenib on KMT2Ar or NPM1c AML cells was significantly enhanced when combined with tamibarotene, demonstrating synergistic differentiation or apoptosis initiation. These findings propose promising strategies for relapsed/refractory AML patients with defined molecular characteristics.

Cortical microinfarcts potentiate recurrent ischemic injury through NLRP3-dependent trained immunity

Microinfarcts are common among the elderly and patients with microinfarcts are more vulnerable to another stroke. However, the impact of microinfarcts on recurrent stroke has yet to be fully understood. The purpose of this study was to explore the negative effects of microinfarcts on recurrent stroke. To achieve this, two-photon laser was used to induce microinfarcts, while photothrombotic stroke was induced on the opposite side. The results showed that microinfarcts led to trained immunity in microglia, which worsened the pro-inflammatory response and ischemic injury in the secondary photothrombotic stroke. Additionally, the study clarified the role of NLRP3 in microglial nuclei, indicating that it interacts with the MLL1 complex through NACHT domain and increases H3K4 methylation, which suggests that NLRP3 is critical in the formation of innate immune memory caused by microinfarcts. Furthermore, the knockout of NLRP3 in microglia alleviated the trained immunity and reduced the harmful effects of microinfarcts on recurrent stroke. This study emphasizes the detrimental effect of trained immunity on recurrent stroke and highlights the critical role of NLRP3 in mediating the formation of this memory, which may offer a potential therapeutic target for mitigating recurrent strokes.

Transcriptional and epigenetic dysregulation impairs generation of proliferative neural stem and progenitor cells during brain aging.

The decline in stem cell function during aging may affect the regenerative capacity of mammalian organisms; however, the gene regulatory mechanism underlying this decline remains unclear. Here we show that the aging of neural stem and progenitor cells (NSPCs) in the male mouse brain is characterized by a decrease in the generation efficacy of proliferative NSPCs rather than the changes in lineage specificity of NSPCs. We reveal that the downregulation of age-dependent genes in NSPCs drives cell aging by decreasing the population of actively proliferating NSPCs while increasing the expression of quiescence markers. We found that epigenetic deregulation of the MLL complex at promoters leads to transcriptional inactivation of age-dependent genes, highlighting the importance of the dynamic interaction between histone modifiers and gene regulatory elements in regulating transcriptional program of aging cells. Our study sheds light on the key intrinsic mechanisms driving stem cell aging through epigenetic regulators and identifies potential rejuvenation targets that could restore the function of aging stem cells.

Pioneer factor Pax7 initiates two-step cell-cycle-dependent chromatin opening.

Pioneer transcription factors direct cell differentiation by deploying new enhancer repertoires through their unique ability to target and initiate remodelling of closed chromatin. The initial steps of their action remain undefined, although pioneers have been shown to interact with nucleosomal target DNA and with some chromatin-remodeling complexes. We now define the sequence of events that enables the pioneer Pax7 with its unique abilities. Chromatin condensation exerted by linker histone H1 is the first constraint on Pax7 recruitment, and this establishes the initial speed of chromatin remodeling. The first step of pioneer action involves recruitment of the KDM1A (LSD1) H3K9me2 demethylase for removal of this repressive mark, as well as recruitment of the MLL complex for deposition of the activating H3K4me1 mark. Further progression of pioneer action requires passage through cell division, and this involves dissociation of pioneer targets from perinuclear lamin B. Only then are the SWI-SNF remodeling complex and the coactivator p300 recruited, leading to nucleosome displacement and enhancer activation. Thus, the unique features of pioneer actions are those occurring in the lamin-associated compartment of the nucleus. This model is consistent with previous work that showed a dependence on cell division for establishment of new cell fates.

OR11-01 A New Model for Estrogen Receptor-alpha Antagonist Mechanism of Action

Abstract Disclosure: J.C. Nwachukwu: None. J.W. Njeri: None. T. Venables: None. C. Seath: None. M.E. Pipkin: None. Y. Hou: None. B.S. Katzenellenbogen: None. J.A. Katzenellenbogen: None. K.W. Nettles: None. We recently developed Dual Mechanism Estrogen Receptor-α (ERα) Inhibitors (DMERI) with more antagonist efficacy than selective ERα modulators (SERMs) such as tamoxifen, and selective ERα degraders (SERDs) such as fulvestrant in certain breast cancer models. Current models of anti-estrogen action are largely based on genomics studies in growth arrested cells, where the effects primarily reversed estradiol-mediated gene expression. In that context, most ER antagonists, especially the SERDs, show very little gene activation. We were interested in understanding antagonist mechanism of action in asynchronous cells that were growing in intact medium that had not been charcoal-stripped to remove estradiol and growth factors. RNA-seq of asynchronous MCF-7 cells treated with 4-hydroxytamoxifen, fulvestrant, a SERM-like DMERI, and a SERD-like DMERI showed that all four classes of ligands equally up-regulated and down-regulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs), which included a core set of regulatory networks, as well as ligand-selective gene networks. The number of DEGs predicted efficacy, with tamoxifen regulating few genes, and the SERD-like DMERI regulating the most genes. The SERD-like DMERI also inhibited expression of many more genes that encode cell cycle regulators and key cancer drivers, such as ERα, AKT1, HRAS, and several growth factor receptors. Landscape in silico analysis based on chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-seq data suggests that recruitment of the ERα MegaTrans complex in collaboration with the oxysterol receptor, LXRα, predicts up-regulation, while cooperation with the retinoblastoma-associated proteins, RB1 and RBL1, predicts down-regulation of target genes. APEX2-mediated proximity labeling in asynchronous cells revealed that fulvestrant and the SERD-like DMERI labeled both coactivators and corepressors. Both compounds also increase labeling of STAG1 and other cohesin subunits that coordinate chromatin looping, while also associating with the nuclear matrix protein Lamin B1 and heterochromatin-associated proteins. These data suggest that antagonists have dual roles in genome organization. An shRNAmiR screen targeting over 300 chromatin regulatory factors revealed networks of shared and exclusive coregulators used by antiestrogens, including the heterochromatin protein, CBX1, which was exclusively required for growth inhibition by fulvestrant, and subunits of histone acetylase and methylase complexes such as KMT2A (the catalytic subunit of the MLL1 complex), which were broadly required. Thus, antiestrogen-driven growth suppression involves both common and ligand-selective transcriptional regulatory networks through utilization of both coactivators and corepressors. Supported by NIH R01CA220284 and BCRF-083 and BCRF-084 grants. Presentation Date: Friday, June 16, 2023

NFIB–MLL1 complex is required for the stemness and Dlx5-dependent osteogenic differentiation of C3H10T1/2 mesenchymal stem cells

Despite significant progress in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) differentiation, less is known about the factors maintaining the stemness and plasticity of MSCs. Here we show that the NFIB/MLL1 complex plays key roles in osteogenic differentiation and stemness of C3H10T1/2 MSCs. We find that depletion of either NFIB or MLL1 results in a severely hampered osteogenic potential and failed activation of key osteogenic transcription factors, such as Dlx5, Runx2, and Osx, following osteogenic stimuli. In addition, the NFIB/MLL1 complex binds directly to the promoter of Dlx5, and exogenous expression of Myc-Dlx5, but not the activation of either the BMP- or the Wnt-signaling pathway, is sufficient to restore the osteogenic potential of cells depleted of NFIB or MLL1. Moreover, ChIP and ChIP-seq analysis showed that the NFIB/MLL1 complex mediates the deposition of trimethylated histone H3K4 (H3K4me3) at both Dlx5 and Cebpa, key regulator genes that function at the early stages of osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation, respectively, in uncommitted C3H10T1/2 MSCs. Surprisingly, the depletion of either NFIB or MLL1 leads to decreased H3K4me3 and results in elevated H3K9me3 at those developmental genes. Furthermore, gene expression profiling and ChIP-seq analysis revealed lineage-specific changes in chromatin landscape and gene expression in response to osteogenic stimuli. Taken together, these data provide evidence for the hitherto unknown role of the NFIB/MLL1 complex in the maintenance and lineage-specific differentiation of C3H10T1/2 mesenchymal stem cells and support the epigenetic regulatory mechanism underlying the stemness and plasticity of mesenchymal stem cells.

Recent Progress in Modulation of WD40-Repeat Domain 5 Protein (WDR5): Inhibitors and Degraders.

WD40-repeat (WDR) domain proteins play a crucial role in mediating protein-protein interactions that sustain oncogenesis in human cancers. One prominent example is the interaction between the transcription factor MYC and its chromatin co-factor, WD40-repeat domain protein 5 (WDR5), which is essential for oncogenic processes. The MYC family of proteins is frequently overexpressed in various cancers and has been validated as a promising target for anticancer therapies. The recruitment of MYC to chromatin is facilitated by WDR5, highlighting the significance of their interaction. Consequently, inhibiting the MYC-WDR5 interaction has been shown to induce the regression of malignant tumors, offering an alternative approach to targeting MYC in the development of anticancer drugs. WDR5 has two protein interaction sites, the "WDR5-binding motif" (WBM) site for MYC interaction and the histone methyltransferases SET1 recognition motif "WDR5-interacting" (WIN) site forming MLL complex. Significant efforts have been dedicated to the discovery of inhibitors that target the WDR5 protein. More recently, the successful application of targeted protein degradation technology has enabled the removal of WDR5. This breakthrough has opened up new avenues for inhibiting the interaction between WDR5 and the binding partners. In this review, we address the recent progress made in targeting WDR5 to inhibit MDR5-MYC and MDR5-MLL1 interactions, including its targeted protein degradation and their potential impact on anticancer drug discovery.

Rewired m6A epitranscriptomic networks link mutant p53 to neoplastic transformation

N6-methyladenosine (m6A), one of the most prevalent mRNA modifications in eukaryotes, plays a critical role in modulating both biological and pathological processes. However, it is unknown whether mutant p53 neomorphic oncogenic functions exploit dysregulation of m6A epitranscriptomic networks. Here, we investigate Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS)-associated neoplastic transformation driven by mutant p53 in iPSC-derived astrocytes, the cell-of-origin of gliomas. We find that mutant p53 but not wild-type (WT) p53 physically interacts with SVIL to recruit the H3K4me3 methyltransferase MLL1 to activate the expression of m6A reader YTHDF2, culminating in an oncogenic phenotype. Aberrant YTHDF2 upregulation markedly hampers expression of multiple m6A-marked tumor-suppressing transcripts, including CDKN2B and SPOCK2, and induces oncogenic reprogramming. Mutant p53 neoplastic behaviors are significantly impaired by genetic depletion of YTHDF2 or by pharmacological inhibition using MLL1 complex inhibitors. Our study reveals how mutant p53 hijacks epigenetic and epitranscriptomic machinery to initiate gliomagenesis and suggests potential treatment strategies for LFS gliomas.

A novel Menin-MLL1 inhibitor, DS-1594a, prevents the progression of acute leukemia with rearranged MLL1 or mutated NPM1

BackgroundMixed lineage leukemia 1-rearranged (MLL1-r) acute leukemia patients respond poorly to currently available treatments and there is a need to develop more effective therapies directly disrupting the Menin‒MLL1 complex. Small-molecule–mediated inhibition of the protein‒protein interaction between Menin and MLL1 fusion proteins is a potential therapeutic strategy for patients with MLL1-r or mutated-nucleophosmin 1 (NPM1c) acute leukemia. In this study, we preclinically evaluated the new compound DS-1594a and its salts.MethodsWe evaluated the preclinical efficacy of DS-1594a as well as DS-1594a·HCl (the HCl salt of DS-1594a) and DS-1594a·succinate (the succinic acid salt of DS-1594a, DS-1594b) in vitro and in vivo using acute myeloid leukemia (AML)/acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) models.ResultsOur results showed that MLL1-r or NPM1c human leukemic cell lines were selectively and highly sensitive to DS-1594a·HCl, with 50% growth inhibition values < 30 nM. Compared with cytrabine, the standard chemotherapy drug as AML therapy, both DS-1594a·HCl and DS-1594a·succinate mediated the eradication of potential leukemia-initiating cells by enhancing differentiation and reducing serial colony-forming potential in MLL1-r AML cells in vitro. The results were confirmed by flow cytometry, RNA sequencing, RT‒qPCR and chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing analyses. DS-1594a·HCl and DS-1594a·succinate exhibited significant antitumor efficacy and survival benefit in MOLM-13 cell and patient-derived xenograft models of MLL1-r or NPM1c acute leukemia in vivo.ConclusionWe have generated a novel, potent, orally available small-molecule inhibitor of the Menin-MLL1 interaction, DS-1594a. Our results suggest that DS-1594a has medicinal properties distinct from those of cytarabine and that DS-1594a has the potential to be a new anticancer therapy and support oral dosing regimen for clinical studies (NCT04752163).

Structural insights on the KMT2-NCP interaction.

The MLL/KMT2 family enzymes are frequently mutated in human cancers and congenital diseases. They deposit the majority of histone 3 lysine 4 (H3K4) mono-, di-, or tri-methylation in mammals and are tightly associated with gene activation. Structural and biochemical studies in recent years provide in-depth understanding of how the MLL1 and homologous yeast SET1 complexes interact with the nucleosome core particle (NCP) and how their activities for H3K4 methylation are regulated by the conserved core components. Here, we will discuss the recent single molecule cryo-EM studies on the MLL1 and ySET1 complexes bound on the NCP. These studies highlight the dynamic regulation of the MLL/SET1 family lysine methyltransferases with unique features as compared with other histone lysine methyltransferases. These studies provide insights for loci-specific regulation of H3K4 methylation states in cells. The mechanistic studies on the MLL1 complex have already led to the development of the MLL1 inhibitors that show efficacy in acute leukemia and metastatic breast cancers. Future studies on the MLL/SET1 family enzymes will continue to bring to light potential therapeutic opportunities.

Chromosomal instability-associated MAT1 lncRNA insulates MLL1-guided histone methylation and accelerates tumorigenesis

Acquired chromosomal instability, especially copy number variations (CNVs), has been considered an important determinant of cancer progression and clinical survival. However, the functional role of aberrant CNV-induced lncRNAs in tumorigenesis remains unexplored. Here, we identify a CNV-induced MSC-antisense-transcript 1 (MAT1) lncRNA that plays an oncogenic role in promoting tumorigenesis of uveal melanoma in orthotopic and metastatic xenografts. In addition, our data suggest that MAT1 interrupts the interaction between the MLL1 complex and the PCDH20 promoter by forming an RNA-DNA triplex structure, subsequently abolishing H3K4 trimethylation and inactivating transcription of tumor suppressor PCDH20 to accelerate tumorigenesis. Our data show an intriguing insulation pattern of H3K4 histone modification in tumorigenesis mediated by a lncRNA, thereby providing an alternative mechanism for noncoding blockers in gene regulation.

Abstract IA020: Therapeutic targeting of MLL complexes in cancer

Abstract Inappropriate expression of genes such as the homeotic (HOX) genes is found in up to 40% of cases of Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML). Two well-defined genetic subsets, those with MLL-rearrangements and those with NPM1 mutations, are known to possess high-level expression of HOX and MEIS1 genes and have been shown to be dependent on continued expression of these genes. Recent studies have defined the chromatin-bound protein complexes that maintain this aberrant gene expression. Furthermore, multiple groups including ours have now developed small molecule inhibitors of chromatin-associated complexes. Some of these small molecules, including those targeting DOT1L, EZH2, and Bromodomains are at various stages of clinical development. Another approach to target chromatin associated complexes is via disruption of protein-protein interactions. One such protein-protein interaction that is being targeted is the interaction between the histone methyltransferase MLL1 and Menin, an approach that has also been shown to reverse leukemogenic HOX/MEIS1 gene expression. We have developed novel, potent and orally bioavailable MLL1-Menin inhibitors and have brought one of these small molecules to clinical assessment. Inhibition of the MLL1-Menin interaction in MLL-rearranged and NPM1 mutant AML cells leads to loss of Menin from chromatin, destabilization of the Menin protein and specific changes in chromatin state that include loss of the MLL1 complex at select loci. This results in selective reversal of leukemogenic gene expression, changes in occupancy of multiple other chromatin complexes, rapid cellular differentiation and cell death. Also, we have recently found this interaction to be critical in subtypes of Sarcoma opening up novel potential therapeutic opportunities. These molecules have remarkable preclinical activity in human disease models including patient derived xenograft (PDX) models, show minimal toxicity and are now in phase I/II clinical trials. Inhibition of protein-protein interactions represents a potentially effective approach to destabilize chromatin associated complexes for cancer therapy. Citation Format: Scott A. Armstrong. Therapeutic targeting of MLL complexes in cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Cancer Epigenomics; 2022 Oct 6-8; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(23 Suppl_2):Abstract nr IA020.

FOXQ1 recruits the MLL complex to activate transcription of EMT and promote breast cancer metastasis

Aberrant expression of the Forkhead box transcription factor, FOXQ1, is a prevalent mechanism of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis in multiple carcinoma types. However, it remains unknown how FOXQ1 regulates gene expression. Here, we report that FOXQ1 initiates EMT by recruiting the MLL/KMT2 histone methyltransferase complex as a transcriptional coactivator. We first establish that FOXQ1 promoter recognition precedes MLL complex assembly and histone-3 lysine-4 trimethylation within the promoter regions of critical genes in the EMT program. Mechanistically, we identify that the Forkhead box in FOXQ1 functions as a transactivation domain directly binding the MLL core complex subunit RbBP5 without interrupting FOXQ1 DNA binding activity. Moreover, genetic disruption of the FOXQ1-RbBP5 interaction or pharmacologic targeting of KMT2/MLL recruitment inhibits FOXQ1-dependent gene expression, EMT, and in vivo tumor progression. Our study suggests that targeting the FOXQ1-MLL epigenetic axis could be a promising strategy to combat triple-negative breast cancer metastatic progression.

An expanded lexicon for the ubiquitin code.

Our understanding of the ubiquitin code has greatly evolved from conventional E1, E2 and E3 enzymes that modify Lys residues on specific substrates with a single type of ubiquitin chain to more complex processes that regulate and mediate ubiquitylation. In this Review, we discuss recently discovered endogenous mechanisms and unprecedented pathways by which pathogens rewrite the ubiquitin code to promote infection. These processes include unconventional ubiquitin modifications involving ester linkages with proteins, lipids and sugars, or ubiquitylation through a phosphoribosyl bridge involving Arg42 of ubiquitin. We also introduce the enzymatic pathways that write and reverse these modifications, such as the papain-like proteases of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and SARS-CoV-2. Furthermore, structural studies have revealed that the ultimate functions of ubiquitin are mediated not simply by straightforward recognition by ubiquitin-binding domains. Instead, elaborate multivalent interactions between ubiquitylated targets or ubiquitin chains and their readers (for example, the proteasome, the MLL1 complex or DOT1L) can elicit conformational changes that regulate protein degradation or transcription. The newly discovered mechanisms provide opportunities for innovative therapeutic interventions for diseases such as cancer and infectious diseases.

A Molecular Switch between Mammalian MLL Complexes Dictates Response to Menin-MLL Inhibition.

Menin-MLL inhibitors silence a canonical HOX- and MEIS1-dependent oncogenic gene expression program in leukemia. We discovered a parallel, noncanonical transcriptional program involving tumor suppressor genes that are repressed in Menin-MLL inhibitor-resistant leukemia cells but that can be reactivated upon combinatorial treatment with CDK4/6 inhibitors to augment therapy responses. This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1.

TRIB3 Modulates PPARγ-Mediated Growth Inhibition by Interfering with the MLL Complex in Breast Cancer Cells.

Aberrant expression or activity of proteins are amongst the best understood mechanisms that can drive cancer initiation and progression, as well as therapy resistance. TRIB3, a member of the Tribbles family of pseudokinases, is often dysregulated in cancer and has been associated with breast cancer initiation and metastasis formation. However, the underlying mechanisms by which TRIB3 contributes to these events are unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that TRIB3 regulates the expression of PPARγ, a transcription factor that has gained attention as a potential drug target in breast cancer for its antiproliferative actions. Proteomics and phosphoproteomics analyses together with classical biochemical assays indicate that TRIB3 interferes with the MLL complex and reduces MLL-mediated H3K4 trimethylation of the PPARG locus, thereby reducing PPARγ mRNA expression. Consequently, the overexpression of TRIB3 blunts the antiproliferative effect of PPARγ ligands in breast cancer cells, while reduced TRIB3 expression gives the opposite effect. In conclusion, our data implicate TRIB3 in epigenetic gene regulation and suggest that expression levels of this pseudokinase may serve as a predictor of successful experimental treatments with PPARγ ligands in breast cancer.

DPY30 acts as an ASH2L-specific stabilizer to stimulate the enzyme activity of MLL family methyltransferases on different substrates

SummaryDumpy-30 (DPY30) is a conserved component of the mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) family complex and is essential for robust methyltransferase activity of MLL complexes. However, the biochemical role of DPY30 in stimulating methyltransferase activity of MLL complexes remains elusive. Here, we demonstrate that DPY30 plays a crucial role in regulating MLL1 activity through two complementary mechanisms: A nucleosome-independent mechanism and a nucleosome-specific mechanism. DPY30 functions as an ASH2L-specific stabilizer to increase the stability of ASH2L and enhance ASH2L-mediated interactions. As a result, DPY30 promotes the compaction and stabilization of the MLL1 complex, consequently increasing the HKMT activity of the MLL1 complex on diverse substrates. DPY30-stabilized ASH2L further acquires additional interfaces with H3 and nucleosomal DNA, thereby boosting the methyltransferase activity of the MLL1 complex on nucleosomes. These results collectively highlight the crucial and conserved roles of DPY30 in the complex assembly and activity regulation of MLL family complexes.

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