Radiation-induced Acute Myeloid Leukemia Research Articles

Spi1 R235C point mutation confers hypersensitivity to radiation-induced acute myeloid leukemia in mice

Ionizing radiation (IR) is a risk factor for acute myeloid leukemia (rAML). Murine rAMLs feature both hemizygous chromosome 2 deletions (Del2) and point mutations (R235) within the hematopoietic regulatory gene Spi1. We generated a heterozygous CBA Spi1 R235 mouse (CBASpm/+) which develops de novo AML with 100% incidence by ∼12months old and shows a dose-dependent reduction in latencyfollowing X-irradiation. These effects are reduced on an AML-resistant C57Bl6 genetic background. CBASpm/Gfp reporter mice show increased Gfp expression, indicating compensation for Spm-induced Spi1 haploinsufficiency. Del2 is always detected in both de novo and rAMLs, indicating that biallelic Spi1 mutation is required for AML. CBASpm/+ mice show that a single Spm modification is sufficient for initiating AML development with complete penetrance, via the "two-hit" mechanism and this is accelerated by IR exposure. Similar SPI1/PU.1 polymorphisms in humans could potentially lead to enhanced susceptibility to IR following medical or environmental exposure.

Hyper-radiosensitivity affects low-dose acute myeloid leukemia incidence in a mathematical model

In vitro experiments show that the cells possibly responsible for radiation-induced acute myeloid leukemia (rAML) exhibit low-dose hyper-radiosensitivity (HRS). In these cells, HRS is responsible for excess cell killing at low doses. Besides the endpoint of cell killing, HRS has also been shown to stimulate the low-dose formation of chromosomal aberrations such as deletions. Although HRS has been investigated extensively, little is known about the possible effect of HRS on low-dose cancer risk. In CBA mice, rAML can largely be explained in terms of a radiation-induced Sfpi1 deletion and a point mutation in the remaining Sfpi1 gene copy. The aim of this paper is to present and quantify possible mechanisms through which HRS may influence low-dose rAML incidence in CBA mice. To accomplish this, a mechanistic rAML CBA mouse model was developed to study HRS-dependent AML onset after low-dose photon irradiation. The rAML incidence was computed under the assumptions that target cells: (1) do not exhibit HRS; (2) HRS only stimulates cell killing; or (3) HRS stimulates cell killing and the formation of the Sfpi1 deletion. In absence of HRS (control), the rAML dose-response curve can be approximated with a linear-quadratic function of the absorbed dose. Compared to the control, the assumption that HRS stimulates cell killing lowered the rAML incidence, whereas increased incidence was observed at low doses if HRS additionally stimulates the induction of the Sfpi1 deletion. In conclusion, cellular HRS affects the number of surviving pre-leukemic cells with an Sfpi1 deletion which, depending on the HRS assumption, directly translates to a lower/higher probability of developing rAML. Low-dose HRS may affect cancer risk in general by altering the probability that certain mutations occur/persist.

Oxidative Stress and X-ray Exposure Levels-Dependent Survival and Metabolic Changes in Murine HSPCs.

Haematopoietic bone marrow cells are amongst the most sensitive to ionizing radiation (IR), initially resulting in cell death or genotoxicity that may later lead to leukaemia development, most frequently Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML). The target cells for radiation-induced Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (rAML) are believed to lie in the haematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) compartment. Using the inbred strain CBA/Ca as a murine model of rAML, progress has been made in understanding the underlying mechanisms, characterisation of target cell population and responses to IR. Complex regulatory systems maintain haematopoietic homeostasis which may act to modulate the risk of rAML. However, little is currently known about the role of metabolic factors and diet in these regulatory systems and modification of the risk of AML development. This study characterises cellular proliferative and clonogenic potential as well as metabolic changes within murine HSPCs under oxidative stress and X-ray exposure. Ambient oxygen (normoxia; 20.8% O2) levels were found to increase irradiated HSPC-stress, stimulating proliferative activity compared to low oxygen (3% O2) levels. IR exposure has a negative influence on the proliferative capability of HSPCs in a dose-dependent manner (0–2 Gy) and this is more pronounced under a normoxic state. One Gy x-irradiated HSPCs cultured under normoxic conditions displayed a significant increase in oxygen consumption compared to those cultured under low O2 conditions and to unirradiated HSPCs. Furthermore, mitochondrial analyses revealed a significant increase in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) content, mitochondrial mass and membrane potential in a dose-dependent manner under normoxic conditions. Our results demonstrate that both IR and normoxia act as stressors for HSPCs, leading to significant metabolic deregulation and mitochondrial dysfunctionality which may affect long term risks such as leukaemia.

The effects of secondary iron overload and iron chelation on a radiation-induced acute myeloid leukemia mouse model

BackgroundPatients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) require chronic red blood cell (RBC) transfusion due to anemia. Multiple RBC transfusions cause secondary iron overload and subsequent excessive generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which leads to mutations, cell death, organ failure, and inferior disease outcomes. We hypothesize that iron loading promotes AML development by increasing oxidative stress and disrupting important signaling pathways in the bone marrow cells (BMCs). Conversely, iron chelation therapy (ICT) may reduce AML risk by lowering iron burden in the iron-loaded animals.MethodsWe utilized a radiation-induced acute myeloid leukemia (RI-AML) animal model. Iron overload was introduced via intraperitoneal injection of iron dextran, and iron chelation via oral gavage of deferasirox. A total of 86 irradiated B6D2F1 mice with various levels of iron burden were monitored for leukemia development over a period of 70 weeks. The Kaplan-Meier estimator was utilized to assess AML free survival. In addition, a second cohort of 30 mice was assigned for early analysis at 5 and 7 months post-irradiation. The BMCs of the early cohort were assessed for alterations of signaling pathways, DNA damage response and gene expression. Statistical significance was established using Student’s t-test or ANOVA.ResultsIron loading in irradiated B6D2F1 mice accelerated RI-AML development. However, there was a progressive decrease in AML risk for irradiated mice with increase in iron burden from 7.5 to 15 to 30 mg. In addition, ICT decreased AML incidence in the 7.5 mg iron-loaded irradiated mice, while AML onset was earlier for the 30 mg iron-loaded irradiated mice that received ICT. Furthermore, analysis of BMCs from irradiated mice at earlier intervals revealed accelerated dysregulation of signaling pathways upon iron loading, while ICT partially mitigated the effects.ConclusionsWe concluded that iron is a promoter of leukemogenesis in vivo up to a peak iron dose, but further iron loading decreases AML risk by increasing cell death. ICT can partially mitigate the adverse effects of iron overload, and to maximize its benefit this intervention should be undertaken prior to the development of extreme iron overload.

Modeling low-dose radiation-induced acute myeloid leukemia in male CBA/H mice

The effect of low-dose ionizing radiation exposure on leukemia incidence remains poorly understood. Possible dose-response curves for various forms of leukemia are largely based on cohorts of atomic bomb survivors. Animal studies can contribute to an improved understanding of radiation-induced acute myeloid leukemia (rAML) in humans. In male CBA/H mice, incidence of rAML can be described by a two-hit model involving a radiation-induced deletion with Sfpi1 gene copy loss and a point mutation in the remaining Sfpi1 allele. In the present study (historical) mouse data were used and these processes were translated into a mathematical model to study photon-induced low-dose AML incidence in male CBA/H mice following acute exposure. Numerical model solutions for low-dose rAML incidence and diagnosis times could respectively be approximated with a model linear-quadratic in radiation dose and a normal cumulative distribution function. Interestingly, the low-dose incidence was found to be proportional to the modeled number of cells carrying the Sfpi1 deletion present per mouse following exposure. After making only model-derived high-dose rAML estimates available to extrapolate from, the linear-quadratic model could be used to approximate low-dose rAML incidence calculated with our mouse model. The accuracy in estimating low-dose rAML incidence when extrapolating from a linear model using a low-dose effectiveness factor was found to depend on whether a data transformation was used in the curve fitting procedure.

P53 Downregulation-Based Strategy to Protect Genomic Integrity from Radiation Therapy

Background: Activation of p53 is one of major pathways by which DNA damaging agents (DDA) such as radiation and chemotherapy cause toxicity in normal tissues and it induces a cascade of events that eventually leads to cell senescence or cell death. We have reported that a brief pretreatment with low dose arsenic (LDA), by temporarily and reversibly downregulating p53 at the time of treatment with DDA, reduces the normal tissue toxicity without compromising tumor response to treatment. This protective effect is selective to normal tissues, as it requires functional p53. Though not every cancer cell has detectable p53 mutations, essentially every cancer cell has dysfunctional p53. Therefore most cancer cells will not be protected by this strategy. Genomic instability and inability to repair DNA damage from DDA in the hematopoietic stem cells have been attributed to the development of therapy-induced myelodysplastic syndrome (tMDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We have also been studying the effect of LDA on the genome in the setting of cancer therapy. We have reported that LDA pretreatment significantly reduces radiation-induced DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) and apoptosis in normal cells both in-vitro and in-vivo. Persistent DNA damage such as DSBs can trigger genomic instability and can be prevented by proper DNA repair. Our previous work using comet assay to quantify DNA damage after radiation has indicated that DNA repair capacity is enhanced by LDA pretreatment. A role for LDA in maintaining genomic integrity has been implicated in our in-vitro studies, where we found that LDA protected telomeres from enhanced erosion by DDA in Concanavalin A-activated normal human lymphocytes, and that LDA reduced spontaneous and radiation-induced mutations in mouse embryonic stem cells. Yet, whether this p53 downregulation-based strategy helps genome maintenance during cancer treatment using DDA has not been investigated in-vivo. CBA/Ca mice have 15-25% incidence of AML after 3 Gy of total body ionizing radiation (IR). About 95% of mice that develop radiation-induced AML (rAML) have a deletion on chromosome 2 encompassing the PU.1 gene. Since PU.1 deletion is a critical contributor to and a useful surrogate marker for leukemogenesis in the murine rAML model, we tested a hypothesis whether pretreatment with LDA before IR helps maintain genomic integrity by evaluating bone marrow cells for PU.1 gene deletion. Method: One hundred twenty mice were randomized into four groups: PBS+sham IR (control), LDA+sham IR, PBS+IR and LDA+IR. Prior to sham or 3 Gy of IR, CBA/Ca mice were injected with either PBS or LDA intraperitoneally at the dose of 0.4mg/kg for 3 days. At 7, 30 and 180 days after radiation, bone marrow cells were collected from femurs and fixed with Carnoy's Fixative. To assess the effect of LDA on PU.1 gene deletion, fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) assay was performed. An ATTO550 labeled PU.1 probe was designed and used to detect deletions that occur in 2qE1 and involve the PU.1 gene locus, as well as two 6-FAM labeled probes for centromere and telomere respectively. Four to five hundred cells were analyzed for each mouse. Statistical significance was determined from a two-way analysis of variance in log units using SAS Version 9.4. Result: We successfully established the FISH assay that can specifically detect the PU.1 gene not only in metaphase cells but also in interphase cells. As shown in the figure, mice in the LDA+IR group have significantly fewer bone marrow cells exhibiting PU.1 gene deletion compared with PBS+IR group at all three time points examined (Day 7: 2±1.2% vs 3.7±2.6%, P=0.047; Day 30: 1.9±1.1% vs 3.2±1.9%, P=0.040; Day 180: 2.8±1.0% vs 5.6±3.5%, P=0.014). LDA treatment alone has a negligible effect on PU.1 loss as compared to the control group. Conclusion: Our result suggests that LDA pretreatment protects genomic integrity following IR treatment in-vivo. As the development of rAML is a multi-step process, the impact of LDA pretreatment on the actual incidence of secondary malignancy needs further validation in animal models. The genome-protective effect of LDA that we have revealed supports its potential use as a strategy to reduce the development of radiation-induced secondary malignances such as MDS and AML. Disclosures Ha: Protectum Oncology: Current Employment, Current equity holder in private company.

Kras mutations and PU.1 promoter methylation are new pathways in murine radiation-induced AML.

Therapy-related and more specifically radiotherapy-associated acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a well-recognized potential complication of cytotoxic therapy for the treatment of a primary cancer. The CBA mouse model is used to study radiation leukaemogenesis mechanisms with Sfpi1/PU.1 deletion and point mutation already identified as driving events during AML development. To identify new pathways, we analysed 123 mouse radiation-induced AML (rAML) samples for the presence of mutations identified previously in human AML and found three genes to be mutated; Sfpi1 R235 (68%), Flt3-ITD (4%) and Kras G12 (3%), of which G12R was previously unreported. Importantly, a significant decrease in Sfpi1 gene expression is found almost exclusively in rAML samples without an Sfpi1 R235 mutation and is specifically associated with up-regulation of mir-1983 and mir-582-5p. Moreover, this down-regulation of Sfpi1 mRNA is negatively correlated with DNA methylation levels at specific CpG sites upstream of the Sfpi1 transcriptional start site. The down regulation of Sfpi1/PU.1 has also been reported in human AML cases revealing one common pathway of myeloid disruption between mouse and human AML where dysregulation of Sfpi1/PU.1 is a necessary step in AML development.

Dose-Rate-Dependent PU.1 Inactivation to Develop Acute Myeloid Leukemia in Mice Through Persistent Stem Cell Proliferation After Acute or Chronic Gamma Irradiation.

Radiation-induced acute myeloid leukemia (rAML) in C3H mice is commonly developed through inactivation of PU.1 transcription factor encoded in Sfpi1 on chromosome 2. PU.1 inactivation involves two steps: hemizygous deletion of the Sfpi1 gene (DSG) and point mutation of the allele Sfpi1 gene (PMASG). In this study, we investigated the dose-rate dependence of the frequency of both DSG and PMASG in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) of C3H mice that received a total of 3 Gy gamma-ray exposure at dose rates of 20 mGy/day, 200 mGy/day or 1,000 mGy/min. All mice were followed for 250 days from start of irradiation. Fluorescent in situ hybridization of the Sfpi1 gene site indicated that frequency of HSCs with DSG was proportional to dose rate. In cell surface profiles, PU.1-inactivated HSCs by both DSG and PMASG were still positive for PU.1, but negative for GM-CSF receptor-α (GMCSFRα), which is transcriptionally regulated by PU.1. Immunofluorescent staining analysis of both PU.1 and GM-CSFRα also showed dose-rate-dependent levels of PU.1-inactivated HSCs. This study provides evidence that both DSG and PMASG are dose-rate dependent; these experimental data offer new insights into the dose-rate effects in HSCs that can lead to radiation-induced leukemogenesis.

The Influence of the CTIP Polymorphism, Q418P, on Homologous Recombination and Predisposition to Radiation-Induced Tumorigenesis (mainly rAML) in Mice.

Exposure to ionizing radiation increases the incidence of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), which has been diagnosed in Japanese atomic bombing survivors, as well as patients treated with radiotherapy. The genetic basis for susceptibility to radiation-induced AML is not well characterized. We previously identified a candidate murine gene for susceptibility to radiation-induced AML (rAML): C-terminal binding protein (CTBP)-interacting protein (CTIP)/retinoblastoma binding protein 8 (RBBP8). This gene is essential for embryonic development, double-strand break (DSB) resection in homologous recombination (HR) and tumor suppression. In the 129S2/SvHsd mouse strain, a nonsynonymous single nucleotide polymorphism (nsSNP) in Ctip, Q418P, has been identified. We investigated the role of Q418P in radiation-induced carcinogenesis and its effect on CTIP function in HR. After whole-body exposure to 3 Gy of X rays, 11 out of 113 (9.7%) 129S2/SvHsd mice developed rAML. Furthermore, 129S2/SvHsd mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) showed lower levels of recruitment of HR factors, Rad51 and replication protein A (RPA) to radiation-induced foci, compared to CBA/H and C57BL/6 MEFs, isolated from rAML-sensitive and resistant strains, respectively. Mitomycin C and alpha particles induced lower levels of sister chromatid exchanges in 129S2/SvHsd cells compared to CBA/H and C57BL/6. Our data demonstrate that Q418P nsSNP influences the efficiency of CTIP function in HR repair of DNA DSBs in vitro and in vivo, and appears to affect susceptibility to rAML.

Transcriptomic and proteomic analysis of mouse radiation-induced acute myeloid leukaemia (AML).

A combined transcriptome and proteome analysis of mouse radiation-induced AMLs using two primary AMLs, cell lines from these primaries, another cell line and its in vivo passage is reported. Compared to haematopoietic progenitor and stem cells (HPSC), over 5000 transcriptome alterations were identified, 2600 present in all materials. 55 and 3 alterations were detected in the proteomes of the cell lines and primary/in vivo passage material respectively, with one common to all materials. In cell lines, approximately 50% of the transcriptome changes are related to adaptation to cell culture, and in the proteome this proportion was higher. An AML ‘signature’ of 17 genes/proteins commonly deregulated in primary AMLs and cell lines compared to HPSCs was identified and validated using human AML transcriptome data. This also distinguishes primary AMLs from cell lines and includes proteins such as Coronin 1, pontin/RUVBL1 and Myeloperoxidase commonly implicated in human AML. C-Myc was identified as having a key role in radiation leukaemogenesis. These data identify novel candidates relevant to mouse radiation AML pathogenesis, and confirm that pathways of leukaemogenesis in the mouse and human share substantial commonality.

Influence of radiation quality on mouse chromosome 2 deletions in radiation-induced acute myeloid leukaemia

Leukaemia is the prevailing neoplastic disorder of the hematopoietic system. Epidemiological analyses of the survivors of the Japanese atomic bombings show that exposure to ionising radiation (IR) can cause leukaemia. Although a clear association between radiation exposure and leukaemia development is acknowledged, the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. A hemizygous deletion on mouse chromosome 2 (del2) is a common feature in several mouse strains susceptible to radiation-induced acute myeloid leukaemia (rAML). The deletion is an early event detectable 24h after exposure in bone marrow cells. Ultimately, 15–25% of exposed animals develop AML with 80–90% of cases carrying del2. Molecular mapping of leukaemic cell genomes identified a minimal deleted region (MDR) on chromosome 2 (chr2) in which a tumour suppressor gene, Sfpi1 is located, encoding the transcription factor PU.1, essential in haematopoiesis. The remaining copy of Sfpi1 has a point mutation in the coding sequence for the DNA-binding domain of the protein in 70% of rAML, which alters a single CpG sequence in the codon for arginine residue R235. In order to identify chr2 deletions and Sfpi.1/PU.1 loss, we performed array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) on a unique panel of 79rAMLs. Using a custom made CGH array specifically designed for mouse chr2, we analysed at unprecedentedly high resolution (1.4M array- 148bp resolution) the size of the MDR in low LET and high-LET induced rAMLs (32 X-ray- and 47 neutron-induced). Sequencing of Sfpi1/PU.1DNA binding domain identified the presence of R235 point mutations, showing no influence of radiation quality on R235 type or frequency. We identified for the first time rAML cases with complex del2 in a subset of neutron-induced AMLs. This study allowed us to re-define the MDR to a much smaller 5.5Mb region (still including Sfpi1/PU.1), identical regardless of radiation quality.

Genome-scale definition of the transcriptional programme associated with compromised PU.1 activity in acute myeloid leukaemia.

Transcriptional dysregulation is associated with haematological malignancy. Although mutations of the key haematopoietic transcription factor PU.1 are rare in human acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), they are common in murine models of radiation-induced AML, and PU.1 downregulation and/or dysfunction has been described in human AML patients carrying the fusion oncogenes RUNX1-ETO and PML-RARA. To study the transcriptional programmes associated with compromised PU.1 activity, we adapted a Pu.1-mutated murine AML cell line with an inducible wild-type PU.1. PU.1 induction caused transition from leukaemia phenotype to monocytic differentiation. Global binding maps for PU.1, CEBPA and the histone mark H3K27Ac with and without PU.1 induction showed that mutant PU.1 retains DNA-binding ability, but the induction of wild-type protein dramatically increases both the number and the height of PU.1-binding peaks. Correlating chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) Seq with gene expression data, we found that PU.1 recruitment coupled with increased histone acetylation induces gene expression and activates a monocyte/macrophage transcriptional programme. PU.1 induction also caused the reorganisation of a subgroup of CEBPA binding peaks. Finally, we show that the PU.1 target gene set defined in our model allows the stratification of primary human AML samples, shedding light on both known and novel AML subtypes that may be driven by PU.1 dysfunction.

Transmission of clonal chromosomal abnormalities in human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells surviving radiation exposure

In radiation-induced acute myeloid leukemia (rAML), clonal chromosomal abnormalities are often observed in bone marrow cells of patients, suggesting that their formation is crucial in the development of the disease. Since rAML is considered to originate from hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPC), we investigated the frequency and spectrum of radiation-induced chromosomal abnormalities in human CD34+ cells. We then measured stable chromosomal abnormalities, a possible biomarker of leukemia risk, in clonally expanded cell populations which were grown for 14 days in a 3D-matrix (CFU-assay). We compared two radiation qualities used in radiotherapy, sparsely ionizing X-rays and densely ionizing carbon ions (29 and 60–85keV/μm, doses between 0.5 and 4Gy). Only a negligible number of de novo arising, unstable aberrations (≤0.05 aberrations/cell, 97% breaks) were measured in the descendants of irradiated HSPC. However, stable aberrations were detected in colonies formed by irradiated HSPC. All cells of the affected colonies exhibited one or more identical aberrations, indicating their clonal origin. The majority of the clonal rearrangements (92%) were simple exchanges such as translocations (77%) and pericentric inversions (15%), which are known to contribute to the development of rAML. Carbon ions were more efficient in inducing cell killing (maximum of ∼30–35% apoptotic cells for 2Gy carbon ions compared to ∼25% for X-rays) and chromosomal aberrations in the first cell-cycle after exposure (∼70% and ∼40% for 1Gy of carbon ions and X-rays, respectively), with a higher fraction of non-transmissible aberrations. In contrast, for both radiation qualities the percentage of clones with chromosomal abnormalities was similar (40%). Using the frequency of colonies with clonal aberrations as a surrogate marker for the leukemia risk following radiotherapy of solid tumors, charged particle therapy is not expected to lead to an increased risk of leukemia in patients.

PU.1 downregulation in murine radiation-induced acute myeloid leukaemia (AML): from molecular mechanism to human AML.

The transcription factor PU.1, encoded by the murine Sfpi1 gene (SPI1 in humans), is a member of the Ets transcription factor family and plays a vital role in commitment and maturation of the myeloid and lymphoid lineages. Murine studies directly link primary acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and decreased PU.1 expression in specifically modified strains. Similarly, a radiation-induced chromosome 2 deletion and subsequent Sfpi1 point mutation in the remaining allele lead to murine radiation-induced AML. Consistent with murine data, heterozygous deletion of the SPI1 locus and mutation of the −14kb SPI1 upstream regulatory element were described previously in human primary AML, although they are rare events. Other mechanisms linked to PU.1 downregulation in human AML include TP53 deletion, FLT3-ITD mutation and the recurrent AML1-ETO [t(8;21)] and PML-RARA [t(15;17)] translocations. This review provides an up-to-date overview on our current understanding of the involvement of PU.1 in the initiation and development of radiation-induced AML, together with recommendations for future murine and human studies.

Genome-Scale Analysis of the Pu.1 Driven Transcriptional Programme That Overcomes the Differentiation Block in a Novel Pu.1-Inducible AML Cell Line

Transcription factors (TFs) play a key role in determining normal haematopoiesis; haematological cancers often being characterised by TF dysregulation. Pu.1 is a TF that plays a major role in myeloid differentiation, with mutations and down regulation of Pu.1 activity described in human acute myeloid leukemia (AML). To investigate the role of Pu.1 in normal and leukemic myeloid fate, we developed a model of inducible Pu.1 rescue in a murine AML cell line, and utilised it to assess genome-wide Pu.1-DNA-binding profiles and the subsequent effects on histone remodelling, gene expression and binding of the cooperative TF CEBPA.We used a previously described radiation-induced murine AML cell line known to be deficient in functional Pu.1 (Cook et al, Blood 2004; 104:3437-3444) and transduced cells with 4-hydroxy-tamoxifen (OHT)-inducible Pu.1 (PuER) or empty vector (EV). Clonal populations were produced by limiting dilution, and genotype and protein phenotype confirmed by PCR and Western blotting respectively. Incubation in 100nM OHT caused cessation of proliferation, and increased expression of the maturation markers CD11b and Gr-1.To assess the effects of Pu.1 binding, cells were incubated for 2 hours in 100nM OHT and cross-linked chromatin harvested for ChIP with antibodies against Pu.1, CEBPA and H3K27Ac. ChIP samples were amplified and sequenced, reads were mapped to the mouse reference genome, binding peaks identified, and binding levels normalised for peak length and total read count. RNA from was extracted from the same samples and analysed by microarray expression profiling.Binding peak analysis revealed an increase in Pu.1 binding sites from 5283 to 15675 following Pu.1 induction, showing that the mutant Pu.1 is able to perform limited DNA-binding, but not in a manner sufficient to induce transcription of genes necessary for normal differentiation. To investigate the effect of Pu.1 binding on histone remodelling, we selected a set of 613 peaks with ≥4-fold increase in Pu.1 read count, ≥4fold increase in H3K27Ac read count, and post-induction minimal H3K27Ac read count of ≥50 reads/region. Interestingly, these highly “dynamic” Pu.1 binding peaks were restricted to non-promoter regions, suggesting increased binding at distal enhancer sites.These 613 peaks mapped to 553 genes, which showed a small but significant overexpression post-Pu.1 induction, compared to genes adjacent to peaks with no change in Pu.1 (p = 5.357e-16). These genes were intersected with the 284 genes overexpressed in the gene expression array post Pu.1-induction, producing a list of 46 genes of relevant Pu.1 targets. Using Gene Ontology and Functional Term Enrichment analysis, we discovered a significant enrichment for genes overexpressed in bone marrow macrophages post-lipopolysaccharide stimulation (z score = -2.19). Investigating the effect of Pu.1 induction on CEBPA binding, we found that increased Pu.1 binding was enriched in CEBPA peaks which were ≥4fold increased post-Pu.1 induction (p< 0.001), suggesting recruitment of CEBPA in a significant proportion of regions. Further evidence of the relationship between Pu.1 and CEBPA comes from motif analysis of the ≥4fold Pu.1 peaks which showed CEBP motifs present in 30.0% of targets. Similarly, analysis of ≥4fold CEBPA peaks showed Ets motifs in 34.5% of these peaks with ≥ 4fold Pu.1 binding, but only 7.5% in those without.In conclusion, we present a novel model system where we have examined at genome-scale the effects of Pu.1-DNA binding to overcome the differentiation block in a Pu.1-deficient AML model. Functional Pu.1 binding rapidly induces changes in H3K27Ac profile at key enhancer sites, which subsequently drives the cell into a maturation pathway. The interaction between Pu.1 and CEBPA is also confirmed, with evidence of Pu.1 recruiting CEBPA to DNA-binding sites. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Effects of 28Si ions, 56Fe ions, and protons on the induction of murine acute myeloid leukemia and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Estimates of cancer risks posed to space-flight crews by exposure to high atomic number, high-energy (HZE) ions are subject to considerable uncertainty because epidemiological data do not exist for human populations exposed to similar radiation qualities. We assessed the carcinogenic effects of 300 MeV/n 28Si or 600 MeV/n 56Fe ions in a mouse model for radiation-induced acute myeloid leukemia and hepatocellular carcinoma. C3H/HeNCrl mice were irradiated with 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, or 1 Gy of 300 MeV/n 28Si ions, 600 MeV/n 56Fe ions or 1 or 2 Gy of protons simulating the 1972 solar particle event (1972SPE) at the NASA Space Radiation Laboratory. Additional mice were irradiated with 137Cs gamma rays at doses of 1, 2, or 3 Gy. All groups were followed until they were moribund or reached 800 days of age. We found that 28Si or 56Fe ions do not appear to be substantially more effective than gamma rays for the induction of acute myeloid leukemia. However, 28Si or 56Fe ion irradiated mice had a much higher incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma than gamma ray irradiated or proton irradiated mice. These data demonstrate a clear difference in the effects of these HZE ions on the induction of leukemia compared to solid tumors, suggesting potentially different mechanisms of tumorigenesis. Also seen in this study was an increase in metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma in the 28Si and 56Fe ion irradiated mice compared with those exposed to gamma rays or 1972SPE protons, a finding with important implications for setting radiation exposure limits for space-flight crew members.

Live cell detection of chromosome 2 deletion and Sfpi1/PU1 loss in radiation-induced mouse acute myeloid leukaemia.

The CBA/H mouse model of radiation-induced acute myeloid leukaemia (rAML) has been studied for decades to bring to light the molecular mechanisms associated with multistage carcinogenesis. A specific interstitial deletion of chromosome 2 found in a high proportion of rAML is recognised as the initiating event. The deletion leads to the loss of Sfpi, a gene essential for haematopoietic development. Its product, the transcription factor PU.1 acts as a tumour suppressor in this model. Although the deletion can be detected early following ionising radiation exposure by cytogenetic techniques, precise characterisation of the haematopoietic cells carrying the deletion and the study of their fate in vivo cannot be achieved. Here, using a genetically engineered C57BL/6 mouse model expressing the GFP fluorescent molecule under the control of the Sfpi1 promoter, which we have bred onto the rAML-susceptible CBA/H strain, we demonstrate that GFP expression did not interfere with X-ray induced leukaemia incidence and that GFP fluorescence in live leukaemic cells is a surrogate marker of radiation-induced chromosome 2 deletions with or without point mutations on the remaining allele of the Sfpi1 gene. This study presents the first experimental evidence for the detection of this leukaemia initiating event in live leukemic cells.

Frequency of acute myeloid leukaemia-associated mouse chromosome 2 deletions in X-ray exposed immature haematopoietic progenitors and stem cells

Exposure to ionising radiation can lead to an increased risk of cancer, particularly leukaemia. In radiation-induced acute myeloid leukaemia (rAML), a partial hemizygous deletion of mouse chromosome 2 is a common feature in several susceptible strains. The deletion is an early event detectable 24h after exposure in bone marrow cells using cytogenetic techniques. Expanding clones of bone marrow cells with chromosome 2 deletions can be detected less than a year after exposure to ionising radiation in around half of the irradiated mice. Ultimately, 15–25% of exposed animals develop AML. It is generally assumed that leukaemia originates in an early progenitor cell or haematopoietic stem cell, but it is unknown whether the original chromosome damage occurs at a similar frequency in committed progenitors and stem cells. In this study, we monitored the frequency of chromosome 2 deletions in immature bone marrow cells (Lin−) and haematopoietic stem cells/multipotent progenitor cells (LSK) by several techniques, fluorescent in situ hybridisation (FISH) and through use of a reporter gene model, flow cytometry and colony forming units in spleen (CFU-S) following ex vivo or in vivo exposure. We showed that partial chromosome 2 deletions are present in the LSK subpopulation, but cannot be detected in Lin− cells and CFU-S12 cells. Furthermore, we transplanted irradiated Lin− or LSK cells into host animals to determine whether specific irradiated cell populations acquire an increased proliferative advantage compared to unirradiated cells. Interestingly, the irradiated LSK subpopulation containing cells carrying chromosome 2 deletions does not appear to repopulate as well as the unirradiated population, suggesting that the chromosomal deletion does not provide an advantage for growth and in vivo repopulation, at least at early stages following occurrence.

Abstract 4717: The anti-leukemic efficacy of the histone deacetylase inhibitor phenylbutyrate (PB): Reversal of epigenetic inactivation of WNT signalling pathway by PB

Abstract The histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDAC), phenylbutyrate (PB), is a novel antitumor agent. PB has shown anti-cancer efficacy in clinical trials and in in vitro and in vivo models. The anti-neoplastic effects have been linked to protein farnesylation inhibition and pro-apoptotic action in radiation-induced acute myeloid leukemia (AML) mice and malignant cells. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) is involved in epigenetic control of gene expression. The objective of the current study was to evaluate additional mechanisms i.e., epigenetic activity, of PB. A radiation late effects model was used to study PB epigenetic mechanisms. Mice were sub-lethally irradiated (3.5 Gy, 60Co) to induce leukemia. To test the anti-leukemia efficacy of PB and epigenetic mechanisms, mice were irradiated and then injected with PB (25 ug/kg) or saline daily 3 x weekly (2 weeks) for a total of 6 doses. Secreted Frizzled-related protein genes (SFRPs), which function in the Wnt signaling pathway, have been found to be down-regulated by promoter hypomethylation in human acute myeloid leukemia. Therefore, the methylation status of SFRP genes was analyzed in 20 samples obtained from radiation-induced AML mice. Aberrant CpG island methylation was observed in all four SFRP genes tested by methylation-specific PCR in AML mice. The frequencies of aberrant methylation among the irradiated mice samples were 55% for SFRP1, 30% for SFRP2, 15% for SFRP4, and 32% for SFRP5. In contrast, mice irradiated and treated with PB demonstrated aberration frequencies of 12% for SFRP1, 6% for SFRP2, 0% for SFRP4, and 4% for SFRP5 at 120 days post-radiation. At day 120 post-radiation, 50% of irradiated mice had developed leukemia while only 20% of mice treated with PB showed leukemia. The results demonstrate 1) that PB is an effective countermeasure against radiation-induced leukemia, 2) that epigenetic alterations are associated with radiation-induced leukemia and 3) that PB's efficacy may be associated with prevention of epigenetic disturbances involved in leukemogenesis. These studies do not reflect the opinion of the U.S. Government or the U.S. Department of Defense and are the scientific opinions of the author. This work was supported by DTRA Grant G1B2BJ, G2B2EM, AFRRI/USUHS RAB5AH, EU05-0089, and EU07-102. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4717. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-4717

Flt3-ITD mutations in a mouse model of radiation-induced acute myeloid leukaemia

Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is one of the most common malignancies seen to occur in human populations exposed to ionising radiation.1 Mouse models have been widely used for quantitative and mechanistic studies of radiation leukaemogenesis; further, there is a similarity in the histopathological changes found in human AML and mouse AML. The majority of mouse radiation-induced AMLs (rAMLs) carry deletions of chromosome 2, and the Sfpi1/PU.1 haematopoietic transcription factor is located within the commonly deleted chromosome 2 region.2 In most rAMLs and rAML cell lines (70%), Sfpi1/PU.1 suffers hemizygous loss accompanied by point mutations in the region encoding the ETS DNA-binding domain, leading to base substitutions at the R235 residue of the protein.2, 3, 4 Sfpi1/PU.1 mutations have been identified in human AML, but these are rare; in contrast, the most common mutations in human AML involve the Flt3 receptor tyrosine kinase. Most of these mutations are internal tandem duplication (Flt3-ITD) of 3–400 bp5 that result in ligand-dependent dimerisation and receptor phosphorylation. The presence of a Flt3-ITD appears to confer a more severe phenotype and a poor prognosis for AML sufferers. The majority of the remaining non-ITD mutations in Flt3 occur in the second tyrosine kinase domain, being mostly point mutations within codon 835 or the deletion of 836.6