MiR-126 governs human leukemia stem cell quiescence and therapeutic resistance
Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT: In acute myeloid leukemia (AML), leukemia stem cells (LSC) play a central role in disease progression and recurrence due to their intrinsic capacity for self-renewal and chemotherapy resistance. Whereas epigenetic regulation balances normal blood stem cell self-renewal and fate decisions, mutation and dysregulation of epigenetic modifiers are now considered fundamental to leukemia initiation and progression. Alterations in miRNA function represent a non-canonical epigenetic mechanism influencing malignant hematopoiesis, however the function of miRNA in LSC remains undetermined. Here we show that miRNA profiling of fractionated AML populations defines an LSC-specific signature that is highly predictive of patient survival. Gain of function genetic analysis demonstrated that miR-126 restrained cell cycle progression, prevented LSC differentiation, and increased LSC self-renewal. miR-126 promoted chemo-resistance, preserving LSC quiescence in part through suppression of the G0 to G1 gatekeeper, CDK3. Thus, in AML, miRNAs influence patient outcome through post-transcriptional regulation of stemness programs in LSC. 74 primary patient normal karyotype AML samples were analyzed for miRNA expression.
Project description:In acute myeloid leukemia (AML), leukemia stem cells (LSC) play a central role in disease progression and recurrence due to their intrinsic capacity for self-renewal and chemotherapy resistance. Whereas epigenetic mechanisms balance normal blood stem cell self-renewal and fate decisions, mutation and dysregulation of epigenetic regulators are considered fundamental to leukemia initiation and progression. Alterations in miRNA function represent a non-canonical epigenetic mechanism influencing malignant hematopoiesis, however the function of miRNA in human LSC remains undetermined. Here we show that miRNA profiling of fractionated AML populations defines an LSC-specific signature that is highly prognostic for patient survival. Gain- and loss-of-function analyses demonstrated that miR-126 restrained cell cycle progression, prevented differentiation, and increased self-renewal of human LSC. By targeting the G0 to G1 gatekeeper CDK3, miR-126 preserved LSC quiescence and promoted chemotherapy resistance. Thus, in AML, miRNAs influence patient outcome through post-transcriptional regulation of stemness programs in LSC.
Project description:In acute myeloid leukemia (AML), leukemia stem cells (LSC) play a central role in disease progression and recurrence due to their intrinsic capacity for self-renewal and chemotherapy resistance. Whereas epigenetic regulation balances normal blood stem cell self-renewal and fate decisions, mutation and dysregulation of epigenetic modifiers are now considered fundamental to leukemia initiation and progression. Alterations in miRNA function represent a non-canonical epigenetic mechanism influencing malignant hematopoiesis, however the function of miRNA in LSC remains undetermined. Here we show that miRNA profiling of fractionated AML populations defines an LSC-specific signature that is highly predictive of patient survival. Gain of function genetic analysis demonstrated that miR-126 restrained cell cycle progression, prevented LSC differentiation, and increased LSC self-renewal. miR-126 promoted chemo-resistance, preserving LSC quiescence in part through suppression of the G0 to G1 gatekeeper, CDK3. Thus, in AML, miRNAs influence patient outcome through post-transcriptional regulation of stemness programs in LSC.
Project description:In acute myeloid leukemia (AML), leukemia stem cells (LSC) play a central role in disease progression and recurrence due to their intrinsic capacity for self-renewal and chemotherapy resistance. Whereas epigenetic mechanisms balance normal blood stem cell self-renewal and fate decisions, mutation and dysregulation of epigenetic regulators are considered fundamental to leukemia initiation and progression. Alterations in miRNA function represent a non-canonical epigenetic mechanism influencing malignant hematopoiesis, however the function of miRNA in human LSC remains undetermined. Here we show that miRNA profiling of fractionated AML populations defines an LSC-specific signature that is highly prognostic for patient survival. Gain- and loss-of-function analyses demonstrated that miR-126 restrained cell cycle progression, prevented differentiation, and increased self-renewal of human LSC. By targeting the G0 to G1 gatekeeper CDK3, miR-126 preserved LSC quiescence and promoted chemotherapy resistance. Thus, in AML, miRNAs influence patient outcome through post-transcriptional regulation of stemness programs in LSC.
Project description:In acute myeloid leukemia (AML), leukemia stem cells (LSCs) play a central role in disease progression and recurrence due to their intrinsic capacity for self-renewal and chemotherapy resistance. Whereas epigenetic regulation balances normal blood stem cell self-renewal and fate decisions, mutation and dysregulation of epigenetic modifiers are now considered fundamental to leukemia initiation and progression. Alterations in miRNA function represent a non-canonical epigenetic mechanism influencing malignant hematopoiesis; however, the function of miRNA in LSC remains undetermined. Here we show that miRNA profiling of fractionated AML populations defines an LSC-specific signature that is highly predictive of patient survival. Gain-of-function genetic analysis demonstrated that miR-126 restrained cell cycle progression, prevented LSC differentiation, and increased LSC self-renewal. miR-126 promoted chemo-resistance, preserving LSC quiescence in part through suppression of the G0-to-G1 gatekeeper, CDK3. Thus, in AML, miRNAs influence patient outcome through post-transcriptional regulation of stemness programs in LSC.
Project description:Leukemias and other cancers possess a rare population of cells capable of self-renewal, and eradication of these cancer stem cells is likely necessary for long-term cancer-free survival. Given that both normal and cancer stem cells are capable of self-renewal the extent to which cancer stem cells resemble normal tissue stem cells is a critical issue if targeted therapies are to be developed. We introduced the MLL-AF9 fusion protein encoded by the t(9;11)(p22;q23) found in human acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) into murine committed granulocyte-macrophage progenitors (GMP). The resultant leukemias contained cells with an immunophenotype similar to normal GMP that were highly enriched for leukemia stem cells (LSC). Detailed gene expression comparisons between normal hematopoietic stem cells (HSC), committed progenitors, and the LSC population demonstrated the LSC were globally more similar to the normal GMP than any other population. However, a subset of genes highly expressed in normal stem cells was re-activated in the LSC. These data demonstrate LSC can be generated from committed progenitors without widespread reprogramming of gene expression, and a leukemia self-renewal associated signature is activated in the process. Our findings define progression from normal hematopoietic progenitor to leukemia stem cell, and suggest that targeting a self-renewal program expressed in an abnormal context may be possible. Experiment Overall Design: This reference series is composed of two noncomparable experiments (RNA was amplified on different days): Experiment Overall Design: GSE3721 Experiment Overall Design: GSE3722
Project description:Leukemias and other cancers possess a rare population of cells capable of self-renewal, and eradication of these cancer stem cells is likely necessary for long-term cancer-free survival. Given that both normal and cancer stem cells are capable of self-renewal the extent to which cancer stem cells resemble normal tissue stem cells is a critical issue if targeted therapies are to be developed. We introduced the MLL-AF9 fusion protein encoded by the t(9;11)(p22;q23) found in human acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) into murine committed granulocyte-macrophage progenitors (GMP). The resultant leukemias contained cells with an immunophenotype similar to normal GMP that were highly enriched for leukemia stem cells (LSC). Detailed gene expression comparisons between normal hematopoietic stem cells (HSC), committed progenitors, and the LSC population demonstrated the LSC were globally more similar to the normal GMP than any other population. However, a subset of genes highly expressed in normal stem cells was re-activated in the LSC. These data demonstrate LSC can be generated from committed progenitors without widespread reprogramming of gene expression, and a leukemia self-renewal associated signature is activated in the process. Our findings define progression from normal hematopoietic progenitor to leukemia stem cell, and suggest that targeting a self-renewal program expressed in an abnormal context may be possible. Experiment Overall Design: A normal HSC enriched population, common myeloid progenitors, granulocyte macrophage progenitors, megakaryocyte progenitors, and leukemia stem cells (leukemic-GMP) were isolated and labeled RNA was hybridzed to Affymetrix microarrays
Project description:Leukemias and other cancers possess a rare population of cells capable of self-renewal, and eradication of these cancer stem cells is likely necessary for long-term cancer-free survival. Given that both normal and cancer stem cells are capable of self-renewal the extent to which cancer stem cells resemble normal tissue stem cells is a critical issue if targeted therapies are to be developed. We introduced the MLL-AF9 fusion protein encoded by the t(9;11)(p22;q23) found in human acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) into murine committed granulocyte-macrophage progenitors (GMP). The resultant leukemias contained cells with an immunophenotype similar to normal GMP that were highly enriched for leukemia stem cells (LSC). Detailed gene expression comparisons between normal hematopoietic stem cells (HSC), committed progenitors, and the LSC population demonstrated the LSC were globally more similar to the normal GMP than any other population. However, a subset of genes highly expressed in normal stem cells was re-activated in the LSC. These data demonstrate LSC can be generated from committed progenitors without widespread reprogramming of gene expression, and a leukemia self-renewal associated signature is activated in the process. Our findings define progression from normal hematopoietic progenitor to leukemia stem cell, and suggest that targeting a self-renewal program expressed in an abnormal context may be possible. Experiment Overall Design: isolated granulocyte macrophage progenitors were incubated with a retrovirus that expressed either GFP or MLL-AF9 and GFP. Forty hours later, the GFP positive cells were isolated and RNA was hybrided to Affymetrix microarrays. The experiment was repeated three times.
Project description:Leukemias and other cancers possess a rare population of cells capable of self-renewal, and eradication of these cancer stem cells is likely necessary for long-term cancer-free survival. Given that both normal and cancer stem cells are capable of self-renewal the extent to which cancer stem cells resemble normal tissue stem cells is a critical issue if targeted therapies are to be developed. We introduced the MLL-AF9 fusion protein encoded by the t(9;11)(p22;q23) found in human acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) into murine committed granulocyte-macrophage progenitors (GMP). The resultant leukemias contained cells with an immunophenotype similar to normal GMP that were highly enriched for leukemia stem cells (LSC). Detailed gene expression comparisons between normal hematopoietic stem cells (HSC), committed progenitors, and the LSC population demonstrated the LSC were globally more similar to the normal GMP than any other population. However, a subset of genes highly expressed in normal stem cells was re-activated in the LSC. These data demonstrate LSC can be generated from committed progenitors without widespread reprogramming of gene expression, and a leukemia self-renewal associated signature is activated in the process. Our findings define progression from normal hematopoietic progenitor to leukemia stem cell, and suggest that targeting a self-renewal program expressed in an abnormal context may be possible. Experiment Overall Design: RNA from normal GMP, GMP-like cells isolated from leukemic bone marrow (LGMP) and cells derived from the in vitro propagation of LGMP were hybridized to affymetrix microarrays.
Project description:Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with chromosomal rearrangements involving the H3K4 methyltransferase mixed-lineage leukemia (MLL) is an aggressive subtype with low overall survival. MLL rearrangements rapidly transform hematological stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) to leukemia stem cell (LSC). Bortezomib (Velcade) is used widely in hematological malignancies. However, it is still unknown whether bortezomib possesses anti-self-renewal and anti-leukemogenesis of LSC in AML with MLL rearrangements. Here, we found that bortezomib inhibited cell proliferation, induced apoptosis, and decreased colony formation in leukemic cell lines, primary AML blasts, and MLL-AF9-transformed murine leukemic blasts. Besides, bortezomib reduced the frequency and function of LSC, inhibited the progression, and prolonged
Project description:Leukemia stem cells (LSCs) are found in most aggressive myeloid diseases and contribute to therapeutic resistance. Genetic and epigenetic alterations cause a dysregulated developmental program in leukemia. The MSI2 RNA binding protein has been previously shown to predict poor survival in leukemia. We demonstrate that the conditional deletion of Msi2 results in delayed leukemogenesis, reduced disease burden and a loss of LSC function. Gene expression profiling of the Msi2 ablated LSCs demonstrates a loss of the HSC/LSC and an increase in the differentiation program. The gene signature from the Msi2 deleted LSCs correlates with survival in AML patients. MSI2’s maintains the MLL self-renewal program by interacting with and retaining efficient translation of Hoxa9, Myc and Ikzf2. We further demonstrate that shRNA depletion of the MLL target gene Ikzf2 also contributes to MLL leukemia cell survival. Our data provides evidence that MSI2 controls efficient translation of the oncogenic LSC self-renewal program and a rationale for clinically targeting MSI2 in myeloid leukemia. RNA-Seq was performed on sorted c-Kit high leukemic cells from 2 Msi2 -/- and 2 Msi2 f/f mice.