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Role of the alpha2-integrin in osteoblast-specific gene expression and activation of the Osf2 transcription factor.

Extracellular matrix molecules such as type I collagen are required for the adhesion, migration, proliferation, and differentiation of a number of cell types including osteoblasts. Matrix components often affect cell function by interacting with members of the integrin family of cell surface receptors. Previous work showed that collagen matrix synthesis, induced by addition of ascorbic acid to cells, precedes and is essential for the expression of osteoblast markers and induction of the osteocalcin promoter in murine MC3T3-E1 cells. This later response requires OSE2, the promoter element recognized by Osf2 (also called Cbfa1/AML3/PEBP2alphaA), a recently identified osteoblast-specific transcription factor. Osteoblasts express several integrins including alpha2beta1 which is a major receptor for type I collagen. This paper examines the role of the alpha2-integrin subunit in osteocalcin promoter activation and osteoblast differentiation. Disruption of alpha2-integrin-ECM interactions with a blocking antibody or DGEA peptide containing the cell-binding domain of type I collagen blocked activation of the mouse osteocalcin gene 2 promoter by ascorbic acid as well as induction of endogenous osteocalcin mRNA and mineralization. Furthermore, anti-alpha2-integrin blocking antibody or peptide reduced ascorbic acid-dependent binding of Osf2 to OSE2 without affecting levels of transcription factor mRNA. Time course studies revealed that ascorbic acid-dependent binding of Osf2 to OSE2 preceded increases in osteocalcin and bone sialoprotein expression and this increase in Osf2 binding was not accompanied by comparable changes in levels of transcription factor mRNA or protein. Taken together, these studies demonstrate that an alpha2-integrin-collagen interaction is required for activation of Osf2 and induction of osteoblast-specific gene expression. Furthermore, matrix signals may regulate Osf2 through a post-translational pathway or via an accessory factor.

3T3 Cells↗

Haploinsufficiency of Runx1 results in the acceleration of mesodermal development and hemangioblast specification upon in vitro differentiation of ES cells.

The AML1 gene (recently renamed Runx1), which encodes the DNA-binding subunit of a transcription factor of the core binding factor (CBF) family, is required for the establishment of definitive hematopoiesis. We have previously demonstrated that Runx1 is expressed in yolk sac mesodermal cells prior to the establishment of the blood islands and in the embryoid body (EB)-derived blast-colony-forming cells (BL-CFCs), the in vitro equivalent of the hemangioblast. Analysis of Runx1-deficient embryonic stem (ES) cells demonstrated that this gene is essential for the generation of normal numbers of blast colonies, the progeny of the BL-CFCs. In the present study, we analyzed the potential of Runx1(+/-) ES cells to determine if heterozygosity at the Runx1 locus impacts early developmental events leading to the commitment of the BL-CFCs. Our results indicate that Runx1 heterozygosity leads to an acceleration of mesodermal commitment and specification to the BL-CFCs and to the hematopoietic lineages in EBs.

Animals↗

Filamin A-bound PEBP2beta/CBFbeta is retained in the cytoplasm and prevented from functioning as a partner of the Runx1 transcription factor.

The heterodimeric transcription factor PEBP2/CBF is composed of a DNA-binding subunit, called Runx1, and a non-DNA-binding subunit, called PEBP2beta/CBFbeta. The Runx1 protein is detected exclusively in the nuclei of most cells and tissues, whereas PEBP2beta is located in the cytoplasm. We addressed the mechanism by which PEBP2beta localizes to the cytoplasm and found that it is associated with filamin A, an actin-binding protein. Filamin A retains PEBP2beta in the cytoplasm, thereby hindering its engagement as a Runx1 partner. The interaction with filamin A is mediated by a region within PEBP2beta that includes amino acid residues 68 to 93. The deletion of this region or the repression of filamin A enables PEBP2beta to translocate to the nucleus. Based on these observations, we propose that PEBP2beta has two distinct domains, a newly defined regulatory domain that interacts with filamin A and the previously identified Runx1-binding domain.

Animals↗

Role of AML1/Runx1 in the pathogenesis of hematological malignancies.

AML1/Runx1, originally identified as a gene located at the breakpoint of the t(8;21) translocation, encodes one of the two subunits forming a heterodimeric transcription factor. AML1 contains a highly evolutionally conserved domain called the Runt domain, responsible for both DNA binding and heterodimerization with the partner protein, CBFbeta. AML1 is widely expressed in all hematopoietic lineages, and regulates the expression of a variety of hematopoietic genes. Numerous studies have shown that AML is a critical regulator of hematopoietic development. In addition, AML1 and CBFbeta are frequent targets for chromosomal translocation in human leukemia. Translocations lead to the generation of fusion proteins, which play a causative role for the development of leukemia, primarily by inhibiting AML1 function. Point mutations that impair AML1 function are also associated with familial and sporadic leukemias. Loss of AML1 function is thus implicated in a number of leukemias through multiple pathogenic mechanisms. However, AML1-related translocations or haploinsufficiency of AML1 are not immediately leukemogenic in animal models, suggesting that additional genetic events are required for the development of full-blown leukemia.

Animals↗

Characterization of established cementoblast-like cell lines from human cementum-lining cells in vitro and in vivo.

To study cellular characteristics of human cementoblasts using a cellular model is important for understanding the mechanisms of homeostasis and regeneration of periodontal tissues. However, at present no immortalized human cementoblast cell line has been established due to limitation of the life span. In the present study, therefore, we attempted to establish human cementoblast-like cell lines by transfection with telomerase catalytic subunit hTERT gene. Two stable clones (HCEM-1 and -2) with high telomerase activity were obtained and they grew over 200 population doublings without significant growth retardation. The expression of mRNA for differentiation markers, type I collagen, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), runt-related transcription factor 2, osteocalcin, bone sialoprotein and cementum-derived protein was revealed in these clones by RT-PCR. Moreover, these cells showed high ALP activity and calcified nodule formation in vitro. Interestingly, HCEM-2 showed cementum like formation on the surface of hydroxyapatites granules by subcutaneous transplantation into immunodeficient mice with hydroxyapatite granules. Thus, we established human cementoblast-like cell lines. We suggest that HCEM cell lines can be useful cell models for investigating the characteristics of human cementoblasts.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

Amplification of AML1 gene in association with karyotype, age and diagnosis in acute leukemia patients.

The AML1 gene, located in the chromosomal band 21q22, belongs to the runt domain family of genes and encodes the subunit of the core-binding factor (CBF). AML1 is normally expressed in all hematopoietic lineages and is essential for the transcriptional regulation of a number of hematopoietic specific genes. In acute leukemia three types of abnormality of AML1 have been observed -- chromosomal translocations, point mutation and duplication or amplification of the unrearranged gene. The most common origin of extra copies of the AML1 gene is polysomy of chromosome 21 or a partial duplication of the long arm of chromosome 21, less frequently ring, isochromosome or the tandem repetition of chromosome 21. In the study 13 children and 5 adults with ALL and AML or MDS, respectively, have been included. Using standard G-banding and dual color FISH analyses, gain of AML1 originated in polysomy of chromosome 21 in each group of patients was proved. True high-level amplification was not observed but some uncommon changes in noteworthy association with other chromosome aberrations, age or diagnoses were presented.

Acute Disease↗

Altered affinity of CBF beta-SMMHC for Runx1 explains its role in leukemogenesis.

Chromosomal translocations involving the human CBFB gene, which codes for the non-DNA binding subunit of CBF (CBF beta), are associated with a large percentage of human leukemias. The translocation inv(16) that disrupts the CBFB gene produces a chimeric protein composed of the heterodimerization domain of CBF beta fused to the C-terminal coiled-coil domain from smooth muscle myosin heavy chain (CBF beta-SMMHC). Isothermal titration calorimetry results show that this fusion protein binds the Runt domain from Runx1 (CBF alpha) with higher affinity than the native CBF beta protein. NMR studies identify interactions in the CBF beta portion of the molecule, as well as the SMMHC coiled-coil domain. This higher affinity provides an explanation for the dominant negative phenotype associated with a knock-in of the CBFB-MYH11 gene and also helps to provide a rationale for the leukemia-associated dysregulation of hematopoietic development that this protein causes.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Analysis of regulator of G-protein signaling-2 (RGS-2) expression and function in osteoblastic cells.

Regulator of G-protein signaling-2 (RGS-2) belongs to a novel family of GTPase-activating proteins that rapidly turn-off G-protein coupled receptor signaling. RGS proteins contain a characteristic RGS domain by which they interact with the alpha-subunit of G-proteins and drive them into their inactive GDP-bound forms. Previously, we have reported that RGS-2 mRNA is rapidly and transiently increased by PTH in rat bone and in osteoblast cultures in vitro. In this study, we further explored the molecular basis for the regulation of RGS-2 by cloning and functionally characterizing the RGS-2 gene promoter. We cloned 2.3- and 2.8-kb fragments of the 5'-flanking regions of the rat and mouse RGS-2 genes, respectively, and generated a stable clone of UMR106 osteoblastic cells containing the rat RGS-2 promoter driving the beta-gal reporter gene (p2.3RGS-2-beta-gal). Treatment of the stable clone with PTH resulted in a maximal 2.2- to 3.6-fold increase in promoter activity at 8 h, reminiscent of the early response observed with endogenous RGS-2 mRNA regulation. Further, PTH (1-38), (1-31), PTHrP (1-34), and forskolin, which elevate cAMP levels, stimulated the promoter, while PTH (3-34) and (7-34), which do not readily stimulate cAMP accumulation, and PMA that directly activates protein kinase C, had no effect on promoter activity. Taken together, these results implicate the involvement of the Galpha(s)-adenylate cyclase-protein kinase A pathway in stimulating RGS-2 expression. Maintenance of a hyperphosphorylated state via the inhibition of type 2A protein phosphatases by okadaic acid, resulted in a strong dose-dependent increase in transcriptional activity of the RGS-2 promoter as well as that of the endogenous RGS-2 gene. Furthermore, overexpression of the osteoblast-specific transcription factor Runx2 also led to a stimulation of RGS-2 promoter activity. Functional analysis using RGS-2 overexpression suggests the potential negative regulatory effects of RGS-2 on PTH- and forskolin-induced cAMP production in osteoblastic cells. In summary, our data suggest that PTH treatment results in a direct transcriptional stimulation of RGS-2 that in turn may play a role in modulating the duration/intensity of PTH receptor signaling.

Animals↗

SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex is obligatory for BMP2-induced, Runx2-dependent skeletal gene expression that controls osteoblast differentiation.

Development of bone tissue requires maturation of osteoblasts from mesenchymal precursors. BMP2, a member of the TGFbeta superfamily, and the Runx2 (AML3/Cbfa1) transcription factor, a downstream BMP2 effector, are regulatory signals required for osteoblast differentiation. While Runx2 responsive osteogenic gene expression has been functionally linked to alterations in chromatin structure, the factors that govern this chromatin remodeling remain to be identified. Here, we address the role of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling enzymes in BMP2-induced, Runx2-dependent development of the osteoblast phenotype. For these studies, we have examined calvarial cells from wild-type (WT) mice and mice that are homozygous for the Runx2 null allele, as well as the C2C12 model of BMP2-induced osteogenesis. By the analysis of microarray data, we find that several components of the SWI/SNF complex are regulated during BMP2-mediated osteoblast differentiation. Brg1 is an essential DNA dependent ATPase subunit of the SWI/SNF complex. Thus, functional studies were carried out using a fibroblast cell line that conditionally expresses a mutant Brg1 protein, which exerts a dominant negative effect on SWI/SNF function. Our findings demonstrate that SWI/SNF is required for BMP2-induced expression of alkaline phosphatase (APase), an early marker reflecting Runx2 control of osteoblast differentiation. In addition, Brg1 is expressed in cells within the developing skeleton of the mouse embryo as well as in osteoblasts ex vivo. Taken together these results support the concept that BMP2-mediated osteogenesis requires Runx2, and demonstrates that initiation of BMP2-induced, Runx2-dependent skeletal gene expression requires SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complexes.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

Mutual activation of Ets-1 and AML1 DNA binding by direct interaction of their autoinhibitory domains.

The transcription factors Ets-1 and AML1 (the alphaBl subunit of PEBP2/CBF) play critical roles in hematopoiesis and leukemogenesis, and cooperate in the transactivation of the T cell receptor (TCR) beta chain enhancer. The DNA binding capacity of both factors is blocked intramolecularly but can be activated by the removal of negative regulatory domains. These include the exon VII domain for Ets-1 and the negative regulatory domain for DNA binding (NRDB) for alphaB1. Here we report that the direct interaction between the two factors leads to a reciprocal stimulation of their DNA binding activity and activation of their transactivation function. Detailed mapping revealed two independent contact points involving the exon VII and NRDB regions as well as the two DNA binding domains. Using deletion variants and dominant interfering mutants, we demonstrate that the interaction between exon VII and NRDB is necessary and sufficient for cooperative DNA binding. The exon VII and NRDB motifs are highly conserved in evolution yet deleted in natural variants, suggesting that the mechanism described is of biological relevance. The mutual activation of DNA binding of Ets and AML1 through the intermolecular interaction of autoinhibitory domains may represent a novel principle for the regulation of transcription factor function.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

TEL/AML1 fusion resulting from a cryptic t(12;21) is the most common genetic lesion in pediatric ALL and defines a subgroup of patients with an excellent prognosis.

The t(12;21)(p13;q22) is identified by routine cytogenetics in less than 0.05% of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients. This translocation encodes a TEL/AML-1 chimeric product comprising the helix-loop-helix domain of TEL, a member of the ETS-like family of transcription factors, fused to AML-1, the DNA-binding subunit of the AML-1/CBF beta transcription factor complex. Both TEL and AML-1 are involved in several myeloid leukemia-associated translocations with AML-1/CBF beta being altered in 20-30% of de novo acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cases. We now demonstrate that a TEL/AML1 chimeric transcript encoded by a cryptic t(12;21) is observed in 22% of pediatric ALL, making it the most common genetic lesion in these patients. Moreover, TEL/AML1 expression defined a distinct subgroup of patients characterized by an age between 1 and 10 years, B lineage immunophenotype, non-hyperdiploid DNA content and an excellent prognosis. These data demonstrate that molecular diagnostic approaches are invaluable in identifying clinically distinct subgroups, and that the AML1/CBF beta transcription complex is the most frequent target of chromosomal rearrangements in human leukemia.

Base Sequence↗

Biological characteristics of the leukemia-associated transcriptional factor AML1 disclosed by hematopoietic rescue of AML1-deficient embryonic stem cells by using a knock-in strategy.

AML1 is one of the most frequently mutated genes associated with human acute leukemia and encodes the DNA-binding subunit of the heterodimering transcriptional factor complex, core-binding factor (CBF) (or polyoma enhancer binding protein 2 [PEBP2]). A null mutation in either AML1 or its dimerizing partner, CBFbeta, results in embryonic lethality secondary to a complete block in fetal liver hematopoiesis, indicating an essential role of this transcription complex in the development of definitive hematopoiesis. The hematopoietic phenotype that results from the loss of AML1 can be replicated in vitro with a two-step culture system of murine embryonic stem (ES) cells. Using this experimental system, we now demonstrate that this hematopoietic defect can be rescued by expressing the PEBP2alphaB1 (AML1b) isoform under the endogenous AML1-regulatory sequences through a knock-in (targeted insertion) approach. Moreover, we demonstrate that the rescued AML1(-/-) ES cell clones contribute to lymphohematopoiesis within the context of chimeric animals. Rescue requires the transcription activation domain of AML1 but does not require the C-terminal VWRPY motif, which is conserved in all AML1 family members and has been shown to interact with the transcriptional corepressor, Groucho/transducin-like Enhancer of split. Taken together, these data provide compelling evidence that the phenotype seen in AML1-deficient mice is due solely to the loss of transcriptionally active AML1.

Animals↗

AML1-FOG2 fusion protein in myelodysplasia.

Core binding factor (CBF) participates in specification of the hematopoietic stem cell and functions as a critical regulator of hematopoiesis. Translocation or point mutation of acute myeloid leukemia 1 (AML1)/RUNX1, which encodes the DNA-binding subunit of CBF, plays a central role in the pathogenesis of acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplasia. We characterized the t(X;21)(p22.3;q22.1) in a patient with myelodysplasia that fuses AML1 in-frame to the novel partner gene FOG2/ZFPM2. The reciprocal gene fusions AML1-FOG2 and FOG2-AML1 are both expressed. AML1-FOG2, which fuses the DNA-binding domain of AML1 to most of FOG2, represses the transcriptional activity of both CBF and GATA1. AML1-FOG2 retains a motif that recruits the corepressor C-terminal binding protein (CtBP) and these proteins associate in a protein complex. These results suggest a central role for CtBP in AML1-FOG2 transcriptional repression and implicate coordinated disruption of the AML1 and GATAdevelopmental programs in the pathogenesis of myelodysplasia.

Alcohol Oxidoreductases↗

Identification of an alternatively spliced form of the mouse AML1/RUNX1 gene transcript AML1c and its expression in early hematopoietic development.

Acute myeloid leukemia 1 (AML1: or runt-related transcription factor, RUNX1) encodes the DNA binding subunit of the heterodimering transcription factor complex PEBP2 (CBF), which plays an essential role for definitive hematopoiesis. Transcription of AML1 is controlled by two distinct promoter regions, which results in the generation of the respective AML1b and AML1c isoforms. Here we report the isolation of the mouse homologue of human AML1c, whose unique N-terminus is 100% identical at the amino acid level to its human counterpart and 63 and 37% identical to the respective family members AML2 and AML3. Semiquantitative RT-PCR assay on mouse embryonic stem cell clones during in vitro differentiation and Northern blot analysis of a mouse embryo revealed that AML1b is expressed in undifferentiated ES cells and upregulated in the early developmental stage, in contrast to the gradual upregulation and steady maintenance of AML1c expression during embryogenesis. In addition, maintenance of AML1c expression depended on the presence of active AML1 allele(s) while that of AML1b did not. Thus, these two AML1 isoforms driven by their respective promoters are differentially expressed and are likely to have distinct functions in early hematopoietic development.

Alternative Splicing↗

AML1(-/-) embryos do not express certain hematopoiesis-related gene transcripts including those of the PU.1 gene.

The AML1 and PEBP2beta/CBFbeta genes encode the DNA-binding and non-binding subunits, respectively, of the heterodimeric transcription factor, PEBP2/CBF. Targeting each gene results in an almost identical phenotype, namely the complete lack of definitive hematopoiesis in the fetal liver on embryonic day 11.5 (E11.5). We examined and compared the expression levels of various hematopoiesis-related genes in wild type embryos and in embryos mutated for AML1 or PEBP2beta/CBFbeta. The RNAs were prepared from the yolk sacs of E9.5 embryos, from the aorta-gonad- mesonephros regions of E11.5 embryos and from the livers of E11.5 embryos and RT-PCR was performed to detect various gene transcripts. Transcripts were detected for most of the hematopoiesis-related genes that encode transcription factors, cytokines and cytokine receptors, even in tissues from homozygously targeted embryos. On the other hand, PU.1 transcripts were never detected in any tissue of AML1(-/-) or PEBP2beta/CBFbeta(-/-) embryos. In addition, transcripts for the Vav, flk-2/flt-3, M-CSF receptor, G-CSF receptor and c-Myb genes were not detected in certain tissues of the (-/-) embryos. The results suggest that the expression of a particular set of hematopoiesis-related genes is closely correlated with the PEBP2/CBF function.

Animals↗

AML1 deletion in adult mice causes splenomegaly and lymphomas.

AML1 (RUNX1) encodes a DNA-binding subunit of the CBF transcription factor family and is required for the establishment of definitive hematopoiesis. AML1 is one of the most frequently mutated genes associated with human acute leukemia, suggesting that genetic alterations of the gene contribute to leukemogenesis. Here, we report the analysis of mice carrying conditional AML1 knockout alleles that were inactivated using the Cre/loxP system. AML1 was deleted in adult mice by inducing Cre activity to replicate AML1 deletions found in human MDS, familial platelet disorder and rare de novo human AML. At a latency of 2 months after induction, the thymus was reduced in size and frequently populated by immature double negative thymocytes, indicating defective T-lymphocyte maturation, resulting in lymphatic diseases with 50% penetrance, including atypical hyperplasia and thymic lymphoma. Metastatic lymphomas to the liver and the meninges were observed. Mice also developed splenomegaly with an expansion of the myeloid compartment. Increased Howell-Jolly body counts indicated splenic hypofunction. Thrombocytopenia occurred due to immaturity of mini-megakaryocytes in the bone marrow. Together with mild lymphocytopenia in the peripheral blood and increased fractions of immature cells in the bone marrow, AML1 deficient mice display features of a myelodysplastic syndrome, suggesting a preleukemic state.

Animals↗

New mechanisms of AML1 gene alteration in hematological malignancies.

The human AML1 gene (also named CBFA2 or RUNX1), located in the 21q22 chromosomal band, encodes for one of the two subunits forming a heterodimeric transcription factor, the human core binding factor (CBF). AML1 protein contains a highly evolutionary conserved domain of 128 amino acids called runt domain, responsible for both heterodimerization with the beta subunit of CBF and for DNA binding. AML1 is normally expressed in all hematopoietic lineages and acts to regulate the expression of various genes specific to hematopoiesis playing a pivotal role in myeloid differentiation. AML1 is one of the genes most frequently deregulated in leukemia through different mechanisms including translocation, mutation and amplification. Translocations lead to the formation of fusion genes encoding for chimerical proteins such as AML1-ETO which induces leukemogenesis. Recently, new mechanisms of AML1 deregulation by point mutations or amplification have been reported. To our knowledge, 51 patients (among 805 studied) with AML1 point mutations have been described. Forty of them have acute myeloid leukemia (AML) most often M0 AML. In this subtype of AML, the frequency of AML1 mutation is significantly higher; 21.5% of patients mutated (34/158). Mutations have also been found with lower frequency in other FAB subtype AML (6 cases), in myeloproliferative disorders (6 cases), in myelodysplastic syndrome (3 cases) and rarely in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (1 case). AML1 gene amplification has been found essentially in childhood ALL (12 cases) and more rarely in myeloid malignancies (4 cases). Here, we reviewed all these cases of AML1 point mutations and amplification and focused on the mechanisms of AML1 deregulation induced by these alterations.

Acute Disease↗

CBFA2(AML1) translocations with novel partner chromosomes in myeloid leukemias: association with prior therapy.

CBFA2(AML1) has emerged as a gene critical in hematopoiesis; its protein product forms the DNA-binding subunit of the heterodimeric core-binding factor (CBF) that binds to the transcriptional regulatory regions of genes, some of which are active specifically in hematopoiesis. CBFA2 forms a fusion gene with ETO and MDS1/EVI1 in translocations in myeloid leukemia and with ETV6(TEL) in the t(12;21) common in childhood pre-B acute lymphoblastic leukemia. We have analyzed samples from 30 leukemia patients who had chromosome rearrangements involving 21q22 by using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Our analysis showed that 7 of them involved CBFA2 and new translocation partners. Two patients had a t(17;21)(q11.2;q22), whereas the other 5 had translocations involving 1p36, 5q13, 12q24, 14q22, or 15q22. Five of these novel breakpoints in CBFA2 occurred in intron 6; this same intron is involved in the t(3;21). One breakpoint mapped to the t(8;21) breakpoint region in intron 5, and 1 mapped 5' to that region. All 7 CBFA2 rearrangements resulted from balanced translocations. All 7 patients had myeloid disorders (acute myeloid leukemia or myelodysplastic syndrome); 2 were de novo and 5 had treatment histories that included topoisomerase II targeting agents. The association of therapy-related disorders with translocations involving CBFA2 was significant by Fisher's exact test (P < .003). These results provide further evidence that this region of CBFA2 is susceptible to breakage in cells exposed to topoisomerase II inhibitors.

Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols↗