Project description:A chromosomal translocation fusion gene product EWS-WT1 is the defining genetic event in Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor (DSRCT), a rare but aggressive tumor with a high rate of mortality. EWS-WT1 oncogene acts as an aberrant transcription factor that drives tumorigenesis, but the mechanism by which EWS-WT1 causes tumorigenesis is not well understood. To delineate the oncogenic mechanisms, we generated the EWS-WT1 fusion in the mouse using a gene targeting (knock-in) approach, enabling physiologic expression of EWS-WT1 under the native Ews promoter. We derived mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) and performed genome-wide expression profiling to identify transcripts directly regulated by EWS-WT1. Remarkably, expression of EWS-WT1 led to a dramatic induction of many neuronal genes. Notably, a neural reprogramming factor, ASCL1 (achaete-scute complex-like 1), was highly induced by EWS-WT1 in MEFs and in primary DSRCT. Further analysis demonstrated that EWS-WT1 directly binds to the proximal promoter region of ASCL1 and activates its transcription through multiple WT1-responsive elements. Depletion of EWS-WT1 in a DSRCT cell line resulted in severe reduction in ASCL1 expression and cell viability. Remarkably, when stimulated with neuronal induction media, cells expressing EWS-WT1 expressed neural markers and generated neurite-like projections. These results demonstrate for the first time that EWS-WT1 activates neural gene expression and is capable of directing partial neuronal differentiation, likely via ASCL1. These findings suggest that stimulating DSRCT tumor cells with biological or chemical agents that promote neural differentiation might be a useful approach to develop novel therapeutics against this incurable disease. mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) and performed genome-wide expression profiling to identify transcripts directly regulated by EWS-WT1 in 0 vs. 24 Hours in three replications (WT+KTS, or WT-KTS in 0, 24 H; CRE in 0 and 24H)
Project description:A chromosomal translocation fusion gene product EWS-WT1 is the defining genetic event in Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor (DSRCT), a rare but aggressive tumor with a high rate of mortality. EWS-WT1 oncogene acts as an aberrant transcription factor that drives tumorigenesis, but the mechanism by which EWS-WT1 causes tumorigenesis is not well understood. To delineate the oncogenic mechanisms, we generated the EWS-WT1 fusion in the mouse using a gene targeting (knock-in) approach, enabling physiologic expression of EWS-WT1 under the native Ews promoter. We derived mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) and performed genome-wide expression profiling to identify transcripts directly regulated by EWS-WT1. Remarkably, expression of EWS-WT1 led to a dramatic induction of many neuronal genes. Notably, a neural reprogramming factor, ASCL1 (achaete-scute complex-like 1), was highly induced by EWS-WT1 in MEFs and in primary DSRCT. Further analysis demonstrated that EWS-WT1 directly binds to the proximal promoter region of ASCL1 and activates its transcription through multiple WT1-responsive elements. Depletion of EWS-WT1 in a DSRCT cell line resulted in severe reduction in ASCL1 expression and cell viability. Remarkably, when stimulated with neuronal induction media, cells expressing EWS-WT1 expressed neural markers and generated neurite-like projections. These results demonstrate for the first time that EWS-WT1 activates neural gene expression and is capable of directing partial neuronal differentiation, likely via ASCL1. These findings suggest that stimulating DSRCT tumor cells with biological or chemical agents that promote neural differentiation might be a useful approach to develop novel therapeutics against this incurable disease.
Project description:The t(11;22)(p13;q12) translocation is pathognomonic for the highly aggressive desmoplastic small round cell tumour (DSRCT). The translocation fuses exon 7 of the EWS gene to exon 8 of the WT1 gene (EWS/WT1). Two splice variants of EWS/WT1 exist, arising from the presence (+KTS) or absence (-KTS) of three amino acids: lysine, threonine and serine between zinc fingers 3 and 4. To investigate the oncogenic properties of both isoforms of EWS/WT1, we over-expressed EWS/WT1 in untransformed murine embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). We demonstrate that neither isoform of EWS/WT1 is sufficient to transform wild type MEFs, however the oncogenic potential of both isoforms is unmasked by the loss of p53. Expression of EWS/WT1 in MEFs lacking at least one allele of p53 resulted in enhanced cell proliferation, clonogenic survival and anchorage-independent growth. In addition EWS/WT1 expression in wild type MEFs attenuated several p53-dependent responses, including cell cycle arrest after irradiation and daunorubicin induced apoptosis. We show that DSRCT commonly have copy number amplification of MDM2 and MDMX, suggesting loss of p53 function in the tumours. Expression of either isoform of EWS/WT1 in MEFs induced characteristic mRNA expression profiles, including up-regulation of canonical Wnt pathway signaling. This was validated in cell lines and in a series of DSCRT, which confirmed canonical Wnt pathway activation in the tumours. We show for the first time that both isoforms of EWS/WT1 have oncogenic potential and that in addition to co-operating with loss of p53 function can also further attenuate p53-mediated responses. In addition we provide the first link between EWS/WT1 and Wnt pathway signaling. These data provide novel insights into the function of the EWS/WT1 fusion protein which characterizes DSCRT. Four independently generated pools of wild type MEFs were infected with tetracycline repressible EWS/WT1+KTS, EWS/WT1-KTS or GFP, selected with hygromycin and protein expression confirmed. Four GFP, four KTS+ and four KTS- samples were hybridized to the Ilumina BeadChip.
Project description:The proper balance of excitatory and inhibitory neurons is crucial to normal processing of somatosensory information in the dorsal spinal cord. Two neural basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors, Ascl1 and Ptf1a, are essential for generating the correct number and sub-type of neurons in multiple regions of the nervous system. M-BM- In the dorsal spinal cord, Ascl1 and Ptf1a have contrasting functions in specifying inhibitory versus excitatory neurons. To understand how Ascl1 and Ptf1a function in these processes, we identified their direct transcriptional targets genome-wide in the embryonic mouse neural tube using ChIP-Seq and RNA-Seq. We show that Ascl1 and Ptf1a regulate the specification of excitatory and inhibitory neurons in the dorsal spinal cord through direct regulation of distinct homeodomain transcription factors known for their function in neuronal sub-type specification. Besides their roles in regulating these homeodomain factors, Ascl1 and Ptf1a each function differently during neuronal development with Ascl1 directly regulating genes with roles in several steps of the neurogenic program including, Notch signaling, neuronal differentiation, axon guidance, and synapse formation. In contrast, Ptf1a directly regulates genes encoding components of the neurotransmitter machinery in inhibitory neurons, and other later aspects of neural development distinct from those regulated by Ascl1. Moreover, Ptf1a represses the excitatory neuronal fate by directly repressing several targets of Ascl1. Examination of the Ascl1 and Ptf1a bound sequences shows they are enriched for a common E-Box with a GC core and with additional motifs used by Sox, Rfx, Pou, and Homeodomain factors. Ptf1a bound sequences are uniquely enriched in an E-Box with a GA/TC core and in the binding motif for its co-factor Rbpj, providing two keys to specificity of Ptf1a binding. The direct transcriptional targets identified for Ascl1 and Ptf1a provide a molecular understanding for how they function in neuronal development, particularly as key regulators of homeodomain transcription factors required for neuronal sub-type specification. Examination of gene expression in Ascl1 and Ptf1a lineage cells in the developing neural tube.
Project description:The proper balance of excitatory and inhibitory neurons is crucial to normal processing of somatosensory information in the dorsal spinal cord. Two neural basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors, Ascl1 and Ptf1a, are essential for generating the correct number and sub-type of neurons in multiple regions of the nervous system. M-BM- In the dorsal spinal cord, Ascl1 and Ptf1a have contrasting functions in specifying inhibitory versus excitatory neurons. To understand how Ascl1 and Ptf1a function in these processes, we identified their direct transcriptional targets genome-wide in the embryonic mouse neural tube using ChIP-Seq and RNA-Seq. We show that Ascl1 and Ptf1a regulate the specification of excitatory and inhibitory neurons in the dorsal spinal cord through direct regulation of distinct homeodomain transcription factors known for their function in neuronal sub-type specification. Besides their roles in regulating these homeodomain factors, Ascl1 and Ptf1a each function differently during neuronal development with Ascl1 directly regulating genes with roles in several steps of the neurogenic program including, Notch signaling, neuronal differentiation, axon guidance, and synapse formation. In contrast, Ptf1a directly regulates genes encoding components of the neurotransmitter machinery in inhibitory neurons, and other later aspects of neural development distinct from those regulated by Ascl1. Moreover, Ptf1a represses the excitatory neuronal fate by directly repressing several targets of Ascl1. Examination of the Ascl1 and Ptf1a bound sequences shows they are enriched for a common E-Box with a GC core and with additional motifs used by Sox, Rfx, Pou, and Homeodomain factors. Ptf1a bound sequences are uniquely enriched in an E-Box with a GA/TC core and in the binding motif for its co-factor Rbpj, providing two keys to specificity of Ptf1a binding. The direct transcriptional targets identified for Ascl1 and Ptf1a provide a molecular understanding for how they function in neuronal development, particularly as key regulators of homeodomain transcription factors required for neuronal sub-type specification. Examination of Ascl1 and Ptf1a genome-wide binding in developing neural tube.
Project description:The t(11;22)(p13;q12) translocation is pathognomonic for the highly aggressive desmoplastic small round cell tumour (DSRCT). The translocation fuses exon 7 of the EWS gene to exon 8 of the WT1 gene (EWS/WT1). Two splice variants of EWS/WT1 exist, arising from the presence (+KTS) or absence (-KTS) of three amino acids: lysine, threonine and serine between zinc fingers 3 and 4. To investigate the oncogenic properties of both isoforms of EWS/WT1, we over-expressed EWS/WT1 in untransformed murine embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). We demonstrate that neither isoform of EWS/WT1 is sufficient to transform wild type MEFs, however the oncogenic potential of both isoforms is unmasked by the loss of p53. Expression of EWS/WT1 in MEFs lacking at least one allele of p53 resulted in enhanced cell proliferation, clonogenic survival and anchorage-independent growth. In addition EWS/WT1 expression in wild type MEFs attenuated several p53-dependent responses, including cell cycle arrest after irradiation and daunorubicin induced apoptosis. We show that DSRCT commonly have copy number amplification of MDM2 and MDMX, suggesting loss of p53 function in the tumours. Expression of either isoform of EWS/WT1 in MEFs induced characteristic mRNA expression profiles, including up-regulation of canonical Wnt pathway signaling. This was validated in cell lines and in a series of DSCRT, which confirmed canonical Wnt pathway activation in the tumours. We show for the first time that both isoforms of EWS/WT1 have oncogenic potential and that in addition to co-operating with loss of p53 function can also further attenuate p53-mediated responses. In addition we provide the first link between EWS/WT1 and Wnt pathway signaling. These data provide novel insights into the function of the EWS/WT1 fusion protein which characterizes DSCRT.
Project description:FOXO transcription factors are central regulators of longevity from worms to humans. FOXO3 – the FOXO isoform associated with exceptional human longevity – preserves adult neural stem cell pools. Here we identify FOXO3 direct targets genome-wide in primary cultures of adult neural progenitor cells (NPCs). Interestingly, FOXO3-bound sites are enriched for motifs for bHLH transcription factors and FOXO3 shares common targets with the pro-neuronal bHLH transcription factor ASCL1/MASH1 in NPCs. Analysis of the chromatin landscape reveals that FOXO3 and ASCL1 are particularly enriched at the enhancers of genes involved in neurogenic pathways. Intriguingly, FOXO3 inhibits ASCL1-dependent neurogenesis in NPCs and direct neuronal conversion in fibroblasts. FOXO3 also restrains neurogenesis in vivo. Our study identifies a genome-wide interaction between the pro-longevity transcription factor FOXO3 and the cell fate determinant ASCL1, and raises the possibility that FOXO3’s ability to restrain ASCL1-dependent neurogenesis may help preserve the neural stem cell pool. ChIP-seq profiles of two transcription factors (FOXO3 and ASCL1) and three histone marks (H3K4me1, H3K4me3 and H3K27me3) in adult mouse neural progenitor cells.
Project description:Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) is a rare and aggressive soft tissue malignancy. The disease is defined by the oncogenic EWS-WT1 transcription factor. However, the dependence of the tumor on this target has not been well-established and no EWS-WT1 targeted therapy has translated to the clinic. In this report we establish the dependence of DSRCT on EWS-WT1 as well as define a gene signature and a comprehensive list of downstream targets. The selective silencing of EWS-WT1 leads to the marked suppression of proliferation of both JN-DSRCT1 and BER cells. Loss of the fusion protein results in morphologic changes in the cells and eventual cellular apoptosis. RNA sequencing demonstrates large scale gene expression changes attributable to EWS-WT1 with several hundred induced or repressed downstream targets of the fusion. We conclude DSRCT is dependent on the EWS-WT1 transcription factor for cell survival. The presence of EWS-WT1 leads to enrichment of genes involved in aberrant cell differentiation and development as well as those involved in tumor metastasis.
Project description:In castration-resistant prostate cancer, lineage plasticity mediates resistance to androgen receptor pathway inhibitors (ARPIs) and progression from adenocarcinoma to neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC), a highly aggressive and poorly understood subtype. ASCL1 has emerged as a central regulator of the NEPC phenotype, driving neuroendocrine differentiation. However, ASCL1’s influence on neuronal lineage switching and maturation, as well as its partners in NEPC, remain largely unknown. Here, we provided insights into ASCL1’s cistrome reprogramming in ARPI-induced NEPC versus terminal NEPC and showed that ASCL1 binding pattern tailors the subsequent expression of transcription factor combinations that underlie discrete terminal NEPC identity. We identified FOXA2 as a major co-factor of ASCL1 in terminal NEPC that it is highly expressed in ASCL1-driven NEPC. FOXA2 and ASCL1 interact and work in concert to orchestrate terminal neuronal differentiation in prostate cancer, and regulate key neuroendocrine-associated genes including PROX1. Our findings provide insights into the molecular conduit underlying the interplay between different lineage determinant transcription factors to support the neuroendocrine identity in prostate cancer.