AML1/ETO oncoprotein is directed to AML1 binding regions and co-localizes with AML1 and HEB on its targets

PLoS Genet. 2008 Nov;4(11):e1000275. doi: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1000275. Epub 2008 Nov 28.

Abstract

A reciprocal translocation involving chromosomes 8 and 21 generates the AML1/ETO oncogenic transcription factor that initiates acute myeloid leukemia by recruiting co-repressor complexes to DNA. AML1/ETO interferes with the function of its wild-type counterpart, AML1, by directly targeting AML1 binding sites. However, transcriptional regulation determined by AML1/ETO probably relies on a more complex network, since the fusion protein has been shown to interact with a number of other transcription factors, in particular E-proteins, and may therefore target other sites on DNA. Genome-wide chromatin immunoprecipitation and expression profiling were exploited to identify AML1/ETO-dependent transcriptional regulation. AML1/ETO was found to co-localize with AML1, demonstrating that the fusion protein follows the binding pattern of the wild-type protein but does not function primarily by displacing it. The DNA binding profile of the E-protein HEB was grossly rearranged upon expression of AML1/ETO, and the fusion protein was found to co-localize with both AML1 and HEB on many of its regulated targets. Furthermore, the level of HEB protein was increased in both primary cells and cell lines expressing AML1/ETO. Our results suggest a major role for the functional interaction of AML1/ETO with AML1 and HEB in transcriptional regulation determined by the fusion protein.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors / metabolism*
  • Binding Sites
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Chromosomes, Human, Pair 19 / genetics
  • Core Binding Factor Alpha 2 Subunit / metabolism*
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Oncogene Proteins, Fusion / genetics*
  • Oncogene Proteins, Fusion / metabolism
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic
  • RUNX1 Translocation Partner 1 Protein
  • Transcription, Genetic
  • U937 Cells

Substances

  • AML1-ETO fusion protein, human
  • Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors
  • Core Binding Factor Alpha 2 Subunit
  • Oncogene Proteins, Fusion
  • RUNX1 Translocation Partner 1 Protein
  • RUNX1 protein, human
  • TCF12 protein, human