Micro-RNA-204 Participates in TMPRSS2/ERG Regulation and Androgen Receptor Reprogramming in Prostate Cancer

Horm Cancer. 2017 Feb;8(1):28-48. doi: 10.1007/s12672-016-0279-9. Epub 2017 Jan 3.

Abstract

Cancer progression is driven by genome instability incurred rearrangements such as transmembrane protease, serine 2 (TMPRSS2)/v-ets erythroblastosis virus E26 oncogene (ERG) that could possibly turn some of the tumor suppressor micro-RNAs into pro-oncogenic ones. Previously, we found dualistic miR-204 effects, acting either as a tumor suppressor or as an oncomiR in ERG fusion-dependent manner. Here, we provided further evidence for an important role of miR-204 for TMPRSS2/ERG and androgen receptor (AR) signaling modulation and fine tuning that prevents TMPRSS2/ERG overexpression in prostate cancer. Based on proximity-based ligation assay, we designed a novel method for detection of TMPRSS2/ERG protein products. We found that miR-204 is TMPRSS2/ERG oncofusion negative regulator, and this was mediated by DNA methylation of TMPRSS2 promoter. Transcriptional factors runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) and ETS proto-oncogene 1 (ETS1) were positive regulators of TMPRSS2/ERG expression and promoter hypo-methylation. Clustering of patients' sera for fusion protein, transcript expression, and wild-type ERG transcript isoforms, demonstrated not all patients harboring fusion transcripts had fusion protein products, and only few fusion positive ones exhibited increased wild-type ERG transcripts. miR-204 upregulated AR through direct promoter hypo-methylation, potentiated by the presence of ERG fusion and RUNX2 and ETS1. Proteomics studies provided evidence that miR-204 has dualistic role in AR cancer-related reprogramming, promoting prostate cancer-related androgen-responsive genes and AR target genes, as well as AR co-regulatory molecules. miR-204 methylation regulation was supported by changes in molecules responsible for chromatin remodeling, DNA methylation, and its regulation. In summary, miR-204 is a mild regulator of the AR function during the phase of preserved AR sensitivity as the latter one is required for ERG-fusion translocation.

MeSH terms

  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Core Binding Factor Alpha 1 Subunit / metabolism
  • DNA Methylation
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic*
  • Gene Rearrangement
  • Humans
  • Male
  • MicroRNAs / metabolism*
  • Oncogene Proteins, Fusion / metabolism*
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic / genetics
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Proteomics
  • Proto-Oncogene Mas
  • Proto-Oncogene Protein c-ets-1 / metabolism
  • Receptors, Androgen / metabolism*
  • Serine Endopeptidases / genetics
  • Signal Transduction
  • Transcriptional Regulator ERG / genetics

Substances

  • AR protein, human
  • Core Binding Factor Alpha 1 Subunit
  • ERG protein, human
  • ETS1 protein, human
  • MAS1 protein, human
  • MIRN204 microRNA, human
  • MicroRNAs
  • Oncogene Proteins, Fusion
  • Proto-Oncogene Mas
  • Proto-Oncogene Protein c-ets-1
  • RUNX2 protein, human
  • Receptors, Androgen
  • TMPRSS2-ERG fusion protein, human
  • Transcriptional Regulator ERG
  • Serine Endopeptidases
  • TMPRSS2 protein, human