Epigenetic reprogramming at estrogen-receptor binding sites alters 3D chromatin landscape in endocrine-resistant breast cancer

Nat Commun. 2020 Jan 16;11(1):320. doi: 10.1038/s41467-019-14098-x.

Abstract

Endocrine therapy resistance frequently develops in estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are largely unknown. Here, we show that 3-dimensional (3D) chromatin interactions both within and between topologically associating domains (TADs) frequently change in ER+ endocrine-resistant breast cancer cells and that the differential interactions are enriched for resistance-associated genetic variants at CTCF-bound anchors. Ectopic chromatin interactions are preferentially enriched at active enhancers and promoters and ER binding sites, and are associated with altered expression of ER-regulated genes, consistent with dynamic remodelling of ER pathways accompanying the development of endocrine resistance. We observe that loss of 3D chromatin interactions often occurs coincidently with hypermethylation and loss of ER binding. Alterations in active A and inactive B chromosomal compartments are also associated with decreased ER binding and atypical interactions and gene expression. Together, our results suggest that 3D epigenome remodelling is a key mechanism underlying endocrine resistance in ER+ breast cancer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / pharmacology
  • Binding Sites*
  • Breast Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Breast Neoplasms / metabolism
  • CCCTC-Binding Factor / chemistry
  • CCCTC-Binding Factor / metabolism
  • Chromatin / chemistry
  • Chromatin / genetics
  • Chromatin / metabolism*
  • DNA Methylation
  • Epigenesis, Genetic* / drug effects
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Humans
  • MCF-7 Cells
  • Neoplasm Proteins / genetics
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic / drug effects
  • Protein Interaction Domains and Motifs
  • Receptors, Estrogen / chemistry*
  • Receptors, Estrogen / metabolism*
  • Whole Genome Sequencing

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal
  • CCCTC-Binding Factor
  • CTCF protein, human
  • Chromatin
  • GREB1 protein, human
  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • Receptors, Estrogen