RESUMEN
The release of paused RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) from promoter-proximal regions is tightly controlled to ensure proper regulation of gene expression. The elongation factor PTEF-b is known to release paused RNAPII via phosphorylation of the RNAPII C-terminal domain by its cyclin-dependent kinase component, CDK9. However, the signal and stress-specific roles of the various RNAPII-associated macromolecular complexes containing PTEF-b/CDK9 are not yet clear. Here, we identify and characterize the CDK9 complex required for transcriptional response to hypoxia. Contrary to previous reports, our data indicate that a CDK9 complex containing BRD4 but not AFF1/4 is essential for this hypoxic stress response. We demonstrate that BRD4 bromodomains (BET) are dispensable for the release of paused RNAPII at hypoxia-activated genes and that BET inhibition by JQ1 is insufficient to impair hypoxic gene response. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that the C-terminal region of BRD4 is required for Polymerase-Associated Factor-1 Complex (PAF1C) recruitment to establish an elongation-competent RNAPII complex at hypoxia-responsive genes. PAF1C disruption using a small-molecule inhibitor (iPAF1C) impairs hypoxia-induced, BRD4-mediated RNAPII release. Together, our results provide insight into potentially targetable mechanisms that control the hypoxia-responsive transcriptional elongation.
Asunto(s)
Proteínas Nucleares , Factores de Transcripción , Humanos , Factores de Transcripción/genética , Factores de Transcripción/metabolismo , Proteínas Nucleares/genética , Proteínas Nucleares/metabolismo , Regulación de la Expresión Génica , Quinasas Ciclina-Dependientes/metabolismo , Quinasa 9 Dependiente de la Ciclina/genética , Quinasa 9 Dependiente de la Ciclina/metabolismo , ARN Polimerasa II/genética , ARN Polimerasa II/metabolismo , Fosforilación , Hipoxia , Transcripción Genética , Factor B de Elongación Transcripcional Positiva/genética , Factor B de Elongación Transcripcional Positiva/metabolismo , Proteínas que Contienen Bromodominio , Proteínas de Ciclo Celular/genética , Proteínas de Ciclo Celular/metabolismoRESUMEN
Tumorigenesis due to viral infection accounts for a high fraction of the total global cancer burden (15-20%) of all human cancers. A comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms by which viral infection leads to tumor development is extremely important. One of the main mechanisms by which viruses induce host cell proliferation programs is through controlling the host's epigenetic machinery. In this review, we dissect the epigenetic pathways through which oncogenic viruses can integrate their genome into host cell chromosomes and lead to tumor progression. In addition, we highlight the potential use of drugs based on histone modifiers in reducing the global impact of cancer development due to viral infection.
RESUMEN
Clonal evolution of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) often follows chemotherapy and is associated with adverse outcome, but also occurs in untreated patients, in which case its predictive role is debated. We investigated whether the selection and expansion of CLL clone(s) precede an aggressive disease shift. We found that clonal evolution occurs in all CLL patients, irrespective of the clinical outcome, but is faster during disease progression. In particular, changes in the frequency of nucleotide variants (NVs) in specific CLL-related genes may represent an indicator of poor clinical outcome.