Bcor loss perturbs myeloid differentiation and promotes leukaemogenesis

Nat Commun. 2019 Mar 22;10(1):1347. doi: 10.1038/s41467-019-09250-6.

Abstract

The BCL6 Corepressor (BCOR) is a component of a variant Polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1) that is essential for normal development. Recurrent mutations in the BCOR gene have been identified in acute myeloid leukaemia and myelodysplastic syndrome among other cancers; however, its function remains poorly understood. Here we examine the role of BCOR in haematopoiesis in vivo using a conditional mouse model that mimics the mutations observed in haematological malignancies. Inactivation of Bcor in haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) results in expansion of myeloid progenitors and co-operates with oncogenic KrasG12D in the initiation of an aggressive and fully transplantable acute leukaemia. Gene expression analysis and chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing reveals differential regulation of a subset of PRC1-target genes including HSC-associated transcription factors such as Hoxa7/9. This study provides mechanistic understanding of how BCOR regulates cell fate decisions and how loss of function contributes to the development of leukaemia.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Carcinogenesis / metabolism*
  • Carcinogenesis / pathology*
  • Cell Differentiation*
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Leukemic
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cells / metabolism
  • Histones / metabolism
  • Homeodomain Proteins / metabolism
  • Leukemia / genetics
  • Leukemia / pathology*
  • Lysine / metabolism
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mutation / genetics
  • Myeloid Cells / pathology*
  • Polycomb Repressive Complex 1 / metabolism
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras) / metabolism
  • Repressor Proteins / deficiency*
  • Repressor Proteins / genetics
  • Repressor Proteins / metabolism
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism
  • Transcription, Genetic
  • Ubiquitination

Substances

  • Bcor protein, mouse
  • Histones
  • Homeodomain Proteins
  • Repressor Proteins
  • Transcription Factors
  • homeobox protein HOXA9
  • Polycomb Repressive Complex 1
  • Hras protein, mouse
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)
  • Lysine