An unexplored consequence of epigenetic alterations associated with cancer is the ectopic expression of tissue-restricted genes. Here, a new strategy was developed to decipher genome-wide expression data in search for these off-context gene activations, which consisted first, in identifying a large number of tissue-specific genes normally epigenetically silenced in most somatic cells and second, in using them as cancer biomarkers on an on/off basis. Applying this concept to analyze whole-genome transcriptome data in lung cancer, we discovered a specific group of 26 genes whose expression was a strong and independent predictor of poor prognosis in our cohort of 293 lung tumours, as well as in two independent external populations. In addition, these 26 classifying genes enabled us to isolate a homogenous group of metastatic-prone highly aggressive tumours, whose characteristic gene expression profile revealed a high proliferative potential combined to a significant decrease in immune and signaling functions. This work illustrates a new approach for a personalized management of cancer, with applications to any cancer type.
Ectopic activation of germline and placental genes identifies aggressive metastasis-prone lung cancers.
Sex, Specimen part
View SamplesKnockdown of the oncogene, BRD4-NUT, in a rare cancer, termed NUTmidline carcinoma (NMC), results in morphologic features consistent with squamous differentiation. Treatment with the HDAC-inhibitor, TSA, appears to cause the same phenotype. Here, we use gene expression profiling to compare the changes in gene expression following BRD4-NUT knockdown and TSA treatment.
Differentiation of NUT midline carcinoma by epigenomic reprogramming.
Cell line
View SamplesThis SuperSeries is composed of the SubSeries listed below.
Bromodomain-dependent stage-specific male genome programming by Brdt.
Specimen part
View SamplesMale germ cell differentiation is a highly regulated multistep process initiated by the commitment of progenitor cells into meiosis and characterized by major chromatin reorganizations in haploid spermatids. We report here that a single member of the double bromodomain BET factors, Brdt, is a master regulator of both meiotic divisions and post-meiotic genome repackaging. Upon its activation at the onset of meiosis, Brdt drives and determines the developmental timing of a testis-specific gene expression program. In meiotic cells, Brdt initiates a genuine histone acetylation-guided programming of the genome by activating essential meiotic genes and repressing a progenitor cells gene expression program, while priming a post-meiotic gene group for further activation. At post-meiotic stages, a global chromatin hyperacetylation gives the signal for Brdts first bromodomain to direct the genome-wide replacement of histones by transition proteins. Brdt is therefore a unique and essential regulator of male germ cell differentiation, which, by using various domains in a developmentally controlled manner, first drives a specific spermatogenic gene expression program, and later controls the tight packaging of the male genome.
Bromodomain-dependent stage-specific male genome programming by Brdt.
No sample metadata fields
View SamplesImmuno-chemotherapy regimens elicit high response rates in B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma but heterogeneity in response duration is observed, with some patients achieving cure and others showing refractory disease or relapse. Using a transcriptome-powered targeted proteomics screen, we discovered a gene regulatory circuit involving the nuclear factor CYCLON which characterizes aggressive disease and resistance to the anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, Rituximab, in high-risk B-cell lymphoma. CYCLON knockdown was found to inhibit the aggressivity of MYC-overexpressing tumors in mice and to modulate gene expression programs of biological relevance to lymphoma. Furthermore, CYCLON knockdown increased the sensitivity of human lymphoma B cells to Rituximab in vitro and in vivo. Strikingly, this effect could be mimicked by in vitro treatment of lymphoma B cells with a small molecule inhibitor for BET bromodomain proteins (JQ1). In summary, this work has identified CYCLON as a new MYC cooperating factor that drives aggressive tumor growth and Rituximab resistance in lymphoma. This resistance mechanism is amenable to next-generation epigenetic therapy by BET bromodomain inhibition, thereby providing a new combination therapy rationale for high-risk lymphoma.
Identification of a novel BET bromodomain inhibitor-sensitive, gene regulatory circuit that controls Rituximab response and tumour growth in aggressive lymphoid cancers.
Specimen part, Cell line
View SamplesThis SuperSeries is composed of the SubSeries listed below.
Atad2 is a generalist facilitator of chromatin dynamics in embryonic stem cells.
Specimen part
View SamplesAlthough the conserved AAA ATPase – bromodomain factor, ATAD2, has been described as a transcriptional co-activator upregulated in many cancers, its function remains poorly understood. Here, using a combination of ChIP-seq, ChIP-proteomics and RNA-seq experiments in embryonic stem cells, we found that Atad2 is an abundant nucleosome-bound protein present on active genes, associated with chromatin remodelling, DNA replication and DNA repair factors. A structural analysis of its bromodomain and subsequent investigations demonstrate that histone acetylation guides ATAD2 to chromatin, resulting in an overall increase of chromatin accessibility and histone dynamics, which is required for the proper activity of the highly expressed gene fraction of the genome. While in exponentially growing cells Atad2 appears dispensable for cell growth, in differentiating ES cells, Atad2 becomes critical in sustaining specific gene expression programs, controlling proliferation and differentiation. Altogether, this work defines Atad2’s function as a facilitator of general chromatin-templated activities such as transcription. Overall design: We used a siRNA approach to knock-down Atad2 and measure the resulting variations in gene expression by RNA-seq
Atad2 is a generalist facilitator of chromatin dynamics in embryonic stem cells.
No sample metadata fields
View SamplesAlthough the conserved AAA ATPase bromodomain factor, ATAD2, has been described as a transcriptional co-activator upregulated in many cancers, its function remains poorly understood. Here, using a combination of ChIP-seq, ChIP-proteomics and RNA-seq experiments in embryonic stem cells, we found that Atad2 is an abundant nucleosome-bound protein present on active genes, associated with chromatin remodelling, DNA replication and DNA repair factors. A structural analysis of its bromodomain and subsequent investigations demonstrate that histone acetylation guides ATAD2 to chromatin, resulting in an overall increase of chromatin accessibility and histone dynamics, which is required for the proper activity of the highly expressed gene fraction of the genome. While in exponentially growing cells Atad2 appears dispensable for cell growth, in differentiating ES cells, Atad2 becomes critical in sustaining specific gene expression programs, controlling proliferation and differentiation. Altogether, this work defines Atad2s function as a facilitator of general chromatin-templated activities such as transcription.
Atad2 is a generalist facilitator of chromatin dynamics in embryonic stem cells.
Specimen part
View SamplesWe analyzed small RNAs from three mammalian species, and found that in all these species piRNA-directed targeting is accompanied by the generation of short sequences that have a very precisely defined length and a specific spatial relationship with the guide piRNAs. Overall design: small RNA-seq of testes lysate (beta-eliminated)
Conserved generation of short products at piRNA loci.
No sample metadata fields
View SamplesThe medial and cardiac lobes of the right lung and whole right lung of (initially) 10-12 week old C57BL/6 mice were transcriptome profiled at days 0, 3, 7, 14, 28 and 56 post left pneumonectomy, with day 0 being pre-pneumonectomy, and an additional day 56 post sham surgery to control for 8 week aging post left pneumonectomy.
Identification of dedifferentiation and redevelopment phases during postpneumonectomy lung growth.
Sex, Specimen part, Treatment, Time
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