Cell-type dependent enhancer binding of the EWS/ATF1 fusion gene in clear cell sarcomas

Nat Commun. 2019 Sep 5;10(1):3999. doi: 10.1038/s41467-019-11745-1.

Abstract

Clear cell sarcoma (CCS) is a rare soft tissue sarcoma caused by the EWS/ATF1 fusion gene. Here, we established induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from EWS/ATF1-controllable murine CCS cells harboring sarcoma-associated genetic abnormalities. Sarcoma-iPSC mice develop secondary sarcomas immediately after EWS/ATF1 induction, but only in soft tissue. EWS/ATF1 expression induces oncogene-induced senescence in most cell types in sarcoma-iPSC mice but prevents it in sarcoma cells. We identify Tppp3-expressing cells in peripheral nerves as a cell-of-origin for these sarcomas. We show cell type-specific recruitment of EWS/ATF1 to enhancer regions in CCS cells. Finally, epigenetic silencing at these enhancers induces senescence and inhibits CCS cell growth through altered EWS/ATF1 binding. Together, we propose that distinct responses to premature senescence are the basis for the cell type-specificity of cancer development.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Activating Transcription Factor 1 / genetics*
  • Animals
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules / genetics
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Proliferation
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Exome / genetics
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease / genetics
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Mice, Inbred NOD
  • Neoplasms, Experimental
  • Nervous System
  • Oncogene Proteins, Fusion / genetics*
  • RNA-Binding Protein EWS / genetics*
  • S100 Calcium Binding Protein beta Subunit / genetics
  • Sarcoma, Clear Cell / genetics*
  • Sarcoma, Clear Cell / pathology
  • Transcriptome

Substances

  • Activating Transcription Factor 1
  • Atf1 protein, mouse
  • Ceacam9 protein, mouse
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Oncogene Proteins, Fusion
  • RNA-Binding Protein EWS
  • S100 Calcium Binding Protein beta Subunit
  • S100b protein, mouse