Epigenomic re-configuration of primary multiple myeloma underlies the synergistic effect of combined DNMT and EZH2 inhibition.

• Multiple myeloma (MM) is characterized by an overexpression of EZH2 and a subsequent increase in H3K27me3-mediated silencing. However, the genome-wide redistribution of this mark in context with other epigenetic tags remains largely unexplored. Here, we show that EZH2 physically interacts with DNMT1 and that combined inhibition leads to a reduced G2/M arrest and increased apoptosis in MM. In addition, we present a catalogue of the genomic regulatory regions in normal plasma cells (NPC) as defined by their individual combination of histone marks. We used ChIP-seq and ATAC-seq data to generate whole-genome NPC chromatin annotations which we further analysed using DNA methylation arrays and RNA-seq. Comparison between NPC and MM demonstrated that, despite the global hypomethylation, enhancers show a tendency towards a higher DNA methylation levels in MM, whereas Polycomb and heterochromatic sites, highly methylated in NPC, show intermediate levels of the mark. Across all examined regulatory regions, 5-azacytidine treatment strongly reduced DNA methylation in MM. Furthermore, we find an extensive re-structuration of the global histone patterns in MM. We noticed a widespread increase in H3K27me3 except at active TSSs/promoters and enhancers, where we found a selective gain of the mark, suggestive of a directed silencing. In contrast, poised TSSs lose H3K27me3 and gain the activation mark H3K27ac, reflecting potential activation. Taken together, we present a comprehensive map of the epigenomic changes in MM as compared to NPC and provide insights into the interplay between EZH2 and DNMT1 in MM.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Cancer och onkologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Cancer and Oncology (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Multiple myeloma

DNA methylation

H3K27me3

5-azacytidine

UNC1999.

Publikations- och innehållstyp

vet (ämneskategori)

ovr (ämneskategori)