TMPRSS2-ERG gene fusions induce prostate tumorigenesis by modulating microRNA miR-200c

Oncogene. 2014 Oct 30;33(44):5183-92. doi: 10.1038/onc.2013.461. Epub 2013 Nov 4.

Abstract

Chromosomal translocations that juxtapose the androgen-sensitive transmembrane protease, serine 2 (TMPRSS2) gene promoter to the oncogenic ETS-family transcription factor ERG result in excessive ERG overexpression in approximately 50% of prostate cancer (PCa) patients. Although numerous studies have investigated ERG-downstream genes, such studies have not attempted to examine miRNAs, which however are emerging to be important regulators of cancer. Through bioinformatics analysis of ChIP-Seq ERG data and miRNA expression profiling data we nominated miR-200c as a direct target of ERG. Experimentation of PCa cells with ERG overexpression or knockdown demonstrated that ERG directly repressed miR-200c expression by physically binding to the erythroblast transformation-specific (ETS) motif within its promoter. Consequently, miR-200c was downregulated in ERG-positive PCa, and miR-200c target gene expression was restored. In addition, the expression pattern of miR-200c target genes predicted ERG status in clinical PCa specimens. Furthermore, miR-200c was found to be important in modulating ZEB1 upregulation by ERG. Most importantly, miR-200c reconstitution fully reversed ERG-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), cell migration and invasion. Therefore, our study report miR-200c as the first miRNA target of ERG and a critical inhibitor of PCa cell motility. Therapeutic delivery of miR-200c may provide personalized treatment for patients with the molecular subtype of PCa that harbors TMPRSS2-ERG gene fusions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Movement / genetics
  • Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition / genetics
  • Gene Expression Profiling
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Homeodomain Proteins / genetics
  • Homeodomain Proteins / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Male
  • MicroRNAs / genetics*
  • Oncogene Proteins, Fusion / genetics
  • Oncogene Proteins, Fusion / metabolism*
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism
  • Zinc Finger E-box-Binding Homeobox 1

Substances

  • Homeodomain Proteins
  • MIRN200 microRNA, human
  • MicroRNAs
  • Oncogene Proteins, Fusion
  • TMPRSS2-ERG fusion protein, human
  • Transcription Factors
  • ZEB1 protein, human
  • Zinc Finger E-box-Binding Homeobox 1