Endogenous oncogenic Nras mutation promotes aberrant GM-CSF signaling in granulocytic/monocytic precursors in a murine model of chronic myelomonocytic leukemia

Blood. 2010 Dec 23;116(26):5991-6002. doi: 10.1182/blood-2010-04-281527. Epub 2010 Oct 4.

Abstract

Oncogenic NRAS mutations are frequently identified in myeloid diseases involving monocyte lineage. However, its role in the genesis of these diseases remains elusive. We report a mouse bone marrow transplantation model harboring an oncogenic G12D mutation in the Nras locus. Approximately 95% of recipient mice develop a myeloproliferative disease resembling the myeloproliferative variant of chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML), with a prolonged latency and acquisition of multiple genetic alterations, including uniparental disomy of oncogenic Nras allele. Based on single-cell profiling of phospho-proteins, a novel population of CMML cells is identified to display aberrant granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) signaling in both the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 and signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (Stat5) pathways. This abnormal signaling is acquired during CMML development. Further study suggests that aberrant Ras/ERK signaling leads to expansion of granulocytic/monocytic precursors, which are highly responsive to GM-CSF. Hyperactivation of Stat5 in CMML cells is mainly through expansion of these precursors rather than up-regulation of surface expression of GM-CSF receptors. Our results provide insights into the aberrant cytokine signaling in oncogenic NRAS-associated myeloid diseases.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blotting, Western
  • Bone Marrow Transplantation
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases / metabolism
  • Genes, ras / physiology*
  • Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor / genetics
  • Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor / metabolism*
  • Granulocytes / metabolism*
  • Leukemia, Myelomonocytic, Chronic / genetics
  • Leukemia, Myelomonocytic, Chronic / metabolism
  • Leukemia, Myelomonocytic, Chronic / pathology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Monocytes / metabolism*
  • Mutation / genetics*
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • Receptors, Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor / genetics
  • Receptors, Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor / metabolism
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Signal Transduction
  • Survival Rate

Substances

  • RNA, Messenger
  • Receptors, Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor
  • Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor
  • Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases