Citations

Abstract The current view is that treatment failures of AML patients are due to persistence of leukemia stem cells (LSCs). The presence of FMS-like tyrosine kinase-3 (FLT3) Internal tandem duplication (ITD) is associated with poor prognosis. But, FLT3 tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) demonstrate transient clinical activity in FLT3-ITD+ AML patients. Persistent FLT3-ITD+ AML LSC represent a source of relapse. There is a pressing need to target LSC and improve outcomes for FLT3-ITD+ AML patients. PRMT1, the predominant arginine methyltransferase, has been implicated in pathogenesis of AML rare subtype (i.e., acute megakaryoblastic leukemia). Herein, we show that PRMT1 protein expression is significantly increased in LSC-enriched AML CD34+CD38- cells relative to the counterparts of normal peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) (AML n=9, normal n=8, p=0.0004,). Following PRMT1-knockdown (KD), AML CD34+ cells (n=15) demonstrated varying degrees of apoptosis while the survival of normal cells were not affected. Interestingly, we observed significant apoptosis-induction in a subset of samples bearing FLT3-ITD mutation (6 out of total 15) upon PRMT1-KD (ShCtrl 13.9±3.6%, ShPRMT1 32.5±4.6%, p<0.001). PRMT1-KD induced apoptosis was also more evident in cord blood (CB) CD34+ cells expressing FLT3-ITD (ShCtrl 19.4±1.3%, ShPRMT1 45.2±2.5%, p<0.001) relative to that of FLT3-WT (ShCtrl 27.47±1.8%, ShPRMT1 36.9±1.6%, p=0.0167). In 293T cells ectopically overexpressing FLT3-WT or FLT3-ITD, co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) indicated greater interaction between PRMT1 and FLT3-ITD. Through RNA-Seq profiling two AML lines (MV4-11, OCI-AML3) plus one FLT3-ITD transduced CB CD34+ cells with PRMT1-KD, we obtained a differentially-regulated gene set as a "PRMT1 signature". This signature was enriched in FLT3-ITD+ AML relative to FLT3-WT AML according to ssGSEA analysis using two AML datasets (GSE14468, GSE10358), indicating PRMT1 may cooperate with FLT3-ITD regulating AML maintenance. Given that PRMT1 directly interacts with FLT3-ITD, we next asked whether PRMT1 catalyzes FLT3-ITD protein methylation. Through mass-spectrometry analysis of a FLT3-ITD+ AML specimen and in vitro methylation assay, we identified that PRMT1 catalyzes FLT3-ITD arginine (R) methylation (Me) at two conserved residues, 972 and 973. Using in-house R972/973 Me antibody, we validated the expression of FLT3 R-Me in FLT3-ITD AML speciemens (7 out of 7). To test R-Me function, we transduced MLL-AF9 (MA9) overexpressing murine c-Kit+ cells with methylation-deficient FLT3-ITD (R972/973K, arginine [R] to lysine [K]) construct, and found that MA9 cells expressing R972/973K underwent more apoptosis than that of WT FLT3-ITD (WT FLT3-ITD 9.7±1.1%, R972/973K 23.7±2.1%, p=0.003). The double transformed cells were further transplanted into recipients for leukemia development. Mice receiving MA9 cells expressing R972/973K exhibited longer survival (median survival: WT FLT3-ITD 36 days, R972/973K 50 days, p=0.002, n=6). Mechanistically, expression of R972/973K did not affect the total tyrosine phosphorylation level of FLT3-ITD. Additionally, FLT3-ITD R-Me expression persisted after a TKI (AC220) treatment. These facts indicated that FLT3-ITD R-Me function is independent of FLT3-ITD kinase activity. We then used a FLT3-ITD+ patient derived xenograft (PDX) model to assess the effects of TKI and PRMT1 inhibition. Following engraftment >1% in peripheral blood, we divided mice (n=24) into 4 groups and treated each with vehicle, MS023 (a type I PRMT inhibitor, ACS Chem Biol. 2016;11:772-781) (160 mg/kg/i.p), AC220 (10 mg/kg/i.g) or combination for 4 weeks. MS023 treatment downregulating FLT3 R-Me levels enhanced elimination of FLT3-ITD AML cells by AC220 treatment (AC220 24.6±13.4% vs combination 7.6±6.5%, p=0.02, n=6). At 16 weeks post-secondary BMT, significant AML burden in single drug treated transplants was observed, but less AML cells were detected in combination-treated transplants (AC220 52.3%, vs combination 25.4%, p<0.001, n=6). MS023 had little effect on long-term in vivo engraftment of CD34+ from a human CB specimen (vehicle 76.3±5.9%, MS023 72.2±3.4%, p=0.21, n=5). In summary, our study demonstrated PRMT1 overexpression contributes to AML stem/progenitor cell survival possibly through FLT3-ITD methylation, supporting further exploration into how PRMT1-mediated FLT3 methylation governs LSC survival. Disclosures Khaled: Alexion: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Daiichi: Consultancy; Juno: Other: Travel Funding.

Abstract Massively parallel sequencing analyses have revealed a common mutation within the MYD88 gene (MYD88L265P) occurring at high frequencies in many non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL) including the rare lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma, Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia (WM). Using whole exome sequencing, Sanger sequencing and allele-specific PCR, we validate the initial studies and detect the MYD88L265P mutation in the tumor genome of 97% of WM patients analyzed (n=39). MYD88L265P was detected at lower frequencies in other indolent lymphomas including LPL (0%), MALT (4%), nodal MZL (5%) and splenic MZL (8%); all but one MYD88L265P was heterozygous. Due to the high frequency of MYD88 mutation in WM and other NHL, and its known effects on malignant B cell survival, therapeutic targeting of MYD88 signaling pathways may be useful clinically. However, while the effects of MYD88L265P on the activity of IRAK1/4 and NF-κB are have been studied previously, we are lacking a thorough characterization of the role of intermediary signaling proteins such as TRAF6 and TAK1 on the biology of MYD88L265P-expressing B cells. A better understanding of the proteins involved in MYD88L265P signaling may lead to the development of more targeted and effective therapeutic approaches. In an attempt to identify MYD88L265P –specific therapeutic targets we first wanted to characterize the role of intermediary signaling proteins that facilitate the downstream activation of NF-κB. Upon activation of TLRs or IL-1b receptors, MYD88 forms a homodimer and recruits IRAK1/4 and TRAF6 into a complex resulting in association and phosphorylation of TAK1 followed by activation of NF-κB. We monitored the formation of a complex comprised of MYD88, IRAK1, IRAK4 and TRAF6 and immunoprecipitation of either endogenous IRAK4 or IRAK1 revealed constitutive association of IRAK with TRAF6 and MYD88L265P. To assess if the formation of a MYD88L265P/IRAK/TRAF6 complex results in downstream activation of TAK1, constitutive TAK1 phosphorylation was measured and detected in all three cell lines that express MYD88L265P. An association between TAK1 and TRAF6, another measure of TAK1 activation, was also detectable. When a similar analysis of TAK1 was performed in DLBCL cells expressing wild-type MYD88, no phosphorylation of TAK1 was detected, nor was TAK1 associated with TRAF6. IRAK1, IRAK4, TAK1, TRAF6, and MYD88 were expressed at similar levels in all cell lines studied and therefore did not contribute the differences in MYD88 complex formation observed between cell lines. These studies were further confirmed using HEK 293T cells that were transduced with either a vector control plasmid or HA-tagged MYD88WT or MYD88L265P expression plasmids. Together, these studies suggest that MYD88L265P forms a complex with IRAK and TRAF6 resulting in constitutive activation of TAK1 and NF-κB. To confirm the significance of TAK1-mediated MYD88L265P signaling on lymphoma cell growth, the effect of the selective TAK1 inhibitor, (5Z)-7-Oxozeaenol, on cell proliferation was tested. All MYD88L265P-expressing cell lines were sensitive to TAK1 inhibition in a dose-dependent manner (0-10 μM). In contrast, NHL cells expressing MYD88WT were found to be insensitive to TAK1 inhibition. We next tested the impact of the TAK1 inhibitor on a MYD88L265P positive WM patient sample. Similar to what was seen in the WM cell lines, the TAK1 inhibitor inhibited WM cell growth and survival in a dose dependent manner. Additionally, the TAK1 inhibitor significantly reduced the level of IL-10 secreted by each of the cell lines. Together, these data suggest that MYD88L265P drives cell proliferation and cytokine secretion through a TAK1-dependent mechanism. In conclusion, we are the first to validate by NGS in a large patient cohort the high prevalence and specificity of MYD88L265P in WM. Cells harboring the L265P mutation but not wild-type MYD88 exhibit constitutive signaling leading to the hyperactivation of NF-κB. We have established the role of TAK1 as an integral component of MYD88L265P signaling in both WM and DLBCL cell. Our data suggest that targeting TAK1 clinically may be an effective strategy for the treatment of WM and other lymphomas driven by MYD88L265P signaling. Disclosures: Fonseca: millennium: Consultancy; amgen: Consultancy; Binding site: Consultancy; onyx: Consultancy; medtronic: Consultancy; Genzyme: Consultancy; Otsuka: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy; lilly: Consultancy; Onyx: Research Funding; cylene: Research Funding.

AbstractNerve growth factor (NGF ) can influence mast cell development and function in murine rodents by interacting with its receptors on mast cells. We now report the identification of mRNA transcripts of full-length tyrosine kinase-containing trkA, trkB, and trkC neurotrophin receptor genes in HMC-1 human mast cell leukemia cells. Although HMC-1 cells lacked p75 mRNA, they expressed transcripts for the exon-lacking splice variant of trkA (trkAI), truncated trkB (trkB.T1), and truncated trkC. By flow cytometry, HMC-1 cells exhibited expression of TrkA, TrkB, and TrkC receptor proteins containing full-length tyrosine kinase domains. NGF stimulation of HMC-1 cells induced tyrosine phosphorylation of TrkA protein, increased expression of the early response genes c-fos and NGF1-A, and activation of ERK-mitogen–activated protein (MAP) kinase, results which indicate that TrkA receptors in HMC-1 cells are fully functional. Highly purified populations of human lung mast cells expressed mRNAs for trkA, trkB and trkC, whereas preparations of human umbilical cord blood-derived mast cells expressed mRNAs for trkA and trkC, but not trkB. Moreover, preparations of human umbilical cord blood-derived immature mast cells not only expressed mRNA transcript and protein for TrkA, but exhibited significantly higher numbers of chymase-positive cells after the addition of NGF to their culture medium for 3 weeks. In addition, HMC-1 cells expressed mRNAs for NGF, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF ), and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), the cognate ligands for TrkA, TrkB, and TrkC, whereas NGF and BDNF transcripts were detectable in human umbilical cord blood mast cell preparations. Taken together, our findings show that human mast cells express a functional TrkA receptor tyrosine kinase and indicate that NGF may be able to promote certain aspects of mast cell development and/or maturation in humans. Our studies also raise the possibility that human mast cells may represent a potential source for neurotrophins.

Abstract Multiple myeloma (MM) is characterized by significant genetic diversity at subclonal levels that likely plays a defining role in the heterogeneity of tumor progression, clinical aggressiveness and drug sensitivity. Such heterogeneity is a driving factor in the evolution of MM, from founder clones through outgrowth of subclonal fractions. DNA Sequencing studies on MM samples have indeed demonstrated such heterogeneity in subclonal architecture at diagnosis based on recurrent mutations in pathologically relevant genes that may ultimately to lead to relapse. However, no study so far has reported a predictive gene expression signature that can identify, distinguish and quantify drug sensitive and drug-resistant subpopulations within a bulk population of myeloma cells. In recent years, our laboratory has successfully developed a gene expression profile (GEP)-based signature that could not only distinguish drug response of MM cell lines, but also was effective in stratifying patient outcomes when applied to GEP profiles from MM clinical trials using proteasome inhibitors (PI) as chemotherapeutic agents. Further, we noted myeloma cell lines that responded to the drug often contained residual sub-population of cells that did not respond, and likely were selectively propagated during drug treatment in vitro, and in patients. In this study, we performed targeted qRT-PCR analysis of single cells using a gene panel that included PI sensitivity genes and gene signatures that could discriminate between low and high-risk myeloma followed by intensive bioinformatics and statistical analysis for the classification and prediction of PI response in individual cells within bulk multiple myeloma tumors. Fluidigm's C1 Single-Cell Auto Prep System was used to perform automated single-cell capture, processing and cDNA synthesis on 576 pre-treatment cells from 12 cell lines representing a wide range of PI-sensitivity and 370 cells from 7 patient samples undergoing PI treatment followed by targeted gene expression profiling of single cells using automated, high-throughput on-chip qRT-PCR analysis using 96.96 Dynamic Array IFCs on the BioMark HD System. Probability of resistance for each individual cell was predicted using a pipeline that employed the machine learning methods Random Forest, Support Vector Machine (radial and sigmoidal), LASSO and kNN (k Nearest Neighbor) for making single-cell GEP data-driven predictions/ decisions. The weighted probabilities from each of the algorithms were used to quantify resistance of each individual cell and plotted using Ensemble forecasting algorithm. Using our drug response GEP signature at the single cell level, we could successfully identify distinct subpopulations of tumor cells that were predicted to be sensitive or resistant to PIs. Subsequently, we developed a R Statistical analysis package (http://cran.r-project.org), SCATTome (Single Cell Analysis of Targeted Transcriptome), that can restructure data obtained from Fluidigm qPCR analysis run, filter missing data, perform scaling of filtered data, build classification models and successfully predict drug response of individual cells and classify each cell's probability of response based on the targeted transcriptome. We will present the program output as graphical displays of single cell response probabilities. This package provides a novel classification method that has the potential to predict subclonal response to a variety of therapeutic agents. Disclosures Kumar: Skyline: Consultancy, Honoraria; BMS: Consultancy; Onyx: Consultancy, Research Funding; Sanofi: Consultancy, Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Takeda: Consultancy, Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding.

Abstract Abstract 29 Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cells are frequently characterized by abnormal numbers of chromosomes, a condition known as aneuploidy. Aneuploidy in ALL is not just a curiosity, but impacts on the prognosis and risk stratification in children. Additionally, aneuploidy itself contributes to the development of cancer by dysregulating gene expression, and driving the loss of heterozygosity of mutated tumor suppressor genes. The molecular underpinnings of aneuploidy in ALL are largely unknown. The mitotic checkpoint is a complex pathway that acts in mitosis to prevent the premature onset of anaphase that leads to improper segregation of chromosomes and aneuploidy. Through the concerted action of many intermediates, the mitotic checkpoint functions to inhibit the activity of a large ubiquitin E3 ligase complex known as the anaphase promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) that drives the separation of paired sister chromatids by effecting the ubiquitin-dependent degradation of cyclin B1 and securin. The de-ubiquitinating enzyme USP44 was recently identified as an important regulator of mitotic progression that assists in maintaining mitotic checkpoint signaling until all chromosomes are properly attached to the mitotic spindle. Microarray studies of childhood acute leukemias have observed high levels of USP44 in T-cell ALL, but the significance of this observation is unclear. Here we show that USP44 is indeed over-expressed in T-ALL in children and that its presence may contribute to aneuploidy that is frequently observed in this disease. We compared the expression of USP44 in a series of 24 samples from patients with T-ALL to that found in ten samples of peripheral T-cells isolated from healthy donors, using quantitative real-time PCR. There was a dramatic increase in the expression of USP44 in T-ALL with 18 out of 24 cases having at least 3-fold increase, with an average of 16-fold increase, in USP44 mRNA. We next studied the consequences of USP44 over-expression in primary cells using live-cell microscopy. We find that excess USP44 leads to dramatic and significant increase in chromosome missegregation with most defects involving lagging chromosomes due to improper chromosome attachment to the mitotic spindle. We observe that these mitotic errors lead to the development of aneuploidy, through a mechanism that requires USP44 catalytic activity. These effects are accompanied by reinforced mitotic checkpoint signaling that leads to delayed progression through mitosis, and a prolonged duration of mitotic arrest in cells exposed to spindle poisons such as nocodazole or paclitaxel. At the molecular level, we observe that excess USP44 leads to enhanced binding of the mitotic checkpoint effector Mad2 to the APC/C and increased levels of cyclin B1 in early mitosis. Taken together, we conclude that USP44 is a chromosome instability gene that is frequently expressed at high levels in T-ALL cells, and that this may contribute to the pathogenesis of T-ALL by leading to chromosome shuffling and aneuploidy. These data have important implications in our understanding of the pathogenesis of this disease and may contribute to understanding the therapeutic effectiveness of novel aurora inhibitors in cancer. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Abstract Background Imetelstat is a 13-mer lipid-conjugated oligonucleotide that targets the RNA template of human telomerase reverse transcriptase. A pilot study of imetelstat therapy in myelofibrosis showed the induction of complete (CR) or partial remissions, as well as molecular remissions, in a subset of patients (Blood. 2014;124:634). In the particular study, CR was significantly higher in patients with SF3B1 or U2AF1 spliceosome mutations, which provided the rationale for the current study; spliceosome mutations are closely associated with refractory anemia with ring sideroblasts with (RARS-T) or without (RARS) thrombocytosis (Leukemia. 2013;27:1826). Methods Diagnosis of RARS and RARS-T was according to WHO criteria (Blood. 2009;114:937). Study patients were treated with a 2-hour intravenous infusion of 7.5 mg/kg imetelstat (Janssen Biotech Inc., Horsham, PA, USA) every 4 weeks. Drug activity was monitored by both formal response criteria (Blood. 2006;108:419) and effect on spleen size, thrombocytosis and leukocytosis. Adverse events (AEs) were monitored by Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (Version 4.03). Laboratory correlative studies included analysis of mutations. Results Accrual to this signal study is now complete and median time from study registration, as of 5/10/2015, was 17.1 months (range 16.1-20.1). Among the 9 study patients, 5 had RARS-T, 3 had RARS and one had "MDS/MPN overlap". Median age was 70 years (78% males). 8 (89%) patients were transfusion-dependent. One patient (RARS-T) had marked splenomegaly (palpable at 16 cm). Three patients each had leukocytosis and thrombocytosis. Seven (78%) patients had received prior treatments, including erythropoiesis stimulating agents in 6 (67%). Baseline international MDS prognostic scoring system scores were intermediate-1 (n=7) and intermediate-2 (n=2). Karyotype was normal in all but one patient with loss of Y chromosome. Drug activity Median duration of treatment with imetelstat was 13.7 months (range 6.6-17.9). Three (38%) patients achieved transfusion-independence (TI) during treatment, defined as not requiring transfusions for at least 8 weeks; 2 had RARS and one RARS-T. The median time to TI was 11 weeks (range 9-14) and the median TI duration was 28 weeks (range 9-37). One of the 3 "TI" patients also had resolution of leukocytosis and thrombocytosis. A 4th patient experienced >50% decrease in palpable spleen size as well as a decrease in transfusion need. In addition, imetelstat induced normalization of counts in two additional patients with thrombocytosis and leukocytosis. As of 5/10/2015, 4 (44%) patients remain on active treatment and one death had been recorded (deemed unrelated to imetelstat). The 5 treatment discontinuations were: death during active therapy, discovery of second malignancy, progression into acute leukemia and insufficient response (n=2). Safety Treatment-emergent grade 4 neutropenia and thrombocytopenia were seen in 2 (22%) and 1 (11%) patients, respectively; neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia were seen in 4 (44%), and 2 (22%) patients. Grade 3 anemia was seen in 6 (67%) of the patients, however baseline grade 2 anemia was noted in 2 (22%) and grade 3 in 3 (30%) patients. None of the grade ≥3 hematologic toxicities lasted ≥4 weeks.. The following grade 3 non-hematologic events occurred in 1 subject: aspiration, fatigue, and lipase increase and a patient with pre-existing cardiovascular disease history experienced a grade 5 heart failure. Treatment-emergent liver function test abnormalities affected: ALT (grade 1 56%/grade 2 11%), AST (grade 1 56%/grade 2 11%), ALP (grade 1 33%), and total bilirubin (grade 2 11%). For patients that discontinued treatment with imetelstat, these events were mostly reversible. Mutation studies Patients were screened for mutations involving JAK2, SF3B1, U2AF1 and SRSF2. Three patients were mutated for JAK2, 7 for SF3B1 (4 K700E, 2 H662Q, one K666N) and one for U2AF1 (Q157P). All three patients with "TI" (H662Q, K700E, K666N) and the 4th patient with spleen response (K700E) were SF3B1mutated. Post-treatment analysis showed no effect of imetelstat on mutations. Conclusions Treatment with imetelstat may offer clinical benefit in patients with RARS or RARS-T with generally acceptable safety profile and warrants further clinical investigation. Disclosures Al-Kali: Celgene: Research Funding. Wan:Janssen Research & Development: Employment, Equity Ownership.

Abstract Background: In 2006 Lenalidomide received FDA approval for myelodysplasia (MDS) with interstitial deletion 5q [del(5q)] based on conventional cytogenetic (CC) results before and after treatment. In clinical practice, FISH studies of interphase nuclei with probes for EGR1 are widely used to detect del(5q), but it is not known whether this method has similar efficacy as CC. Thus, we compared CC and FISH results for various forms of del(5q). Methods: We selected 145 patients (pts) in our cytogenetic database with del(5q). These pts had various forms of del(5q) and were representative of our clinical practice. This series included 9 pts with MDS that were studied before and after treatment with Lenalidomide. CC studies were done using standard procedures to analyze 20 metaphases from bone marrow. FISH studies were done on the same specimens using stored left-over cells and standard procedures for EGR1 (5q31.2) and D5S23/D5S721 (5p15.2). The cutoff for del(5q) for FISH was <6.0% based on 200 nuclei. Results: Among 145 pts, 104 were referred for MDS, 9 acute myeloid leukemia, 9 lymphoproliferative disorders, 7 myeloproliferative disorders and 16 without clinical information. A total of 116 pts had breakpoints at del(5)(q13q33), 17 del(5)(q15q33), 8 del(5)(q11.2~q31q31~q35), 3 del(5)(q22q33) and 1 del(5)(q13q22). Del(5q) was detected in 144 pts by both CC and FISH. One pt had del(5)(q13q22) in 20/20 metaphases but was normal by FISH. Percent abnormal cells by FISH was lower in 135/145 pts compared to CC (mean difference 22.5 ± 19.6, range −42 to 98). For 9 pts with MDS, 29 specimens were collected before and after treatment with Lenalidomide: 7 achieved complete cytogenetic remission (four relapsed) and 2 showed a decrease in percent abnormal metaphases. Results of CC and FISH for these 9 pts were concordant for detection of del(5q) and trend of tumor burden due to treatment for 28/29 specimens. The discordant specimen was collected 222 days after treatment; results of CC were normal but FISH was abnormal in 19% of nuclei. Among the 29 specimens, percent abnormal cells by FISH was lower than CC in 27 (mean difference 13.9% ± 22.5, range −19.0 to 73.5). Each of the 9 treated pts had only del(5q) prior to treatment, and was detected by both FISH and CC. After treatment, FISH did not detect a separate cytogenetic clone involving deletion 20q without del(5q) in 2 pts nor did it identify development of other anomalies in 3 pts. Conclusions: Results of CC and FISH were mostly concordant, but differed in 4 respects. First, 1/145 pts was normal by FISH but had del(5q) by CC. This pt had unusual breakpoints that did not result in loss of EGR1. Second, percentage of cells with del(5q) was usually lower by FISH than CC. This observation is likely related to a different mitotic rate of cells with del(5q) versus normal cells. Third, 1 specimen was abnormal by FISH but normal by CC after treatment, but 2 subsequent specimens were concordant. This discrepancy was likely due to interference of mitosis of del(5q) cells and residual non-proliferating disease. Fourth, 2 treated pts developed a separate cytogenetic clone without del(5q) and 3 developed other anomalies that could not be detected by FISH. We believe FISH for EGR1 is useful in clinical practice, but not a substitute for CC.

Abstract DNA methylation at cytosine position 5 (5mC) is a genetic modification that regulates gene expression and is critical for cancer initiation and development. The methylcytosine dioxygenase TET2 participates in active DNA demethylation by converting 5mC to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) and its subsequent intermediates thereby regulating gene expression. TET2 gene is frequently mutated in hematological disorders, including 15-25% of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) cases. Loss of TET2 function leads to DNA hypermethylation and subsequent dysregulated gene expression in hematopoietic stem cells, and has been considered as an initial step of myeloid malignant transformation including MDS and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). While enzymatic activity of TET2 is well studied, little is known about post-translational modifications (PTMs) that regulate its activity in hematopoietic cells. Lysine acetylation, one of the most crucial PTMs, occurs in a variety of proteins and modulates protein-protein or protein-nucleic acids interactions. Here, we first observed that ectopic expression of histone acetyltransferase EP300 or CREB binding protein (CBP) increased the endogenous TET2 acetylation in 293T cells. Mass spectrometry analysis of TET2 identified several conserved acetylated lysine residues located on the exterior surface of its catalytic domain (CD), which is predicted to be essential for the interaction of TET2 with DNA. Modeling of TET2/DNA interaction using x-ray crystal structure (PDB code: 4NM6) indicates acetylated TET2 interferes with DNA binding thereby impairing the catalytic activity of the enzyme. Like other acetylated proteins, TET2 modification is reversible, since ectopic expression of the protein deacetylase Sirtuin1 (SIRT1) significantly decreases acetylation of TET2. A domain mapping analysis revealed that SIRT1 preferentially interacts with TET2 CD, further supporting the regulatory role of SIRT1 on TET2. To explore the role of SIRT1 mediated deacetylaion of TET2 in more physiological condition, SIRT1 knockdown (KD) MDS-L cells as well as SIRT1 knockout (KO) murine hematopoietic c-kit+ cells were used. In MDS-L cells derived from a MDS patient, SIRT1 KD promoted hyperacetylation of endogenous TET2 which is associated with 50% decrease in 5hmC levels compared to control (p=0.03, n=3). Similarly, SIRT1 KO murine c-Kit+ cells showed TET2 hyperacetylation and 62% decrease in 5hmC compared to wildtype (WT) counterpart (p=0.009, n=5). Phenotypically, the transforming ability of SIRT1 shRNA transduced MDS-L cells was evaluated in vitro through serial replating assay. In contrast to first plating which showed no difference between two groups, the number of colonies derived from SIRT1 KD cells was 2.39 fold higher than that from the control shRNA transduced group after two rounds of replating (p=0.0002, n=3). Importantly, we tested the in-vivo effect of SIRT1 KD on MDS-L cells engrafted in immunodeficient NSGS mice. SIRT1 KD significantly enhanced MDS-L cell engraftment compared to control shRNA (50±5% of human CD45+ cells in SIRT1 KD group vs. 19±4% human CD45+ cells in control group, p=0.003, n=6). Interestingly, increased transformation capacity of SIRT1 KD MDS-L cells was associated with decreased expression of TET2 regulated tumor suppressor genes. For example, expression levels of Mtss1 and Dusp6 were significantly decreased in SIRT1 KD MDS-L cells compared to control shRNA counterpart (Mtss1, 49±5% decrease compared to control, p=0.005; Dusp6, 25±2% decrease compared to control, p=0.01). Similar results were observed in SIRT1 KO cells. The validation of physical binding of TET2 to its targets is ongoing. Moreover, the effect of an SIRT1 allosteric activator-SRT1720 in MDS-L cells is similar to that of Vitamin C, a known TET2 activator. Specifically, SRT1720 significantly increased Mtss1 expression in MDSL cells (p=0.0005, n=3), indicating that SIRT1 agonist may lead to activation of TET2 downstream tumor suppressor genes. In summary, our data demonstrate that TET2 activity can be functionally modified by acetylation and may be enhanced in MDS patients that do not harbor loss-of-function mutations through the SIRT1 mediated deacetylation. These results support further exploration of molecular mechanisms inducing TET2 acetylation, and evaluation of SIRT1 activation as a potential therapeutic approach in MDS. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Abstract Abstract 3701 Background: Salvage chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in the management of relapsed or refractory Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) results in prolonged disease-free survival in only around 50% of patients (pts). Median survival following relapse from ASCT is estimated at 2.4 years, with poor outcomes in those experiencing relapse or progressive disease within one year from ASCT (Horning 2008 et al). Recently, a pivotal multicenter Phase 2 trial investigated the efficacy of brentuximab vedotin (BV) in pts with recurrent HL following ASCT. The study demonstrated an overall response rate of 75% and median duration of response of 6.7 months. Furthermore, 34% of patients achieved a complete response (CR), with a median progression free survival of 29 months (mos). Whether treatment with BV renders an OS benefit in pts with relapsed or refractory disease after ASCT remains to be determined. Objective: 1) To compare OS in pts with relapsed HL after receiving ASCT in a cohort of 102 HL pts treated with BV, with 756 pts from 6 international centers before the introduction of BV. 2) To evaluate predictors of durable CR in pts treated with BV. Methods: Kaplan-Meier method was used to depict time-to-event outcomes, including OS. The Chi-square test was used to evaluate the association between two categorical variables and log-rank test to compare time-to-event endpoints among pt groups. Based on the univariate proportional hazard model, we examined whether certain variables (sex, stage at diagnosis, number of prior treatments, and time to CR) were predictors of CR duration in pts receiving BV. Results: In the non-randomized comparison between those with relapsed-refractory HL following ASCT who received BV and those who did not, pts were well matched by age, with a relatively higher percentage of females treated on the pivotal study. Dates of progression from ASCT ranged from 1996–2009 in the BV group and 1981–2003 in the international cohort. Median follow-up after ASCT for the censored observations of pts who received BV and those in the international cohort was 49.4 and 58.8 mos. The difference in median OS was statistically significant (p<0.0001) between those receiving BV and those not exposed to the drug (91.49 vs. 27.99 mos). Improvement in OS was irrespective of time to relapse from ASCT, despite previous studies noting a higher risk of recurrence in pts relapsing within 12 mos of ASCT (Sureda 2005 et al). Neither age nor sex was found to impact OS. In the subgroup analysis of pts achieving a CR with BV, univariate analysis of duration of CR and PFS uncovered no significant factors, while only stage of disease at initial diagnosis had a significant effect on OS (P=0.0004). Disease status characterized as relapsed vs. refractory had borderline significance with a positive impact on OS (P=0.0581). No significant associations were noted between the variables and duration of response post BV stratified into periods of less or greater than 12 mos. However, among those pts who experienced a duration of CR greater than 12 mos, 81.8% (n=18) had an initial CR after receiving ≤ 4 doses of BV, compared with 58.3% entering CR after receiving > 4 doses. Conclusions: While the impact of BV on OS can only be determined through a randomized clinical trial, our analysis indicated that treatment with BV in pts with relapsed/refractory HL following ASCT is associated with prolonged OS when compared with historical control patients. Those who achieve a rapid CR with BV may also have a longer duration of response. A randomized clinical trial is ongoing to evaluate prospectively the efficacy of BV following ASCT. Disclosures: Chen: Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Consultancy, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau. Gopal:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding. Ansell:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy. Savage:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding. Ramchandren:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Speakers Bureau. Forero-Torres:Seattle Genetics: Research Funding. Moskowitz:Seattle Genetics: Speakers Bureau. Connors:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding. de Vos:Seattle Genetics: Speakers Bureau. Engert:Takeda: Honoraria, Research Funding; Millennium: Honoraria, Research Funding. Illidge:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Consultancy, Research Funding; Millennium/Takeda: Consultancy, Honoraria. Morschhauser:Takeda: Honoraria. Younes:Seattle Genetics: Honoraria.

Background Current treatment guidelines strongly recommend statin therapy for secondary prevention. However, it remains unclear whether patients’ perceptions of cardiovascular risk, beliefs on cholesterol, or the intensity of prescribed statin therapy differs for patients with coronary artery disease ( CAD ) versus cerebrovascular disease (Ce VD ) versus both CAD and Ce VD ( CAD &Ce VD ). Methods and Results The PALM (Patient and Provider Assessment of Lipid Management) registry collected data on statin use, intensity, and core laboratory low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels for 3232 secondary prevention patients treated at 133 US clinics. Among individuals with Ce VD only (n=403), CAD only (n=2202), and Ce VD & CAD (n=627), no significant differences were observed in patient‐perceived cardiovascular disease risk, beliefs on cholesterol lowering, or perceived effectiveness and safety of statin therapy. However, patients with Ce VD only were less likely to receive any statin therapy (76.2% versus 86.2%; adjusted odds ratio 0.64, 95% CI 0.45–0.91), or guideline‐recommended statin intensity (34.6% versus 50.4%; adjusted odds ratio 0.60, 95% CI 0.45–0.81) than those with CAD only. Individuals with Ce VD only were also less likely to achieve low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol <100 mg/ dL (59.2% versus 69.7%; adjusted odds ratio 0.79, 95% CI 0.64–0.99) than individuals with CAD alone. There were no significant differences in the use of any statin therapy or guideline‐recommended statin intensity between individuals with CAD &Ce VD and those with CAD only. Conclusions Despite lack of significant differences in patient‐perceived cardiovascular risk or statin beliefs, patients with Ce VD were significantly less likely to receive higher intensity statin or achieve low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol <100 mg/ dL than those with CAD only.