Tumour suppressor TET2 safeguards enhancers from aberrant DNA methylation and epigenetic reprogramming in ERα-positive breast cancer cells

Aberrant DNA methylation is an epigenetic hallmark of malignant tumours. The DNA methylation level is regulated by not only DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) but also Ten-Eleven Translocation (TET) family proteins. However, the exact role of TET genes in breast cancer remains controversial. Here, we uncover that the ER alpha-positive breast cancer patients with high TET2 mRNA expression had better overall survival rates. Consistently, knockout of TET2 promotes the tumorigenesis of ER alpha-positive MCF7 breast cancer cells. Mechanistically, TET2 loss leads to aberrant DNA methylation (gain of 5mC) at a large proportion of enhancers, accompanied by significant reduction in H3K4me1 and H3K27ac enrichment. By analysing the epigenetically reprogrammed enhancers, we identify oestrogen responsive element (ERE) as one of the enriched motifs of transcriptional factors. Importantly, TET2 loss impairs 17beta-oestradiol (E2)-induced transcription of the epigenetically reprogrammed EREs-associated genes through attenuating the binding of ER alpha. Taken together, these findings shed light on our understanding of the epigenetic mechanisms underlying the enhancer reprogramming during breast cancer pathogenesis.

Automated summary

Aberrant DNA methylation is a key feature of malignant tumors, and the TET2 gene may play a role in enhancing survival rates for ER alpha-positive breast cancer patients. Loss of TET2 leads to abnormal DNA methylation, impacting enhancer regions and impeding estrogen-induced gene transcription. This study sheds light on the epigenetic mechanisms involved in breast cancer progression.