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. 2016 Feb 19;7(13):15828–15839. doi: 10.18632/oncotarget.7489

High expression of RUNX1 is associated with poorer outcomes in cytogenetically normal acute myeloid leukemia

Lin Fu 1,#, Huaping Fu 3,#, Lei Tian 1,#, Keman Xu 4, Kai Hu 1, Jing Wang 1, Jijun Wang 1, Hongmei Jing 1, Jinlong Shi 2, Xiaoyan Ke 1
PMCID: PMC4941280  PMID: 26910834

Abstract

Depending on its expression level, RUNX1 can act as a tumor promoter or suppressor in hematological malignancies. The clinical impact of RUNX1 expression in cytogenetically normal acute myeloid leukemia (CN-AML) remained unknown, however. We evaluated the prognostic significance of RUNX1 expression using several public microarray datasets. In the testing group (n = 157), high RUNX1 expression (RUNX1high) was associated with poorer overall survival (OS; P = 0.0025) and event-free survival (EFS; P = 0.0025) than low RUNX1 expression (RUNX1low). In addition, the prognostic significance of RUNX1 was confirmed using European Leukemia Net (ELN) genetic categories and multivariable analysis, which was further validated using a second independent CN-AML cohort (n = 162, OS; P = 0.03953). To better understand the mechanisms of RUNX1, we investigated genome-wide gene/microRNAs expression signatures and cell signaling pathways associated with RUNX1 expression status. Several known oncogenes/oncogenic microRNAs and cell signaling pathways were all up-regulated, while some anti-oncogenes and molecules of immune activation were down-regulated in RUNX1high CN-AML patients. These findings suggest RUNX1high is a prognostic biomarker of unfavorable outcome in CN-AML, which is supported by the distinctive gene/microRNA signatures and cell signaling pathways.

Keywords: RUNX1, prognostic biomarker, CN-AML

INTRODUCTION

Cytogenetically normal acute myeloid leukemia (CN-AML) comprises the largest percentage of primary AML cases [1]. Although the leukemic blasts do not include detectable chromosome abnormalities in CN-AML patients, they nonetheless hide mutations and aberrantly expressed proteins [2] and microRNAs [3], which are potentially prognostic. Among them, NPM1 [4] and double CEBPA [5] mutations are associated with better outcomes, while FLT3-ITD [6] and RUNX1 mutation [7] are associated with poorer ones. High expression of WT1 [8], BAALC [9], ERG [9], MN1 [10], DNMT3B [11], TCF4 [12], ITPR2 [13] and MAPKBP1 [14] and low expression of LEF1 [15] are also associated with a poor prognosis, as is high expression of miR-155 [16] and miR-188-5p [17] and low expression of let-7a-2-3p [17].

RUNX1 belongs to the Runt-related transcription factor (RUNX) family, which plays a crucial role in normal hematopoiesis, and its abnormal expression is frequently seen in various tumors [18, 19]. In several AML subtypes, for example, chromosomal translocations involving RUNX1 lead to fusion gene formation, RUNX1-RUNX1T1 being the most common type [20]. In addition, RUNX1 mutation leads to a poor outcome in CN-AML [7], and high expression of RUNX1 correlates with a poor prognosis in breast cancer [21]. Notably, although early studies suggested RUNX1 acts as a tumor suppressor gene in AML [22], it is now understood that RUNX1 functions as an oncogene necessary to sustain AML [23–26]. These findings suggest that the prognostic impact of RUNX1 in CN-AML depends on its expression level.

We found that RUNX1 is more strongly expressed in CN-AML patients than in normal bone marrow (NBM), but also was an unfavorable prognostic factor in two large, independent groups of patients with CN-AML. In addition, we provide the first report that RUNX1 expression is linked to particular molecular and clinical characteristics. In order to cast light on the function of RUNX1, we also explored RUNX1-associated genes, microRNAs and important cell signaling pathways.

RESULTS

Expression of RUNX1 in CN-AML BM and NBM

A microarray dataset that included 116 CN-AML samples and 5 NBM samples (GEO accession number GSE1159) was used for the expression analysis [27]. RUNX1 expression was markedly higher in the CN-AML than NBM samples (P < 0.001) (Figure 1A). The overexpression of RUNX1 in CN-AML was further validated using other microarray data, which included 9 CN-AML vs. 10 NBM (P < 0.001) and 9 CN-AML vs. 10 normal peripheral blood (NPB) (P < 0.001). The 9 CN-AML samples consisted of 2 BM and 7 PB samples, GEO accession number GSE9476) [28] (Figure 1B). These findings show that RUNX1 overexpression is widespread among CN-AML patients, and is easy to monitor.

Figure 1. Expression of RUNX1 in CN-AML patients and NBM.

Figure 1

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(A) Box plot of RUNX1 expression in CN-AML patients (n = 116) and NBM samples (n = 5). (B) Box plot of RUNX1 expression in CN-AML patients (n = 9, including 2 BM and 7 PB samples), NBM samples (n = 10) and NPB samples (n = 10).

Characteristics of patients in the RUNX1high and RUNX1low expression groups

Among the 157 CN-AML patients tested, the RUNX1high group contained significantly more patients with FAB M2 than the RUNX1low (P = 0.001). The RUNX1high patients were also more likely than RUNX1low patients to carry FLT3-ITD and no double CEBPA mutations (P < 0.001, P = 0.003). We found no link between RUNX1 expression and other gene mutations, but RUNX1high patients with CN-AML were more likely to highly express ERG, WT1, DNMT3B, TCF4, MIR155HG, ITPR2 and MAPKBP1 (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P = 0.01, P < 0.001, and P< 0.001, respectively) (Table 1, Supplementary Figure 1).

Table 1. Patients' characteristics in the testing group of 157 CN-AML patients according to RUNX1 expression levels.

Variable RUNX1high, n = 78 RUNX1low, n = 79 P
Median age. y (range) 50 (18~77) 48 (16~75) 0.325
Female sex, no.(%) 40 33 0.27
FAB subtype, no.
M0 1 2 1
M1 25 20 0.38
M2 24 8 0.001
M3 1 0 1
M4 12 12 0.5
M5 14 25 0.06
M6 0 1 1
Other 1 11 0.005
FLT3-ITD, no. 45 21 < 0.001
FLT3-TKD, no. 8 12 0.47
NPM1, mutated, no. 46 36 0.11
Double CEBPA, mutated, no. 2 14 0.003
N-RAS, mutated, no. 4 9 0.25
K-RAS, mutated, no. 0 1 1
IDH1, mutated, no. 58 59 0.64
IDH2, mutated, no. 59 64 0.49
ELN genetic group, no.
Favorable 13 22 0.125
Intermediate-I 65 57 0.12
High ERG, no. 51 27 < 0.001
High BAALC, no. 43 35 0.2
High LEF1, no. 33 45 0.08
High MN1, no. 39 39 1
High WT1, no. 60 18 < 0.001
High DNMT3B, no. 58 20 < 0.001
High TCF4, no. 53 25 < 0.001
High MIR155HG, no. 47 31 0.01
High ITPR2, no. 54 24 < 0.001
High MAPKBP1, no. 54 24 < 0.001
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FAB, French-American-British classification; ITD, internal tandem duplication; TKD, tyrosine kinase domain; ELN, European Leukemia Net.

High ERG, BAALC, LEF1, MN1, WT1, DNMT3B, TCF4, MIR155HG, ITPR2 and MAPKBP1 expression were defined as an expression level above the median of all samples, respectively.

RUNX1high is associated with poor outcomes

The median overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) in the RUNX1high group were obviously poorer than that of RUNX1lowgroup (P = 0.009, P = 0.011, respectively, Table 2). This was confirmed comparison using the Log-rank test, which also showed that OS (Figure 2B, P = 0.0025) and EFS (Figure 2A, P = 0.0025) were clearly poorer in the RUNX1high than RUNX1low group.

Table 2. Survival according to RUNX1 expression in the testing group of 157 CN-AML patients.

Outcome All patients, n = 157 ELN Favorable category ELN Intermediate-I category
RUNX1high, n = 78 RUNX1low, n = 79 P RUNX1high, n = 17 RUNX1low, n = 18 P RUNX1high, n = 65 RUNX1low, n = 57 P
OS
Median OS, m 10.46 (0.07–198.7) 37.03 (0.13–214.5) 0.009 58.91 (0.59–169.5) 38.34 (0.3–214.5) 0.65 8.41 (0.07–198.7) 35.91 (0.13–190.3) 0.002
Estimated OS at 3 y. % (95% CI) 0.33 (0.24–0.46) 0.54 (0.45–0.67) 0.01 0.65 (0.46–0.92) 0.56 (0.37–0.84) 0.73 0.25 (0.16–0.38) 0.54 (0.43–0.68) 0.007
EFS
Median EFS, m 7.1 (0.03–198.7) 17.81 (0.03–214.5) 0.011 39.82 (0.03–169.5) 33.03 (0.03–214.5) 0.36 6.57 (0.03–198.7) 15.54 (0.03–190.3) 0.004
Estimated EFS at 3 y. % (95% CI) 0.28 (0.2–0.4) 0.41 (0.31–0.53) 0.005 0.53 (0.34–0.83) 0.56 (0.37–0.84) 0.17 0.2 (0.12–0.33) 0.38 (0.27–0.52) 0.03
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CI, confidence interval.

Figure 2. RUNX1high is associated with poorer outcomes.

Figure 2

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(A) OS and (B) EFS in the testing group of 157 CN-AML patients.

Association of RUNX1 expression with prognostic significance in ELN genetic groups

We assessed the association between RUNX1 expression and prognostic significance separately within the European Leukemia NET (ELN) favorable and Intermediate-I genetic groups. Within the ELN favorable group (n = 35), there was no obvious difference in OS (Figure 3A, P = 0.6976) and EFS (Figure 3B, P = 0.5098) between the RUNX1high and RUNX1lowgroup. In the ELN Intermediate-I group (n = 122), however, the RUNX1high group had poorer OS (Figure 3C, P = 0.0009) and EFS (Figure 3D, P = 0.0014) than the RUNX1low group. The median OS, EFS and estimated survival in the ELN Intermediate-I group (n = 122) also obviously differed between the RUNX1high and RUNX1lowgroups (Table 2).

Figure 3. Association of RUNX1 expression with the prognostic significance in ELN genetic groups.

Figure 3

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(A) OS and (B) EFS of CN-AML patients in the ELN favorable genetic group. (C) OS and (D) EFS of CN-AML patients in the ELN intermediate-I genetic group.

RUNX1 expression is associated with poorer OS and EFS in multivariable analyses

ELN segregated CN-AML patients based on presence of FLT3-ITD, mutations of NPM1 and CEBPA. After adjusting for the impact of these known risk factors, we performed multivariable analyses to confirm the prognostic significance of RUNX1 expression. In a multivariable model, the RUNX1high group had a poorer OS (P = 0.04, Table 3). The other factors associated with poor OS were NPM1 wild-type and FLT3-ITD. The RUNX1high group also had a poorer EFS in a multivariable model (P = 0.02, Table 3). The other factors associated with poor EFS were NPM1 wild-type and FLT3-ITD.

Table 3. Multivariable analysis with OS and EFS in the testing group of 157 CN-AML patients.

Variable OS, n = 157 EFS, n = 157
HR (95% CI) P HR (95% CI) P
RUNX1 expression, high VS low 1.56 (1.01–2.41) 0.04 1.65 (1.10–2.48) 0.02
Age, per 10-y increase 1.13 (0.98–1.32) 0.09 1.05 (0.92–1.21) 0.47
Sex male VS female 0.82 (0.54–1.23) 0.33 0.99 (0.67–1.46) 0.96
NPM1, mutated VS wild type 0.51 (0.32–0.81) 0.005 0.53 (0.34–0.83) 0.005
FLT3-ITD, mutated VS wild type 1.98 (1.25–3.14) 0.003 1.85 (1.20–2.85) 0.005
CEBPA, mutated VS wild type 0.71 (0.38–1.35) 0.3 0.78 (0.43–1.41) 0.41
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HR, hazards ratio; CI, confidence interval.

Validation in a patient group of 162 CN-AML samples

We also studied a group of 162 previously untreated CN-AML patients. The RUNX1high group contained significantly more patients with FAB M1 than the RUNX1low group (P = 0.0014). In addition, RUNX1high patients with CN-AML were more likely to have higher expression of ERG, BAALC, WT1, DNMT3B, TCF4, ITPR2 and MAPKBP1 (P < 0.001, P = 0.028, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, and P < 0.001, respectively) and low LEF1 (P < 0.001) compared with RUNX1low patients (Supplementary Table 1). In addition, RUNX1high patients showed a significant poor OS (n = 81 vs n = 81, P = 0.04; Supplementary Figure 2) than RUNX1low patients.

Genome-wide gene expression profiles associated with RUNX1 expression

To further evaluate the role of RUNX1 in CN-AML, we using microarray analysis to determine RUNX1-associated gene expression profiles. We identified 578 up-regulated genes and 727 down-regulated genes that were significantly associated with RUNX1high (Supplementary Table 2). The up-regulated genes included some of those previously found to be involved in leukemogenesis, including CDK6, which encodes a cyclin kinase; MYCN, MYB and MYC; members of the HOXB gene family (HOXB2, HOXB3, and HOXB4), which encode transcription factors [29]; and c-KIT and FLT3, which encode tyrosine kinases. Several independent unfavorable prognostic factors in CN-AML were also up-regulated, including ERG, WT1, TCF4 and DNMT3B. Also up-regulated were B4GALT6, which is expressed in less differentiated precursors [30]; SOCS2, which is predictive of a poor outcome in pediatric AML [31]; BCL11A and GUCY1A3, which are down-regulated in low ERG expressers [9]; GTF2H2/ABCC5, which correlates with chemotherapy resistance in non-small cell lung cancer [32]; DNTT, which is expressed in early lymphoid precursors [33]; CD109, which is overexpressed in early hematopoietic stem cells [34]; FAM92A1, which enhances cell growth during renal carcinogenesis [35]; and MMP2, which promotes lung cancer metastasis [36]. The down-regulated genes included thanatos-associated protein 2 (THAP2) and CD48, CD86 and ICAM1, all of which are involved in immune function. LEF1, an independent favorable prognostic factor in CN-AML, was also down-regulated (Figure 4A and 4B). These results provided further evidence for the prognostic correlation described above.

Figure 4. Genome-wide gene/microRNA-expression profiles associated with RUNX1 expression.

Figure 4

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(A) Expression heat map of associated genes (B) The list of associated genes. (C) Expression heat map of associated microRNAs. (D) The list of associated microRNAs.

Genome-wide microRNA profiles associated with RUNX1 expression

A genome-wide analysis of microRNA profiles revealed that 108 microRNAs were significantly associated with RUNX1 expression (P < 0.05) (Supplementary Table 3). RUNX1high was positively associated with miR-155, miR-125a, miR-99b, miR-133a, miR-130a, miR-25 and miR-92a-1. MiR-155 was previously found to function as an oncogene in CN-AML [16]. MiR-125a and miR-99b were highly expressed in hematopoietic stem cells [37]. MiR-133a was up-regulated in CN-AML along with IDH2 codon R172K [38]. MiR-130a associated with strong expression of WT1, which was consistent with the gene-expression profiles [39]. MiR-25 increases induction of somatic cells into induced pluripotent stem cells [40]. MiR-92a-1 arouses erythroleukemia through down-regulation of p53 [41]. Notably, miR-193a, miR-107 and miR-212 were all down-regulated. We previously found that miR-193a enhanced expression of c-kit [42], which is also consistent with the observed gene-expression profiles. MiR-107 targets NFIX, which competes with CEBPA for binding to the promoter of miR-223, impaired granulocytic differentiation [43, 44]. MiR-212 expression is favorable for survival among molecularly and cytogenetically heterogeneous AMLs [45] (Figure 4C and 4D).

Genome-wide methylation profiling associated with RUNX1 expression

It has been suggested that control of gene expression through methylation of the gene promoter or body plays a pivotal role in determining the behavior of cancer cells [46, 47]. Moreover, gene promoter methylation can be predictive of clinical outcome in AML patients [48, 49]. Because RUNX1 expression correlated positively with DNMT3B expression, we compared the patterns of gene methylation in RUNX1high (n = 37) and RUNX1low (n = 37) CN-AML from TCGA [50]. However, we found no significant differences in patterns of RUNX1 methylation in any of these analyses (Supplementary Figure 3A and 3B).

Cell signaling pathways associated with RUNX1 expression

We used MSigDB [51] to evaluate the cell signaling pathways underlying the biological features associated with RUNX1. Signaling pathways involved in DNA_REPLICATION, RNA_POLYMERASE and CELL_CYCLE were significantly up-regulated, while NATURAL_KILLER_CELL_MEDIATED_CYTOTOXICI TY, ANTIGEN_PROCESSING_AND_PRESENTATION and APOPTOSIS were down-regulated (Table 4). These findings were consistent with the above-noted dysregulated genes involved in the development of CN-AML.

Table 4. Cell signalling pathways associated with RUNX1 expression levels.

Pathway name According to high expression of RUNX1
Regulation P
KEGG_DNA_REPLICATION Up 0.00424
KEGG_RNA_POLYMERASE Up 0.01575
KEGG_CELL_CYCLE Up 0.02204
KEGG_NATURAL_KILLER_CELL_MEDIATED_CYTOTOXICITY Down 0.00000
KEGG_ANTIGEN_PROCESSING_AND_PRESENTATION Down 0.00000
KEGG_APOPTOSIS Down 0.00217
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DISCUSSION

CN-AML is the largest cytogenetic subset in AML patients and lacks sensitive prognostic biomarkers, so identification of universal prognostic biomarkers is a very important field in CN-AML research. RUNX1 plays a crucial role in the development of normal hematopoiesis. Traditionally, loss of RUNX1 leads to impaired differentiation and is followed by leukemia development [52]. However, several recent studies found that RUNX1 plays a prosurvival role by supporting leukemia cell proliferation [23–26]. Based on earlier studies of RUNX1, the following conclusions can be made: 1) RUNX1 plays an important dual role in myeloid leukemogenesis, depending on the level of its expression; 2) normal expression of RUNX1 works as a tumor suppressor, inhibiting cell proliferation and promoting differentiation of hematopoietic progenitor cells; 3) Partial deactivation of RUNX1 leads to amplification of myeloid progenitors and subsequent development of AML; and 4) further reduction of RUNX1 expression causes cell cycle arrest and cell death [23–26].

Extending the studies outlined above, ours is the first study to show the prognostic relevance of RUNX1 expression in CN-AML patients and that RUNX1high is associated with poorer OS and EFS in CN-AML patients. RUNX1 is up-regulated in CN-AML patients compared with NBM. In our study, the RUNX1high group contained significantly more patients from the M1 (validating group) and M2 (testing group) FAB subgroups than did the RUNX1low group, which suggests leukemic cells from RUNX1high patients derive from relatively more immature cells. In addition, we found that RUNX1high was associated with FLT3-ITD, non double CEBPA mutation and higher ERG, WT1, DNMT3B, TCF4, MIR155HG, ITPR2, MAPKBP1 expression, all of which are unfavorable molecular characteristics in CN-AML patients. Furthermore, the association of RUNX1high with poorer OS and EFS was confirmed in multivariable analyses adjusting for the most important clinical and molecular prognosticators in CN-AML patients. RUNX1high was associated with wild-type NPM1 and FLT3-ITD, both of which are unfavorable molecular characteristics in CN-AML patients. These results suggest RUNX1high may be a surrogate marker for other unfavorable mutations. Our results also suggest that the prognostic impact of RUNX1 expression is most pronounced in the ELN intermediate-I genetic group, and thus RUNX1 expression may be used to further refine risk stratification for these patients.

The mechanisms underlying the association between RUNX1high and poorer treatment outcomes are unclear. In our present study, we analyzed gene and microRNA expression, DNA methylation profiles, and cell signaling pathways to identify biological mechanisms associated with RUNX1 expression in CN-AML patients. Gene sets related to cell proliferation and cell cycle regulation, particularly c-KIT, FLT3, MYCN, MYB, MYC and CDK6, were up-regulated in the CN-AML patients with RUNX1high, while gene sets related to independent unfavorable prognostic factors, particularly ERG, WT1 and DNMT3B, were also up-regulated, and gene sets related to apoptosis, immune activation of NK cell and independent superior prognostic factor were down-regulated. Acting collectively, these features may lead to CN-AML.

The RUNX1-associated microRNA profile was also noteworthy, as it included the miR-155 and miR-130a families, which were expressed with RUNX1. The up-regulation of miR-155 was associated with an unfavorable clinical outcome independently in CN-AML. MiR-130a was associated with high expression of WT1. The down-regulation of miR-193a was associated with high expression of c-KIT. This new finding of RUNX1-associated alterations in microRNA expression may contribute to leukemogenesis.

Current studies suggest that hypermethylation of the gene promoter and hypomethylation of gene body contribute to the development of tumors [46, 47]. However, we found no significant association between RUNX1 expression and the methylation levels in its promoter region or gene body. Therefore, although RUNX1high is a predictive marker poorer outcome in CN-AML, epigenetic regulation may not play an important role in RUNX1high CN-AML development.

Several important signaling pathways that promote cell proliferation in tumors or contribute to leukemogenesis, including DNA_REPLICATION, RNA_POLYMERASE and CELL_CYCLE were up-regulated, and NATURAL_KILLER_CELL_MEDIATED_CYTOTO XICITY, ANTIGEN_PROCESSING_AND_PRESENTA TION, all lead to immune escape, while APOPTOSIS was down-regulated in the RUNX1high CN-AML. These changes may contribute to a poor outcome.

In summary, our study is the first to provide evidence that RUNX1high is associated with poorer outcomes in CN-AML patients, even after adjusting for known molecular risk factors. In the validating group, earlier findings demonstrated that the microarray expression data for LEF1 was in good agreement with quantitative real time PCR (qPCR) [15]. This shows to some degree the consistency and validity of the microarray expression data. Because RUNX1 is widely expressed at a higher level in CN-AML patients than NBM, RUNX1 expression can be easily measured. This may therefore be a valuable new marker for risk stratification of CN-AML patients. Moreover, our gene/microRNA expression data and cell signaling pathways from tested CN-AML patients offers insight into the biological changes associated with different RUNX1 expression levels.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients and treatment

In the testing group, 157 patients with previously untreated CN-AML (median age, 50 years; range, 16–77 years) were studied. All patients received uniform therapeutic treatment based on study protocols of the Dutch-Belgian Hemato-Oncology Cooperative Group (HOVON) between 1990 and 2008 (The details of therapeutic protocol are available at http://www.hovon.nl) [53] (Supplementary Figure 4). One hundred thirty patients (83%) were aged < 60 years (younger patients) and 27 patients (17%) were ≥ 60 years (older patients). The diagnosis of normal karyotype AML was based on conventional cytogenetic examination of at least 20 metaphases from BM. Patients were assessed for NPM1, CEBPA, N-RAS, K-RAS, IDH1, and IDH2 mutations, FLT3-ITD, and tyrosine kinase domain mutations (FLT3-TKD [D835]). Clinical, cytogenetic and molecular information, as well as the gene expression profiles for all primary AML cases, can be publicly downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo, accession number GSE6891) [53]. This research was approved by the institutional review boards at Weill Cornell Medical College and Erasmus University Medical Center, and written informed consent was obtained from all patients in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Another independent validation group of 162 CN-AML patients received uniform therapeutic treatment provided as part the multicenter AMLCG-1999 trial, which was used to validate our findings. These patients received intensive double induction and consolidation chemotherapy. Gene expression data are publicly available (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/, accession number GSE12417) [54]. The AMLCG-1999 clinical trials were approved by the local institutional review boards, and informed consent from all patients was obtained in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki [54].

Microarray analyses

Gene expression and methylation data have been previously published (accession number GSE1159 [27], GSE9476 [28], GSE6891 [53] and GSE12417 [54] for expression, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) [50] for methylation). Briefly, gene expression data were obtained using Affymetrix Human Genome 133 plus 2.0 and U133A Gene Chips. All the designs and quality control for microarray experiment were according to the standard Affymetrix protocols. Expression data for microRNA were from TCGA obtained using whole-genome high-throughput sequencing, which provided 79 CN-AML patients [50]. In addition, genome-wide methylation levels in these patients were determined using Illumina 450K chips [50]. Patients with RUNX1 expression values above the median of all patients were classified as having RUNX1high, and the others were considered to have RUNX1low. Levels of ERG, BAALC, LEF1, MN1, WT1, DNMT3B, TCF4, MIR155HG, ITPR2 and MAPKBP1 expression were also determined from the microarray data.

Statistical analyses

The time from the date of diagnosis to death due to any cause defined OS, and the time from the date of diagnosis to removal from the study due to the absence of complete remission, relapse or death defined EFS. Because we found that RUNX1 expression is normally distributed, a distribution of the cohort based on the highest 50% (RUNX1high) and the lowest 50% RUNX1 expression (RUNX1low) was used for further analysis (Supplementary Figure 5). The Kaplan-Meier method was then used to estimate the association between RUNX1 expression and the OS and EFS, which were further validated using the log-rank test. To investigate the associations between RUNX1 expression levels and clinical, molecular characteristics, the Fisher exact and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests were used for hypothesis testing with categorical and continuous variables, respectively. In addition, multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were used to study how RUNX1 expression levels were associated with OS and EFS in the presence of other known risk factors. With the two groups divided based on RUNX1 expression levels, Student's t-test and multiple hypothesis correction (False Discovery Rate, FDR) was used to identify differences in gene/microRNA expression and DNA methylation profiles. The statistical cutoff values were an absolute fold-change (FC) ≥ 1.5 and an adjusted P-value ≤ 0.05. All analyses were performed using the R 3.1.1 software packages.

SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIALS TABLES AND FIGURES

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81500118, 61501519, 81172245)

Footnotes

Authors' contributions

L. Fu and L. Tian designed the study and wrote the manuscript, H.P Fu, K.M Xu, K. Hu and J. Wang performed statistical analyses, J.J. Wang and H.M. Jing analyzed the data, J.L. Shi and X.Y. Ke coordinated the study over the entire time. All authors approved the final manuscript.

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

The authors report no potential conflicts of interest.

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