Abstract
Ecotropic viral integration site 1 (EVI1), encoded by the EVI1 gene on chromosome 3q26.2, is a dual-domain zinc finger transcription factor that functions as a potent proto-oncogene in a wide spectrum of hematological malignancies. Under normal physiological conditions, its expression is tightly regulated and restricted primarily to hematopoietic stem cells and specific embryonic tissues. However, aberrant overexpression of EVI1 is a hallmark of aggressive myeloid leukemias, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML), myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), and the blast crisis of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). The oncogenic activation of EVI1 occurs through diverse genetic mechanisms, most notably chromosomal rearrangements involving the 3q26 locus, such as inv(3)(q21q26.2) and t(3;3)(q21;q26.2), which juxtapose the EVI1 gene with potent enhancers like that of GATA2. Other mechanisms include the formation of oncogenic fusion genes (e.g., AML1-EVI1, ETV6-EVI1), enhancer hijacking, and retroviral insertional mutagenesis. Once overexpressed, EVI1 drives leukemogenesis through multifaceted molecular actions. It acts as a master transcriptional regulator, profoundly disrupting normal hematopoietic differentiation by repressing key lineage-specific transcription factors like RUNX1 and interfering with cytokine-induced maturation. Concurrently, EVI1 promotes cell survival and proliferation by modulating critical signaling pathways, including the potent inhibition of the tumor-suppressive TGF-β pathway and the activation of the pro-survival PI3K/AKT/mTOR cascade via PTEN suppression. EVI1 also cooperates with a multitude of other oncogenic lesions, such as MLL rearrangements, AML1 mutations, and activated RAS signaling, to accelerate disease progression. Clinically, EVI1 overexpression is one of the most robust independent indicators of poor prognosis, associated with therapy resistance and reduced overall survival. This review provides a detailed discussion of the mechanisms underlying EVI1’s activation, its complex molecular functions in hematopoietic transformation, and its profound clinical implications in hematological malignancies.
1 Introduction
Hematological malignancies represent a diverse group of cancers affecting the blood, bone marrow, and lymphoid systems, characterized by the clonal expansion of hematopoietic cells arrested at various stages of differentiation. The molecular pathogenesis of these diseases is complex, involving a stepwise accumulation of genetic and epigenetic alterations that dysregulate fundamental cellular processes such as proliferation, survival, and differentiation. Among the myriads of oncogenes implicated in these disorders, Ecotropic viral integration site 1 (EVI1) has emerged as a particularly powerful and clinically significant driver of aggressive myeloid neoplasms.
The EVI1 gene, also known as PRDM3, is located on human chromosome 3q26.2. It was first identified as a common site of retroviral integration in murine myeloid leukemias, where viral promoter/enhancer insertion led to its transcriptional activation and subsequent malignant transformation (1–3). In human hematology, its notoriety stems from its strong association with chromosomal abnormalities involving the 3q26 band, which are linked to some of the most aggressive forms of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), and the progression of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) to blast crisis (4).
EVI1 is a transcription factor characterized by two distinct zinc finger domains: a proximal domain with seven zinc fingers and a more distal domain with three. This structure allows it to bind DNA in a sequence-specific manner and regulate the expression of a vast network of target genes (5, 6). The EVI1 locus is complex, also encoding a longer fusion transcript, MDS1-EVI1, which includes an N-terminal PR/SET domain with potential histone methyltransferase activity (7, 8). The differential expression and function of these isoforms add layers of complexity to EVI1’s biological roles.
Functionally, EVI1 acts as a master regulator of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). Its overexpression blocks cellular differentiation in response to hematopoietic cytokines, promotes self-renewal, and confers a profound survival advantage, thereby setting the stage for leukemic transformation (9). This is achieved through its ability to reprogram the cellular transcriptome and interfere with critical tumor-suppressive signaling pathways. Clinically, the presence of EVI1 overexpression, regardless of the underlying genetic mechanism, consistently correlates with resistance to conventional chemotherapy and is recognized as one of the most adverse prognostic factors in AML (10–12).
This review will provide a detailed and comprehensive examination of the multifaceted role of EVI1 in hematological malignancies. We will first explore the diverse molecular mechanisms responsible for its oncogenic activation. Subsequently, we will delve into the intricate pathogenic functions of EVI1, detailing its impact on hematopoietic differentiation, signal transduction, epigenetic regulation, and its cooperation with other oncogenic drivers. Finally, we will discuss the profound clinical implications of EVI1 expression and its establishment as a critical biomarker and a high-priority therapeutic target.
2 The EVI1 gene and protein: structure and isoforms
The EVI1 gene locus at chromosome 3q26.2 is transcriptionally complex, giving rise to several protein isoforms with distinct, and sometimes opposing, functions (Figure 1). The two major protein products are EVI1 itself and a larger fusion protein known as MDS1-EVI1. The canonical EVI1 protein is a 145 kDa nuclear protein that functions primarily as a transcriptional repressor, although it can also act as an activator depending on the cellular context and promoter architecture (8). Its structure is defined by two separated zinc finger domains. The N-terminal domain contains seven C2H2-type zinc fingers (ZF1) that mediate binding to specific DNA consensus sequences, while the C-terminal domain contains three zinc fingers (ZF2) (13). Separating these two DNA-binding domains is a repression domain, and a central acidic domain is also present. This dual-domain structure allows EVI1 to engage in complex protein-protein and protein-DNA interactions, enabling it to function as a scaffold for larger regulatory complexes (14).
Figure 1
Structure of EVI1 isoforms. (A) Schematic representation of the human MECOM locus. The alternative intergenic splicing between the second exon of MDS1 and the second exon of EVI1 is represented by dashed lines. The alternative intragenic splicing variants of EVI1 are represented by lines. (B) Structure of the EVI1 isoforms as a result of the alternative splicings. MDS1-EVI1 has an additional PR/SET domain. Adapted from (8).
In contrast, the MDS1-EVI1 transcript arises from the splicing of exons from the upstream MDS1 gene to the second exon of EVI1. This results in a larger protein that shares the entire EVI1 sequence but contains an additional 188 amino acids at its N-terminus. This N-terminal extension includes a PR/SET (PRDI-BF1 and RIZ) domain, which is homologous to domains found in histone methyltransferases (15). The presence of this PR domain suggests a role in epigenetic regulation through chromatin modification. Functionally, MDS1-EVI1 has been shown to act as a transcriptional activator and can have distinct biological effects compared to the shorter EVI1 isoform (16). For instance, while EVI1 is a potent inhibitor of the TGF-β signaling pathway, MDS1-EVI1 has been reported to enhance TGF-β signaling, highlighting the functional divergence of these isoforms (17). Another isoform, MEL1 (MDS1/EVI1-like gene 1), also known as PRDM16, is a close homolog of MDS1/EVI1 and is similarly activated in certain leukemias (18). A shorter isoform of MEL1, MEL1S, lacks the PR domain and has been shown to potently block G-CSF-induced myeloid differentiation, a function reminiscent of EVI1 (19). The balance between the expression of these different isoforms can therefore significantly influence the cellular phenotype and the course of disease.
3 Mechanisms of EVI1 oncogenic activation
In normal hematopoiesis, EVI1 expression is very low or undetectable in mature blood cells. Its oncogenic potential is unleashed through aberrant overexpression, which is driven by a variety of distinct genomic events. These events disrupt the gene’s normal regulatory landscape, leading to its constitutive high-level expression in hematopoietic progenitor cells.
3.1 Chromosomal rearrangements of the 3q26 locus
The most well-characterized mechanism of EVI1 activation is through chromosomal rearrangements involving its locus at 3q26.2 (Table 1). The classic rearrangements are the pericentric inversion inv(3)(q21q26.2) and the balanced translocation t(3;3)(q21;q26.2). These abnormalities are found in approximately 2-3% of AML cases and are strongly associated with a unique clinical phenotype, often including normal or elevated platelet counts and multilineage dysplasia, particularly of the megakaryocytic lineage (20). Both inv(3) and t(3;3) are classified as high-risk aberrations conferring an extremely poor prognosis (20, 21).
Table 1
| Description | Content/Function | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| MECOM (EVI1) | The high expression of key oncogenes is an independent adverse prognostic factor in AML/MDS. As a transcription factor, it reshapes the transcriptional program by recruiting co-inhibitory factors (such as CTBP), inhibits differentiation and enhances self-renewal | (22–24) |
| 3q26 rearrangement (inv(3), t(3;3)) | The most classic activation mechanism of MECOM leads to enhancer hijacking. It is the independent subtype classified by WHO and associated with myeloid malignancy and TKI resistance in CML | (20, 25, 26) |
| MYB | The transcription factor specifically binds to a key regulatory element of approximately 700bp within the hijacked G2DHE. Its combination is crucial for driving EVI1 expression and is a potential specific therapeutic target. | (27) |
| CTBP1/CTBP2 | The key co-inhibitory factor of EVI1. EVI1 binds to the CTBP protein through its PLDLS motif, and this interaction is indispensable for the transformation and maintenance of leukemia. | (23) |
| Therapeutic targets | 1. BET bromine domain inhibitors (such as JQ1) target the super enhancer properties of G2DHE. 2. MYB inhibitors, blocking the interaction between MYB and co-activators, specifically down-regulate EVI1. |
(27, 28) |
Summary of the EVI1 activation mechanism mediated by 3q26 rearrangement.
The primary molecular consequence of these rearrangements is the repositioning of a distal hematopoietic enhancer of the GATA2 gene, located at 3q21, into close proximity with the EVI1 promoter at 3q26.2 (29). This GATA2 enhancer is highly active in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, and its hijacking by the EVI1 locus drives massive, lineage-inappropriate overexpression of EVI1 (2, 30). This mechanism exemplifies a phenomenon known as “enhancer hijacking,” where a potent regulatory element is aberrantly co-opted to drive the expression of a proto-oncogene (Figure 2). In addition to these classic 3q abnormalities, other, more cryptic or atypical rearrangements involving the 3q26 band have been identified that similarly result in EVI1 overexpression and are associated with a clinical course resembling that of classic inv(3) AML (31). The consistent outcome of these diverse rearrangements is the deregulation of EVI1, establishing it as the critical pathogenic driver associated with 3q26 abnormalities. This mechanism also often leads to haploinsufficiency of GATA2, further contributing to the hematopoietic defects observed in these patients.
Figure 2
Enhancer hijacking drives aberrant EVI1 activation in inv(3)/t(3;3) acute myeloid leukemia. In the normal genomic context, a GATA2-associated enhancer at the 3q21 locus regulates physiological GATA2 transcription (upper panel). In inv(3)(q21q26) or t(3;3)(q21;q26) AML, chromosomal rearrangements relocate this enhancer to the MECOM/EVI1 locus, resulting in aberrant enhancer–promoter interaction and constitutive EVI1 expression (lower panel).
3.2 Fusion gene formation
A second major mechanism for EVI1 activation is the formation of chimeric fusion genes through chromosomal translocations that fuse the coding sequence of EVI1 with that of another gene. Besides the classical inv(3)/t(3;3), a number of other 3q26 rearrangements with poor treatment response have been reported in AML (31). These fusions typically place the EVI1 gene under the control of the fusion partner’s promoter, leading to its ectopic expression, and create a novel protein with combined or altered functions (Table 2).
Table 2
| Description | Partner gene/element | Molecular consequence/function | Frequency in AML | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| t(3;21)(q26;q22) | RUNX1 (AML1) | RUNX1::MECOM fusion disrupts RUNX1-dependent differentiation programs; plays a significant role in leukemogenesis | Rare; enriched in therapy-related AML | (32–34) |
| t(3;12)(q26;p13) | ETV6 (TEL) | Formation of ETV6::MECOM fusion; altered transcriptional repression and impaired hematopoietic differentiation | Rare (<0.5%) | (35) |
| t(3;8)(q26;q24) | MYC | EVI1 overexpression is a result of ‘enhancer hijacking’ of the MYC superenhancer, which is facilitated by CTCF-mediated loops | Rare | (36) |
| t(2;3)(p21;q26) | THADA | EVI1 overexpression without clear fusion partner; likely regulatory rearrangement | Very rare | (37) |
Fusion gene involving MECOM (EVI1) in acute myeloid leukemia.
One of the most studied fusions is the t(3;21)(q26;q22), which generates the AML1-EVI1 (also known as RUNX1-EVI1) fusion gene. This fusion is recurrently found in therapy-related MDS/AML and CML in blast crisis. The resulting AML1-EVI1 chimeric protein contains the N-terminal portion of the transcription factor AML1 (including its DNA-binding Runt domain) fused to the majority of the EVI1 protein (33, 38). This fusion protein has a dual, devastating impact. It acts as a dominant-negative inhibitor of wild-type AML1, a master regulator of normal hematopoiesis, thereby blocking differentiation (39). Simultaneously, it brings the potent oncogenic functions of EVI1 into the cell. The AML1-EVI1 fusion protein has been shown to efficiently transform hematopoietic stem cells and cause embryonic hematopoietic abnormalities in mouse models, underscoring its potent leukemogenic capacity (33, 40). The fusion protein also aberrantly sequesters the AML1 binding partner PEBP2β in the nucleus, further disrupting normal hematopoietic regulation (41).
Other translocations also create pathogenic EVI1 fusions. The t(3;12)(q26;p13) results in an ETV6-EVI1 (also known as TEL-EVI1) fusion, which is associated with CML and other myeloproliferative disorders with poor prognosis (42). The ETV6 component provides a potent promoter driving EVI1 expression and a self-association domain that may enhance the oncogenic activity of the fusion protein (43). Similarly, the t(2;3)(p15-22;q26) and t(3;6) can lead to EVI1 overexpression or fusion events associated with poor-risk AML (37). A fusion between RPN1 and EVI1 has also been described in patients with inv(3) or t(3;3), contributing to the adverse prognosis (21).
3.3 Enhancer hijacking and other regulatory mechanisms
Beyond the classic GATA2 enhancer hijacking, EVI1 can be activated by co-opting other powerful regulatory elements. A compelling example is the hijacking of a MYC super-enhancer by the EVI1 locus in a subset of AML cases. This event leads to the formation of a neotad (a newly formed topologically associating domain) that places EVI1 under the control of a potent enhancer normally reserved for the MYC oncogene, resulting in massive EVI1 overexpression and aggressive leukemia (36). In T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL), translocations involving the T-cell receptor beta (TCRβ) locus can bring its powerful enhancer to the vicinity of EVI1, driving its expression and causing undifferentiated leukemia (44). These examples illustrate a common theme in EVI1 deregulation: its promoter is relatively weak and requires the illicit appropriation of strong, lineage-specific enhancers to achieve oncogenic levels of expression. Furthermore, comprehensive genomic analyses using RNA sequencing are continually improving the detection of both canonical and cryptic EVI1 rearrangements and fusion events in AML, providing a more complete picture of its activation landscape (45).
3.4 Retroviral insertional mutagenesis
The historical discovery of EVI1 as an oncogene came from studies of murine leukemia models, where retroviral integration into the host genome served as a powerful tool for identifying cancer-causing genes. Insertions of retroviral long terminal repeats (LTRs), which contain strong promoter and enhancer elements, in or near the Evi1 gene locus were found to be a common event in myeloid leukemias induced by these viruses (3). This insertional mutagenesis provided the first direct evidence that aberrant activation of EVI1 expression is a primary oncogenic event. Similar insertional activation of the EVI1 homolog Prdm16 has also been shown to induce leukemia (46). These preclinical models have been instrumental in establishing the cause-and-effect relationship between EVI1 overexpression and leukemogenesis and continue to be valuable tools for studying its function (47).
4 Molecular pathogenesis driven by EVI1 overexpression
Once aberrantly overexpressed, EVI1 orchestrates a comprehensive leukemogenic program by functioning as a master transcriptional and epigenetic regulator. It drives pathogenesis by blocking hematopoietic differentiation, promoting uncontrolled proliferation and survival, and collaborating with other oncogenic mutations (Figure 3).
Figure 3
EVI1-driven leukemogenic program in acute myeloid leukemia. Aberrant overexpression of EVI1 functions as a master transcriptional and epigenetic regulator that initiates and sustains a leukemogenic program. Elevated EVI1 activity disrupts normal hematopoietic differentiation, promotes uncontrolled proliferation and survival, and cooperates with additional oncogenic alterations to drive leukemic pathogenesis. Collectively, these interconnected transcriptional and epigenetic events establish a leukemogenic program that underlies leukemia initiation and progression.
4.1 Disruption of hematopoietic differentiation and proliferation
A cardinal feature of EVI1-driven leukemia is a profound block in myeloid differentiation. EVI1 exerts this effect by repressing the expression and/or function of key transcription factors that are essential for normal hematopoiesis. One of its most critical targets is RUNX1 (AML1), a master regulator of definitive hematopoiesis. EVI1 directly binds to and represses the RUNX1 promoter and also physically interacts with the RUNX1 protein to inhibit its transcriptional activity, effectively shutting down its lineage commitment programs (48). This antagonism is a central node in EVI1-mediated leukemogenesis. Similarly, EVI1 interferes with differentiation induced by hematopoietic cytokines like granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) (19).
EVI1 also skews hematopoietic output. Its forced expression in hematopoietic progenitors can induce abnormal megakaryocytic differentiation, consistent with the thrombocytosis often seen in patients with 3q abnormalities (49). This is partly mediated by its influence on the TPO/MPL signaling pathway, which promotes the growth of EVI1-positive, CD41-positive megakaryocytic cells (50). At the stem cell level, EVI1 helps maintain the self-renewal and undifferentiated state of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), in part by upregulating the adhesion G-protein coupled receptor GPR56, which is critical for HSC maintenance (51). It also regulates the expression of other key hematopoietic regulators, including GATA-1, GATA-2, and SCL/TAL1 (52), and the transcription factor PLZF (53), further cementing its role as a global disruptor of the normal hematopoietic hierarchy. By blocking differentiation while promoting self-renewal, EVI1 effectively traps hematopoietic cells in an immature, proliferative state, a crucial step toward malignant transformation (9).
4.2 Interference with key signaling pathways
In addition to disrupting transcriptional networks governing differentiation, EVI1 promotes cell survival and proliferation by rewiring intracellular signaling pathways.
A primary mechanism is the potent inhibition of the Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling pathway, a critical tumor-suppressive pathway that normally induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. EVI1 accomplishes this through multiple interactions. It physically binds to Smad3, a key signal transducer of the TGF-β pathway, preventing it from participating in active transcriptional complexes (54). Furthermore, EVI1 recruits the transcriptional co-repressor C-terminal Binding Protein (CtBP) to the promoters of TGF-β target genes, leading to their active repression (55). The post-translational phosphorylation of EVI1 has been shown to enhance its interaction with CtBP, thereby strengthening its repressive function (56). By dismantling this crucial tumor suppressor checkpoint, EVI1 provides cells with a powerful survival and proliferative advantage. Interestingly, the AML1-EVI1 fusion protein also effectively blocks TGF-β signaling, contributing to its oncogenic activity (17).
EVI1 also promotes cell survival by activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. It achieves this by transcriptionally repressing the tumor suppressor gene PTEN. The loss of PTEN function leads to the accumulation of PIP3 and subsequent constitutive activation of AKT and its downstream effector mTOR, a central regulator of cell growth, proliferation, and survival (57). More recently, EVI1 was shown to drive mTORC1 activation through a novel axis involving the upregulation of the histone demethylase Kdm6b, which in turn activates the expression of Laptm4b, a lysosomal protein that promotes mTORC1 signaling (58). This sustained activation of pro-survival signaling pathways makes EVI1-expressing cells highly resistant to apoptosis.
4.3 Transcriptional and epigenetic reprogramming
As a DNA-binding protein, EVI1’s core function is to reprogram the cellular transcriptome and epigenome. It acts as a scaffold for large protein complexes that modify chromatin and regulate gene expression (Table 3). EVI1 interacts with histone methyltransferases such as SUV39H1 and G9a, recruiting them to target gene promoters to mediate transcriptional repression through the deposition of repressive histone marks (e.g., H3K9 methylation) (59). This function is critical for its ability to immortalize bone marrow cells.
Table 3
| Description | Function | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| CEBPA | inhibits CEBPA transcription by binding to its enhancer, thereby blocking granulocyte differentiation | (7) |
| RUNX1 | 1) Interact directly with the RUNX1 protein 2) Bind to RUNX1 promoter to inhibit its transcription |
(48, 60) |
| GATA-1 | MECOM/EVI1 inhibits GATA-1-mediated transcriptional activation through physical interaction, thereby blocking erythroid differentiation | (61, 62) |
| GATA2 | In inv(3) AML, the ectopic GATA2 enhancer drives high expression of EVI1 and synergistically induces megakaryocyte-characteristic leukemia with insufficient haploid dose of GATA2 | (63) |
| MS4A3 | One of the most strongly inhibited target genes of MECOM is achieved by directly binding to its promoter. Its down-regulation is crucial for MECOM-mediated tumorigenesis | (64) |
| ERG | The direct downstream targets of EVI1, activated by EVI1, are crucial for maintaining EVI1-driven leukemia | (65, 66) |
| Spi1 (PU.1) | 1) transcriptionally activated, driving myeloid deviation; 2) Proteins are functionally inhibited by direct interactions, blocking terminal differentiation |
(67, 68) |
| CtBP | EVI1 recruits key corepressors to form powerful transcriptional inhibitory complexes | (55) |
Summary of downstream targets and molecular mechanisms of EVI1.
Beyond histone modifications, EVI1 has been shown to be a master regulator of the leukemic epigenome by directing aberrant patterns of DNA methylation. EVI1-high leukemias exhibit a distinct DNA hypermethylation signature, suggesting that EVI1 either recruits DNA methyltransferases to specific loci or represses genes involved in demethylation, thereby sculpting a pathogenic epigenetic landscape (69). Its oncogenic activity is also linked to its ability to repress the expression of the retinoblastoma (Rb) tumor suppressor gene, further disabling cell cycle control (70). In a more recently discovered mechanism, EVI1 has been shown to drive leukemogenesis through the aberrant transcriptional activation of the proto-oncogene ERG, highlighting its capacity to function as both a repressor and an activator (71). Through these widespread effects on the transcriptome and epigenome, EVI1 establishes and maintains the malignant state.
4.4 Cooperation with other oncogenic lesions
Leukemogenesis is a multi-step process, and EVI1 rarely acts alone. Its potent transforming activity is often realized through collaboration with other cooperating genetic mutations. EVI1 overexpression is a critical cooperating event in leukemias driven by MLL rearrangements, such as MLL-AF9. In this context, EVI1 is essential for the maintenance and growth of the leukemic clone, and its expression is required for the full transforming potential of the MLL fusion protein (72, 73).
Similarly, EVI1 cooperates powerfully with mutations in AML1 (RUNX1). Mouse models have demonstrated that the combination of Aml1 mutation and Evi1 overexpression is sufficient to induce a disease that faithfully recapitulates human MDS/AML (74, 75). This synergy is also observed in the progression of familial platelet disorder (FPD) with propensity to AML, a hereditary syndrome caused by germline RUNX1 mutations, where secondary acquisition of EVI1 overexpression is a key step in leukemic transformation (76).
EVI1 also synergizes with other oncogenic drivers. It has been shown to cooperate with a truncated, pro-leukemogenic isoform of C/EBPβ (LIP) to induce AML (77). It collaborates with the transcription factor Sox4 to activate retroviral LTRs and promote leukemogenesis (78). In concert with Trib1, EVI1 can accelerate AML development in the context of Hoxa9/Meis1 overexpression (79). Furthermore, EVI1 overexpression frequently co-occurs with activating mutations in the RAS signaling pathway, particularly in inv(3)/t(3;3) leukemias, suggesting a strong synergy between these two oncogenic pathways (80). The combination of oncogenic Nras and Evi1 has been shown to be a potent driver of aggressive leukemia in mouse models (81). This extensive network of collaborations underscores EVI1’s role as a potent and versatile oncogenic hub.
5 Clinical and therapeutic implications of EVI1 expression
The profound biological effects of EVI1 translate directly into significant clinical consequences, establishing it as a critical factor in patient risk stratification and a prime candidate for targeted therapy.
5.1 EVI1 as a potent negative prognostic marker
Across numerous studies and diverse subtypes of hematological malignancies, high EVI1 expression is consistently and independently associated with a dismal clinical outcome. In AML, EVI1 overexpression is one of the most significant adverse prognostic markers, predicting primary refractory disease, high rates of relapse, and poor overall survival (11, 82). This holds true for both pediatric and adult AML (10). Even within specific genetic subgroups, such as AML with MLL rearrangements, co-expression of EVI1 delineates a subset of patients with a particularly poor prognosis (83). EVI1-rearranged AMLs are recognized as a distinct entity characterized by a unique mutational and transcriptional signature and an exceptionally aggressive clinical course (84).
In the context of CML, EVI1 expression is rarely detected in the chronic phase but becomes significantly upregulated during progression to the myeloid blast crisis, where it is implicated as a key driver of transformation (85). Moreover, in CML patients who have developed resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors like imatinib, high EVI1 expression is a predictor of poor survival (86). Its expression is also linked to adverse outcomes in MDS and has been found to be upregulated in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), where it contributes to cell survival by modulating microRNA networks (87). The consistent association of EVI1 with aggressive disease across different malignancies solidifies its status as a top-tier negative prognostic biomarker.
5.2 EVI1 as a therapeutic target
Given its critical role in driving leukemogenesis and its association with therapy resistance, EVI1 itself represents a high-priority therapeutic target (Table 4). Recent studies have proposed several strategies to therapeutically target EVI1, including degradation of the EVI1 protein via the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, inhibition of its transcriptional co-factors such as CTBP1/2 and HDACs, and interference with upstream regulators that control EVI1 expression or stability.
Table 4
| Strategy/Drug category | Mechanism and effect | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| BET inhibitors (BETi) | Inhibit the key protein BRD4 of the super enhancer (SE), thereby down-regulating the expression of oncogenes such as EVI1 and MYC, and inducing apoptosis and differentiation of cells | (2, 29, 98) |
| HDAC inhibitors (HDACi) | Disrupt the MECOM co-inhibitory complex and directly inhibit the transcriptional and protein levels of MECOM. Targeting the co-transcription factor PA2G4 is also one of its mechanisms of HDACi | (90, 99) |
| Jumonji demethylase inhibitors (such as JIB-04) | By altering the H3K27me3 modification status of the MECOM promoter region, the expression of MECOM can be directly inhibited at the transcriptional level, which is effective for ovarian cancer | (100) |
| PARP inhibitors (PARPi) | Targeting PARP1, a core member of the super enhancer (SE) that drives MECOM expression, disrupts the structural integrity and chromatin loop of SE, thereby down-regulating MECOM expression | (101, 102) |
| Protein synthesis inhibitor (Homoharringtonine, HHT) | By inhibiting protein synthesis and indirectly down-regulating the levels of key oncoproteins such as EVI1 and c-Myc | (76) |
| MEK inhibitors | Indirectly inhibiting the downstream ERK/ZEB1 signaling pathway activated by the upregulation of KRAS expression by MECOM is applicable to specific ovarian cancers | (100) |
| PI3K/mTOR inhibitors (such as dactolisib) | Antagonize the continuous activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway caused by MECOM’s inhibition of the tumor suppressor gene PTEN | (57) |
| Target SOX2 and cancer stemness | By directly activating the dry factor SOX2 as a transcription factor, MECOM inhibits the characteristics of tumor stem cells and is applicable to lung squamous cell carcinoma | (103) |
Summary of therapeutic strategies targeting EVI1-driven cancers.
Arsenic trioxide (ATO), a drug used in the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), has been shown to induce the degradation of the EVI1 oncoprotein, leading to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in EVI1-positive leukemia cells (88). ATO can also induce autophagy-related cell death in these cells by downregulating EVI1 (89). These findings suggest a potential repurposing of ATO for EVI1-driven malignancies.
More recent strategies focus on targeting the epigenetic machinery that EVI1 relies upon. BET bromodomain inhibitors, which disrupt the function of transcriptional co-activators, have been shown to suppress EVI1 expression and induce apoptosis in EVI1-high AML cells (66). Similarly, histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors have demonstrated efficacy by downregulating EVI1 expression through a mechanism involving the up-regulation of its repressor, PA2G4 (90). The dependency of EVI1-high cells on specific metabolic pathways, such as those regulated by PRMT5, also offers a potential therapeutic vulnerability (91).
5.3 EVI1 downstream effectors as potential therapeutic targets
Direct inhibition of EVI1 has historically been challenging due to its nature as a transcriptional regulator lacking enzymatic activity. Consequently, several indirect strategies have shown promise in suppressing EVI1-driven leukemogenesis. Such approaches collectively aim to dismantle the oncogenic transcriptional network sustained by EVI1 rather than targeting the protein itself.
A key target gene of EVI1 in HSCs is GATA-2, a transcription factor crucial for HSC proliferation. EVI1 directly binds to the GATA-2 promoter and acts as an enhancer, upregulating its expression. This EVI1-GATA-2 axis is fundamental for the maintenance and proliferation of HSCs. The reduction in GATA-2 expression in Evi1-/- HSCs underscores the hierarchical regulation of the HSC pool by transcription factors (92).
Furthermore, EVI1 can repress the activity of RUNX1, a critical hematopoietic regulator. This repression can impair RUNX1’s ability to bind DNA and regulate gene expression, potentially contributing to leukemogenesis by disrupting normal hematopoietic programs. The eighth zinc finger motif of EVI1 is involved in this interaction, and its expression alone can block granulocyte differentiation, leading to cell death. This suggests that inappropriate EVI1 expression can contribute to hematopoietic transformation by functionally impairing key hematopoietic regulators (48).
In the context of myeloid malignancies, EVI1 can inhibit the expression of the membrane-spanning-4-domains subfamily-A member-3 (MS4A3) gene. MS4A3 has been implicated in promoting differentiation in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) by enhancing common β-chain cytokine receptor endocytosis. Low MS4A3 expression is characteristic of LSPC quiescence and transformation to blast phase CML, and EVI1’s suppression of MS4A3 contributes to the differentiation block observed in CML. Promoting MS4A3 re-expression or delivery of ectopic MS4A3 may be a therapeutic strategy to eliminate CML stem cells (93, 94).
Another approach involves targeting surrogate surface markers. It has been discovered that EVI1-high AML cells frequently express high levels of the surface protein CD52, which is not typically found on normal myeloid progenitors. This makes CD52 a potential target for antibody-based immunotherapy, such as with alemtuzumab, to specifically eliminate the EVI1-positive leukemic clone (95). Paradoxically, some studies have suggested that EVI1-positive AML cells may exhibit sensitivity to all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), a differentiating agent, potentially through EVI1’s regulation by retinoic acid receptors (96, 97). These diverse approaches highlight the active search for effective therapies to combat these aggressive leukemias.
6 Conclusion
Collectively, EVI1 act as a central regulator under both physiological and pathological conditions. Under normal homeostasis, EVI1 plays an essential role in maintaining HSC self-renewal and long-term integrity (9, 104), and is also critically involved in endothelial lineage specification and broader developmental programs (105). In contrast, under pathological conditions, aberrant overexpression of EVI1, functions as a potent oncogenic driver across a wide spectrum of malignancies, including AML, MDS, lymphoid leukemias (87, 106), as well as several solid tumors such as ovarian and prostate cancers (107, 108).
In hematologic malignancies, high EVI1 expression has been established as an independent adverse prognostic biomarker. Regardless of the presence of classical 3q26 chromosomal abnormalities, elevated EVI1 levels are consistently associated with chemoresistance, increased relapse risk, and markedly inferior overall survival (11, 109). As a master transcription factor, EVI1 profoundly rewires the cellular machinery of hematopoietic progenitors. It potently blocks myeloid differentiation by antagonizing essential lineage-defining factors like RUNX1, while simultaneously promoting cell survival and proliferation through the subversion of critical signaling pathways, most notably by disabling the tumor-suppressive TGF-β pathway and activating the pro-survival PI3K/AKT/mTOR cascade.
Despite substantial progress in understanding EVI1 biology, several fundamental questions remain unresolved. Notably, EVI1 exhibits pronounced context-dependent functionality, displaying both oncogenic and tumor-suppressive features. On one hand, EVI1 acts as a potent oncogenic driver by enforcing differentiation blockade and promoting leukemic proliferation. On the other hand, its haploinsufficiency leads to bone marrow failure syndromes characterized by congenital amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia, underscoring its essential role in maintaining hematopoietic homeostasis (110). Moreover, in certain MDS subtypes, low-level EVI1 expression does not appear to represent a primary driver of ineffective hematopoiesis, suggesting the presence of dosage-dependent effects and strong cell-context specificity in EVI1 function.
In addition, the precise mechanisms governing EVI1 transcriptional regulation remain elusive. Classical 3q26 rearrangements, such as inv(3)(q21q26), induce aberrant EVI1 activation through an enhancer hijacking mechanism, whereby distal regulatory elements, including the GATA2 enhancer, are repositioned in proximity to the EVI1 promoter, resulting in constitutive overexpression (29). However, in cases lacking 3q26 abnormalities, the upstream regulatory circuitry controlling EVI1 expression appears even more heterogeneous, involving multiple transcription factors and signaling pathways. For instance, MECOM expression has been shown to be modulated by proteins such as Survivin (111). Downstream, EVI1 binds distinct DNA motifs through its two independent zinc finger domains, thereby regulating a broad repertoire of cancer-associated target genes (107), often in cooperation with transcription factors such as AP-1/FOS. In addition, EVI1 directly regulates PLZF (53) and multiple microRNAs, including miR-9 (112, 113), collectively establishing a multilayered transcriptional and epigenetic regulatory network.
Looking ahead, a deeper understanding of the context-dependent functional plasticity of EVI1 across physiological and malignant states will be critical for translating mechanistic insights into therapeutic advances. Dissecting subtype-specific EVI1 activities and constructing comprehensive regulatory networks that integrate transcriptional, epigenetic, and signaling pathways will help identify actionable dependencies in EVI1-driven malignancies. Emerging technologies, including single-cell multi-omics and in vivo functional modeling within the native hematopoietic niche, offer powerful platforms to define how EVI1 governs stem cell fate and therapy resistance in real time (114, 115). Importantly, systematic interrogation of EVI1-centered regulatory circuits is expected to reveal targetable vulnerabilities. Therapeutic strategies aimed at disrupting EVI1 activation, its essential cofactors, or key downstream effectors may provide a rational framework for precision treatment of EVI1-high acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes, addressing an urgent unmet clinical need in these high-risk diseases.
Statements
Author contributions
JY: Writing – review & editing. YH: Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing. JL: Writing – original draft. JCL: Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing.
Funding
The author(s) declared that financial support was received for this work and/or its publication. This work was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (82570217). Bethune–Qiyin Future Multidisciplinary Research Capacity Building Program (Grant number: BCF-QYWL-XY-2025-10).
Conflict of interest
The author(s) declared that this work was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
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Summary
Keywords
3q26 rearrangement, EVI1, hematopoiesis, leukemia, oncogene, poor prognosis, transcription factor
Citation
Hao Y, Liu J, Lou J and Yan J (2026) The oncogenic role of ecotropic viral integration site 1 in hematological malignancies: mechanisms of activation and leukemogenesis. Front. Immunol. 17:1750231. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2026.1750231
Received
20 November 2025
Revised
24 January 2026
Accepted
30 January 2026
Published
16 February 2026
Volume
17 - 2026
Edited by
Luca Lo Nigro, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Policlinico - San Marco, Italy
Reviewed by
Julie Tram, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, United States
Ovais Shafi, Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Pakistan
Updates
Copyright
© 2026 Hao, Liu, Lou and Yan.
This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
*Correspondence: Jinsong Yan, yanjsdmu@dmu.edu.cn; Jiacheng Lou, loujiacheng1986@dmu.edu.cn
†These authors have contributed equally to this work
Disclaimer
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