Targeting NUPR1-Dependent Stress Granules Formation to Induce Synthetic Lethality In KrasG12D-Driven Tumors
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ABSTRACT: We find that NUPR1, a stress-associated intrinsically disordered protein, induced droplet formation via liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). NUPR1-driven LLPS was crucial for the creation of NUPR1-dependent stress granules (SGs) in pancreatic cancer cells since genetic or pharmacological inhibition by ZZW-115 of NUPR1 activity impeded SGs formation. The KrasG12D mutation induced oncogenic stress, NUPR1 over-expression, and promoted SGs development. Notably, enforced NUPR1 expression induced SGs formation independently of mutated KrasG12D. Mechanistically, KrasG12D expression heightened sensitivity to NUPR1 inactivation, inducing cell death, activating caspase 3 and releasing LDH. Remarkably, ZZW-115-mediated SGs inhibition hampered the development of pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanINs) in Pdx1-cre;LSL-KrasG12D (KC) mice. ZZW-115-treatment of KC mice triggered caspase 3 activation, DNA fragmentation, and formation of the apoptotic bodies, leading to cell death, specifically in KrasG12D-expressing cells. We further demonstrated that, in developed PanINs, short-term ZZW-115 treatment prevented NUPR1-associated SGs presence. Lastly, a four-week treatment significantly reduced the number and size of PanINs in KC mice. This study proposes that targeting NUPR1-dependent SGs formation could be a therapeutic approach to induce cell death in KrasG12D-dependent tumors.
ORGANISM(S): Homo sapiens (human) Mus musculus (mouse)
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PROVIDER: S-BSST1270 | biostudies-other |
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-other
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