Neutrophils Resist Ferroptosis and Promote Breast Cancer Metastasis through Aconitate Decarboxylase 1
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ABSTRACT: Lung metastasis is the principal cause of breast cancer-related mortality. Neutrophils have emerged as an important component of the tumor microenvironment (TME), supporting tumor proliferation and mediating immunosuppression. Here, we show that aconitate decarboxylase 1 (Acod1) is highly expressed in tumor-infiltrating neutrophils and promotes breast cancer lung metastasis by supporting neutrophil survival in the TME. Acod1 expression is regulated by tumor-derived granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) through the JAK/STAT signaling pathway and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein beta (C/EBPβ) transcription factor activity. Acod1 loss in tumor-infiltrating neutrophils leads to ferroptosis-like cell death, resulting in decreased frequency of neutrophils in the TME. Mechanistically, itaconate, the product of Acod1, activates nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), resulting in upregulated antioxidant responses and decreased lipid-reactive oxygen species. Genetical deletion of Acod1 in neutrophils suppresses lung metastasis of breast cancer in mouse models by decreasing neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio and elevating cytotoxic T cell response. Importantly, genetic targeting of Acod1 enhances the anti-tumor efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade. Overall, our findings reveal a mechanism of how immunosuppressive neutrophils survive in the harsh TME and support Acod1-targeting approaches for cancer treatment.
ORGANISM(S): Mus musculus
PROVIDER: GSE216425 | GEO | 2023/09/13
REPOSITORIES: GEO
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