DUX4-r neomorphic activity depending on GTF2I in acute lymphoblastic leukemia [RNA-seq]
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ABSTRACT: Translocations producing rearranged versions of the transcription factor DUX4 (DUX4-r) are one of the most frequent causes of B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). DUX4-r retains the DNA binding domain of wt DUX4, but is truncated on the C-terminal transcription activation domain. The precise mechanism through which DUX4-r causes leukemia is unknown and no targeted therapy is currently available. We found that the rearrangement leads to both a loss and a gain of function in DUX4-r. Loss of CBP/EP300 transcriptional co-activators interaction and inability to bind and activate repressed chromatin. Gain of interaction with the transcription factor GTF2I, which redirects DUX4-r toward leukemogenic targets. Importantly, this neomorphic activity exposes an Achilles' heel whereby DUX4-r positive leukemia cells are exquisitely sensitive to GTF2I targeting, which inhibits DUX4-r leukemogenic activity. Our work elucidates the molecular mechanism through which DUX4-r causes leukemia and suggest a possible therapeutic avenue tailored to this B-ALL subtype.
ORGANISM(S): Homo sapiens
PROVIDER: GSE227982 | GEO | 2023/09/15
REPOSITORIES: GEO
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