CDK6 kinase inhibition opens up metabolic dependencies in BCR-ABL+ leukemia

ABSTRACT: Metabolic reprogramming and cell cycle deregulation are hallmarks of cancer cells. We here investigate the role of the cell cycle kinase CDK6 in the regulation of cellular energetics in BCR-ABL+ leukemia. Gene expression data and ChIP-Seq analysis from murine BCR-ABL+ cell lines expressing kinase-inactive CDK6 or no CDK6 highlight an activating role for the kinase in regulating the oxidative phosphorylation gene set by interacting with respective promoter regions. Our data imply a competition of CDK6 and Nrf-1, a master regulator of genes required for mitochondrial respiration, at the same sites. In line, cells expressing kinase- inactive CDK6 show signs of a defective electron transport chain and morphologically changed mitochondria. An enhanced cytoplasm/mitochondria ATP ratio together with high levels of pyruvate and lactate point towards a metabolic switch to glycolysis in those cells. Combinatorial treatment of BCR-ABL+ cell lines with the clinically used CDK4/6 inhibitor palbociclib and the glycolysis inhibitor 2-deoxyglocose (2-DG) reduced proliferation and led to enhanced apoptosis compared to single-agent treatments. Our data, suggest a new therapeutic avenue for hematologic malignancies with high CDK6 expression.

ORGANISM(S): Homo sapiens

PROVIDER: GSE267912 | GEO | 2025/02/26

REPOSITORIES: GEO