Loss of FLCN-FNIP1/2 Induces a Non-Canonical Interferon 1 Response in Human Renal Tubular Epithelial Cells
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ABSTRACT: Germline inactivating mutations in Folliculin (FLCN) cause Birt–Hogg–Dubé (BHD) syndrome, a rare autosomal dominant disorder predisposing to kidney tumors. FLCN is a conserved, essential gene that has been linked to diverse cellular processes but the mechanisms by which FLCN prevents kidney cancer remain unknown Here we show that FLCN loss activates E-box target genes in human renal tubular epithelial cells (RPTEC/TERT1), including RRAGD, yet without modifying mTORC1 activity. Surprisingly, inactivation of FLCN or its binding partners FNIP1/FNIP2 activates interferon response genes but independently of interferon. Mechanistically, FLCN loss promotes recruitment of STAT2 to chromatin and slows cellular proliferation. Our integrated analysis identifies STAT1/2 as a novel target of FLCN in renal cells and BHD tumors. STAT1/2 activation appears to counterbalance TFE3-directed hyper-proliferation and may influence the immune response. These findings shed light on unique roles of FLCN in human renal tumorigenesis and pinpoint novel prognostic biomarkers.
INSTRUMENT(S): Q Exactive
ORGANISM(S): Homo Sapiens (human)
TISSUE(S): Kidney Proximal Straight Tubule Epithelial Cell
DISEASE(S): Renal Cell Carcinoma
SUBMITTER: Sander Piersma
LAB HEAD: Connie Ramona Jimenez
PROVIDER: PXD021346 | Pride | 2021-02-11
REPOSITORIES: Pride
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