GOT1 inhibition promotes pancreatic cancer cell death by ferroptosis

Nat Commun. 2021 Aug 11;12(1):4860. doi: 10.1038/s41467-021-24859-2.

Abstract

Cancer metabolism is rewired to support cell survival in response to intrinsic and environmental stressors. Identification of strategies to target these adaptions is an area of active research. We previously described a cytosolic aspartate aminotransaminase (GOT1)-driven pathway in pancreatic cancer used to maintain redox balance. Here, we sought to identify metabolic dependencies following GOT1 inhibition to exploit this feature of pancreatic cancer and to provide additional insight into regulation of redox metabolism. Using pharmacological methods, we identify cysteine, glutathione, and lipid antioxidant function as metabolic vulnerabilities following GOT1 withdrawal. We demonstrate that targeting any of these pathways triggers ferroptosis, an oxidative, iron-dependent form of cell death, in GOT1 knockdown cells. Mechanistically, we reveal that GOT1 inhibition represses mitochondrial metabolism and promotes a catabolic state. Consequently, we find that this enhances labile iron availability through autophagy, which potentiates the activity of ferroptotic stimuli. Overall, our study identifies a biochemical connection between GOT1, iron regulation, and ferroptosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antioxidants / pharmacology
  • Aspartate Aminotransferase, Cytoplasmic / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Aspartate Aminotransferase, Cytoplasmic / genetics
  • Aspartate Aminotransferase, Cytoplasmic / metabolism
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Cystine / metabolism
  • Ferroptosis* / drug effects
  • Glutathione / biosynthesis
  • Humans
  • Iron / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Mitochondria / metabolism
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / pathology

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Cystine
  • Iron
  • Aspartate Aminotransferase, Cytoplasmic
  • GOT1 protein, human
  • Glutathione