Ferroptosis response segregates small cell lung cancer (SCLC) neuroendocrine subtypes

Nat Commun. 2021 Apr 6;12(1):2048. doi: 10.1038/s41467-021-22336-4.

Abstract

Loss of TP53 and RB1 in treatment-naïve small cell lung cancer (SCLC) suggests selective pressure to inactivate cell death pathways prior to therapy. Yet, which of these pathways remain available in treatment-naïve SCLC is unknown. Here, through systemic analysis of cell death pathway availability in treatment-naïve SCLC, we identify non-neuroendocrine (NE) SCLC to be vulnerable to ferroptosis through subtype-specific lipidome remodeling. While NE SCLC is ferroptosis resistant, it acquires selective addiction to the TRX anti-oxidant pathway. In experimental settings of non-NE/NE intratumoral heterogeneity, non-NE or NE populations are selectively depleted by ferroptosis or TRX pathway inhibition, respectively. Preventing subtype plasticity observed under single pathway targeting, combined treatment kills established non-NE and NE tumors in xenografts, genetically engineered mouse models of SCLC and patient-derived cells, and identifies a patient subset with drastically improved overall survival. These findings reveal cell death pathway mining as a means to identify rational combination therapies for SCLC.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antioxidants / metabolism
  • Apoptosis
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / metabolism
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Survival
  • Ferroptosis*
  • Humans
  • Lipid Metabolism
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Nude
  • Models, Biological
  • Necroptosis
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors / pathology*
  • Phospholipid Hydroperoxide Glutathione Peroxidase / metabolism
  • Phospholipids / metabolism
  • Prognosis
  • Small Cell Lung Carcinoma / pathology*
  • Thioredoxins / metabolism

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Phospholipids
  • Thioredoxins
  • Phospholipid Hydroperoxide Glutathione Peroxidase