ERG and c-MYC regulate a critical gene network in BCR::ABL1-driven B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Sci Adv. 2024 Mar 8;10(10):eadj8803. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.adj8803. Epub 2024 Mar 8.

Abstract

Philadelphia chromosome-positive B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), characterized by the BCR::ABL1 fusion gene, remains a poor prognosis cancer needing new therapeutic approaches. Transcriptomic profiling identified up-regulation of oncogenic transcription factors ERG and c-MYC in BCR::ABL1 B-ALL with ERG and c-MYC required for BCR::ABL1 B-ALL in murine and human models. Profiling of ERG- and c-MYC-dependent gene expression and analysis of ChIP-seq data established ERG and c-MYC coordinate a regulatory network in BCR::ABL1 B-ALL that controls expression of genes involved in several biological processes. Prominent was control of ribosome biogenesis, including expression of RNA polymerase I (POL I) subunits, the importance of which was validated by inhibition of BCR::ABL1 cells by POL I inhibitors, including CX-5461, that prevents promoter recruitment and transcription initiation by POL I. Our results reveal an essential ERG- and c-MYC-dependent transcriptional network involved in regulation of metabolic and ribosome biogenesis pathways in BCR::ABL1 B-ALL, from which previously unidentified vulnerabilities and therapeutic targets may emerge.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Fusion Proteins, bcr-abl* / genetics
  • Fusion Proteins, bcr-abl* / metabolism
  • Fusion Proteins, bcr-abl* / therapeutic use
  • Gene Regulatory Networks
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Precursor B-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma* / genetics
  • Precursor B-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma* / metabolism
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma
  • Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Transcriptional Regulator ERG* / genetics

Substances

  • ERG protein, human
  • Fusion Proteins, bcr-abl
  • Transcription Factors
  • Transcriptional Regulator ERG
  • MYC protein, human