MYC paralog-dependent apoptotic priming orchestrates a spectrum of vulnerabilities in small cell lung cancer

Marcel A. Dammert, Johannes Brägelmann, Rachelle R. Olsen, Stefanie Böhm, Niloufar Monhasery, Christopher P. Whitney, Milind D. Chalishazar, Hannah L. Tumbrink, Matthew R. Guthrie, Sebastian Klein, Abbie S. Ireland, Jeremy Ryan, Anna Schmitt, Annika Marx, Luka Ozretić, Roberta Castiglione, Carina Lorenz, Ron D. Jachimowicz, Elmar Wolf, Roman K. ThomasJohn T. Poirier, Reinhard Büttner, Triparna Sen, Lauren A. Byers, H. Christian Reinhardt, Anthony Letai, Trudy G. Oliver, Martin L. Sos

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

46 Scopus citations

Abstract

MYC paralogs are frequently activated in small cell lung cancer (SCLC) but represent poor drug targets. Thus, a detailed mapping of MYC-paralog-specific vulnerabilities may help to develop effective therapies for SCLC patients. Using a unique cellular CRISPR activation model, we uncover that, in contrast to MYCN and MYCL, MYC represses BCL2 transcription via interaction with MIZ1 and DNMT3a. The resulting lack of BCL2 expression promotes sensitivity to cell cycle control inhibition and dependency on MCL1. Furthermore, MYC activation leads to heightened apoptotic priming, intrinsic genotoxic stress and susceptibility to DNA damage checkpoint inhibitors. Finally, combined AURK and CHK1 inhibition substantially prolongs the survival of mice bearing MYC-driven SCLC beyond that of combination chemotherapy. These analyses uncover MYC-paralog-specific regulation of the apoptotic machinery with implications for genotype-based selection of targeted therapeutics in SCLC patients.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number3485
JournalNature communications
Volume10
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 1 2019

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Chemistry
  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
  • General Physics and Astronomy

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