A distinct metabolic response characterizes sensitivity to EZH2 inhibition in multiple myeloma

Cell Death Dis. 2021 Feb 12;12(2):167. doi: 10.1038/s41419-021-03447-8.

Abstract

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a heterogeneous haematological disease that remains clinically challenging. Increased activity of the epigenetic silencer EZH2 is a common feature in patients with poor prognosis. Previous findings have demonstrated that metabolic profiles can be sensitive markers for response to treatment in cancer. While EZH2 inhibition (EZH2i) has proven efficient in inducing cell death in a number of human MM cell lines, we hereby identified a subset of cell lines that despite a global loss of H3K27me3, remains viable after EZH2i. By coupling liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry with gene and miRNA expression profiling, we found that sensitivity to EZH2i correlated with distinct metabolic signatures resulting from a dysregulation of genes involved in methionine cycling. Specifically, EZH2i resulted in a miRNA-mediated downregulation of methionine cycling-associated genes in responsive cells. This induced metabolite accumulation and DNA damage, leading to G2 arrest and apoptosis. Altogether, we unveiled that sensitivity to EZH2i in human MM cell lines is associated with a specific metabolic and gene expression profile post-treatment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Apoptosis / drug effects
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • DNA Damage
  • DNA Methylation / drug effects*
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm*
  • Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 Protein / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 Protein / metabolism
  • Female
  • G2 Phase Cell Cycle Checkpoints / drug effects
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Humans
  • Metabolome*
  • Methionine / metabolism*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • MicroRNAs / genetics
  • MicroRNAs / metabolism
  • Multiple Myeloma / drug therapy*
  • Multiple Myeloma / genetics
  • Multiple Myeloma / metabolism
  • Multiple Myeloma / pathology
  • Pyridones / pharmacology*
  • Transcriptome

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • MicroRNAs
  • Pyridones
  • UNC1999
  • Methionine
  • EZH2 protein, human
  • Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 Protein
  • Ezh2 protein, mouse