PHF8-GLUL axis in lipid deposition and tumor growth of clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Sci Adv. 2023 Aug 2;9(31):eadf3566. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.adf3566. Epub 2023 Aug 2.

Abstract

For clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), lipid deposition plays important roles in the development, metastasis, and drug resistance. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying lipid deposition in ccRCC remain largely unknown. By conducting an unbiased CRISPR-Cas9 screening, we identified the epigenetic regulator plant homeodomain finger protein 8 (PHF8) as an important regulator in ccRCC lipid deposition. Moreover, PHF8 is regulated by von Hippel-Lindau (VHL)/hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) axis and essential for VHL deficiency-induced lipid deposition. PHF8 transcriptionally up-regulates glutamate-ammonia ligase (GLUL), which promotes the lipid deposition and ccRCC progression. Mechanistically, by forming a complex with c-MYC, PHF8 up-regulates TEA domain transcription factor 1 (TEAD1) in a histone demethylation-dependent manner. Subsequently, TEAD1 up-regulates GLUL transcriptionally. Pharmacological inhibition of GLUL by l-methionine sulfoximine not only repressed ccRCC lipid deposition and tumor growth but also enhanced the anticancer effects of everolimus. Thus, the PHF8-GLUL axis represents a potential therapeutic target for ccRCC treatment.

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma, Renal Cell* / metabolism
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Glutamate-Ammonia Ligase* / metabolism
  • Histone Demethylases* / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Kidney Neoplasms* / metabolism
  • Lipids
  • Protein Processing, Post-Translational
  • Transcription Factors* / genetics
  • Transcription Factors* / metabolism

Substances

  • Histone Demethylases
  • Lipids
  • PHF8 protein, human
  • Transcription Factors
  • GLUL protein, human
  • Glutamate-Ammonia Ligase