A GPX4-dependent cancer cell state underlies the clear-cell morphology and confers sensitivity to ferroptosis.

Nat Commun
Authors
Keywords
Abstract

Clear-cell carcinomas (CCCs) are a histological group of highly aggressive malignancies commonly originating in the kidney and ovary. CCCs are distinguished by aberrant lipid and glycogen accumulation and are refractory to a broad range of anti-cancer therapies. Here we identify an intrinsic vulnerability to ferroptosis associated with the unique metabolic state in CCCs. This vulnerability transcends lineage and genetic landscape, and can be exploited by inhibiting glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) with small-molecules. Using CRISPR screening and lipidomic profiling, we identify the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) pathway as a driver of this vulnerability. In renal CCCs, HIF-2α selectively enriches polyunsaturated lipids, the rate-limiting substrates for lipid peroxidation, by activating the expression of hypoxia-inducible, lipid droplet-associated protein (HILPDA). Our study suggests targeting GPX4 as a therapeutic opportunity in CCCs, and highlights that therapeutic approaches can be identified on the basis of cell states manifested by morphological and metabolic features in hard-to-treat cancers.

Year of Publication
2019
Journal
Nat Commun
Volume
10
Issue
1
Pages
1617
Date Published
2019 04 08
ISSN
2041-1723
DOI
10.1038/s41467-019-09277-9
PubMed ID
30962421
PubMed Central ID
PMC6453886
Links
Grant list
P50 CA101942 / CA / NCI NIH HHS / United States
T32 HL007627 / HL / NHLBI NIH HHS / United States
U01 CA217848 / CA / NCI NIH HHS / United States