Targeting the mSWI/SNF complex in POU2F-POU2AF transcription factor-driven malignancies

Cancer Cell. 2024 Aug 12;42(8):1336-1351.e9. doi: 10.1016/j.ccell.2024.06.006. Epub 2024 Jul 18.

Abstract

The POU2F3-POU2AF2/3 transcription factor complex is the master regulator of the tuft cell lineage and tuft cell-like small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Here, we identify a specific dependence of the POU2F3 molecular subtype of SCLC (SCLC-P) on the activity of the mammalian switch/sucrose non-fermentable (mSWI/SNF) chromatin remodeling complex. Treatment of SCLC-P cells with a proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) degrader of mSWI/SNF ATPases evicts POU2F3 and its coactivators from chromatin and attenuates downstream signaling. B cell malignancies which are dependent on the POU2F1/2 cofactor, POU2AF1, are also sensitive to mSWI/SNF ATPase degraders, with treatment leading to chromatin eviction of POU2AF1 and IRF4 and decreased IRF4 signaling in multiple myeloma cells. An orally bioavailable mSWI/SNF ATPase degrader significantly inhibits tumor growth in preclinical models of SCLC-P and multiple myeloma without signs of toxicity. This study suggests that POU2F-POU2AF-driven malignancies have an intrinsic dependence on the mSWI/SNF complex, representing a therapeutic vulnerability.

Keywords: IRF4; POU2AF1/2/3; POU2F3; PROTAC; SCLC; SMARCA2/4; mSWI/SNF complex; multiple myeloma; proteolysis targeting chimera; small cell lung cancer.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Lung Neoplasms* / metabolism
  • Lung Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Mice
  • Octamer Transcription Factor-2
  • Octamer Transcription Factor-3 / genetics
  • Octamer Transcription Factor-3 / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction
  • Small Cell Lung Carcinoma* / genetics
  • Small Cell Lung Carcinoma* / metabolism
  • Small Cell Lung Carcinoma* / pathology
  • Transcription Factors* / genetics
  • Transcription Factors* / metabolism
  • Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

Substances

  • Transcription Factors
  • Octamer Transcription Factor-3
  • POU2F2 protein, human
  • SMARCA2 protein, human
  • Octamer Transcription Factor-2