Biology subjects

Chen, C.-W.

Publications and source records attributed to Chen, C.-W..

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

Large-scale meta-analysis of over one million individuals reveals the genetic architecture of 127 complex traits in East Asian populations

Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have disproportionately focused on European (EUR) populations, limiting the characterization of genetic architecture in other ancestries. To address this imbalance, we integrated large-scale biobanks from Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and China to perform the largest phenome-wide meta-analysis to date in East Asian (EAS) populations, encompassing over one million individuals across 127 complex traits. We identified 8,010 previously unreported associations and observed substantial genetic sharing across EAS subpopulations, while also detecting cohort-specific heterogeneity within the broader EAS context. Transethnic analyses revealed moderate genetic correlations between EAS and EUR populations, indicating both shared and ancestry-specific components of disease risk. Pleiotropy analyses highlighted prominent signals within the HLA region, supported by protein-protein interaction connectivity and immune-related pathway enrichment. Decomposition of genome-wide association matrices further uncovered structured cross-trait architectures, revealing a predominantly shared polygenic backbone driven by metabolic, biochemical, and anthropometric traits, together with two discrete latent components enriched for immune-related processes. Together, our findings refine the genetic architecture of complex traits in East Asian populations at unprecedented scale and clarify the balance between shared and population-specific determinants of human diseases.

genetics↗

bioRxiv2026

Cellular remodeling during photosymbiosis establishment revealed by single-cell dual proteomics

Endosymbiosis of phytoplankton in heterotrophic hosts is ecologically important and has led to key evolutionary innovations. However, the dynamic molecular processes underlying endosymbiosis establishment remain poorly understood. Here, using large-particle sorting and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, we unravel heterogeneous changes in proteomes of the cosmopolitan ciliate Paramecium and algal endosymbiont Chlorella from engulfment to stable endosymbiosis. The initial digestion sees a sharp decline of intracellular Chlorella cells, along with host cellular reorganization involving a reduction of the cortex-localized defensive organelles, trichocysts, and proteins for intracellular transport and recycling. The remaining Chlorella cells enter a bottleneck stage characterized by energy production and cell cycle commitment before active proliferation. Comparison of Paramecium with successful and failed endosymbiosis further identifies a solute carrier transporter that potentially mediates metabolic homeostasis of the endosymbiotic system. Our study reveals inter-organismal coordination during the transition from predator-prey to host-endosymbiont relationships. The approach of time-course single-cell dual proteomics can be useful for investigating diverse interactions between microbial eukaryotes.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2026

Dopaminergic Modulation of Mushroom Body Output Neurons Mediates Nociception-Induced Escape in Drosophila

In Drosophila, noxious heat is detected by peripheral nociceptors expressing transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, including Painless and TrpA1, and rapidly triggers escape behavior. Although peripheral transduction has been defined in detail, the central circuits and neuromodulatory mechanisms that translate nociceptor activity into escape decisions remain poorly understood. Here, we combine targeted behavioral perturbations with anatomical tracing to delineate a nociception-to-escape pathway that engages dopaminergic modulation of mushroom body (MB) output. Kir2.1-mediated silencing across candidate neurotransmitter systems revealed a specific requirement for MB-innervating dopaminergic neurons (DANs)--particularly subsets within the protocerebral posterior lateral 1 (PPL1) and protocerebral anterior medial (PAM) clusters--for robust nociception-induced escape. Anterograde trans-Tango tracing from painless- and trpA1-expressing nociceptors labeled these MB dopaminergic neurons as direct postsynaptic partners, consistent with convergence of distinct nociceptor inputs onto a shared dopaminergic pathway. Finally, silencing a subset of mushroom body output neurons (MBONs) delayed escape without overtly disrupting baseline locomotion, supporting a model in which dopaminergic signaling recruits MB output to shape defensive action selection. Together, our results define a multi-layer circuit motif linking peripheral nociception to MB-dependent escape and provide a framework for dissecting how neuromodulation gates rapid defensive behaviors.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2025

Nuclear Phase Separation Drives NPM1-mutant Acute Myeloid Leukemia

During cancer development, mutations promote gene expression changes that cause transformation. Leukemia is frequently associated with aberrant HOXA expression driven by translocations in nucleoporin genes or KMT2A, and mutations in NPM1. How disparate mutations converge on this regulatory pathway is not understood. Here we demonstrate that mutant NPM1 (NPM1c) forms nuclear condensates in multiple human cell lines, mouse models, and primary patient samples. We show NPM1c phase separation is necessary and sufficient to coordinate the recruitment of NUP98 and KMT2A to condensates. Through extensive mutagenesis and pharmacological destabilization of phase separation, we find that NPM1c condensates are necessary for regulating gene expression, promoting in vivo expansion, and maintaining the undifferentiated leukemic state. Finally, we show that nucleoporin and KMT2A fusion proteins form condensates that are biophysically indistinguishable from NPM1c condensates. Together, these data define a new condensate underlying leukemias that we term coordinating bodies (C-bodies), and propose C-bodies as a therapeutic vulnerability.

biophysics↗

bioRxiv2024

The Taiwan Precision Medicine Initiative: A Cohort for Large-Scale Studies

The Taiwan Precision Medicine Initiative (TPMI), a project initiated by the Academia Sinica in collaboration with 16 major medical centers around Taiwan, has recruited 565,390 participants who consented to provide DNA samples for genetic profiling and grant access to their electronic medical records (EMR) for studies to develop precision medicine. Access to the EMR is both retrospective and prospective, allowing researchers to conduct prospective studies over time. Genetic profiling is done with population-optimized SNP arrays for the Han Chinese populations that enable genetic analyses such as genome-wide association, phenome-wide association, and polygenic risk score studies to evaluate common disease risk and pharmacogenetic response. Furthermore, the TPMI participants agree to be contacted for future research opportunities related to their genetic risks and receive personalized genetic risk profiles with health management recommendations. TPMI has established the TPMI Data Access Platform (TDAP), a central database and analysis platform that both safeguards the security of the data and facilitates academic research. The TPMI is the largest non-European cohort that merges genetic profiles with EMR in the world. With a cohort that can be followed over time, it can be utilized to validate genetic risk prediction models, conduct clinical trials to show the efficacy of risk-based health management, and optimize health policies based on genetic risks. In this report, we describe the TPMI study design, the population and genetic characteristics of the TPMI cohort, and the power it provides to conduct crucial studies in developing precision medicine on a population and personal level. As Han Chinese represent almost 20% of the worlds population, the results of TPMI studies will benefit >1.4 billion people around the world and serve as a model for developing population-based precision medicine.

genetics↗

bioRxiv2024

Remodelling of the glycome of B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells developing drug-tolerance

Reduced responsiveness of precursor B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL) to chemotherapy can be first detected in the form of minimal residual disease leukemia cells that persist after 28 days of initial treatment. The ability of these cells to resist chemotherapy is partly due to the microenvironment of the bone marrow, which promotes leukemia cell growth and provides protection, particularly under these conditions of stress. It is unknown if and how the glycocalyx of such cells is remodelled during the development of tolerance to drug treatment, even though glycosylation is the most abundant cell surface post-translational modification present on the plasma membrane. To investigate this, we performed omics analysis of BCP-ALL cells that survived a 30-day vincristine chemotherapy treatment while in co-culture with bone marrow stromal cells. Proteomics showed decreased levels of some metabolic enzymes. Overall glycocalyx changes included a shift from Core-2 to less complex Core-1 O-glycans, and reduced overall sialylation, with a shift from 2-6 to 2-3 linked Neu5Ac. Interestingly, there was a clear increase in bisecting complex N-glycans with a concomitant increased mRNA expression of MGAT3, the only enzyme known to form bisecting N-glycans. These small but reproducible quantitative differences suggest that individual glycoproteins become differentially glycosylated. Glycoproteomics confirmed glycosite-specific modulation of cell surface and lysosomal proteins in drug-tolerant BCP-ALL cells, including HLA-DRA, CD38, LAMP1 and PPT1. We conclude that drug-tolerant persister leukemia cells that grow under continuous chemotherapy stress have characteristic glycotraits that correlate with and perhaps contribute to their ability to survive and could be tested as neoantigens in drug-resistant leukemia.

cancer biology↗

bioRxiv2024

A Sap Peptide Conserved across Flowering Plants Positively Regulates Lignin Biosynthesis, Biomass and Immunity

Signaling peptides act as hormones to deliver short- or long-distance intercellular signals to govern complex developmental processes. Identifying endogenous signaling peptides is challenging due to their low abundance and the unknown cleavage sites required for release from precursor proteins, not to mention the investigation of their evolutionary roles across species. Consequently, very few peptides were evolutionarily characterized in vivo, especially long-distance signaling peptides. Here we present current largest peptidomic datasets from six species (maize, camphor tree, tomato, rose gum, soybean and poplar), totaling 12,242 peptides, selected from all representative evolutionary clades of angiosperms, including monocots, magnoliids, rosid eudicots, and asterid eudicots. A sap peptide was found to be identical across all six species and named as ASAP (angiosperm sap peptide), emerging as the most conserved peptide family discovered thus far. ASAP rapidly induces a series of protein phosphorylation involved in a signaling cascade previously reported to regulate lignin biosynthesis, plant growth and plant immunity. Functional assays on ASAP activity demonstrated its capability on the induction of monolignol biosynthesis and lignin deposition. High-throughput phenomic analyses showed that ASAP significantly increased plant above- and below-ground biomass. In addition, ASAP treatment enhanced plant immunity and reduced the number of galls and egg masses against nematode invasion. This study provides insights into the conservation and functional significance of plant long-distance mobile signaling peptides, offering potential applications in crop improvement and disease management strategies.

plant biology↗

bioRxiv2024

TIMAHAC: Streamlined Tandem IMAC-HILIC Workflow for Simultaneous and High-Throughput Plant Phosphoproteomics and N-glycoproteomics

Protein post-translational modifications (PTMs) are crucial in plant cellular processes, particularly in protein folding and signal transduction. N-glycosylation and phosphorylation are notably significant PTMs, playing essential roles in regulating plant responses to environmental stimuli. However, current sequential enrichment methods for simultaneous analysis of phosphoproteome and N-glycoproteome are labor-intensive and time-consuming, limiting their throughput. Addressing this challenge, this study introduces a novel tandem S-Trap-IMAC-HILIC (S-Trap: suspension trapping; IMAC: immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography; HILIC: hydrophilic interaction chromatography) strategy, termed TIMAHAC, for simultaneous analysis of plant phosphoproteomics and N-glycoproteomics. This approach integrates IMAC and HILIC into a tandem tip format, streamlining the enrichment process of phosphopeptides and N-glycopeptides. The key innovation lies in the use of a unified buffer system and an optimized enrichment sequence to enhance efficiency and reproducibility. The applicability of TIMAHAC was demonstrated by analyzing the Arabidopsis phosphoproteome and N-glycoproteome in response to abscisic acid (ABA) treatment. Up to 1,954 N-glycopeptides and 11,255 phosphopeptides were identified from Arabidopsis, indicating its scalability for plant tissues. Notably, distinct perturbation patterns were observed in the phosphoproteome and N-glycoproteome, suggesting their unique contributions to ABA response. Our results reveal that TIMAHAC offers a comprehensive approach to studying complex regulatory mechanisms and PTM interplay in plant biology, paving the way for in-depth investigations into plant signaling networks.

biochemistry↗

bioRxiv2024

Mitochondrial ncRNA LDL-805 declines in alveolar epithelial type 2 cells of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients.

RationaleWe showed that levels of a murine mitochondrial noncoding RNA, mito-ncR-LDL805, increase in alveolar epithelial type 2 cells exposed to extracts from cigarette smoke. The transcripts translocate to the nucleus, upregulating nucleus-encoded mitochondrial genes and mitochondrial bioenergetics. This response is lost after chronic exposure to smoke in a mouse model of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. ObjectivesTo determine if mito-ncR-LDL805 plays a role in human disease, this study aimed to (i) identify the human homologue, (ii) test if the smoke-induced response occurs in human cells, (ii) determine causality between the subcellular localization of the transcript and increased mitochondrial bioenergetics, and (iii) analyze mito-ncR-LDL805 transcript levels in samples from patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. MethodsLevels and subcellular localization of the human homologue identified from an RNA transcript library were assessed in human alveolar epithelial type 2 cells exposed to smoke extract. Lipid nanoparticles were used for nucleus-targeted delivery of mito-ncR-LDL805 transcripts. Analyses included in situ hybridization, quantitative PCR, cell growth, and Seahorse mitochondrial bioenergetics assays. Measurements and Main ResultsThe levels of human homologue transiently increased and the transcripts translocated to the nuclei in human cells exposed to smoke extract. Targeted nuclear delivery of transcripts increased mitochondrial bioenergetics. Alveolar cells from humans with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease had reduced levels of the mito-ncR-LDL805. Conclusionsmito-ncR-LDL805 mediates mitochondrial bioenergetics in murine and human alveolar epithelial type 2 cells in response to cigarette smoke exposure, but this response is likely lost in diseases associated with chronic smoking, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, due to its diminished levels. ImpactThis study describes a novel mechanism by which epithelial cells in the lungs adapt to the mitochondrial stress triggered by exposure to cigarette smoke. We show that a noncoding RNA in mitochondria is upregulated and translocated to the nuclei of alveolar epithelial type 2 cells to trigger expression of genes that restore mitochondrial bioenergetics. Mitochondria function and levels of the noncoding RNA decrease under conditions that lead to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, suggesting that the mitochondrial noncoding RNA can serve as potential therapeutic target to restore function to halt disease progression.

cell biology↗

bioRxiv2023

A Suspension Trapping-Based Sample Preparation Workflow for Sensitive Plant Phosphoproteomics

Plant phosphoproteomics provides a global view of phosphorylation-mediated signaling in plants; however, it demands high-throughput methods with sensitive detection and accurate quantification. Although protein precipitation is indispensable for removing contaminants and improving sample purity, it limits the sensitivity and throughput of plant phosphoproteomic analysis. The multiple handling steps involved in protein precipitation lead to sample loss and process variability. Herein, we developed an approach based on suspension trapping (S-Trap), termed tandem S-Trap-IMAC (immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography), by integrating an S-Trap micro column with an Fe-IMAC tip. Compared with a precipitation-based workflow, the tandem S-Trap-IMAC method deepened the coverage of the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) phosphoproteome by more than 30%, with improved quantification accuracy and short sample processing time. We applied the tandem S-Trap-IMAC method for studying abscisic acid (ABA) signaling in Arabidopsis seedlings. We thus identified 24,055 phosphopeptides and quantified several key phosphorylation sites on core ABA signaling components across four time points. Our results show that the optimized workflow aids high-throughput phosphoproteome profiling of low-input plant samples.

biochemistry↗

bioRxiv2022

Molecular recognition of two endogenous hormones by the human parathyroid hormone receptor-1

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) and PTH-related peptide (PTHrP) are two endogenous hormones recognized by PTH receptor -1 (PTH1R), a member of class B G protein couple receptors (GPCRs). Both PTH and PTHrP analogs including teriparatide and abaloparatide, are approved drugs for osteoporosis, but they exhibit distinct pharmacology. Here we report two cryo-EM structures of human PTH1R bound to PTH and PTHrP in the G protein-bound state at resolutions of 2.6 and 3.2 [A], respectively. Detailed analysis of these structures uncovers both common and unique features for the agonism of PTH and PTHrP. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and together with site-directed mutagenesis studies reveal the molecular basis of endogenous hormones recognition specificity and selectivity to PTH1R. These results provide a rational template for the clinical use of PTH and PTHrP analogs as an anabolic therapy for osteoporosis and other disorders.

biochemistry↗

bioRxiv2022

A unique peptide recognition mechanism by the human relaxin family peptide receptor 4 (RXFP4)

Members of the insulin superfamily regulate a variety of biological processes through two types of target-specific but structurally conserved peptides, insulin/insulin-like growth factors and relaxin/insulin-like peptides. The latter bind to the human relaxin family peptide receptors (RXFPs), which are class A G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), to exert pleiotropic actions. Here, we report three cryo-electron microscopy structures of RXFP4-Gi protein complexes in the presence of the endogenous ligand insulin-like peptide 5 (INSL5) or one of the two small molecule agonists, compound 4 and DC591053, both were discovered through medicinal chemistry efforts. The B chain of INSL5 adopts a single -helix that penetrates into the orthostatic pocket, while the A chain sits above the orthosteric pocket to interact with the extracellular surface of RXFP4, revealing a unique peptide-binding mode previously unknown. Together with mutagenesis and functional analyses, the key determinants responsible for the peptidomimetic agonism and subtype selectivity were identified. DC591053 selectively mimicked the action of INSL5 at RXFP4 whereas compound 4 activated both RXFP3 and RXFP4. Comparison of peptide binding modes within the insulin superfamily displayed diverse interaction mechanisms distinct to each type of the peptides. Our findings not only provide valuable insights into ligand recognition and subtype selectivity among class A GPCRs, but also expand the knowledge of signaling mechanisms in the insulin superfamily.

molecular biology↗

bioRxiv2022

Validation of a small molecule inhibitor of PDE6D-RAS interaction with potent anti-leukemic effects

RAS mutations prevalent in high-risk leukemia have been linked to relapse and chemotherapy resistance. Efforts to directly target RAS proteins have been largely unsuccessful. However, since RAS-mediated transformation is dependent on signaling through the RAS-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate (RAC) small GTPase, we hypothesized that targeting RAC may be an effective therapeutic approach in RAS mutated tumors. Here we describe multiple small molecules capable of inhibiting RAC activation in acute lymphoblastic leukemia cell lines. One of these, DW0254, also demonstrates promising anti-leukemic activity in RAS-mutated cells. Using chemical proteomics and biophysical methods, we identified the hydrophobic pocket of phosphodiester 6 subunit delta (PDE6D), a known RAS chaperone, as a target for this compound. Inhibition of RAS localization to the plasma membrane upon DW0254 treatment is associated with RAC inhibition through a phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/AKT-dependent mechanism. Our findings provide new insights on the importance of PDE6D-mediated transport for RAS-dependent RAC activation and leukemic cell survival.

cancer biology↗

bioRxiv2021

Constitutive loss of DNMT3A causes morbid obesity through misregulation of adipogenesis

DNA Methyltransferase 3A (DNMT3A) is an important facilitator of differentiation of both embryonic and hematopoietic stem cells. Heterozygous germline mutations in DNMT3A lead to Tatton-Brown-Rahman Syndrome (TBRS), characterized by obesity and excessive height. While DNMT3A is known to impact feeding behavior via the hypothalamus, here we investigated a role in adipocyte progenitors utilizing heterozygous knockout mice that recapitulate cardinal TBRS phenotypes. These mice become morbidly obese due to adipocyte enlargement and tissue expansion. Adipose tissue in these mice exhibited defects in preadipocyte maturation and precocious activation of inflammatory gene networks, including interleukin-6 signaling. Adipocyte progenitor cell lines lacking DNMT3A exhibited aberrant differentiation. Furthermore, mice in which Dnmt3a was specifically ablated in adipocyte progenitors showed enlarged fat depots and increased progenitor numbers, partly recapitulating the TBRS obesity phenotypes. Loss of DNMT3A led to constitutive DNA hypomethylation, such that the DNA methylation landscape of young adipocyte progenitors resemble that of older wild-type mice. Together, our results demonstrate that DNMT3A coordinates both the central and local control of energy storage required to maintain normal weight and prevent inflammatory obesity.

cell biology↗

bioRxiv2021

Adaptation to chronic ER stress enforces pancreatic β-cell plasticity

Pancreatic {beta}-cells undergo high levels of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress due to their role in insulin secretion. Hence, they require sustainable and efficient adaptive stress responses to cope with the stress. Whether duration and episodes of chronic ER stress directly compromises {beta}-cell identity is largely unknown. We show that under reversible, chronic ER stress, {beta}-cells undergo a distinct transcriptional and translational reprogramming. During reprogramming, expression of master regulators of {beta}-cell function and identity and proinsulin processing is impaired. Upon recovery from stress, {beta}-cells regain their identity, highlighting a high-degree of adaptive {beta}-cell plasticity. Remarkably, when stress episodes exceed a certain threshold, {beta}-cell identity is gradually lost. Single cell RNA-seq analysis of islets from type 1 diabetes (T1D) patients, identifies the severe deregulation of the chronic stress-adaptation program, and reveals novel biomarkers for progression of T1D. Our results suggest {beta}-cell adaptive exhaustion ({beta}EAR) is a significant component of the pathogenesis of T1D.

systems biology↗

bioRxiv2021

Endometrial Gap Junction Expression - Early Indicators of Endometriosis and Integral to Invasiveness

Endometriosis is an invasive disease, and a leading cause of pain, infertility and disability among women, with an incidence 10 fold that of cancer. A more complete understanding of disease pathogenesis is essential for the development of non-surgical diagnostic assays and non-hormonal therapeutics. Avoidance of immune clearance and implantation of endometrial tissue on peritoneal surfaces are features of endometriosis lesion formation that overlap with cancer metastasis. Connexins, and the gap junctions they form, have been implicated in cancer progression, and may be associated endometriosis pathophysiology. Single cell transcriptomic profiling of endometrial epithelial and stromal cells from women with endometriosis reveals a striking and progressive shift in expression of connexins and related regulatory and junctional genes. We demonstrate that gap junction coupling between endometrial cells and the peritoneal mesothelium is dramatically induced, specifically in endometriosis patients, and is required for invasion by inducing breakdown of the mesothelial barrier function.

cell biology↗

bioRxiv2020

DOT1L modulates the senescence-associated secretory phenotype through epigenetic regulation of IL1A

Cellular senescence is characterized as a stable cell cycle arrest that can occur as a stress response associated with oncogenic activation, termed oncogene-induced senescence (OIS). Cells undergoing OIS acquire a unique microenvironment termed the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), which can be both beneficial and detrimental in a context-dependent manner. Additionally, senescent cells are characterized by robust changes in their epigenome. Here, we globally assessed the histone landscape of cells induced to senesce by oncogenic RAS and discovered a novel epigenetic regulatory mechanism of the key SASP regulator IL1A. OIS cells displayed increased di- and tri-methylation of histone H3 lysine 79 (H3K79me2/3), two active histone marks. Depletion of the H3K79 methyltransferase disruptor of telomeric silencing 1-like (DOT1L) during OIS resulted in decreased H3K79me2/3 occupancy at the IL1A gene locus, which corresponded to decreased IL1A mRNA and cell surface expression. Decreased expression and secretion of downstream cytokines without a change in senescence markers were also observed upon DOT1L depletion. Overexpression of DOT1L increased H3K79me2/3 occupancy at the IL1A locus and upregulated the SASP, indicating that DOT1L is both necessary and sufficient for SASP gene expression. Mechanistically, we found that STING, an essential mediator of SASP transcription, is upstream of DOT1L in the epigenetic regulation of the SASP. Together, our studies establish DOT1L as an epigenetic regulator of the SASP whose expression is uncoupled from the senescence-associated cell cycle arrest, providing a potential strategy to inhibit the negative side effects of senescence while maintaining the beneficial inhibition of proliferation.

cell biology↗

bioRxiv2020

ATM Inhibition Synergizes with Fenofibrate in High Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer Cells

BackgroundEpithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the deadliest gynecological malignancy in the United States with high grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) as the most commonly diagnosed subtype. While therapies targeting deficiencies in the homologous recombination (HR) pathway are emerging as the standard treatment for HGSOC patients, this strategy is limited to the 50% of patients with a deficiency in this pathway. Therefore, patients with HR-proficient tumors are likely to be resistant to these therapies and require alternative strategies. MethodsData from HGSOC patients in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were analyzed for ATM status, ATM and PPAR expression, and used to perform Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). Screening data from the Dependency Map were analyzed to identify FDA-approved drugs that preferentially inhibit ATM-low cancer cells. In vitro studies were performed to determine whether ATM inhibitors synergize with the PPAR agonist fenofibrate in HGSOC cell lines. ResultsThe HR gene Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated (ATM) is wildtype in the majority of HGSOC patients and its kinase activity is upregulated compared to normal fallopian tube tissue. As high ATM has been associated with poor overall and progression-free survival, targeting ATM may be beneficial for a subset of HGSOC patients. Clinical trials of ATM inhibitors are commencing; however, ATM inhibitors are not effective as single agents. We aimed to explore novel therapeutic vulnerabilities of ATM deficient cells to develop a combinatorial therapy. Using data from TCGA, we found that multiple pathways related to metabolism are inversely correlated with ATM expression, suggesting that combining ATM inhibition and metabolic inhibition would be effective. Indeed, analysis of FDA-approved drugs from the Dependency Map demonstrated that ATM low cell lines are more sensitive to fenofibrate, a PPAR agonist that has been previously shown to affect multiple cellular metabolic pathways. Consistently, PPAR signaling is associated with ATM expression. We validated that combined inhibition of ATM and treatment with fenofibrate is synergistic in multiple HGSOC cell lines by inducing senescence. ConclusionsOur results suggest that metabolic changes induced by ATM inhibitors are a potential target for the treatment for HGSOC.

cancer biology↗