Epigenetic mechanisms controlling human leukemia stem cells and therapy resistance

Cancer stem cells are essential for initiation and therapy resistance of many cancers, including acute myeloid leukemias (AML). Here, we apply functional genomic profiling to diverse human leukemias, including high-risk MLL- and NUP98-rearranged specimens, using label tracing in vivo. Human leukemia...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Takao, Sumiko, Morell, Victor, Uni, Masahiro, Slavit, Alicia, Rha, Sophia, Cheng, Shuyuan, Schmalbrock, Laura K., Brown, Fiona C., Beneyto Calabuig, Sergi, Koche, Richard P., Velten, Lars, Kentsis, Alex
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2025
País:España
Institución:Universitat Pompeu Fabra
Repositorio:Repositorio Digital de la UPF
OAI Identifier:oai:repositori.upf.edu:10230/71103
Acceso en línea:http://hdl.handle.net/10230/71103
http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-58370-9
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Acute myeloid leukaemia
Cancer stem cells
Paediatric cancer
Descripción
Sumario:Cancer stem cells are essential for initiation and therapy resistance of many cancers, including acute myeloid leukemias (AML). Here, we apply functional genomic profiling to diverse human leukemias, including high-risk MLL- and NUP98-rearranged specimens, using label tracing in vivo. Human leukemia propagation is mediated by a rare quiescent label-retaining cell (LRC) population undetectable by current immunophenotypic markers. AML quiescence is reversible, preserving genetic clonal competition and epigenetic inheritance. LRC quiescence is defined by distinct promoter-centered chromatin and gene expression dynamics controlled by an AP-1/ETS transcription factor network, where JUN is necessary and sufficient for LRC quiescence and associated with persistence and chemotherapy resistance in diverse patients. This enables prospective isolation and manipulation of immunophenotypically-varied leukemia stem cells, establishing the functions of epigenetic plasticity in leukemia development and therapy resistance. These findings offer insights into leukemia stem cell quiescence and the design of therapeutic strategies for their clinical identification and control.