Gpr44 Mediates the Selenium-Dependent Anti-Leukemic Effect in Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Abstract

Abstract Objectives The relapse of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains a significant concern due to persistent leukemia stem cells (LSCs) that are not targeted by existing therapies. LSCs show sensitivity to endogenous cyclopentenone prostaglandin J (CyPG) metabolites that are increased by dietary trace element selenium (Se), which is significantly decreased in AML patients. We investigated the anti-leukemic effect of Se supplementation in AML via mechanisms involving the activation of the membrane-bound G-protein coupled receptor 44 (Gpr44) and the intracellular receptor, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), by endogenous CyPGs. Methods A murine model of AML generated by transplantation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs- WT or Gpr44−/−) expressing human MLL-AF9 fusion oncoprotein, in the following experiments: To investigate the effect of Se supplementation on the outcome of AML, donor mice were maintained on either Se-adequate (Se-A; 0.08–0.1 ppm Se) or Se-supplemented (Se-S; 0.4 ppm Se) diets. Complete cell counts in peripheral blood were analyzed by hemavet. LSCs in bone marrow and spleen were analyzed by flow cytometry. To determine the role of Gpr44 activation in AML, mice were treated with Gpr44 agonists, CyPGs. LSCs in bone marrow and spleen were analyzed. Mice transplanted with Gpr44−/- AML cells were compared with mice transplanted with wild type AML cells and the progression of the disease was followed as above. To determine the role of PPARγ activation in AML, PPARγ agonist (Rosiglitazone, 6 mg/kg, i.p, 14 d) and antagonist (GW9662, 1 mg/kg, i.p. once every other day, 7 injections) were applied to Se-S mice transplanted with Gpr44−/- AML cells and disease progression was followed. Results Se supplementation at supraphysiological levels alleviated the disease via the elimination of LSCs in a murine model of AML. CyPGs induced by Se supplementation mediate the apoptosis in LSCs via the activation of Gpr44 and PPARγ. Conclusions Endogenous CyPGs produced upon supplementation with Se at supraphysiological levels improved the outcome of AML by targeting LSCs to apoptosis via the activation of two receptors, Gpr44 and PPARg. Funding Sources NIH DK 07,7152; CA 175,576; CA 162,665. Office of Dietary Supplements, USDA Hatch funds PEN04605, Accession # 1,010,021 (KSP, RFP).