Eradication Of Leukemia Stem Cells Research Articles

Targeting Acute Myeloid Leukemia Stem Cells Through Perturbation of Mitochondrial Calcium.

Acute myeloid leukemia stem cells (LSCs) are uniquely reliant on oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) for survival. Moreover, maintenance of OXPHOS is dependent on BCL-2, creating a therapeutic opportunity to target LSCs using the BCL-2 inhibitor venetoclax. While venetoclax-based regimens have shown promising clinical activity, the emergence of drug resistance is prevalent. Thus, in the present study, we investigated how mitochondrial properties may influence venetoclax responsiveness. Our data show that utilization of mitochondrial calcium is fundamentally different between drug-responsive and non-responsive LSCs. By comparison, venetoclax-resistant LSCs demonstrate a more active metabolic (i.e. OXPHOS) status with relatively high levels of calcium. Consequently, we tested genetic and pharmacological approaches to target the mitochondrial calcium uniporter, MCU. We demonstrate that inhibition of calcium uptake reduces OXPHOS and leads to eradication of venetoclax-resistant LSCs. These findings demonstrate a central role for calcium signaling in LSCs and provide an avenue for clinical management of venetoclax resistance.

Emetine induces oxidative stress, cell differentiation and NF-κB inhibition, suppressing AML stem/progenitor cells

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a fatal malignancy of the blood and bone marrow. Leukemic stem cells (LSCs) are a rare subset of leukemic cells that promote the development and progression of AML, and eradication of LSCs is critical for effective control of this disease. Emetine is an FDA-approved antiparasitic drug with antitumor properties; however, little is known about its potential against LSCs. Herein, we explored the antileukemic potential of emetine, focusing on its effects on AML stem/progenitor cells. Emetine exhibited potent cytotoxic activity both in hematologic and solid cancer cells and induced AML cell differentiation. Emetine also inhibited AML stem/progenitor cells, as evidenced by decreased expression of CD34, CD97, CD99, and CD123 in KG-1a cells, indicating anti-AML stem/progenitor cell activities. The administration of emetine at a dosage of 10 mg/kg for two weeks showed no significant toxicity and significantly reduced xenograft leukemic growth in vivo. NF-κB activation was reduced in emetine-treated KG-1a cells, as shown by reduced phospho-NF-κB p65 (S529) and nuclear NF-κB p65. DNA fragmentation, YO-PRO-1 staining, mitochondrial depolarization and increased levels of active caspase-3 and cleaved PARP (Asp214) were detected in emetine-treated KG-1a cells. Moreover, treatment with the pancaspase inhibitor Z-VAD(OMe)-FMK partially prevented the apoptotic cell death induced by emetine. Emetine treatment also increased cellular and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, and emetine-induced apoptosis in KG-1a cells was partially prevented by the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine, indicating that emetine induces apoptosis, at least in part, by inducing oxidative stress. Overall, these studies indicate that emetine is a novel potential anti-AML agent with promising activity against stem/progenitor cells, encouraging the development of further studies aimed at its clinical application.

Targeting Mitochondrial Calcium Uptake to Eradicate Venetoclax-Resistant Acute Myeloid Leukemia Stem Cells

Introduction Previously, we demonstrated that human leukemia stem cells (LSCs) are preferentially reliant on oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) for survival. Furthermore, inhibition of BCL2 with venetoclax (ven) acts to suppress OXPHOS, leading to the eradication of LSCs. While the activity of ven in targeting LSCs is well-established, nearly all patients eventually develop disease that is resistant to treatment. Thus, in the present study, we sought to better understand the biological properties of ven-resistant LSCs. We reasoned that the expression of known BCL2 interacting proteins in ven-sensitive (ven-S) vs. ven-resistant (ven-R) would provide insights on resistance mechanisms. Initial findings showed that one of the most prevalent molecular features observable in ven resistant LSCs is up-regulation of calcium signaling. As calcium is a critical modulator of multiple enzymes involved in OXPHOS, we hypothesized that the maintenance of high mitochondrial calcium could contribute to circumventing the effects of ven treatment. Thus, the present study was designed to test the functional role of calcium in ven-R LSCs and to determine whether targeting mitochondrial calcium transport represents a therapeutic vulnerability. Methods CITE-Seq analysis was performed on 25 AML patient specimens and analyzed using TotalVI. All studies were conducted in primary human AML specimens with LSCs defined by a ROS-low phenotype. Mitochondrial calcium measurements were done using Rhod2-AM. OXPHOS activity was measured through seahorse and enzyme activity assays. Genetic perturbations were done using siRNA via electroporation and confirmed with western blot. LSC function was assessed by colony formation assays and PDX experiments. PDX experiments were also used to determine efficacy of tumor reduction in ven-R AML samples. Results To identify unique features of ven resistant LSCs, we performed single cell RNA-seq on known ven-S vs. ven-R specimens. As shown in Fig 1, resistant LSCs had higher expression of genes involved in calcium transport into the mitochondria, which was reflected by increased steady-state mitochondrial calcium levels compared to ven-S LSCs. Thus, we investigated targeting of the calcium uniporter, MCU, as a means to reduce mitochondrial calcium levels. Treatment of primary LSCs with pharmacological MCU inhibitors (Ru265, MCUi4), as well as genetic inhibition of MCU with siRNAs, led to decreased mitochondrial calcium levels, suppression of calcium dependent TCA cycle dehydrogenase activity, reduced OXPHOS activity, and impaired LSC function as measured by colony assays (CFU) and engraftment in immune deficient mice. Importantly, MCU inhibition did not significantly impair normal stem/progenitor cells. To develop a clinically relevant system, we investigated bio-available agents known to inhibit MCU. Intriguingly, the only known FDA-approved direct MCU inhibitor is the chemotherapy agent, mitoxantrone (mitox). We performed a series of studies to assess the impact of mitox on ven-R LSCs. Our findings demonstrate that venetoclax resistant LSCs are exquisitely sensitive to mitox. In CFU assays, doses as low 1.0nM show strong inhibitory activity. Further, treatment of immune deficient mice bearing human xenografts (Fig 2), showed significant reduction of bulk disease in primary mice, and strong suppression of LSCs in secondary transplants. Notably, DNA damage was not present in LSCs treated with mitox as measured by gamma H2AX staining. Additionally, parallel studies with the related agents, doxorubicin and etoposide, showed no inhibition of CFU, mitochondrial calcium, or OXPHOS activity. Lastly, no discernable effect on normal hematopoietic stem cell activity was evident. Conclusions Our findings suggest that ven-R LSCs have adapted to their unique cellular demands by increasing basal mitochondrial calcium levels to drive OXPHOS. Based on this finding, we propose that inhibition of mitochondrial calcium uptake impairs multiple enzymes required for OXPHOS, which in turns leads to eradication of LSCs. Importantly, we also show that the well-established chemotherapy agent mitoxantrone can effectively inhibit MCU at nanomolar concentrations and is a highly potent against ven-R LSCs. We are currently working to establish a clinical trial in which low-dose mitox will be deployed to augment ven-based therapy.

Loss of the vitamin D receptor triggers senescence in chronic myeloid leukemia via DDIT4-mediated DNA damage.

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a hematopoietic malignancy driven by the fusion gene BCR: ABL1. Drug resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) due to BCR: ABL1 mutation and residual leukemia stem cells (LSCs) remain major challenges for CML treatment. Here, we revealed the requirement of VDR in the progression of CML, in which VDR was upregulated by BCR: ABL1, accounting for its high expression. Interestingly, VDR knockdown inhibited the CML cell proliferation driven by BCR: ABL1 regardless of its mutations with resistance to TKIs. Mechanistically, VDR transcriptionally regulated DDIT4 expression, and the inhibition of DDIT4 triggered DNA damage-induced senescence via p53 signaling activation in CML cells. Furthermore, VDR deficiency was sufficient to not only ameliorate the diseaseburden and progression in primary CML mice but also reduce the self-renewal of CML-LSCs. Together, our study demonstrated that targeting VDR is a promising strategy to overcome TKI resistance and eradicate leukemia stem cells in CML.

Engineered mesenchymal stem cell exosomes loaded with miR-34c-5p selectively promote eradication of acute myeloid leukemia stem cells

Most patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) relapse eventually because of the inability to effectively eliminate leukemia stem cells (LSCs), prompting the search of new therapies to eradicate LSCs. Our previous study demonstrated that miR-34c-5p promotes the clearance of LSCs in an AML mouse model, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target for eradicating LSCs, but the effective delivery of miR-34c-5p to LSCs remains a great challenge. Here, we employed simultaneous two-step modifications to engineer mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and MSC-derived exosomes to create exosomes overexpressing the fused protein lysosome-associated membrane protein 2-interleukin 3 (Lamp2b-IL3) and hematopoietic cell E-selectin/L-selectin ligand (HCELL), and demonstrated that the engineered exosomes exhibited an enhanced ability for bone marrow homing and selective targeting of LSCs. Additionally, using a humanized AML mouse model, we confirmed that the engineered exosomes, loaded with miR-34c-5p, could selectively promote eradication of LSCs and impede the AML development in vivo. In summary, we successfully designed an effective delivery system and provided new insights into the development of novel therapies for delivering miRNA or other molecules to LSCs with greater cellular targeting specificity.

System analysis of Huang-Lian-Jie-Du-Tang and their key active ingredients for overcoming CML resistance by suppression of leukemia stem cells

BackgroundBCR-ABL1-based resistance to imatinib, mainly resulting from BCR-ABL1 mutations, is largely solved after second- and third-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are discovered. Nonetheless, imatinib resistance without BCR-ABL1 mutations, including intrinsic resistance induced by stem cells within chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), remains the major clinical challenge for many patients. PurposeTo study the key active ingredients and corresponding target proteins in Huang-Lian-Jie-Du-Tang (HLJDT) against BCR-ABL1-independent CML resistance to therapeutics, and then explore its mechanism of against CML drug resistance. MethodsCytotoxicity of HLJDT and its active ingredients in BCR-ABL1-independent imatinib resistance cells was analyzed through MTT assay. The cloning ability was measured through soft agar assay. Monitoring therapeutic effect on Xenografted mice CML model by in vivo imaging technology and mice survival time. Predicting the potential target protein binding sites by the technology of photocrosslinking sensor chip, molecular space simulation docking, and use Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) technology . Flow cytometry to detect the ratio of stem progenitor cells (CD34+). Constructing bone marrow transplantation mice CML leukemia model, detect the effects on leukemia stem cells LSK (Lin-\\ Sca-1+ \\C-kit+) self-renewal. ResultsTreatment with HLJDT, berberine and baicalein inhibited cell viability and colony formation of BCR-ABL1-independent imatinib-resistant cells in vitro while prolonging survival in mouse with CML xenografts and transplatation CML-like mouse models in vivo. JAK2 and MCL1were identified as targets of berberine and baicalein. JAK2 and MCL1 are involved in multi-leukemia stem cell-related pathways. Moreover, the ratio of CD34+ cells in resistant CML cells is higher than in treatment-sensitive CML cells. Treatment with BBR or baicalein partially suppressed CML leukemic stem cells (LSCs) self-renewal in vitro and in vivo. ConclusionFrom the above, we concluded that HLJDT and its key active ingredients (BBR and baicalein) allowed to overcome imatinib resistance with BCR-ABL1 independent by eradication of LSCs by targeting the JAK2 and MCL1 protein levels. Our results lay the foundation for applying HLJDT in patients with TKI-resistant CML.

TIM-3 signaling hijacks the canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway to maintain cancer stemness in acute myeloid leukemia.

The activation of β-catenin plays critical roles in normal stem cell function, and, when aberrantly activated, the maintenance and enhancement of cancer stemness in many solid cancers. Aberrant β-catenin activation is also observed in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and crucially contributes to self-renewal and propagation of leukemic stem cells (LSCs) regardless of mutations in contrast with such solid tumors. In this study, we showed that the AML-specific autocrine loop comprised of T-cell immunoglobulin mucin-3 (TIM-3) and its ligand, galectin-9 (Gal-9), drives the canonical Wnt pathway to stimulate self-renewal and propagation of LSCs, independent of Wnt ligands. Gal-9 ligation activates the cytoplasmic Src homology 2 domain of TIM-3 to recruit hematopoietic cell kinase (HCK), a Src family kinase highly expressed in LSCs but not in HSCs, and HCK phosphorylates p120-catenin to promote formation of the LDL receptor-related protein 6 (LRP6) signalosome, hijacking the canonical Wnt pathway. This TIM-3/HCK/p120-catenin axis is principally active in immature LSCs compared with TIM-3-expressed differentiated AML blasts and exhausted T cells. These data suggest that human AML LSCs constitutively activates β-catenin via autocrine TIM-3/HCK/p120-catenin signaling, and that molecules related to this signaling axis should be critical targets for selective eradication of LSCs without impairing normal HSCs.

Integrated High-Throughput Drug Profiling and CRISPR Screening Identify Novel Pathway Vulnerabilities of Leukemic Stem Cells in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

Despite BCR-ABL-targeting tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have dramatically improved the management of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients, TKIs fail to eradicate leukemic stem cells (LSCs). CML-LSCs are recognized as BCR-ABL-kinase activity independent and responsible for TKI-resistance and relapse upon treatment discontinuation. Systematic mapping of druggable signaling pathways enables the identification of novel CML-LSCs effectively targeting drugs, which is critical to enhance the achievement of sustained treatment free remission in CML patients. We implemented ex-vivo drug testing of 80 targeted drugs and 18 drug combinations across 10 000-fold concentration, to evaluate drug sensitivity profiles of primary CML-LSCs and progenitors (CD34+ cells) from twenty patients in addition to CD34+ cells from three healthy donors. We identified novel drug vulnerabilities of CML-LSCs including VEGFR-, CDK2/WEE-, MDM2-, and PI3K/mTOR- inhibitors. Combination of imatinib with idasanutlin, venetoclax, AZD1775 and dexamethasone led to synergistic inhibition of CML-LSCs. To delineate the phenotype-specific sensitivity profile of CML CD34+ cells, we applied ex-vivo flowcytometry-based drug screening approach to bone marrow samples from ten CML patients using a custom library of 20 drugs. We identified specific sensitivity of CML CD34+CD38- cells to mepacrine, RG7112, idasanutlin, and navitoclax. In particular, mepacrine showed striking ability to induce differentiation of CML-LSCs, which was further validated in a separate cohort of primary CML samples and cell lines. To characterize the mechanisms of action of the discovered drugs, we applied genome-scale CRISPR screening in CML cells to identify potential sensitizing and resistance targets for five selected drugs. Imatinib, dasatinib, and tivozanib showed a similar profile of resistance and sensitizing genes, while AZD1775 and mepacrine had unique profiles. We identified knockout targets that confer BCR-ABL1-independent resistance common to different TKIs including mediator complex (MED23, MED26, CCNC), and apoptosis related (APAF1) genes in addition to other genes with uncharacterized role in CML, such as KCTD5 and EIF2AK1. On the other hand, knockout of certain genes was associated with increased sensitivity to specific drugs such as IGF1R-dasatinib and SPNS1-mepacrine associations. KCTD5 was consistently identified as the top resistance gene to all tested TKIs, and therefore we next investigated the potential role of KCTD5 in CML pathogenesis and TKI resistance. In RNA sequencing data, KCTD5 was significantly downregulated in CML-CD34+ cells compared to healthy counterparts. Using co-immunoprecipitation, we revealed that KCTD5 directly interacts with BCR-ABL and mediate TKI-induced ubiquitination by E3 ligase, as shown by WB assay, that can destine BCR-ABL for subsequent degradation. Knockout of KCTD5 was associated with decreased ubiquitination of BCR-ABL and resistance to imatinib in CML cell lines and primary CML-CD34+ cells. Furthermore, combination of TKI with deubiquitinase inhibitors induced enhanced TKI sensitivity in KCTD5-KO cells. In conclusion, we discovered novel mechanisms of primary TKI-resistance and drug vulnerabilities of CML-LSCs, which potentially enable eradication of LSCs in CML patients and hence pave the way for the achievement of functional cure in CML patients. Figure 1View largeDownload PPTFigure 1View largeDownload PPT Close modal

Targeting N-Myristoylation for Adult Acute Myeloid Leukemia Therapy

Protein N-myristoylation is the covalent attachment of myristic acid (C14:0) by an amide linkage to the NH2-terminal glycine residue of numerous eukaryotic and viral proteins, thereafter regulating their membrane targeting or enzymatic activity. A single myristoyl-CoA: protein N-myristoyltransferase (NMT) isoform catalyses the acylation reaction in yeast, insects, plants, and unicellular parasites. It is two separate isoforms however; NMT1 and NMT2, with predominantly overlapping substrates that perform this task in mammals. Myristoylated proteins that fail to undergo the modification are recognised by a dedicated glycine N-degron system and rapidly degraded. We recently identified a remarkable reduction of NMT2 expression in a wide variety of cancers, especially hematological cancers. As a consequence, we analysed if NMT1/NMT2 could be associated with AML progression. Data analysis from the TCGA transcriptome database showed that high NMT1 and low NMT2 were associated with reduced overall and event-free survival in adult AML, and high NMT1 - but not NMT2 - expression is associated with proliferative gene sets in AML cell lines. One oncogenic myristoylated target identified initially in B-cell lymphoma is the family of Src kinases (SFKs). Here, we demonstrate that PCLX-001 significantly reduces total and phosphorylated SFKs, which are essential for pro-survival signalling downstream frequently mutated c-Kit and FLT3 receptors in multiple AML cell lines. Moreover, inhibiting myristoylation led to ER stress induction and apoptosis in cell lines and patient blast samples at concentrations sparing most peripheral blood lymphocytes and monocytes from healthy individuals. We further validated the therapeutic potential of our lead myristoylation inhibitor ongoing clinical trial evaluation against lymphoma and solid tumours (PCLX-001) in a variety of AML xenograft models. PCLX-001 monotherapy had a dose-dependent tumoricidal effect in an ectopic sub-cutaneous MV-4-11 xenograft model, in two tail vein injected patient derived xenografts (PDXs) as well as in 3 out of 5 intra-femoral PDXs. Of note, five days of PCLX-001 treatment at the highest concentration was sufficient to obtain complete tumour eradication in our CDX model. In tail-vein injected PDX models, PCLX-001 treatment resulted in up to 95% reduction of human CD45+ cells in peripheral blood and bone marrow with minimal toxicity or long-term impact on body weight (Fig.1). Further analyses are required to characterize the cytogenetics, common mutations or NMTs expression profile that could explain the sensitivity of certain patient models compared to the others. An ongoing challenge in treatment of leukemia resides in leukemic stem cells (LSCs), a low-frequency sub-population functioning as progenitor cells. Without eradication of LSCs no patient can be cured. Relapse rates are high in AML and are often featuring additional mutations and drug resistance. Here, we demonstrate that LSC subpopulations (CD34+/CD38- and CD117+/ CD15-) in the OCI-AML-22 patient derived model are exquisitely sensitive to PCLX-001 treatment in vitro and began shrinking after 48 hours of treatment. In addition, the LSC subpopulation showed lower IC50 compared to the general cell population at 72 hours. Interestingly, we identified that functionally validated LSC+ patient subpopulations were expressing lower amount of NMT2 compared to LSC-. This observation could partially explain the sensitivity of the LSC subpopulation. In aggregate, our preclinical observations suggest that PCLX-001 is highly potent against AML cells in vitro and in vivo (both circulating and in the bone marrow), and, that LSCs are also more sensitive to PCLX-001 than non-leukemic stem cells. This further supports the initiation of PCLX-001evaluation in AML clinical trials scheduled to start in late 2022. Figure 1View largeDownload PPTFigure 1View largeDownload PPT Close modal

Cirmtuzumab (Zilovertamab) Eliminates ROR1 Positive Leukemia Stem Cells By Blocking Niche Dependent ROR1/WNT5a Signaling

Background: While not expressed in healthy adult tissues, ROR1 is an embryonic tyrosine kinase-like molecule with high level expression in CLL, ALL and many solid tumors. Expression of ROR1 makes these malignancies ideal targets for therapy with Zilovertamab (cirmtuzumab), a highly selective anti-human ROR1 monoclonal antibody that is currently in clinical trials for the treatment of CLL and other malignancies. Meanwhile, very little is known about ROR1 expression in AML, a highly lethal disease with only 20% of patients surviving for 5 years. In AML, therapeutic resistance is driven by CD34+ leukemia stem cells (LSC) harboring enhanced survival, dormancy and self-renewal capacity in supportive niches. Deregulation of an innate immune adenosine to inosine (A-to-I) RNA deaminase (ADAR1) augments LSC propagation in response to inflammatory cytokine induced JAK2/STAT signaling. Thus, we investigated a possible link between ROR1 and ADAR1 activation in LSC maintenance and Cirmtuzumab (now known as Zilovertamab) as a potential LSC eradication strategy. Results: First, we focused investigated expression of CD34+ and ROR1+ on subpopulations of AML cells by FACS, whole transcriptome RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and single cell proteogenomics (Tapestri®) analyses. Our data demonstrated that about 42% of primary adult AML (de novo and sAML) and 50% of pediatric AML samples co-expressed ROR1 and CD34. Zilovertamab induced dose-dependent inhibition of survival and replating in ROR1+ samples with no cytotoxicity toward normal CD34+ cells. In contrast to clonogenic survival assays, where the response of AML HPC to Zilovertamab was 100%, replating (self-renewal) assays demonstrated that 67% of AML LSC were responsive and 33% were non-responsive. Notably, all ROR1+ pediatric AML samples were responsive and had significantly higher LSC inhibition in response to Zilovertamab compared to adult de novo AML but similar to sAML. There was a negative correlation between ADARp150 and response of the samples to Zilovertamab treatment. To investigate clonal DNA mutational and phenotypic hierarches in AML, we performed multiplexed single cell proteogenomics using a mixture of antibody-oligo conjugates, CD3, CD7, CD11b, CD34, CD38, CD45, CD56, and ROR1, with simultaneous analysis of DNA mutations in 45 myeloid malignancy-associated genes covering 312 amplicons. Immunophenotyping showed ROR1 positive single cells harbored mutations that promote therapeutic resistance, such as mutations in TP53. To understand the downstream signaling of ROR1 and interaction with its ligands, three pairs of AML cell lines were transduced with ROR1 and co-cultured with stroma producing human cytokines or recombinant WNT5a and were treated with Zilovertamab or aWNT5a mAb. Interaction of AML cells with SLM2 stroma, which has enhanced IL3 production, resulted in the highest level of proliferation. ROR1 expression boosted AML cell clonogenic potential, particularly in the presence of stroma. In ROR1+ cells, Zilovertamab inhibited colony formation in a dose dependent manner. In contrast to controls, in ROR1+ AML cells clonogenic capacity could be blocked by both Cirmtuzumab (Zilovertamab) and WNT5a inhibitory Ab, suggesting the specificity of ROR1 and WNT5a interactions. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that an anti-ROR1 mAb, Zilovertamab, can eliminate up to 80% of AML LSC in supportive niches. In the future, targeted ROR1 inhibition may represent a vital component of therapeutic strategies aimed at eradicating therapeutically recalcitrant LSCs in AML and potentially other refractory cancer stem cell-driven malignancies.

ACSL1 promotes imatinib-induced chronic myeloid leukemia cell senescence by regulating SIRT1/p53/p21 pathway

Although tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) improve the prognosis of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients, resistance to TKIs and residual leukemia stem cells (LSCs) inevitably become the bottleneck of cure. Therefore, we need to explore novel treatment strategies based on conventional treatment strategies. Our previous study found that CML cell senescence may be one of the main factors to achieve clinical cure of CML. Studies have shown that lipid metabolism plays a key role in cellular senescence. Here, we found that long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 1 (ACSL1) was significantly up-regulated in senescent CML cells. Furthermore, we demonstrated that overexpression of ACSL1 induces senescence and inhibits cell growth in K562 cells by altering cell cycle progression, and enhances the proliferation-inhibiting effect of imatinib. Overexpression of ACSL1 enhances imatinib-induced tumorigenic decline in K562 cells in vivo. Knockdown of ACSL1 reverses imatinib-induced senescence in K562 cells. Mechanistically, overexpression of ACSL1 induced senescence in K562 cells via the SIRT1/p53/p21 axis. Collectively, our study showed that ACSL1 promotes imatinib-induced K562 cells senescence and tumor growth by regulating SIRT1/p53/p21 pathway. The ACSL1/SIRT1/p53 signal axis is a novel mechanism of cell senescence in CML and a new potential target for eradication of CML LSCs.

Loss of PRMT7 reprograms glycine metabolism to selectively eradicate leukemia stem cells in CML

Our group has reported previously on the role of various members of the protein arginine methyltransferase (PRMT) family, which are involved in epigenetic regulation, in the progression of leukemia. Here, we explored the role of PRMT7, given its unique function within the PRMT family, in the maintenance of leukemia stem cells (LSCs) in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Genetic loss of Prmt7, and the development and testing of a small-molecule specific inhibitor of PRMT7, showed that targeting PRMT7 delayed leukemia development and impaired self-renewal of LSCs in a CML mouse model and in primary CML CD34+ cells from humans without affecting normal hematopoiesis. Mechanistically, loss of PRMT7 resulted in reduced expressions of glycine decarboxylase, leading to the reprograming of glycine metabolism to generate methylglyoxal, which is detrimental to LSCs. These findings link histone arginine methylation with glycine metabolism, while suggesting PRMT7 as a potential therapeutic target for the eradication of LSCs in CML.

Clinical roles of TIM-3 in myeloid malignancies and its importance in cellular therapy.

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML), one of the most common hematological malignancies worldwide, is derived from a fraction of stem cells known as leukemic stem cells (LSCs), which possess self-renewal and high propagation capacities. Remaining quiescent and being resistant to conventional chemotherapy, residual LSCs after chemotherapy drive leukemia regrowth, leading to AML relapse. Therefore, the eradication of LSCs is critical for the treatment of AML. We previously identified hepatitis A virus cellular receptor 2 (HAVCR2/TIM-3) as an LSC-specific surface molecule by comparing gene expression in LSCs and hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). TIM-3 expression clearly discriminated LSCs from HSCs within the CD34+CD38- stem cell fraction. Furthermore, AML cells secrete galectin-9, a TIM-3 ligand, in an autocrine manner, leading to constitutive TIM-3 signaling that maintains the self-renewal capacity of LSCs via the induction of β-catenin accumulation. Thus, TIM-3 is an indispensable functional molecule for human LSCs. Herein, we review the functional aspects of TIM-3 in AML and evaluate minimal/measurable residual disease with a focus on CD34+CD38-TIM-3+ LSCs. Using sequential genomic analysis of identical patients, we determined that CD34+CD38-TIM-3+ cells in the complete remission (CR) phase after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) are the LSCs responsible for AML relapse. We retrospectively evaluated the incidence of TIM-3+ residual LSCs. All analyzed patients achieved CR and complete donor chimerism at the engraftment phase; however, the high frequency of residual TIM-3+ LSCs within the CD34+CD38- fraction at engraftment was a significant and independent risk factor for relapse. Residual TIM-3+ LSC levels in the engraftment phase had a stronger impact on relapse than did pre-SCT disease status. Therefore, the evaluation of residual TIM-3+ LSCs is a promising approach for predicting leukemia relapse after allo-SCT.

Eradication of leukemia stem cells by inhibitors of DNA methyltransferase, EZH2 and G9a histone methyltransferases

Complete eradication of leukemic stem cells (LSCs) in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is required for curative therapy. Epigenetic alterations that involve gene-silencing by DNA methylation by DNMT1, methylation of H3K27 by EZH2 histone methyltransferase (HMT) and methylation of H3K9 by G9a HMT may play a major role in the development of AML. The major action of these epigenetic alterations is the silencing of the genes that program differentiation of AML cells. Inhibitors of DNA and histone methylation have the potential to reverse this block in differentiation. If tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) contain two gene-silencing markers, such as DNA methylation and H3K27me3, they may not be fully reactivated with only an inhibitor of DNA methylation, such as 5-aza-2’-deoxycytidine (5-AZA-CdR), but may also require an inhibitor of EZH2. In support of this model is the synergistic antileukemic action as shown by a colony assay on AML cells using 5-AZA-CdR in combination with 3-deazaneplanocin A (DZNep), a potent inhibitor of EZH2. A similar type of interaction can occur when TSGs are silenced by DNA methylation and the G9a methylation of H3K9me2, a second gene-silencing marker. Treatment of these AML cells with 5-AZA-CdR and BIX01294, an inhibitor of G9a, also results in a synergistic antileukemic action. Leukemic cells that contain 3 different gene-silencing markers: DNA methylation, H3K27me3 and H3K9me2 may require 3 different inhibitors for maximal antineoplastic activity. This result was observed when the AML cells were treated in with 5-AZA-CdR, DZNep and BIX01294. The aim of this study was to demonstrate that epigenetic agents that target DNA and histone methylation have remarkable antineoplastic activity against myeloid leukemia cells. The second aim was to propose a dose-schedule for these epigenetic agents that can be evaluated in a clinical trial in patients with advanced AML for its potential to eradicate LSCs. One of the most sensitive targets for chemotherapeutic intervention in LSCs is the block in differentiation due to gene-silencing by DNA and histone methylation. Epigenetic agents that have the potential to reverse this block merit clinical investigation with high priority.

The Krüppel-like Factor 4 Sustains a Leukemic Gene Expression Profile in MLL-AF9-Driven Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Among hematological malignancies, acute myeloid leukemia (AML) confers poor prognosis and limited progress has been made in the translation of decades of research into improved clinical outcomes. The current paradigm is that eradication of leukemia stem cells (LSCs) represents an avenue for overcoming relapse and refractory disease, but therapy focusing on eradicating this leukemic population has not been developed to-date. Further studies of unique signaling pathways and vulnerabilities in LSCs are warranted to design targeted therapies that could impact patient outcomes. To evaluate whether the stemness transcription factor Krüppel-like Factor 4 (KLF4) is important in the progression of AML, we retrovirally transduced MLL-AF9 into Klf4 fl/fl(fl/fl)and Klf4 fl/flVav-Cre (Δ/Δ) lineage − Sca-1 + c-Kit + (LSK) bone marrow cells and transplanted into C57BL/6 recipients. Here we report that the KLF4 promotes disease progression in the MLL-AF9-driven syngeneic AML mouse model. Strikingly, Δ/Δ AMLs exhibited improved disease latency and penetrance, and a seven-fold reduction in leukemia-initiating cell frequency in a secondary transplantation study. Δ/Δ LSCs, defined as leukemic granulocyte macrophage progenitors (L-GMP), demonstrated lessened clonogenicity in methylcellulose cultures and reduced representation of cells in the G 2/M phase of the cell cycle. RNAseq analysis of L-GMP revealed decreased expression of hematopoietic and leukemic stemness gene sets such as RAS signaling, and induction of inflammatory response gene (TNF-α, IFNα, IFNβ) pathways in Δ/Δ LSCs. To evaluate human relevance, we used CRISPR-Cas9 based targeted deletion of the human KLF4 gene in a MLL-AF9 PDX line and observed improved survival and defects in expansion as seen in the syngeneic mouse model . Lastly, to correlate KLF4-associated signaling present in murine AML LSCs with human AML, we used CRISPR-Cas9-based targeted deletion of KLF4 in MOLM-13 (KO) to generate two validated clones. MOLM-13 KO cells showed reduced cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Further, RPPA analysis revealed reduced RAS pathway activity (IR-β, β-Raf), accumulation of proteins associated with the S and G 1 phases (e.g., CDKN2A, p21, Histone H3, CENP-A), and decrease expression in regulators of the G 2/M checkpoint (e.g., Aurora A, B, Chk1, Plk1, Wee1, Cyclin B, pCDK1). Collectively, our data suggest a mechanism in which KLF4 contributes to AML disease by establishing a gene expression profile supporting stemness of AML LSCs. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Imetelstat Significantly Reduces Leukemia Stem Cells in Patient-Derived Xenograft Models of Pediatric AML

IntroductionAcute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the deadliest malignancy in children. Despite the use of maximally intensive therapy, 20% of patients experience recurrent disease. These patients are also burdened with significant treatment-related toxicities. To improve survival in pediatric AML, novel targeted therapies that are more effective and less toxic are needed. Telomerase inhibition has been shown to be effective in reducing leukemic burden and eradicating leukemia stem cells (LSCs) in syngeneic mouse models of AML and in patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models of adult AML (Bruedigam et al., 2014).Recent transcriptome analyses demonstrate that the genomic landscape of pediatric AML is distinct from adult AML (Bolouri et al., 2018). In fact, mutations in the telomerase complex components are infrequent in pediatric AML unlike adult AML patients (Aalbers et al., 2013). However, similar to what is seen in adult patients, Aalbers et al. identified that telomere lengths in pediatric AML cells were shortened compared to normal leukocytes, and pediatric AML patients with the shortest telomere length tend to have shorter overall survival. Furthermore, the 5-year survival rate was 88% for pediatric AML patients who had lower telomerase activity, and 43% for those patients with higher telomerase activity, suggesting telomerase activity could be an important prognostic factor in pediatric AML patients (Verstovsek et al., 2003).Imetelstat is an oligonucleotide that specifically binds with high affinity to the RNA template of telomerase and is a potent, competitive inhibitor of telomerase enzymatic activity (Asai et al., 2003; Herbert et al., 2005). In this study, we evaluated if imetelstat has anti-leukemia activity in pediatric AML PDX models.ResultsThe PDX lines tested in this study were derived using samples from pediatric AML patients who were 1-14 years old, representing different FAB subtypes. Mouse passaged pediatric AML PDX lines (n=6) were treated ex vivo with imetelstat or mismatch oligo control and the viability of LSC (CD34+CD38low population) was determined at 48 or 96 h by staining with BV785-human CD45, APC-human CD34, Pacific blue-human CD38, FITC conjugated annexin V and propidium iodide (PI). Imetelstat treatment significantly increased apoptosis/death (PI+/annexin V+) of the LSC population in a dose-dependent manner in all PDX lines evaluated (Fig. 1A, B), while it had limited activity on LSCs in normal pediatric bone marrow samples (n=4).The efficacy of imetelstat either alone or in combination with chemotherapy or azacitidine was evaluated in two distinct PDX models of pediatric AML in vivo. Mice engrafted with both NTPL-377 and DF-2 lived longer when treated with imetelstat than the untreated mice (Fig. 1C, D, n=5 each, P<0.05). Mice receiving standard chemotherapy consisting of cytarabine and daunorubicin or azacitidine showed prolonged survival compared to the untreated mice. Interestingly, sequential administration of imetelstat following chemotherapy treatment provided additional benefit over chemotherapy alone (P<0.01). Concurrent treatment of azacitidine and imetelstat further extended survival of these mice compared to azacitidine alone (P<0.05).At the end of the in vivo studies, the percentage of LSC population was evaluated in the bone marrow of mice post euthanasia. There was a significant reduction of LSC population in mice treated with imetelstat compared to those treated with the mismatch oligo (Fig. 1E, F, P<0.05). Neither chemotherapy nor azacitidine alone affected LSC population compared to untreated mice. However, imetelstat significantly reduced the LSC population when combined with chemotherapy or azacitidine compared to single agent (P<0.05). These results were confirmed by secondary transplantation in mice, which showed delayed engraftment of cells isolated from imetelstat treated mice (Fig. 1G, H).ConclusionsImetelstat treatment of pediatric AML PDX samples showed significant dose- and time-dependent effects on the viability of the LSCs to induce cell apoptosis/death. These results were corroborated in vivo in two distinct PDX models which showed reduced LSC population and increased median survival in mice with imetelstat treatment. Combining imetelstat with chemotherapy or azacitidine further enhanced activity against LSCs, suggesting imetelstat could represent an effective therapeutic strategy for pediatric AML. [Display omitted] DisclosuresBarwe: Prelude Therapeutics: Research Funding. Huang: Geron Corp: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Gopalakrishnapillai: Geron: Research Funding.

Co-Targeting E-Selectin/CXCR4 with GMI-1359 Facilitates AML Stem Cell Mobilization and Protects BM Niches from Anti-Leukemia Therapy

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is characterized by the heterogeneous clonal expansion of undifferentiated myeloid cells in the bone marrow (BM). AML cells compete with normal hematopoietic cells and rewire the BM microenvironment into niches that selectively support leukemia stem cells (LSC). The leukemic niche produces soluble factors that facilitate the retention of LSC and provide protection from cytotoxic and targeted agents. The vascular adhesion molecule, E-selectin is expressed on endothelial cells (EC) in the perivascular niche where therapy-resistant AML cells have an increased affinity to E-selectin compared to normal hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) (Winkler et al., 2020). We previously demonstrated (Chang et al., ASH 2020) that E-selectin blockade by the pharmacological antagonist, GMI-1271 (uproleselan; GlycoMimetics, Inc) sensitized therapy-resistant LSC to Bcl-2 targeted therapy. Efficacious eradication of LSC in the BM however requires blocking multiple receptors and/or associated signaling pathways. A more optimal dislodgement of LSC from the BM could be attained by combining an E-selectin antagonism with blockade of the CXCR4/SDF-1α axis. The dual antagonist of E-selectin and CXCR4, GMI-1359 (GlycoMimetics, Inc.), has been tested in a phase 1 clinical trial (NCT02931214). Previously, we showed that GMI-1359 in combination with a FLT3-ITD inhibitor, improved survival in a xenograft model of FLT3-ITD + AML (Zhang et al., 2016). Hence, we hypothesized that co-targeting E-selectin/CXCR4 more efficiently mobilizes AML cells from BM niches and synergizes with the anti-leukemia activity of venetoclax/hypomethylating agent (Ven/HMA).Intra-vital 2-photon imaging and tracking of individual leukemia cells in triple reporter mice (Blood: dextran-TRITC; Host T-cells: DsRed; Host myeloid CD11 cells: EYFP) injected with AML cells carrying a turquoise fluorescent protein reporter gene suggested that dual inhibition of E-selectin/CXCR4 with GMI-1359 significantly enhanced AML cell motility (Fig 1. from 2.2 um/min to 5.4 um/min, p<0.001). Individual cells were dislodged from the niche and traveled long-distance. The combined inhibition of E-selectin and CXCR4 depleted BM leukemia cells in vascular niche areas. In a patient-derived primary AML xenograft (PDX) model (harboring mutations in JAK2 and c-Kit), combinatorial treatment of GMI-1359 with Ven/HMA significantly reduced BM retention of LSC compared to control cohorts or to Ven/HMA alone (p = 0.02 and p=0.003, respectively).In order to better understand how the augmented AML mobilization improves the efficacy of AML therapy, BM cells from PDX mice treated for 2 weeks with GMI-1271, GMI-1359, Ven/HMA, and their combinations were analyzed by single-cell proteomics (CyTOF). Blockade of E-selectin alone or dual E-selectin/CXCR4 inhibition in combination with Ven/HMA diminished levels of E-selectin ligand, mTOR, pFAK, pRb, cMyc, while increasing p21 and cleaved caspase3, which was associated with significant reduction of BM-resident LSC compared to Ven/HMA alone (CD45+34+CD38-CD123+, p= 0.03). AML blasts from the BM of the combinatorial treatment groups showed altered signaling including decreased Ki67, pRb, pNFkB, pPI3K, and E-selectin ligand, and increased levels of cleaved caspase 3. We further found that Ven/HMA significantly diminished CD31+ EC in the BM compared to control cohorts (p= 0.009). However, pharmacological antagonists of E-selectin or E-selectin/CXCR4 protected EC from Ven/HMA-induced detrimental insults through upregulation of survival signaling cascades including pAKT, pERK, pMAPK and decreased eNOS expression in EC compared to Ven/HMA treatment alone. Both EC and MSC were protected by dual inhibition of E-selectin/CXCR4 with GMI-1359. We also observed upregulated pro-survival signaling pathways such as phosphorylation of AKT-MAPK-ERK along with increased Bcl-xL, Bcl-2, and Idu expression in MSC from the GMI-1359 + Ven/HMA treated PDX mice compared to Ven/HMA single treatment cohorts.Collectively, our results provide strong evidence that co-targeting E-selectin/CXCR4 with GMI-1359 profoundly reduces BM retention of LSC as well as protects BM niche component cells from apoptosis induced by targeted therapy, resulting in improving the anti-leukemia activity of Ven/HMA therapy in AML. [Display omitted] DisclosuresFogler: GlycoMimetics Inc.: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company, Patents & Royalties. Magnani: GlycoMimetics Inc.: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company, Patents & Royalties. Carter: Ascentage: Research Funding; Syndax: Research Funding. Andreeff: Oxford Biomedica UK: Research Funding; ONO Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding; AstraZeneca: Research Funding; Reata, Aptose, Eutropics, SentiBio; Chimerix, Oncolyze: Current holder of individual stocks in a privately-held company; Karyopharm: Research Funding; Breast Cancer Research Foundation: Research Funding; Syndax: Consultancy; Daiichi-Sankyo: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis, Cancer UK; Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), German Research Council; NCI-RDCRN (Rare Disease Clin Network), CLL Foundation; Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Amgen: Research Funding; Aptose: Consultancy; Glycomimetics: Consultancy; Medicxi: Consultancy; Senti-Bio: Consultancy.

In Vivo crispr Screening Identifies GLUT1 As a Key Metabolic Regulator of MLL-AF9-Driven Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Disease relapse in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is associated with a failure of current treatments to eradicate leukemia stem cells (LSCs), a self-renewing population of cells responsible for disease progression and maintenance. Thus, novel therapeutic strategies designed to specifically target LSCs while sparing normal hematopoietic stem cells are needed. To identify dependencies in LSCs that may reveal new treatment opportunities, we performed an in vivo CRISPR/Cas9 dropout screen in the widely used MLL-AF9-driven AML murine model. The pooled lentiviral CRISPR library was designed to target 960 genes encoding cell surface proteins expressed on MLL-AF9 AML cells as these are accessible for therapeutic targeting.The facilitated glucose transporter member 1(GLUT1), a major mediator of cellular glucose uptake, emerged as the highest ranked dependency in the screen, with all 6 sgRNAs depleted more than 10-fold in vivo. Consistent with the results from the screen, validation experiments confirmed that sgRNA-mediated GLUT1 disruption in c-Kit +Cas9 +dsRed +MLL-AF9 cells led to a 5-fold reduction in the establishment of leukemia in both the bone marrow and spleen of recipient mice. In line with these in vivo observations, leukemia cells expressing GLUT1 sgRNAs were rapidly depleted over time in an ex vivo competition assay (p<0.0001). GLUT1 disruption also led to a marked increase in mean survival from 28 to 73 days in mice transplanted with sorted GLUT1 sgRNA-expressing leukemia cells relative to controls. Notably, while GLUT1 loss did not affect apoptosis or cell-cycle state, it led to a more than two-fold increase in the surface expression of the myeloid differentiation marker Gr-1 (p=0.0002). Interestingly, knockdown of GLUT1 lead to reduced mRNA expression levels of key downstream genes of MLL-driven leukemia Meis1 (p<0.0001) and Hoxa9 (p=0.0013) , both of which are commonly downregulated upon differentiation. These findings suggest that GLUT1 ablation arrests AML cell growth at least in part via accelerated differentiation and attenuated cell proliferation.Given GLUT1-mediated glucose transfer constitutes the first rate-limiting step for glucose metabolism, we assessed the metabolic profile of MLL-AF9 AML cells following loss of GLUT1. Bioenergetic profiling revealed that the rate of glycolysis was significantly decreased upon GLUT1 knockdown, as measured by a decrease in extracellular acidification rate (ECAR), glucose uptake, hexokinase activity and extracellular lactate production.To further assess the feasibility of GLUT1 inhibition as a therapy for AML patients, we treated murine cKit +MLL-AF9 leukemia cells with BAY-876, a potent and highly selective GLUT1 inhibitor. BAY-876 impaired tumor growth following 24hr (IC 50 60.3 nM) and 48hr (IC 50 68.8 nM) treatment ex vivo in a dose-dependent manner. Interestingly, the inhibitory effect on the counterpart healthy bone marrow c-Kit + cells was significantly weaker (24hr IC 50 347.7 nM; 48hr IC 50 258.4nM), indicating selective targeting of LSCs. To test the efficacy of BAY-876 as an anti-leukemic agent in vivo, sublethally irradiated mice were transplanted with c-Kit +MLL-AF9 AML cells and 3 days post-injection, were randomised into two groups (Veh n=4; BAY-876 n=6) and orally treated with either vehicle or 4mg/kg of BAY-876 daily. Following 10 days of treatment, mice were sacrificed and leukemia burden was assessed. Notably, substantially lower levels of leukemia cells in the bone marrow (p=0.0095), spleen (p=0.0095), and peripheral blood (p=0.036) were observed in the BAY-876 treatment group with no significant loss of body weight. Consistent with these findings, the average spleen weight was reduced by 66% upon BAY-876 treatment (p=0.0136).Collectively, we demonstrate that MLL-AF9-driven AML cells are dependent on GLUT1 for continued growth and survival. Targeting of GLUT1 downregulates glycolysis and induces cellular differentiation. We report that genetic or pharmacological inhibition of GLUT1 is sufficient to impair leukemic growth in vitro and in vivo, highlighting a potential therapeutic opportunity for disarming intrinsic metabolic dependencies of LSCs. Ongoing studies are aimed at translating these findings to the human disease and exploring combinatorial therapies that may act synergistically to overcome mechanisms of therapy resistance and metabolic plasticity. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

ADAR1 Splicing Modulation As a Mechanism to Eradicate Immunologically Silent Leukemia Stem Cells

Secondary acute myeloid leukemia (sAML) is the most therapeutically recalcitrant form of AML with a life expectancy of less than 12 months. Secondary AML evolves from relatively prevalent myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), or after chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) that together confer a 14% risk of sAML at 15 years. Cumulative sequencing studies show that human splicing factor mutations, epigenetic spliceosome deregulation, RNA editing-induced splicing alterations, and pro-survival splice isoform switching drive dormant leukemia stem cell (LSC) generation and sAML resistance to chemotherapy and molecularly targeted agents resulting in high rates of relapse. LSC are immunologically silent in part because they activate adenosine deaminase acting on dsRNA (ADAR1), which attenuates the innate immune response. In addition, therapeutic splicing modulation has the potential to induce neoepitope formation and augment checkpoint inhibitor therapy. Thus, there is a pressing need for clinical development of splicing modulatory agents that eradicate therapy resistant LSC and reduce sAML drug resistance and relapse. Rebecsinib (17 S-FD-895) is a pharmacologically stable, potent, and selective small molecule splicing modulator that targets the SF3B core of the spliceosome at the interface of SF3B1, SF3B3 and PHF5A. We previously showed that Rebecsinib inhibits human LSC maintenance in sAML models at doses that spare normal hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). In IND-enabling studies, we now demonstrate that splicing modulation with this potent agent is a pre-clinical tox-proven strategy to eradicate LSC with the potential to overcome immune checkpoint resistance via inhibition of ADAR1 splicing and activity. We further describe targeted LSC eradication that correlates with detection of unique intron-retained and exon-skipped transcripts that can be quantified by splice isoform-specific qRT-PCR and RNA-sequencing analyses and can be used as predictive biomarkers to monitor molecular responses to Rebecsinib treatment. Mechanistically, the therapeutic effects were accompanied by on-target splicing modulatory effects, including reductions in pro-survival MCL1L transcripts and splicing factor gene products such as SF3B1 and SF3B3, which form part of the splicing modulator binding pocket as well as alterations in self-renewal promoting ADAR1 and STAT3beta transcripts. In multi-species toxicology and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic studies, Rebecsinib induced splicing modulation and was well-tolerated over a broad range of doses. Because of disrupted spliceosome function, SF3B1 overexpression and increased dependence on pro-survival splice isoform expression, Rebecsinib-mediated induction of pro-survival to pro-apoptotic splice isoform switching inhibits sAML LSC survival and self-renewal at doses that spare normal HSPCs in vitro and in humanized mouse models commensurate with dose-dependent changes in splicing reporter exon skipping and SF3B1, MCL1, BCL2 and CD44 isoform levels. Together, this potent and selective agent along with biomarkers of response to splicing modulation provide a sensitive method of detecting activity and mechanism of action of Rebecsinib, and demonstrate its LSC selectivity in humanized stromal co-cultures and humanized mouse models, which will have utility in future clinical development of this novel therapeutic agent. DisclosuresCrews: Ionis Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Burkart: Algenesis: Other: Co-founder. Jamieson: Forty Seven Inc.: Patents & Royalties.

Recreating the Bone Marrow Microenvironment to Model Leukemic Stem Cell Quiescence.

The main challenge in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is relapse, as it has no good treatment options and 90% of relapsed patients die as a result. It is now well accepted that relapse is due to a persisting subset of AML cells known as leukemia-initiating cells or leukemic stem cells (LSCs). Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) reside in the bone marrow microenvironment (BMM), a specialized niche that coordinates HSC self-renewal, proliferation, and differentiation. HSCs are divided into two types: long-term HSCs (LT-HSCs) and short-term HSCs, where LT-HSCs are typically quiescent and act as a reserve of HSCs. Like LT-HSCs, a quiescent population of LSCs also exist. Like LT-HSCs, quiescent LSCs have low metabolic activity and receive pro-survival signals from the BMM, making them resistant to drugs, and upon discontinuation of therapy, they can become activated and re-establish the disease. Several studies have shown that the activation of quiescent LSCs may sensitize them to cytotoxic drugs. However, it is very difficult to experimentally model the quiescence-inducing BMM. Here we report that culturing AML cells with bone marrow stromal cells, transforming growth factor beta-1 and hypoxia in a three-dimensional system can replicate the quiescence-driving BMM. A quiescent-like state of the AML cells was confirmed by reduced cell proliferation, increased percentage of cells in the G0 cell cycle phase and a decrease in absolute cell numbers, expression of markers of quiescence, and reduced metabolic activity. Furthermore, the culture could be established as co-axial microbeads, enabling high-throughput screening, which has been used to identify combination drug treatments that could break BMM-mediated LSC quiescence, enabling the eradication of quiescent LSCs.