LncRNA GLCC1 promotes colorectal carcinogenesis and glucose metabolism by stabilizing c-Myc

Nat Commun. 2019 Aug 2;10(1):3499. doi: 10.1038/s41467-019-11447-8.

Abstract

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) contribute to colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the role of lncRNAs in CRC metabolism, especially glucose metabolism remains largely unknown. In this study, we identify a lncRNA, GLCC1, which is significantly upregulated under glucose starvation in CRC cells, supporting cell survival and proliferation by enhancing glycolysis. Mechanistically, GLCC1 stabilizes c-Myc transcriptional factor from ubiquitination by direct interaction with HSP90 chaperon and further specifies the transcriptional modification pattern on c-Myc target genes, such as LDHA, consequently reprogram glycolytic metabolism for CRC proliferation. Clinically, GLCC1 is associated with tumorigenesis, tumor size and predicts poor prognosis. Thus, GLCC1 is mechanistically, functionally, and clinically oncogenic in colorectal cancer. Targeting GLCC1 and its pathway may be meaningful for treating patients with colorectal cancer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Animals
  • Carcinogenesis / genetics
  • Carcinogenesis / metabolism
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / mortality
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic*
  • Glucose / metabolism*
  • Glycolysis / genetics
  • HSP90 Heat-Shock Proteins / genetics
  • Humans
  • Kaplan-Meier Estimate
  • L-Lactate Dehydrogenase / genetics
  • L-Lactate Dehydrogenase / metabolism
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Middle Aged
  • Prognosis
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc / metabolism*
  • RNA, Long Noncoding / metabolism*
  • Ubiquitination / genetics
  • Up-Regulation
  • Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

Substances

  • HSP90 Heat-Shock Proteins
  • HSP90AA1 protein, human
  • MYC protein, human
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc
  • RNA, Long Noncoding
  • L-Lactate Dehydrogenase
  • LDHA protein, human
  • Glucose