Focused CRISPR-Cas9 genetic screening reveals USO1 as a vulnerability in B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Sci Rep. 2021 Jun 23;11(1):13158. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-92448-w.

Abstract

Post-transcriptional gene regulation, including that by RNA binding proteins (RBPs), has recently been described as an important mechanism in cancer. We had previously identified a set of RBPs that were highly dysregulated in B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) with MLL translocations, which carry a poor prognosis. Here, we sought to functionally characterize these dysregulated RBP genes by performing a focused CRISPR dropout screen in B-ALL cell lines, finding dependencies on several genes including EIF3E, EPRS and USO1. Validating our findings, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated disruption of USO1 in MLL-translocated B-ALL cells reduced cell growth, promoted cell death, and altered the cell cycle. Transcriptomic analysis of USO1-deficient cells revealed alterations in pathways related to mTOR signaling, RNA metabolism, and targets of MYC. In addition, USO1-regulated genes from these experimental samples were significantly and concordantly correlated with USO1 expression in primary samples collected from B-ALL patients. Lastly, we found that loss of Uso1 inhibited colony formation of MLL-transformed in primary bone marrow cells from Cas9-EGFP mice. Together, our findings demonstrate an approach to performing focused sub-genomic CRISPR screens and highlight a putative RBP vulnerability in MLL-translocated B-ALL, thus identifying potential therapeutic targets in this disease.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • CRISPR-Cas Systems*
  • Cell Cycle
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Leukemic
  • Genes, Reporter
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Genetic Testing
  • Golgi Matrix Proteins / genetics
  • Golgi Matrix Proteins / physiology*
  • Homeostasis
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Myeloid-Lymphoid Leukemia Protein / genetics
  • Myeloid-Lymphoid Leukemia Protein / physiology*
  • Neoplasm Proteins / genetics
  • Neoplasm Proteins / physiology*
  • Oncogene Proteins, Fusion / genetics
  • Oncogene Proteins, Fusion / physiology*
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / genetics*
  • RNA Processing, Post-Transcriptional
  • RNA, Neoplasm / genetics
  • RNA, Neoplasm / metabolism
  • Transgenes
  • Translocation, Genetic
  • Tumor Stem Cell Assay
  • Vesicular Transport Proteins / genetics
  • Vesicular Transport Proteins / physiology*

Substances

  • Golgi Matrix Proteins
  • MLL-AF4 fusion protein, human
  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • Oncogene Proteins, Fusion
  • RNA, Neoplasm
  • Vesicular Transport Proteins
  • Myeloid-Lymphoid Leukemia Protein
  • vesicular transport factor p115