A Dynamic rRNA Ribomethylome Drives Stemness in Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Cancer Discov. 2023 Feb 6;13(2):332-347. doi: 10.1158/2159-8290.CD-22-0210.

Abstract

The development and regulation of malignant self-renewal remain unresolved issues. Here, we provide biochemical, genetic, and functional evidence that dynamics in ribosomal RNA (rRNA) 2'-O-methylation regulate leukemia stem cell (LSC) activity in vivo. A comprehensive analysis of the rRNA 2'-O-methylation landscape of 94 patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) revealed dynamic 2'-O-methylation specifically at exterior sites of ribosomes. The rRNA 2'-O-methylation pattern is closely associated with AML development stage and LSC gene expression signature. Forced expression of the 2'-O-methyltransferase fibrillarin (FBL) induced an AML stem cell phenotype and enabled engraftment of non-LSC leukemia cells in NSG mice. Enhanced 2'-O-methylation redirected the ribosome translation program toward amino acid transporter mRNAs enriched in optimal codons and subsequently increased intracellular amino acid levels. Methylation at the single site 18S-guanosine 1447 was instrumental for LSC activity. Collectively, our work demonstrates that dynamic 2'-O-methylation at specific sites on rRNAs shifts translational preferences and controls AML LSC self-renewal.

Significance: We establish the complete rRNA 2'-O-methylation landscape in human AML. Plasticity of rRNA 2'-O-methylation shifts protein translation toward an LSC phenotype. This dynamic process constitutes a novel concept of how cancers reprogram cell fate and function. This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 247.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute* / pathology
  • Methylation
  • Mice
  • Neoplastic Stem Cells / metabolism
  • Phenotype
  • RNA, Ribosomal* / genetics
  • RNA, Ribosomal* / metabolism
  • Ribosomes / genetics
  • Ribosomes / metabolism

Substances

  • RNA, Ribosomal