MCT4 regulates de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis in GBM in a lactate-independent manner. Issue 1 (1st January 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Spina, Raffaella; Voss, Dillon M; Yang, Xiaohua; Sohn, Jason W; Vinkler, Robert; Schraner, Julianna; Sloan, Anthony; Welford, Scott M; Avril, Norbert; Ames, Heather M; Woodworth, Graeme F; Bar, Eli E
• Is Part Of: Neuro-oncology advances. Volume 2:Issue 1(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-01-01
• Subjects: glioma stem cells -- hypoxia -- MCT4 -- pyrimidine -- radiation; 616.99481
• DOI: 10.1093/noajnl/vdz062
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2632-2498

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Necrotic foci with surrounding hypoxic cellular pseudopalisades and microvascular hyperplasia are histological features found in glioblastoma (GBM). We have previously shown that monocarboxylate transporter 4 (MCT4) is highly expressed in necrotic/hypoxic regions in GBM and that increased levels of MCT4 are associated with worse clinical outcomes. Methods: A combined transcriptomics and metabolomics analysis was performed to study the effects of MCT4 depletion in hypoxic GBM neurospheres. Stable and inducible MCT4-depletion systems were used to evaluate the effects of and underlining mechanisms associated with MCT4 depletion in vitro and in vivo, alone and in combination with radiation. Results: This study establishes that conditional depletion of MCT4 profoundly impairs self-renewal and reduces the frequency and tumorigenicity of aggressive, therapy-resistant, glioblastoma stem cells. Mechanistically, we observed that MCT4 depletion induces anaplerotic glutaminolysis and abrogates de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis. The latter results in a dramatic increase in DNA damage and apoptotic cell death, phenotypes that were readily rescued by pyrimidine nucleosides supplementation. Consequently, we found that MCT4 depletion promoted a significant prolongation of survival of animals bearing established orthotopic xenografts, an effect that was extended by adjuvant treatment with focused radiation. Conclusions: Our findings establish a novel role for MCT4 as a critical regulator of cellular deoxyribonucleotide levels and provide a new therapeutic direction related to MCT4 depletion in GBM.