The histone demethylase JMJD2C constitutes a novel NFE2 target gene that is required for the survival of JAK2V617F mutated cells

The transcription factor NFE2 is overexpressed in most patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN). Moreover, mutations in NFE2, found in a subset of MPN patients, strongly predispose for transformation to acute leukemia. Transgenic mice overexpressing NFE2 as well as mice harboring NFE2 mutations display an MPN phenotype and spontaneously develop leukemia. However, the molecular mechanisms effecting NFE2-driven leukemic transformation remain incompletely understood. Here we show that the pro-leukemic histone demethylase JMJD2C constitutes a novel NFE2 target gene. JMJD2C expression is elevated in MPN patients as well as in NFE2 transgenic mice. Moreover, we show that loss of JMJD2C selectively impairs proliferation of JAK2(V617F) mutated cells. Our data suggest that JMJD2C represents a promising drug target in MPN and provide a rationale for further investigation in preclinical and clinical settings.

Automated summary

The transcription factor NFE2 is overexpressed in most patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) and mutations in NFE2 strongly predispose for acute leukemia. Transgenic mice and mice with NFE2 mutations develop MPN and leukemia, indicating a connection between NFE2 and leukemic transformation. The histone demethylase JMJD2C is a novel target gene of NFE2 and its loss impairs the proliferation of JAK2(V617F) mutated cells, suggesting JMJD2C as a potential drug target for MPN.