IDH1 mutations induce organelle defects via dysregulated phospholipids

Infiltrating gliomas are devastating and incurable tumors. Amongst all gliomas, those harboring a mutation in isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 mutation (IDH1(mut)) acquire a different tumor biology and clinical manifestation from those that are IDH1(WT). Understanding the unique metabolic profile reprogrammed by IDH1 mutation has the potential to identify new molecular targets for glioma therapy. Herein, we uncover increased monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and their phospholipids in endoplasmic reticulum (ER), generated by IDH1 mutation, that are responsible for Golgi and ER dilation. We demonstrate a direct link between the IDH1 mutation and this organelle morphology via D-2HG-induced stearyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) overexpression, the rate-limiting enzyme in MUFA biosynthesis. Inhibition of IDH1 mutation or SCD silencing restores ER and Golgi morphology, while D-2HG and oleic acid induces morphological defects in these organelles. Moreover, addition of oleic acid, which tilts the balance towards elevated levels of MUFA, produces IDH1(mut)-specific cellular apoptosis. Collectively, these results suggest that IDH1(mut)-induced SCD overexpression can rearrange the distribution of lipids in the organelles of glioma cells, providing new insight into the link between lipid metabolism and organelle morphology in these cells, with potential and unique therapeutic implications. The understanding of altered lipid metabolism by isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) mutations in gliomas at a compartment-specific level is limited. Here, the authors use Raman spectroscopy to monitor organelle-specific metabolic changes and report that IDH1 mutations induce phospholipid imbalances which lead to ER and Golgi dilation.

Automated summary

This study reveals that IDH1(mut) results in an increase in monounsaturated fatty acids and their phospholipids in the endoplasmic reticulum, leading to Golgi and ER dilation. Inhibition of IDH1 mutation or SCD silencing restores ER and Golgi morphology, while D-2HG and oleic acid induces morphological defects in these organelles. Moreover, the overexpression of SCD induced by IDH1(mut) rearranges the distribution of lipids in the organelles of glioma cells, contributing to potential therapeutic implications.