PRC2 Inhibitors Overcome Glucocorticoid Resistance Driven by NSD2 Mutation in Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Mutations in epigenetic regulators are common in relapsed pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Here, we uncovered the mechanism underlying the relapse of ALL driven by an activating mutation of the NSD2 histone methyltransferase (p.E1099K). Using high-throughput drug screening, we found that NSD2-mutant cells were specifically resistant to glucocorticoids. Correction of this mutation restored glucocorticoid sensitivity. The transcriptional response to glucocorticoids was blocked in NSD2-mutant cells due to depressed glucocorticoid receptor (GR) levels and the failure of glucocorticoids to autoactivate GR expression. Although H3K27me3 was globally decreased by NSD2 p.E1099K, H3K27me3 accumulated at the NR3C1 (GR) promoter. Pretreatment of NSD2 p.E1099K cell lines and patient-derived xenograft samples with PRC2 inhibitors reversed glucocorticoid resistance in vitro and in vivo. PRC2 inhibitors restored NR3C1 autoactivation by glucocorticoids, increasing GR levels and allowing GR binding and activation of proapoptotic genes. These findings suggest a new therapeutic approach to relapsed ALL associated with NSD2 mutation.

Automated summary

Mutations in the NSD2 histone methyltransferase (p.E1099K) were found to drive the relapse of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). These NSD2-mutant cells exhibited resistance to glucocorticoids, which was restored by correcting the mutation. The resistance was due to decreased expression of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and the failure of glucocorticoids to activate GR expression. The use of PRC2 inhibitors reversed the glucocorticoid resistance by restoring GR levels and activation of proapoptotic genes, providing a potential therapeutic approach for relapsed ALL associated with NSD2 mutation.