ACSL4: a double-edged sword target in multiple myeloma, promotes cell proliferation and sensitizes cell to ferroptosis

Overactive fatty acid metabolism is usually found in hematological malignancies including multiple myeloma (MM), but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we reveal that acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4) is abnormally overexpressed in MM cell lines and MM patients compared to healthy donors. Knockdown of ACSL4 inhibited MM cell proliferation and reduced fatty acid levels possibly by regulating lipid metabolism genes including c-Myc and sterol regulatory element binding proteins (SREBPs). As a propellent in ferroptosis, ACSL4 also determines the sensitivity of MM cells to ferroptosis inducer RSL3. Knockdown of ACSL4 rendered MM cells resistance to ferroptosis. Our findings suggest that ACSL4 is a double-edged sword target in MM. Based on the high expression of ACSL4, ferroptosis induction represents a promising therapeutic strategy for MM.

Automated summary

ACSL4 is abnormally overexpressed in multiple myeloma (MM) and plays a role in regulating lipid metabolism genes and determining the sensitivity of MM cells to ferroptosis. Targeting ACSL4 and inducing ferroptosis could be a promising therapeutic strategy for MM.