Metabolic reprogramming induces resistance to anti-NOTCH1 therapies in T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Daniel Herranz, Alberto Ambesi-Impiombato, Jessica Sudderth, Marta Sánchez-Martín, Laura Belver, Valeria Tosello, Luyao Xu, Agnieszka A. Wendorff, Mireia Castillo, J. Erika Haydu, Javier Márquez, José M. Matés, Andrew L. Kung, Stephen Rayport, Carlos Cordon-Cardo, Ralph J. Deberardinis, Adolfo A. Ferrando

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

160 Scopus citations

Abstract

Activating mutations in NOTCH1 are common in T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). Here we identify glutaminolysis as a critical pathway for leukemia cell growth downstream of NOTCH1 and a key determinant of the response to anti-NOTCH1 therapies in vivo. Mechanistically, inhibition of NOTCH1 signaling in T-ALL induces a metabolic shutdown, with prominent inhibition of glutaminolysis and triggers autophagy as a salvage pathway supporting leukemia cell metabolism. Consequently, inhibition of glutaminolysis and inhibition of autophagy strongly and synergistically enhance the antileukemic effects of anti-NOTCH1 therapy in mice harboring T-ALL. Moreover, we demonstrate that Pten loss upregulates glycolysis and consequently rescues leukemic cell metabolism, thereby abrogating the antileukemic effects of NOTCH1 inhibition. Overall, these results identify glutaminolysis as a major node in cancer metabolism controlled by NOTCH1 and as therapeutic target for the treatment of T-ALL.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1182-1189
Number of pages8
JournalNature medicine
Volume21
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 1 2015

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Metabolic reprogramming induces resistance to anti-NOTCH1 therapies in T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this