Dysregulated purine metabolism in DIPG reveals new treatment strategies with old drugs [ATAC-seq]
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ABSTRACT: Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is a devastating brainstem cancer in children, with a median survival of under one year and limited treatment options. Over 80% of DIPGs possess a H3K27M mutation. To identify metabolic vulnerabilities linked to this mutation, we utilized a multi-omics approach in H3K27M-expressing cells, patient-derived cell lines, and mouse models. We show that by reprogramming chromatin landscape the mutation aberrantly induces NFI transcriptional activity, leading to misregulated purine and folate metabolism. Specifically, the mutation amplifies purine biosynthesis and degradation via the enzymes ATIC and PNP, respectively. Unregulated purine degradation makes DIPGs reliant on purine biosynthesis and targeting ATIC reduced tumor progression and improved survival in mice. Upregulation of the reduced folate carrier SLC191A elevated folate levels in DIPG causing antifolate resistance. However, folate removal from the microenvironment sensitized DIPGs to antifolates. We propose ATIC as a potential target and advocate for revisiting antifolate-based treatments in DIPG.
ORGANISM(S): Homo sapiens
PROVIDER: GSE249164 | GEO | 2026/09/14
REPOSITORIES: GEO
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