Regulation of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and venetoclax efficacy in AML via COX4I1

ABSTRACT: Cell signaling pathways are enriched for biological processes crucial for cellular communication, response to external stimuli, and metabolism. Here, we conducted a cell signaling-focused CRISPR screen and identified cytochrome c oxidase subunit 4I1 (COX4I1) as a novel vulnerability in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Depletion of COX4I1 hindered leukemia cell proliferation and impacted in vivo AML progression. Mechanistically, loss of COX4I1 induced mitochondrial stress and ferroptosis, disrupting mitochondrial ultrastructure and oxidative phosphorylation. CRISPR gene tiling scans, coupled with mitochondrial proteomics, dissected critical regions within COX4I1 essential for leukemia cell survival, providing detailed insights into the mitochondrial Complex IV assembly network. Furthermore, COX4I1 depletion or pharmacological inhibition of Complex IV (using chlorpromazine) synergized with venetoclax, providing a promising avenue for improved leukemia therapy. Our study highlights COX4I1 as a critical mitochondrial checkpoint, offering insights into its functional significance and potential clinical implications.

INSTRUMENT(S):

ORGANISM(S): Homo Sapiens (human)

TISSUE(S): Cell Culture

SUBMITTER: Ting-Yu Wang  

LAB HEAD: Tsui-Fen Chou

PROVIDER: PXD050739 | Pride | 2025-05-06

REPOSITORIES: Pride