Bromodomain and extraterminal proteins foster the core transcriptional regulatory programs and confer vulnerability in liposarcoma

Abstract

Liposarcomas (LPSs) are a group of malignant mesenchymal tumors showing adipocytic differentiation. Here, to gain insight into the enhancer dysregulation and transcriptional addiction in this disease, we chart super-enhancer structures in both LPS tissues and cell lines. We identify a bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) protein-cooperated FUS-DDIT3 function in myxoid LPS and a BET protein-dependent core transcriptional regulatory circuitry consisting of FOSL2, MYC, and RUNX1 in de-differentiated LPS. Additionally, SNAI2 is identified as a crucial downstream target that enforces both proliferative and metastatic potentials to de-differentiated LPS cells. Genetic depletion of BET genes, core transcriptional factors, or SNAI2 mitigates consistently LPS malignancy. We also reveal a compelling susceptibility of LPS cells to BET protein degrader ARV-825. BET protein depletion confers additional advantages to circumvent acquired resistance to Trabectedin, a chemotherapy drug for LPS. Moreover, this study provides a framework for discovering and targeting of core oncogenic transcriptional programs in human cancers.