Targeting the RNA m ⁶A Reader YTHDF2 Selectively Compromises Cancer Stem Cells in Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Summary

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive clonal disorder of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and primitive progenitors that blocks their myeloid differentiation, generating self-renewing leukemic stem cells (LSCs). Here, we show that the mRNA m ⁶A reader YTHDF2 is overexpressed in a broad spectrum of human AML and is required for disease initiation as well as propagation in mouse and human AML. YTHDF2 decreases the half-life of diverse m ⁶A transcripts that contribute to the overall integrity of LSC function, including the tumor necrosis factor receptor Tnfrsf2, whose upregulation in Ythdf2-deficient LSCs primes cells for apoptosis. Intriguingly, YTHDF2 is not essential for normal HSC function, with YTHDF2 deficiency actually enhancing HSC activity. Thus, we identify YTHDF2 as a unique therapeutic target whose inhibition selectively targets LSCs while promoting HSC expansion.

Graphical Abstract

Highlights

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  YTHDF2 is highly expressed across human AML and is essential for leukemia initiation

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  YTHDF2 shortens the half-life of m ⁶A-modified transcripts in AML

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  Loss of YTHDF2 expands HSCs but does not derail hematopoiesis

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  YTHDF2 protects AML cells from apoptosis by downregulating TNFR2

Abstract

Elimination of cancer stem cells in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) while preserving hematopoiesis is a challenge in leukemia treatment. Paris et al. demonstrate that inactivation of the RNA m ⁶A reader YTHDF2 increases the half-life of m ⁶A-modified transcripts and specifically compromises cancer stem cells, highlighting YTHDF2 as an essential regulator of AML.