IRE1α-XBP1 safeguards hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells by restricting pro-leukemogenic gene programs

Hematopoietic stem cells must mitigate myriad stressors throughout their lifetime to ensure normal blood cell generation. Here, we uncover unfolded protein response stress sensor inositol-requiring enzyme-1α (IRE1α) signaling in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) as a safeguard against myeloid leukemogenesis. Activated in part by an NADPH oxidase-2 mechanism, IRE1α-induced X-box binding protein-1 (XBP1) mediated repression of pro-leukemogenic programs exemplified by the Wnt-β-catenin pathway. Transcriptome analysis and genome-wide mapping of XBP1 targets in HSPCs identified an '18-gene signature' of XBP1-repressed β-catenin targets that were highly expressed in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cases with worse prognosis. Accordingly, IRE1α deficiency cooperated with a myeloproliferative oncogene in HSPCs to cause a lethal AML in mice, while genetic induction of XBP1 suppressed the leukemia stem cell program and activity of patient-derived AML cells. Thus, IRE1α-XBP1 signaling safeguards the integrity of the blood system by restricting pro-leukemogenic programs in HSPCs.