EZH2 inhibition induces pyroptosis via RHA-mediated S100A9 overexpression in myelodysplastic syndromes

Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) represent a group of heterogeneous myeloid clonal diseases derived from aberrant hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells. Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is an important regulator in gene expression through methyltransferase-dependent or methyltransferase-independent mechanisms. Herein, we found EZH2 inhibition led to MDS cell pyroptosis through RNA Helicase A (RHA) down-regulation induced overexpression of S100A9, a key regulator of inflammasome activation and pyroptosis. Moreover, EZH2 inhibitor reduced tumor burden and prolonged the survival of the mice transplanted with MDS cells. In summary, our results uncovered a novel pyroptosis pathway induced by EZH2 inhibition and provided a rationale for EZH2 inhibitor treatment in MDS.