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PITPβ Drives JAK2 V617F-Mediated Myeloproliferative Neoplasms by Promoting PtdIns(3,4)P ₂ -Dependent AKT
Abstract:
JAK2 is a key regulator of cytokine-mediated proliferative signaling in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. Activating mutations, most commonly JAK2 V617F, trigger aberrant cytokine signaling driving the pathogenesis of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). Phosphatidylinositol transfer proteins (PITPs) facilitate phosphoinositide synthesis by delivering phosphatidylinositol to lipid kinases, though their roles in oncogenic signaling have remained poorly defined. Here we show that PITPβ is critical for the development of JAK2V617F-driven MPN in mice. Deleting Pitp β across the hematopoietic system, but not Pitp α, prolonged 25-week survival of Jak2V617F mice from 10% to 85%. Loss of Pitp β attenuated disease-associated splenomegaly and curtailed erythroid progenitors expansion both in vivo and in vitro . Mechanistically, PITPβ is necessary for AKT hyperactivation in hematopoietic progenitors, while STAT5 and ERK signaling remain unaffected. In alignment with this role, PITPβ promotes the production of PtdIns(3,4)P ₂ , a phosphoinositide that sustains aberrant AKT signaling in Jak2V617F progenitors. Pharmacologic inhibition of AKT with the FDA-approved inhibitor capivasertib in Jak2V617F-transplanted mice similarly reduced splenomegaly and erythroid proliferation, mimicking the effects of Pitp β loss. Collectively, these results identify a novel PITPβ-PtdIns(3,4)P ₂ signaling axis that selectively maintains pathological AKT activation in JAK2V617F-driven MPN, revealing a promising therapeutic vulnerability.
Insights
Phosphatidylinositol transfer protein beta (PITPβ) is essential for JAK2V617F-driven myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). Targeting PITPβ or AKT signaling offers a promising therapeutic strategy for MPNs.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- JAK2 mutations drive myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) through aberrant cytokine signaling.
- Phosphatidylinositol transfer proteins (PITPs) are involved in phosphoinositide synthesis, but their role in oncogenic signaling is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of PITPβ in JAK2V617F-driven MPN pathogenesis.
- To identify novel therapeutic targets for MPNs.
Main Methods:
- Utilized mouse models with genetic deletion of Pitp β in hematopoietic cells.
- Assessed MPN progression, survival rates, splenomegaly, and progenitor cell expansion.
- Investigated signaling pathways including AKT, STAT5, and ERK.
- Examined phosphoinositide production, specifically PtdIns(3,4)P₂.
- Tested the efficacy of pharmacologic AKT inhibition using capivasertib.
Main Results:
- Loss of Pitp β significantly prolonged survival in JAK2V617F mice and reduced MPN phenotypes.
- PITPβ was found to be critical for AKT hyperactivation in hematopoietic progenitors, but not STAT5 or ERK.
- PITPβ promotes PtdIns(3,4)P₂ production, sustaining aberrant AKT signaling.
- Pharmacologic inhibition of AKT mimicked the therapeutic effects of Pitp β loss.
Conclusions:
- A novel PITPβ-PtdIns(3,4)P₂ signaling axis selectively maintains pathological AKT activation in JAK2V617F-driven MPN.
- This axis represents a promising therapeutic vulnerability for treating MPNs.
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