Transcription factor 12 promotes acute myeloid leukemia cell survival by regulating mitochondrial function and ROS

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells rely heavily on mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) for energy, making mitochondrial function a promising therapeutic target. TCF12, a transcription factor belonging to the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) family, has been implicated in various cancers and is highly expressed in AML, where it may contribute to disease progression. However, the effects of TCF12 on AML progression and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the role of TCF12 in promoting AML cell survival and uncover the underlying mechanism. We found that TCF12 was highly expressed in AML and was associated with poor patient prognosis. Knockdown of TCF12 significantly inhibited AML cell growth, suppressed glycolysis, increased ROS accumulation, and induced mitochondrial dysfunction. Additionally, TCF12 was shown to promote EZH2 transcription, whereas its knockdown increased TXNIP expression, thereby inhibiting AML progression. In summary, TCF12 promotes AML progression by regulating EZH2-mediated suppression of TXNIP, thereby enhancing glycolysis, maintaining mitochondrial function, regulating ROS levels, and promoting cell survival, which underscores its potential as a therapeutic target.