mTORC2-driven chromatin cGAS mediates chemoresistance through epigenetic reprogramming in colorectal cancer

Abstract

Cyclic GMP–AMP synthase (cGAS), a cytosolic DNA sensor that initiates a STING-dependent innate immune response, binds tightly to chromatin, where its catalytic activity is inhibited; however, mechanisms underlying cGAS recruitment to chromatin and functions of chromatin-bound cGAS (ccGAS) remain unclear. Here we show that mTORC2-mediated phosphorylation of human cGAS serine 37 promotes its chromatin localization in colorectal cancer cells, regulating cell growth and drug resistance independently of STING. We discovered that ccGAS recruits the SWI/SNF complex at specific chromatin regions, modifying expression of genes linked to glutaminolysis and DNA replication. Although ccGAS depletion inhibited cell growth, it induced chemoresistance to fluorouracil treatment in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, blocking kidney-type glutaminase, a downstream ccGAS target, overcame chemoresistance caused by ccGAS loss. Thus, ccGAS coordinates colorectal cancer plasticity and acquired chemoresistance through epigenetic patterning. Targeting both mTORC2–ccGAS and glutaminase provides a promising strategy to eliminate quiescent resistant cancer cells. Lv, Wang, Lin, Ye et al. report that mTORC2 phosphorylates cGAS to promote its chromatin localization and SWI/SNF recruitment to regulate target gene expression, thereby mediating plasticity and chemoresistance in colorectal cancer.