LncRNA CRCMSL interferes in phospholipid unsaturation to suppress colorectal cancer progression via reducing membrane fluidity

Abstract

Introduction

Reprogrammed metabolism is an important basis of colorectal cancer (CRC) progression; however, its mechanisms remain unclear. This study illustrated a novel mechanism for long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) CRCMSL in CRC, which was identified as a CRC suppressor in our previous study.

Objective

To investigate whether CRCMSL suppresses colorectal cancer by interfering in lipid metabolism.

Methods

Potential functions of CRCMSL were predicted by GSEA, which led to lipidomics. Ferroptosis process in CRC were evaluated by protein markers, probe-reported lipid peroxidation signals and transmission electron microscopy. Order and fluidity of phospholipid bilayers were detected by Laurdan generalized polarization (GP) assays and fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) assays, respectively. RNA pull-down and RIP assays were performed to explore the target of CRCMSL. qPCR, western blot and enzyme activity detections were used to explore the effects of CRCMSL on the target. Orthotopic and subcutaneous xenografts in nude mice were used to validate efficacy of CRC in vivo.

Results

CRCMSL-knockdown upregulated lipid synthesis and remodeled fatty acyl chains in phospholipids, inspiring studies on ferroptosis and phospholipid bilayers. CRCMSL-mediated biological processes and behaviors were restored by stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD), a key enzyme for the synthesis of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), suggesting that CRCMSL promotes ferroptosis and reduces membrane fluidity by interfering in phospholipid unsaturation. The target of CRCMSL in fatty acid metabolism is acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1 (ACC1), a key enzyme for de novo fatty acid synthesis. CRCMSL promoted ACC1 phosphorylation to restrict its activity. Firsocostat, an ACC oral inhibitor ND630, is a potential drug for CRC treatment in combination with CRCMSL.

Conclusion

Our study illustrated a novel mechanism of CRCMSL-ACC1 axis-associated fatty acid metabolism in CRC progression, providing laboratory evidence for the development of targeted therapies for patients with advanced CRC.