Liquid-liquid phase separation of ZHX2 protects DLBCL cells against ferroptosis through induction of SLC3A2

Abstract

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), the most common B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL), is characterized by strong aggression, high heterogeneity, and poor prognosis. Consequently, there is an urgent need to identify crucial therapeutic targets. Here, we found that the transcription factor zinc-finger and homeobox 2 (ZHX2) was highly expressed in DLBCL. Subsequently, ZHX2 was proven to be critical for promoting DLBCL cell proliferation by inhibiting ferroptosis. Mechanistically, ZHX2 bound to the promoter region of the solute carrier family 3-member 2 (SLC3A2) gene through liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) and activated its function to negatively regulate ferroptosis. Furthermore, we constructed lipid nanoparticles ZHX2-siRNA@LNP targeting DLBCL, which effectively inhibited the growth of the tumors in vivo. In summary, our study indicated that the LLPS of ZHX2 protected DLBCL against ferroptosis through induction of SLC3A2, and disturbing it with ZHX2-siRNA@LNP could significantly repress DLBCL, providing a promising therapeutic strategy for DLBCL.