Oncogenic KrasG12D causes myeloproliferation via NLRP3 inflammasome activation

Shaima’a Hamarsheh, Lena Osswald, Benedikt S. Saller, Susanne Unger, Donatella De Feo, Janaki Manoja Vinnakota, Martina Konantz, Franziska M. Uhl, Heiko Becker, Michael Lübbert, Khalid Shoumariyeh, Christoph Schürch, Geoffroy Andrieux, Nils Venhoff, Annette Schmitt-Graeff, Sandra Duquesne, Dietmar Pfeifer, Matthew A. Cooper, Claudia Lengerke, Melanie BoerriesJustus Duyster, Charlotte M. Niemeyer, Miriam Erlacher, Bruce R. Blazar, Burkard Becher, Olaf Groß, Tilman Brummer, Robert Zeiser

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

83 Scopus citations

Abstract

Oncogenic Ras mutations occur in various leukemias. It was unclear if, besides the direct transforming effect via constant RAS/MEK/ERK signaling, an inflammation-related effect of KRAS contributes to the disease. Here, we identify a functional link between oncogenic KrasG12D and NLRP3 inflammasome activation in murine and human cells. Mice expressing active KrasG12D in the hematopoietic system developed myeloproliferation and cytopenia, which is reversed in KrasG12D mice lacking NLRP3 in the hematopoietic system. Therapeutic IL-1-receptor blockade or NLRP3-inhibition reduces myeloproliferation and improves hematopoiesis. Mechanistically, KrasG12D-RAC1 activation induces reactive oxygen species (ROS) production causing NLRP3 inflammasome-activation. In agreement with our observations in mice, patient-derived myeloid leukemia cells exhibit KRAS/RAC1/ROS/NLRP3/IL-1β axis activity. Our findings indicate that oncogenic KRAS not only act via its canonical oncogenic driver function, but also enhances the activation of the pro-inflammatory RAC1/ROS/NLRP3/IL-1β axis. This paves the way for a therapeutic approach based on immune modulation via NLRP3 blockade in KRAS-mutant myeloid malignancies.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number1659
JournalNature communications
Volume11
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 1 2020

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© 2020, The Author(s).

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