Unique role and vulnerability of EP300 KIX domain in small-cell lung cancer

Abstract

Summary EP300 (E1A binding protein p300) is a versatile transcription co-activator important in cell proliferation and differentiation. The gene EP300 is frequently mutated in diverse cancer types, including small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). While it is widely believed that these mutations result in loss of EP300 function, the impact on SCLC pathogenesis remains largely unknown. Here we demonstrate that mutant EP300 variants lacking histone acetyltransferase (HAT) domain accelerate tumor development in autochthonous mouse models of SCLC. However, unexpectedly, complete knockout of Ep300 suppresses tumor development and inhibits proliferation of both human and mouse SCLC cells. Genetic dissection of EP300 domains identifies kinase-inducible domain (KID)-interacting (KIX) domain, specifically its interaction with transcription factors such as CREB1 and MYB, as the determinant of pro-tumorigenic activity. Blockade of the KIX-mediated protein interactions using a small molecule and a recombinant peptide mimicking the KIX-binding sequences of EP300-interacting partners inhibits the growth of SCLC cells. These findings identify domain-specific roles of EP300 in SCLC and unique vulnerability of the EP300 KIX domain to potential therapeutics.