The RNA binding protein IGF2BP3 is required MLL-AF4 mediated leukemogenesis

In our study, we found that MLL-AF4 transcriptionally induces IGF2BP3 and is required for MLL-Af4 mediated leukemogenesis. Deletion of murine Igf2bp3 significantly increased the survival of mice with MLL-Af4 driven leukemia and greatly attenuated disease. Furthermore, Igf2bp3 was necessary for the development of and the self-renewal capacity of MLL-Af4 leukemic initiating cells. eCLIP and transcriptome analysis of MLL-Af4 transformed stem and progenitor cells and primary cells from MLL-Af4 leukemic mice revealed an IGF2BP3-regulated post-transcriptional operon governing tumor cell survival and proliferation. Critical mRNA targets include the Hoxa locus and numerous genes within the Ras signaling pathway. Together, our findings show that IGF2BP3 is an essential positive regulator of MLL-AF4 mediated leukemogenesis and is a potential therapeutic target in this disease. Overall design: eCLIP and transcriptome analysis of MLL-Af4 transformed HSPCs and primary cells from MLL-Af4 leukemic mice