Targeting the SWI/SNF complexes in POU2F transcription factor driven malignancies [ATAC-seq]

The SWI/SNF chromatin-remodeling complex, pivotal in transcriptional regulation, has emerged as a significant player in tumorigenesis, unveiling therapeutic targeting prospects in specific malignancies. This investigation accentuates the potential of targeting the SWI/SNF complex in POU2F3-driven Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) and POU2AF1-dependent multiple myelomas. Employing functional CRISPR screening and pharmacological validation, we identified a distinct and biased dependency of POU2F3-driven SCLC cells on the SWI/SNF complex. In vivo studies exhibited significant tumor growth inhibition in POU2F3-driven SCLC xenografts with an orally administered SMARCA2/4 PROTAC degrader. Furthermore, the exploration extended to POU2AF1 complex-dependent B-cell malignancies, revealing similar sensitivity to the SWI/SNF ATPase PROTAC degrader, suggesting a shared therapeutic potential in POU2F complex-driven malignancies. These collective findings highlight the SWI/SNF complex as a promising therapeutic target, catalyzing the advancement of innovative and efficacious treatment approaches to address these transcription factor-driven malignancies, addressing a critical medical challenge. Distinct small cell lung cancer cells were treated in vitro with the 1uM SMARCA2/4 degrader (AU-15330, abbreviated as AU) for indicated durations (ranging from 4 to 12h), and processed for multi-omic characterization.