Identification of a unique subtype of lung squamous cell carcinoma defined by SOX2 and a neural differentiation factor BRN2 [ChIP-seq]

Lineage-specific transcriptional regulators control differentiation states not only during normal development but also during cancer evolution. By investigating super-enhancer landscape of lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC), we identified a unique ‘neural’ subtype defined by Sox2 and a neural lineage factor Brn2. Robust protein-protein interaction and genomic co-occupancy of these factors indicated their transcriptional cooperation in this ‘neural’ LUSC in contrast to the cooperation of Sox2 and p63 in the classical LUSC. Introduction of p63 expression in the “neural’ LUSC invoked the classical LUSC lineage accompanied by Brn2 downregulation and increased activities of ErbB/Akt and MAPK-ERK pathways. Collectively, our data demonstrate a unique LUSC lineage featured by Sox2 cooperation with Brn2 instead of p63, for which distinct therapeutic approaches may be warranted. Genome-wide profiles of histone H3K27 acetylation, Sox2 binding, p63 binding and Brn2 binding in LUSC cell lines