YTHDF1-regulated oncogenic translation program offers a therapeutic target for acute myeloid leukemia

N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most abundant modification in mRNAs, has been defined as a crucial modulator in the progression of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), while the detailed mechanism remains elusive. Here we report that YTHDF1, an m6A reader protein, is overexpressed in human AML samples with enrichment in leukemia stem cells (LSCs). Whereas YTHDF1 is dispensable for normal hematopoiesis in mice, depletion of YTHDF1 attenuates self-renewal and proliferation of patient-derived LSCs, and impedes leukemia establishment in immunodeficient mice. Mechanistically, YTHDF1 promotes the translation of diverse m6A-modified oncogene mRNAs particularly cyclin E2. We applied a structure-based virtual screening of FDA-approved drugs and identified tegaserod as a potential YTHDF1 inhibitor. Tegaserod blocks the direct binding of YTHDF1 with m6A-modified mRNAs and inhibits YTHDF1-regulated mRNA translation. Moreover, tegaserod inhibits leukemogenesis in vitro and in mice, phenocopying the loss of YTHDF1. Together, our study defines YTHDF1 as an integral regulator of AML progression at the translational level and identifies tegaserod as a potential therapeutic agent for AML by targeting YTHDF1. Overall design: Investigating the role of YTHDF1 in AML