C-terminal binding protein (CTBP2) is a novel tumor suppressor targeting the MYC-IRF4 axis in multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma (MM) cells are addicted to MYC and its direct transactivation target IRF4 for proliferation and survival. MYC and IRF4 are still considered “undruggable” as the majority of small molecule inhibitors suffers from low potency, suboptimal pharmacokinetic properties and undesirable off-target effects. Indirect inhibition of MYC/IRF4 emerges as a therapeutic vulnerability in MM. Here, we uncover an unappreciated tumor suppressive role of C-terminal Binding Protein 2 (CTBP2) in MM via strong inhibition of the MYC-IRF4 axis. In contrast to epithelial cancers, CTBP2 is frequently downregulated in MM, in association with shortened survival, hyperproliferative features and adverse clinical outcomes. Restoration of CTBP2 exhibited potent anti-tumor effects against MM in vitro and in vivo, with marked repression of MYC-IRF4 network genes. Mechanistically, CTBP2 impeded transcription of MYC and IRF4 by histone H3 lysine 27 deacetylation (H3K27ac), and indirectly via activation of MYC repressor IFIT3. In addition, activation of interferon gene signature by CTBP2 suggested its concomitant immunomodulatory role in MM. Epigenetic studies revealed contribution of polycomb-mediated silencing and DNA methylation to CTBP2 inactivation in MM. Notably, inhibitors of Enhance of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), histone deacetylase (HDACs) and DNA methyltransferase (DNMTs) currently under evaluation in clinical trials were effective in restoring CTBP2 expression in MM. Our findings indicated that loss of CTBP2 plays an essential role in myelomagenesis and decipher an additional mechanistic link on MYC-IRF4 dysregulation in MM. We envision that identification of novel critical regulators would facilitate the development of selective and effective approaches for treating this MYC/IRF4-addicted malignancy.