Transcriptomic profiling of LLC LeptoM vector control, Nr1h2/3 DKO and RXRa/b/g TKO upon stimulation with 1μM 9 cis-retinoic acid (RA) in vitro

To understand transcriptional regulation of nuclear receptors, LXRs and RXRs, in leptomeningeal metastatic cancer cells, we use CRISPR-Cas9 to knockout Nr1h2/3 genes (encoding LXRβ/α) or RXRa/b/g genes (encoding RXRα/β/γ) in LLC LeptoM cell lines, with small guide RNA targeting lacZ as vector control. We then subjected these cell lines for bulk RNA sequencing with or without stimulation of 1μM 9 cis-RA. Pathway analysis of the differentially expressed genes between LLC LeptoM vector control with RA stimulation to DMSO treatment revealed upregulation of developmental related pathways and lipid metabolism pathways. Meanwhile, loss of function in LXR or RXR both resulted in dysregulation of multiple lipid metabolism pathways, in which RXR made a broader impact.