CBFA2T3-GLIS2 fusion-mediated mSWI/SNF chromatin remodeler disruption generates cancer-specific dependencies in AMKL [Cut & Run]

Here we show that the CBFA2T3-GLIS2 (C/G) fusion oncoprotein present in lethal pediatric acute megakaryocytic leukemias (AMKLs) co-opts mSWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complexes, reprogramming regulatory element architecture to sustain aberrant cell cycle progression. The C/G fusion binds to and redistributes mSWI/SNF complexes via the SMARCD1 SWIFT domain and targets complexes to oncogenic enhancers including those bound by ETS family TFs and the G1 cyclin CCND2, a C/G AML-specific dependency.

Pharmacologic inhibition of mSWI/SNF-mediated G1 cell cycle phasing via FHD-286 suppresses C/G-driven gene expression programs, induces G1 arrest and apoptosis in cells, and reduces leukemic burden and extends survival in aggressive C/G AML in vivo. These findings define an oncogenic mSWI/SNF–G1 axis in C/G AML and establish a therapeutic framework for targeting chromatin dysfunction-mediated cell cycle aberrancy in high-risk pediatric leukemias.