The p23 co-chaperone is a succinate-activated COX-2 transcription factor in lung adenocarcinoma tumorigenesis
Zhenlong Yu, Yulin Peng, Jian Gao, Meirong Zhou, Lei Shi, Feng Zhao, Chao Wang, Xiangge Tian, Lei Feng, Xiaokui Huo, Baojing Zhang, Min Liu, Deyu Fang, Xiaochi Ma
Abstract
P23, historically known as a heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) co-chaperone, exerts some of its critical functions in an HSP90-independent manner, particularly when it translocates into the nucleus. The molecular nature underlying how this HSP90-independent p23 function is achieved remains as a biological mystery. Here, we found that p23 is a previously unidentified transcription factor of COX-2, and its nuclear localization predicts the poor clinical outcomes. Intratumor succinate promotes p23 succinylation at K7, K33, and K79, which drives its nuclear translocation for COX-2 transcription and consequently fascinates tumor growth. We then identified M16 as a potent p23 succinylation inhibitor from 1.6 million compounds through a combined virtual and biological screening. M16 inhibited p23 succinylation and nuclear translocation, attenuated COX-2 transcription in a p23-dependent manner, and markedly suppressed tumor growth. Therefore, our study defines p23 as a succinate-activated transcription factor in tumor progression and provides a rationale for inhibiting p23 succinylation as an anticancer chemotherapy.