A system-level approach identifies HIF-2α as a,critical regulator of chondrosarcoma progression

Chondrosarcomas, malignant cartilaginous neoplasms, are capable of transitioning to highly aggressive, metastatic, and treatment-refractory states, resulting in significant patient mortality.
Here, we aim to uncover the transcriptional program directing such tumor progression in chondrosarcomas. We conduct weighted correlation network analysis to extract a characteristic
gene module underlying chondrosarcoma malignancy. Hypoxia-inducible factor-2α (HIF-2α, encoded by EPAS1) is identified as an upstream regulator that governs the malignancy
gene module. HIF-2α is upregulated in high-grade chondrosarcoma biopsies and EPAS1 gene amplification is associated with poor prognosis in chondrosarcoma patients. Using
tumor xenograft mouse models, we demonstrate that HIF-2α confers chondrosarcomas the capacities required for tumor growth, local invasion, and metastasis. Meanwhile, pharmacological
inhibition of HIF-2α, in conjunction with the chemotherapy agents, synergistically enhances chondrosarcoma cell apoptosis and abolishes malignant signatures of chondrosarcoma
in mice. We expect that our insights into the pathogenesis of chondrosarcoma will provide guidelines for the development of molecular targeted therapeutics for chondrosarcoma.

For more information: A system-level approach identifies HIF-2α as a critical regulator of chondrosarcoma progression | Nature Communications

A system-level approach identifies HIF-2α as a critical refulator of CS progression.pdf