Inhibition of microtubule polymerization and dynein impairs the nuclear localization of the ependymoma-associated ZFTA-RELA fusion protein and NF-κB activation

Ependymomas are rare and chemotherapy-resistant gliomas. One subclass of supratentorial ependymomas, ST-EPN-ZFTA, expresses a fusion protein consisting of a nuclear protein, zinc finger translocation associated (ZFTA), and v-rel reticuloendotheliosis viral oncogene homolog A (RELA), an effector transcription factor of the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway (ZFTA-RELA). Constitutive localization of ZFTA-RELA to the nucleus hyperactivates the oncogenic NF-κB signaling pathway, thereby contributing to the pathogenesis of ST-EPN-ZFTA. To identify compounds that inhibit NF-κB activity induced by ZFTA-RELA, we established a high-throughput screening system using the NF-κB-responsive luciferase reporter cell line 6E8, which expresses ZFTA-RELA in a doxycycline-dependent manner. A chemical library of 9600 compounds selected for their structural diversity was screened, and a colchicine derivative was identified. Among colchicine and six of its derivatives, the IC ₅₀ on ZFTA-RELA-dependent NF-κB-responsive luciferase activity in 6E8 cells was found to be the lowest for colchicine at 90 nM. Interestingly, microtubule polymerization inhibitors (colchicine and vinblastine) and dynein inhibitors (ciliobrevin D and dynarrestin) impaired ZFTA-RELA’s nuclear localization and NF-κB activity in 6E8 cells. These findings indicate that microtubule polymerization and dynein play pivotal roles in activating the NF-κB pathway in ST-EPN-ZFTA by promoting the nuclear localization of ZFTA-RELA. Consequently, inhibition of microtubule polymerization may be a therapeutic strategy for ST-EPN-ZFTA.