SOD1 is a synthetic-lethal target in PPM1D -mutant leukemia cells

The DNA damage response is critical for maintaining genome integrity and is commonly disrupted in the development of cancer. PPM1D (protein phosphatase Mg /Mn -dependent 1D) is a master negative regulator of the response; gain-of-function mutations and amplifications of are found across several human cancers making it a relevant pharmacological target. Here, we used CRISPR/Cas9 screening to identify synthetic-lethal dependencies of uncovering superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD1) as a potential target for -mutant cells. We revealed a dysregulated redox landscape characterized by elevated levels of reactive oxygen species and a compromised response to oxidative stress in -mutant cells. Altogether, our results demonstrate a role for SOD1 in the survival of -mutant leukemia cells and highlight a new potential therapeutic strategy against -mutant cancers.