PFKFB4 is overexpressed in clear-cell renal cell carcinoma promoting pentose phosphate pathway that mediates Sunitinib resistance

BACKGROUND: Kinases play critical role in clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). We aim to exploit novel kinase that is both protumorigenic and drugable in ccRCC. METHODS: Reproduction of public datasets with validation using microarray was performed to identify candidate gene. Functionality was studied using multi-omics with validation in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS: 6-Phosphofructo-2-Kinase/Fructose-2,6-Biphosphatase 4 (PFKFB4) was differentially expressed showing significantly higher expression in tumor than in normal kidney. PFKFB4 overexpression was associated with advanced tumor grade, stage and worsened prognosis. PFKFB4-knockdown significantly impaired fitness in cell proliferation, migration and wound healing. Despite being recurrently deleted on 3p, PFKFN4 mRNA remained actively transcribed by HIF1α. Metabolomics showed overexpressed PFKFB4 showed enriched metabolites in pentose phosphate pathway (PPP). Phosphoproteomics and immunoprecipitation showed PFKFB4 also phosphorylated NCOA3 which interacted with FBP1 to counteract overactive PPP flux, forming a regulatory loop. PFKFB4-knockdown overcame resistance to Sunitinib in vitro and in vivo both in xenograft and tail-vein injection murine models. CONCLUSION: We concluded PFKFB4 was associated with PPP activity and the fine-tuning of which was mediated by its phosphorylation of NCOA3. Targeting PFKFB4 held promise to combat resistance to Sunitinib. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-021-02103-5.