Loss of FLCN-FNIP1/2 induces a non-canonical interferon response in human renal tubular epithelial cells

Abstract

Germline mutations in the Folliculin (<i>FLCN</i>) tumor suppressor gene cause Birt-Hogg-Dubé (BHD) syndrome, a rare autosomal dominant disorder predisposing carriers to kidney tumors. <i>FLCN</i> is a conserved, essential gene linked to diverse cellular processes but the mechanism by which <i>FLCN</i> prevents kidney cancer remains unknown. Here, we show that disrupting <i>FLCN</i> in human renal tubular epithelial cells (RPTEC/TERT1) activates TFE3, upregulating expression of its E-box targets, including RRAGD and GPNMB, without modifying mTORC1 activity. Surprisingly, the absence of FLCN or its binding partners FNIP1/FNIP2 induces interferon response genes independently of interferon. Mechanistically, FLCN loss promotes STAT2 recruitment to chromatin and slows cellular proliferation. Our integrated analysis identifies STAT1/2 signaling as a novel target of FLCN in renal cells and BHD tumors. STAT1/2 activation appears to counterbalance TFE3-directed hyper-proliferation and may influence immune responses. These findings shed light on unique roles of FLCN in human renal tumorigenesis and pinpoint candidate prognostic biomarkers.