PIKfyve inhibition in MM disrupts autophagy and lysosome function, increasing MHC expression and cholesterol metabolism

We previously reported a chemogenomics screen that unexpectedly identified phosphatidylinositol-3-phosphate 5-kinase (PIKfyve) as a vulnerable target in multiple myeloma (MM). PIKfyve is an essential regulator of lysosomal function and autophagy. Given the high basal requirement for autophagy in MM for sustainable immunoglobulin synthesis, targeting autophagy holds clinical potential as a novel therapeutic avenue. Here, we report the development and characterization of PIK001 and analogs, potent and selective novel small-molecule inhibitors of PIKfyve. PIK001 demonstrated potent anti-MM activity in vitro, as well as synergistic activity with established anti-MM agents (including venetoclax and selinexor), while retaining efficacy in lenalidomide-resistant models. Multiomic characterization of isogenic cell lines sensitive and resistant to PIK001 identified a catalytic domain mutation (PIKFYVE N1939K) and heterogenous alterations in autophagy capabilities. Importantly, we noted that PIK001 exposure also resulted in significantly increased cholesterol metabolism and upregulation of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I expression, with potential implications in tumor immunity. Beyond MM, PIKfyve inhibition also shows selective cytotoxicity in acute myeloid leukemia, melanoma, and renal cancer, highlighting broader therapeutic potential. These findings establish PIKfyve inhibition as a valid target for MM and other hematologic malignancies, provide insights into mechanisms of sensitivity and resistance, and lay the foundation for further preclinical (particularly the role of cholesterol metabolism and tumor immunity) and clinical development.