Therapeutic Targeting of the Secreted Lysophospholipase D Autotaxin Suppresses Tuberous Sclerosis Complex-Associated Tumorigenesis.

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominant disease characterized by multiorgan hamartomas, including renal angiomyolipomas and pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM). TSC2 deficiency leads to hyperactivation of mTOR Complex 1 (mTORC1), a master regulator of cell growth and metabolism. Phospholipid metabolism is dysregulated upon TSC2 loss, causing enhanced production of lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) species by TSC2-deficient tumor cells.

[F]Fluorocholine and [F]Fluoroacetate PET as Imaging Biomarkers to Assess Phosphatidylcholine and Mitochondrial Metabolism in Preclinical Models of TSC and LAM.

Purpose: Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by inactivating mutations of the or gene, characterized by neurocognitive impairment and benign tumors of the brain, skin, heart, and kidneys. Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a diffuse proliferation of α-smooth muscle actin-positive cells associated with cystic destruction of the lung. LAM occurs almost exclusively in women, as a TSC manifestation or a sporadic disorder ( somatic mutations).