A novel microprotein MUCP1 promotes colorectal cancer metabolic reprogramming by regulating mitochondrial succinate transport.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic reprogramming is a hallmark of colorectal cancer (CRC), yet the molecular regulators that orchestrate this process remain incompletely understood. Although many long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) possess protein-coding potential, their translational products and metabolic functions have been largely overlooked. Here, we identify MUCP1, a microprotein encoded by the lncRNA MUC20-OT1, as a critical regulator of mitochondrial metabolism and epigenetic remodeling in CRC. METHODS: Multi-omics data were integrated to identify MUC20-OT1 as a candidate lncRNA encoding a functional microprotein. Fusion reporter plasmids, mass spectrometry, and immunoblotting were used to validate MUCP1 translation and mitochondrial localization. Functional assays, metabolomic profiling, (13)C(5)-glutamine isotope tracing, subcellular succinate quantification, CUT&Tag, and xenograft models were performed to investigate the role of MUCP1 in facilitating mitochondrial succinate export and maintaining glutamine metabolism homeostasis. RESULTS: The microprotein MUCP1, encoded by the lncRNA MUC20-OT1, serves as an auxiliary regulator of SLC25A10-mediated mitochondrial succinate transport. MUCP1 is upregulated during CRC progression and localizes in the mitochondrial outer membrane, where it facilitates the balance of mitochondrial succinate metabolism. Elevated extramitochondrial succinate subsequently enhances H3K4me3 histone modifications, promoting the transcription of enzymes involved in glutamine metabolism and sustaining the high metabolic demands of CRC cells. CONCLUSIONS: This study identifies MUCP1 as a novel lncRNA-encoded microprotein that maintains metabolic homeostasis in CRC by coupling mitochondrial succinate transport to histone methylation. MUCP1 might be a promising metabolic vulnerability and therapeutic target in CRC.