RAC1 directly phosphorylates both PKM2 and FBP1 to promote radioresistance in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Radiotherapy (RT) is a promising treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but resistance limits its efficacy. This study reveals that Rac family small GTPase 1 (RAC1) is overexpressed in radioresistant HCC patients and promotes resistance by directly phosphorylating pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) and fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase 1 (FBP1), leading to enhanced glycolytic flux. Introducing mutations in PKM2 (S172A) and FBP1 (T309A) effectively inhibits tumor growth. Additionally, combining RT with the US Food and Drug Administration-approved drug foscarnet sodium, which inhibits RAC1 activity, significantly improves therapeutic outcomes in vivo. These findings identify RAC1 as a key regulator of radioresistance and a potential therapeutic target in HCC.