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Hanrahan AJ, Chen Z, Rosen N, Solit DB. BRAF - a tumour-agnostic drug target with lineage-specific dependencies. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2024; 21:224-247. [PMID: 38278874 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-023-00852-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
In June 2022, the FDA granted Accelerated Approval to the BRAF inhibitor dabrafenib in combination with the MEK inhibitor trametinib for the treatment of adult and paediatric patients (≥6 years of age) with unresectable or metastatic BRAFV600E-mutant solid tumours, except for BRAFV600E-mutant colorectal cancers. The histology-agnostic approval of dabrafenib plus trametinib marks the culmination of two decades of research into the landscape of BRAF mutations in human cancers, the biochemical mechanisms underlying BRAF-mediated tumorigenesis, and the clinical development of selective RAF and MEK inhibitors. Although the majority of patients with BRAFV600E-mutant tumours derive clinical benefit from BRAF inhibitor-based combinations, resistance to treatment develops in most. In this Review, we describe the biochemical basis for oncogenic BRAF-induced activation of MAPK signalling and pan-cancer and lineage-specific mechanisms of intrinsic, adaptive and acquired resistance to BRAF inhibitors. We also discuss novel RAF inhibitors and drug combinations designed to delay the emergence of treatment resistance and/or expand the population of patients with BRAF-mutant cancers who benefit from molecularly targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aphrothiti J Hanrahan
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ziyu Chen
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Physiology, Biophysics & Systems Biology, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Neal Rosen
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - David B Solit
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA.
- Marie-Josée and Henry R. Kravis Center for Molecular Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
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2
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Chen HL, Jin WL. Diapause-like Drug-Tolerant Persister State: The Key to Nirvana Rebirth. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2024; 60:228. [PMID: 38399515 PMCID: PMC10890489 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60020228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the world. Various drugs have been developed to eliminate it but to no avail because a tumor can go into dormancy to avoid therapy. In the past few decades, tumor dormancy has become a popular topic in cancer therapy. Recently, there has been an important breakthrough in the study of tumor dormancy. That is, cancer cells can enter a reversible drug-tolerant persister (DTP) state to avoid therapy, but no exact mechanism has been found. The study of the link between the DTP state and diapause seems to provide an opportunity for a correct understanding of the mechanism of the DTP state. Completely treating cancer and avoiding dormancy by targeting the expression of key genes in diapause are possible. This review delves into the characteristics of the DTP state and its connection with embryonic diapause, and possible treatment strategies are summarized. The authors believe that this review will promote the development of cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han-Lin Chen
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China;
- Institute of Cancer Neuroscience, Medical Frontier Innovation Research Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Wei-Lin Jin
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China;
- Institute of Cancer Neuroscience, Medical Frontier Innovation Research Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
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3
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Al Hmada Y, Brodell RT, Kharouf N, Flanagan TW, Alamodi AA, Hassan SY, Shalaby H, Hassan SL, Haikel Y, Megahed M, Santourlidis S, Hassan M. Mechanisms of Melanoma Progression and Treatment Resistance: Role of Cancer Stem-like Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:470. [PMID: 38275910 PMCID: PMC10814963 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16020470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is the third most common type of skin cancer, characterized by its heterogeneity and propensity to metastasize to distant organs. Melanoma is a heterogeneous tumor, composed of genetically divergent subpopulations, including a small fraction of melanoma-initiating cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) and many non-cancer stem cells (non-CSCs). CSCs are characterized by their unique surface proteins associated with aberrant signaling pathways with a causal or consequential relationship with tumor progression, drug resistance, and recurrence. Melanomas also harbor significant alterations in functional genes (BRAF, CDKN2A, NRAS, TP53, and NF1). Of these, the most common are the BRAF and NRAS oncogenes, with 50% of melanomas demonstrating the BRAF mutation (BRAFV600E). While the successful targeting of BRAFV600E does improve overall survival, the long-term efficacy of available therapeutic options is limited due to adverse side effects and reduced clinical efficacy. Additionally, drug resistance develops rapidly via mechanisms involving fast feedback re-activation of MAPK signaling pathways. This article updates information relevant to the mechanisms of melanoma progression and resistance and particularly the mechanistic role of CSCs in melanoma progression, drug resistance, and recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youssef Al Hmada
- Department of Pathology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39216, USA; (Y.A.H.); (R.T.B.)
| | - Robert T. Brodell
- Department of Pathology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39216, USA; (Y.A.H.); (R.T.B.)
| | - Naji Kharouf
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France; (N.K.); (Y.H.)
- Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, Dental Faculty, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Thomas W. Flanagan
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, LSU Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA;
| | - Abdulhadi A. Alamodi
- College of Health Sciences, Jackson State University, 310 W Woodrow Wilson Ave Ste 300, Jackson, MS 39213, USA;
| | - Sofie-Yasmin Hassan
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Dusseldorf, Germany;
| | - Hosam Shalaby
- Department of Urology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA;
| | - Sarah-Lilly Hassan
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Dusseldorf, Germany;
| | - Youssef Haikel
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France; (N.K.); (Y.H.)
- Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, Dental Faculty, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Pôle de Médecine et Chirurgie Bucco-Dentaire, Hôpital Civil, Hôpitaux Universitaire de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Mosaad Megahed
- Clinic of Dermatology, University Hospital of Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany;
| | - Simeon Santourlidis
- Epigenetics Core Laboratory, Medical Faculty, Institute of Transplantation Diagnostics and Cell Therapeutics, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Dusseldorf, Germany;
| | - Mohamed Hassan
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France; (N.K.); (Y.H.)
- Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, Dental Faculty, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Research Laboratory of Surgery-Oncology, Department of Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
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Yang HW. Investigating Heterogeneous Cell-Cycle Progression Using Single-Cell Imaging Approaches. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2740:263-273. [PMID: 38393481 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3557-5_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Investigating cell-cycle progression has been challenging due to the complex interconnectivity of regulatory processes and inherent cell-to-cell heterogeneity, which often require synchronization procedures. However, recent advancements in cell-cycle sensors and single-cell imaging techniques have turned this heterogeneity into an advantage for investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying diverse responses. This has led to significant progress in our understanding of cell-cycle regulation. In this paper, we present a comprehensive live single-cell imaging workflow that leverages cutting-edge live-cell sensors. These advanced single-cell imaging procedures provide promising opportunities for elucidating the molecular mechanisms underpinnings of heterogeneous responses in cell-cycle progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee Won Yang
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
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Kondo N, Utsumi T, Shimizu Y, Takemoto A, Oh-hara T, Uchibori K, Subat-Motoshi S, Ninomiya H, Takeuchi K, Nishio M, Miyazaki Y, Katayama R. MIG6 loss confers resistance to ALK/ROS1 inhibitors in NSCLC through EGFR activation by low-dose EGF. JCI Insight 2023; 8:e173688. [PMID: 37917191 PMCID: PMC10807714 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.173688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Although tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy shows marked clinical efficacy in patients with anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive (ALK+) and ROS proto-oncogene 1-positive (ROS1+) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), most of these patients eventually relapse with acquired resistance. Therefore, genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 knockout screening was performed using an ALK+ NSCLC cell line established from pleural effusion without ALK-TKI treatment. After 9 days of ALK-TKI therapy, sequencing analysis was performed, which identified several tumor suppressor genes, such as NF2 or MED12, and multiple candidate genes. Among them, this study focused on ERRFI1, which is known as MIG6 and negatively regulates EGFR signaling. Interestingly, MIG6 loss induced resistance to ALK-TKIs by treatment with quite a low dose of EGF, which is equivalent to plasma concentration, through the upregulation of MAPK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways. Combination therapy with ALK-TKIs and anti-EGFR antibodies could overcome the acquired resistance in both in vivo and in vitro models. In addition, this verified that MIG6 loss induces resistance to ROS1-TKIs in ROS1+ cell lines. This study found a potentially novel factor that plays a role in ALK and ROS1-TKI resistance by activating the EGFR pathway with low-dose ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobuyuki Kondo
- Division of Experimental Chemotherapy, Cancer Chemotherapy Center, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research (JFCR), Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takahiro Utsumi
- Division of Experimental Chemotherapy, Cancer Chemotherapy Center, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research (JFCR), Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yuki Shimizu
- Division of Experimental Chemotherapy, Cancer Chemotherapy Center, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research (JFCR), Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Science, Graduate School of Frontier Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ai Takemoto
- Division of Experimental Chemotherapy, Cancer Chemotherapy Center, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research (JFCR), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoko Oh-hara
- Division of Experimental Chemotherapy, Cancer Chemotherapy Center, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research (JFCR), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ken Uchibori
- Department of Thoracic Medical Oncology, the Cancer Institute Hospital
| | - Sophia Subat-Motoshi
- Department of Pathology, the Cancer Institute Hospital, and
- Pathology Project for Molecular Targets, Cancer Institute, JFCR, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Kengo Takeuchi
- Department of Pathology, the Cancer Institute Hospital, and
- Pathology Project for Molecular Targets, Cancer Institute, JFCR, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Makoto Nishio
- Department of Thoracic Medical Oncology, the Cancer Institute Hospital
| | - Yasunari Miyazaki
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryohei Katayama
- Division of Experimental Chemotherapy, Cancer Chemotherapy Center, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research (JFCR), Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Science, Graduate School of Frontier Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Zhang M, Kim S, Yang HW. Non-canonical pathway for Rb inactivation and external signaling coordinate cell-cycle entry without CDK4/6 activity. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7847. [PMID: 38030655 PMCID: PMC10687137 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43716-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6 (CDK4/6) are critical for initiating cell proliferation by inactivating the retinoblastoma (Rb) protein. However, mammalian cells can bypass CDK4/6 for Rb inactivation. Here we show a non-canonical pathway for Rb inactivation and its interplay with external signals. We find that the non-phosphorylated Rb protein in quiescent cells is intrinsically unstable, offering an alternative mechanism for initiating E2F activity. Nevertheless, this pathway incompletely induces Rb-protein loss, resulting in minimal E2F activity. To trigger cell proliferation, upregulation of mitogenic signaling is required for stabilizing c-Myc, thereby augmenting E2F activity. Concurrently, stress signaling promotes Cip/Kip levels, competitively regulating cell proliferation with mitogenic signaling. In cancer, driver mutations elevate c-Myc levels, facilitating adaptation to CDK4/6 inhibitors. Differentiated cells, despite Rb-protein loss, maintain quiescence through the modulation of c-Myc and Cip/Kip levels. Our findings provide mechanistic insights into an alternative model of cell-cycle entry and the maintenance of quiescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mimi Zhang
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Sungsoo Kim
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Hee Won Yang
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
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Kim S, Armand J, Safonov A, Zhang M, Soni RK, Schwartz G, McGuinness JE, Hibshoosh H, Razavi P, Kim M, Chandarlapaty S, Yang HW. Sequential activation of E2F via Rb degradation and c-Myc drives resistance to CDK4/6 inhibitors in breast cancer. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113198. [PMID: 37865915 PMCID: PMC10757862 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 inhibitors (CDK4/6i) are key therapeutic agents in the management of metastatic hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer. However, the emergence of drug resistance limits their long-term efficacy. Here, we show that breast cancer cells develop CDK4/6i resistance via a sequential two-step process of E2F activation. This process entails retinoblastoma (Rb)-protein degradation, followed by c-Myc-mediated amplification of E2F transcriptional activity. CDK4/6i treatment halts cell proliferation in an Rb-dependent manner but dramatically reduces Rb-protein levels. However, this reduction in Rb levels insufficiently induces E2F activity. To develop CDK4/6i resistance, upregulation or activating mutations in mitogenic or hormone signaling are required to stabilize c-Myc levels, thereby augmenting E2F activity. Our analysis of pre-treatment tumor samples reveals a strong correlation between c-Myc levels, rather than Rb levels, and poor therapeutic outcomes after CDK4/6i treatment. Moreover, we propose that proteasome inhibitors can potentially reverse CDK4/6i resistance by restoring Rb levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sungsoo Kim
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Jessica Armand
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Anton Safonov
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Mimi Zhang
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Rajesh K Soni
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Gary Schwartz
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Julia E McGuinness
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Hanina Hibshoosh
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Pedram Razavi
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10021, USA; Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Minah Kim
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Sarat Chandarlapaty
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10021, USA; Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY 10021, USA; Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Hee Won Yang
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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Hartman ML, Koziej P, Kluszczyńska K, Czyz M. Pro-Apoptotic Activity of MCL-1 Inhibitor in Trametinib-Resistant Melanoma Cells Depends on Their Phenotypes and Is Modulated by Reversible Alterations Induced by Trametinib Withdrawal. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4799. [PMID: 37835493 PMCID: PMC10571954 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15194799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although BRAFV600/MEK inhibitors improved the treatment of melanoma patients, resistance is acquired almost inevitably. METHODS Trametinib withdrawal/rechallenge and MCL-1 inhibition in trametinib-resistance models displaying distinct p-ERK1/2 levels were investigated. RESULTS Trametinib withdrawal/rechallenge caused reversible changes in ERK1/2 activity impacting the balance between pro-survival and pro-apoptotic proteins. Reversible alterations were found in MCL-1 levels and MCL-1 inhibitors, BIM and NOXA. Taking advantage of melanoma cell dependency on MCL-1 for survival, we used S63845. While it was designed to inhibit MCL-1 activity, we showed that it also significantly reduced NOXA levels. S63845-induced apoptosis was detected as the enhancement of Annexin V-positivity, caspase-3/7 activation and histone H2AX phosphorylation. Percentages of Annexin V-positive cells were increased most efficiently in trametinib-resistant melanoma cells displaying the p-ERK1/2low/MCL-1low/BIMhigh/NOXAlow phenotype with EC50 values at concentrations as low as 0.1 μM. Higher ERK1/2 activity associated with increased MCL-1 level and reduced BIM level limited pro-apoptotic activity of S63845 further influenced by a NOXA level. CONCLUSIONS Our study supports the notion that the efficiency of an agent designed to target a single protein can largely depend on the phenotype of cancer cells. Thus, it is important to define appropriate phenotype determinants to stratify the patients for the novel therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Małgorzata Czyz
- Department of Molecular Biology of Cancer, Medical University of Lodz, 92-215 Lodz, Poland; (M.L.H.); (P.K.); (K.K.)
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