Role of YES1 amplification in EGFR mutation-positive non-small cell lung cancer: Primary resistance to afatinib in a patient

Emerging Roles of YES1 in Cancer: The Putative Target in Drug Resistance

Src family kinases (SFKs) are non-receptor tyrosine kinases that are recognized as proto-oncogenic products. Among SFKs, YES1 is frequently amplified and overexpressed in a variety of human tumors, including lung, breast, ovarian, and skin cancers. YES1 plays a pivotal role in promoting cell proliferation, survival, and invasiveness during tumor development. Recent findings indicate that YES1 expression and activation are associated with resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs and tyrosine kinase inhibitors in human malignancies. YES1 undergoes post-translational modifications, such as lipidation and nitrosylation, which can modulate its catalytic activity, subcellular localization, and binding affinity for substrate proteins. Therefore, we investigated the diverse mechanisms governing YES1 activation and its impact on critical intracellular signal transduction pathways. We emphasized the function of YES1 as a potential mechanism contributing to the anticancer drug resistance emergence.

A renaissance for YES in cancer

Most of our understanding regarding the involvement of SRC-family tyrosine kinases in cancer has stemmed from studies focused on the prototypical SRC oncogene. However, emerging research has shed light on the important role of YES signaling in oncogenic transformation, tumor growth, metastatic progression, and resistance to various cancer therapies. Clinical evidence indicates that dysregulated expression or activity of YES is a frequent occurrence in human cancers and is associated with unfavorable outcomes. These findings provide a compelling rationale for specifically targeting YES in certain cancer subtypes. Here, we review the crucial role of YES in cancer and discuss the challenges associated with translating preclinical observations into effective YES-targeted therapies.

Role of YES1 signaling in tumor therapy resistance

YES proto-oncogene 1 (YES1) is an SRC family kinase (SFK) that plays a key role in cancer cell proliferation, adhesion, invasion, survival, and angiogenesis during tumorigenesis and tumor development. Reports suggest that YES1 amplification is associated with resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in human malignancies. However, the mechanisms of drug resistance have not been fully elucidated. In this article, we review the literature on YES1 and discuss the implications of YES1 signaling for targeted therapy and chemotherapy resistance in malignancies. Moreover, recent advances in targeted therapy for YES1-amplified malignancies are summarized. Finally, we conclude that targeting YES1 may reverse drug resistance and serve as a valuable tumor treatment strategy.

Quiescent Cancer Cells-A Potential Therapeutic Target to Overcome Tumor Resistance and Relapse

Quiescent cancer cells (QCCs) are nonproliferating cells arrested in the G0 phase, characterized by ki67^low and p27^high. QCCs avoid most chemotherapies, and some treatments could further lead to a higher proportion of QCCs in tumors. QCCs are also associated with cancer recurrence since they can re-enter a proliferative state when conditions are favorable. As QCCs lead to drug resistance and tumor recurrence, there is a great need to understand the characteristics of QCCs, decipher the mechanisms that regulate the proliferative-quiescent transition in cancer cells, and develop new strategies to eliminate QCCs residing in solid tumors. In this review, we discussed the mechanisms of QCC-induced drug resistance and tumor recurrence. We also discussed therapeutic strategies to overcome resistance and relapse by targeting QCCs, including (i) identifying reactive quiescent cancer cells and removing them via cell-cycle-dependent anticancer reagents; (ii) modulating the quiescence-to-proliferation switch; and (iii) eliminating QCCs by targeting their unique features. It is believed that the simultaneous co-targeting of proliferating and quiescent cancer cells may ultimately lead to the development of more effective therapeutic strategies for the treatment of solid tumors.