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AXL-Driven EMT State as a Targetable Conduit in Cancer
Jane Antony1,2,3, Ruby Yun-Ju Huang4,5,6
1Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
The receptor tyrosine kinase AXL drives cancer progression and drug resistance by promoting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Inhibiting AXL may reverse EMT and resensitize tumors to therapy, necessitating patient stratification for targeted treatments.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- The receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) AXL is implicated in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), enhancing cancer cell survival, invasion, and metastasis.
- AXL signaling confers an aggressive phenotype and drug resistance by directly influencing the mesenchymal state.
- Recent findings reveal EMT-induced rewiring of kinase signaling nodes, facilitating AXL cross-talk and sustained signaling through ERK and PI3K pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms regulating the interplay between the kinome and EMT.
- To highlight the reciprocal control between AXL signaling and the EMT state in oncogenesis.
- To review the therapeutic potential of AXL inhibition for developing novel cancer treatments.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on AXL, EMT, and cancer signaling pathways.
- Analysis of molecular mechanisms underlying AXL-EMT crosstalk.
- Evaluation of therapeutic strategies targeting AXL.
Main Results:
- AXL plays a crucial role in EMT-mediated oncogenesis, promoting aggressive cancer phenotypes.
- AXL signaling contributes to resistance against various cancer therapies.
- AXL inhibition has demonstrated potential in reversing EMT and resensitizing cancer cells to treatments.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the AXL-EMT axis is critical for developing targeted cancer therapies.
- AXL inhibition represents a promising therapeutic strategy for overcoming drug resistance in various cancers.
- Patient stratification based on AXL dependence is essential for optimizing treatment outcomes.
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