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Induction of Multiple Alternative Mitogenic Signaling Pathways Accompanies the Emergence of Drug-Tolerant Cancer
Frank V Celeste1,2, Scott Powers1,2
1Graduate Program in Genetics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA.
Abstract:
Drug resistance can evolve from a subpopulation of cancer cells that initially survive drug treatment and then gradually form a pool of drug-tolerant cells. Several studies have pinpointed the activation of a specific bypass pathway that appears to provide the critical therapeutic target for preventing drug tolerance. Here, we take a systems-biology approach, using proteomics and genomics to examine the development of drug tolerance to EGFR inhibitors in EGFR-mutant lung adenocarcinoma cells and BRAF inhibitors in BRAF-mutant melanoma cells. We found that there are numerous alternative mitogenic pathways that become activated in both cases, including YAP, STAT3, IGFR1, and phospholipase C (PLC)/protein kinase C (PKC) pathways. Our results suggest that an effective therapeutic strategy to prevent drug tolerance will need to take multiple alternative mitogenic pathways into account rather than focusing on one specific pathway.
Insights
Cancer cells develop drug tolerance through bypass pathways. Targeting multiple alternative mitogenic pathways, not just one, is crucial for effective cancer therapy and preventing drug resistance.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Systems Biology
Background:
- Drug resistance in cancer arises from surviving cells forming drug-tolerant populations.
- Specific bypass pathways are implicated as therapeutic targets for preventing drug tolerance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the development of drug tolerance in EGFR-mutant lung adenocarcinoma and BRAF-mutant melanoma using a systems-biology approach.
- To identify alternative mitogenic pathways activated during drug tolerance.
Main Methods:
- Proteomics and genomics were employed to analyze cancer cell lines.
- Examined drug tolerance to EGFR inhibitors in lung cancer and BRAF inhibitors in melanoma.
Main Results:
- Multiple alternative mitogenic pathways, including YAP, STAT3, IGFR1, and phospholipase C (PLC)/protein kinase C (PKC), were activated in both cancer types.
- Identified numerous compensatory pathways contributing to drug tolerance.
Conclusions:
- Effective strategies to prevent drug tolerance must address multiple alternative mitogenic pathways.
- A single-pathway focus is insufficient for overcoming drug tolerance in cancer treatment.
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