Targeting galactose metabolic reprogramming overcomes immunotherapy resistance in KRAS-mutant lung adenocarcinoma:

Long Qian1, Juan Zhao1, Mengtao Fan1

  • 1Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Affiliated Huai'an No. 1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huai'an, Jiangsu, China.

Abstract

Insights

Targeting galactose metabolism in KRAS-mutant lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) can overcome immunotherapy resistance. Reprogramming metabolic pathways and targeting KDM5A shows promise for enhancing treatment efficacy in LUAD patients.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Metabolic pathways
  • Immunotherapy

Background:

  • KRAS-mutant lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) exhibits aggressive behavior and resistance to therapies.
  • Identifying reliable biomarkers and therapeutic targets for KRAS-mutant LUAD is crucial.
  • Galactose metabolism (GM) reprogramming may influence the tumor microenvironment (TME) and immunotherapy resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of GM reprogramming in KRAS-mutant LUAD.
  • To explore the impact of GM on the TME and immunotherapy resistance.
  • To identify potential therapeutic targets for KRAS-mutant LUAD.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of bulk-tissue transcriptomics data from public cohorts (GEO, TCGA).
  • Integration of single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) data, mutational profiles, and bioinformatic approaches.
  • Validation using animal experiments and flow cytometry to assess KDM5A inhibitor efficacy.

Main Results:

  • Single-cell analysis showed reduced immune infiltration and increased GM in KRAS-mutant LUAD cells.
  • Two GM-based molecular subtypes with distinct characteristics were identified.
  • KDM5A was identified as a predictor of immunotherapy resistance, and its inhibition sensitized KRAS-mutant LUAD to immunotherapy.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting GM-related genes holds therapeutic potential for KRAS-mutant LUAD.
  • Modulating GM can sensitize KRAS-mutant LUAD to immunotherapy.
  • KDM5A inhibition represents a promising strategy to enhance immunotherapy response in KRAS-mutant LUAD.