Project description:We examine the potential of Kras as a metabolic target in lung cancer using the KrasLSL-G12D lung cancer model. We demonstrate that mutant Kras drives a lipogenic gene expression program, and that fatty acid synthesis is important in Kras-induced tumorigenesis. Compare gene expression changes between mutant Kras (G12D) driven lung tumors and normal lung samples to identify pathways selectively altered in lung tumors.
Project description:Oncogenic KRAS is found in more than 25% of lung adenocarcinomas, the major histologic subtype of non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and is an important target for drug development. To this end, we generated four NSCLC lines with stable knockdown selective for oncogenic KRAS. As expected, stable knockdown of oncogenic KRAS led to inhibition of in vitro and in vivo tumor growth in the KRAS-mutant NSCLC cells, but not in NSCLC cells that have wild-type KRAS (but mutant NRAS). Surprisingly, we did not see large-scale induction of cell death and the growth inhibitory effect was not complete. To further understand the ability of NSCLCs to grow despite selective removal of mutant KRAS expression, we conducted microarray expression profiling of NSCLC cell lines with or without mutant KRAS knockdown and isogenic human bronchial epithelial cell lines with and without oncogenic KRAS. We found that although the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway is significantly downregulated after mutant KRAS knockdown, these NSCLCs showed increased levels of phospho-STAT3 and phospho–epidermal growth factor receptor, and variable changes in phospho-Akt. In addition, mutant KRAS knockdown sensitized the NSCLCs to p38 and EGFR inhibitors. Our findings suggest that targeting oncogenic KRAS by itself will not be sufficient treatment, but may offer possibilities of combining anti-KRAS strategies with other targeted drugs. Detailed information on the microarray results are available in a previous study (Sunaga N, et al. Mol Cancer Ther. 2011;10:336-46).
Project description:Fate and behaviour of neural progenitor cells is tightly regulated during mammalian brain development. Metabolic pathways, such as glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation, that are required for supplying energy and providing molecular building blocks to generate cells, govern progenitor function. However, the role of de novo lipogenesis, which is the conversion of glucose into fatty acids through the multi-enzyme protein fatty acid synthase (FASN), for brain development remains unknown. Using Emx1Cre-mediated, tissue-specific deletion of Fasn in the mouse embryonic telencephalon, we show that loss of FASN causes severe microcephaly, largely due to altered polarity of apical, radial glia progenitors (APs) and reduced progenitor proliferation. Further, genetic deletion and pharmacological inhibition of FASN in human embryonic stem cell (ESC)-derived forebrain organoids identifies a conserved role of FASN-dependent lipogenesis for radial glia cell polarity and progenitor expansion in the developing human forebrain. Thus, our data establish a role of de novo lipogenesis for mouse and human brain development and identify a link between progenitor cell polarity and lipid metabolism.
Project description:Cystic fibrosis (CF) mouse models exhibit exocrine pancreatic function yet do not develop adipose stores to the levels of non-CF mice. CF mice homozygous for the Cftr mutation (F508del) at 3 weeks (post-weaning) and 6 weeks (young adult) of age had markedly less adipose tissue than non-CF mice. Both 3- and 6-week old mice had dietary lipid absorption and fecal lipid excretion comparable to non-CF controls. Fractional hepatic de novo synthesis of palmitate and stearate (de novo lipogenesis, DNL) as determined by deuterium incorporation was reduced in CF mice. At 3 weeks of age, F508del mice had significantly decreased DNL of palmitate and stearate, by 83% and 80%, respectively. By 6 weeks of age, DNL rates in non-CF mice remained unchanged as compared to 3-week old mice, while DNL rates of F508del mice were still reduced, by 33% and 40%, respectively. Adipose tissue fatty acid profiles were comparable in CF and non-CF mice, indicating that adipose differences are quantitative, not qualitative. A correspondingly lower content of deuterium-labeled fatty acids was found in CF adipose tissue, consistent with reduced deposition of newly made hepatic triglycerides and/or decreased adipose tissue lipogenesis. Hepatic transcriptome analysis revealed lower mRNA expression from several genes involved in fatty acid biosynthesis, suggesting down-regulation of several enzymes in fatty acids synthesis as a mechanism for the reduced lipogenesis. These novel data provide a model for altered fat and fatty acid metabolism in CF, independent of malabsorption, and may partly explain the inability of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy to completely restore normal body mass to CF patients ∆F508 CF mice and its WT littermates (3-weeks old females, C57BL/6J) were examined. RNA extracted from snapped-frozen livers, 4 replicates per genotype.
Project description:Patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who initially respond to Sotorasib, a drug targeting the KRAS G12C mutation, eventually develop acquired resistance. However, the mechanisms driving this acquired resistance remain largely unclear. This study explored the role of AURKA in mediating resistance to Sotorasib in NSCLC. The expression levels of AURKA mRNA and protein in NSCLC cell lines (H358 and Calu-1) were assessed using qPCR and Western blot. To further elucidate the role of AURKA in the biological alterations of Sotorasib-resistant cells and its association with the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, a comprehensive set of assays were conducted, including MTS, colony formation, Transwell migration, luciferase reporter assays, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), molecular docking analyses, and immunoprecipitation. The key findings include: (1) Long-term Sotorasib treatment led to upregulation of AURKA; (2) Overexpression of AURKA induced Sotorasib resistance, suppressed apoptosis and promoted migratory potential in Calu-1 and H358 cells, while AURKA knockdown increased the sensitivity, enhanced apoptosis and inhibited migratory capacity of H358-SR and Calu-1-SR cells to Sotorasib; (3) Immunoprecipitation and luciferase reporter assays demonstrated a physical interaction between AURKA and PHB2, establishing a positive feedback loop that sustained malignant behaviors, potentially explaining how Sotorasib-resistant cells survived despite KRAS pathway inhibition; (4) AURKA stabilizes PHB2, activating the PI3K/AKT pathway and allowing cancer cells to bypass the KRAS blockade, thus restoring malignant behavior. (5) The combination of AURKA inhibitor and Sotorasib alleviates the acquired drug resistance in vitro and in vivo. These data suggest that resistance to Sotorasib in NSCLC is associated with a positive feedback loop involving AURKA, PHB2, and PI3K/AKT signaling. AURKA may serve as a biomarker for predicting the therapeutic efficacy of Sotorasib in KRAS G12C-targeted therapies and as a potential therapeutic target to overcome Sotorasib resistance in NSCLC.
Project description:Glutamine is a key nutrient for tumor cells that supports nucleotide and amino acid biosynthesis, replenishes the TCA cycle intermediates and contributes to redox metabolism. We identified oncogenic KRAS as a critical regulator of the response to glutamine deprivation in NSCLC. Full activation of the ATF4 stress response pathway is dependent on expression of NRF2 downstream of oncogenic KRAS in NSCLC. Through this mechanism, KRAS alters amino acid uptake and metabolism and sustains mTORC1 signaling during nutrient stress. Furthermore, we identified regulation of asparagine synthetase (ASNS) as a key effect of oncogenic KRAS signaling via ATF4 during glutamine deprivation, and a potential therapeutic target in KRAS mutant NSCLC.
Project description:Glutamine is a key nutrient for tumor cells that supports nucleotide and amino acid biosynthesis, replenishes the TCA cycle intermediates and contributes to redox metabolism. We identified oncogenic KRAS as a critical regulator of the response to glutamine deprivation in NSCLC. Full activation of the ATF4 stress response pathway is dependent on expression of NRF2 downstream of oncogenic KRAS in NSCLC. Through this mechanism, KRAS alters amino acid uptake and metabolism and sustains mTORC1 signaling during nutrient stress. Furthermore, we identified regulation of asparagine synthetase (ASNS) as a key effect of oncogenic KRAS signaling via ATF4 during glutamine deprivation, and a potential therapeutic target in KRAS mutant NSCLC.
Project description:Sustained tumor progression has been attributed to a distinct population of tumor-propagating cells (TPCs). To identify TPCs relevant to lung cancer pathogenesis, we investigated functional heterogeneity in tumor cells isolated from Kras-driven mouse models of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). CD24+ITGB4+Notchhi cells are capable of propagating tumor growth in both a clonogenic and an orthotopic serial transplantation assay. While all four Notch receptors mark TPCs, Notch3 plays a non-redundant role in tumor cell propagation in two mouse model and in human NSCLC. The TPC population is enriched after chemotherapy and the gene signature of mouse TPCs correlates with poor prognosis in human NSCLC. The unique role of Notch3 in tumor propagation may provide a therapeutic target for NSCLC Highly purified primary tumor cells were FACS sorted based on expression of CD24. Samples were derived from six mice.
Project description:Glutamine is a key nutrient for tumor cells that supports nucleotide and amino acid biosynthesis, replenishes the TCA cycle intermediates and contributes to redox metabolism. We identified oncogenic KRAS as a critical regulator of the response to glutamine deprivation in NSCLC. Full activation of the ATF4 stress response pathway is dependent on expression of NRF2 downstream of oncogenic KRAS in NSCLC. Through this mechanism, KRAS alters amino acid uptake and metabolism and sustains mTORC1 signaling during nutrient stress. Furthermore, we identified regulation of asparagine synthetase (ASNS) as a key effect of oncogenic KRAS signaling via ATF4 during glutamine deprivation, and a potential therapeutic target in KRAS mutant NSCLC.