Title:
|
Targeting acute resistance mechanisms inhibition in BRAFMT CRC
|
Colorectal cancer (GRG) is the 3rd common cancer, and second leading cause of cancer associated
mortality. Oncogenic mutations in the BRAF gene results in an altered protein
structure, leading to constitutively activated MAPK signalling. Beneficial treatment strategies for
this poor prognostic subgroup of GRG patients have yet to be identified. Hence this objective of
this study was to identify novel treatment strategies in BRAF mutant GRG models. Our data has
shown that MEK inhibition results in acute expression of pSTAT3, regulated through the c-METI
JAK signalling axis. Taking a combined approach of JAKlMEK, or c-MET/MEK inhibition we have
shown that these combinations results in significant increased apoptosis in BRAFMT GRG, and
have potential as novel combinations. Furthermore, we are the first to show that MEK inhibition
results in increased expression of the caspase 8 inhibitor c-FLlP, as a mechanism of resistance to
apoptosis induction. Using a gene silencing and small-molecule inhibitor approach, we have
identified that combined c-FLlP/MEK inhibition is a novel treatment strategy that may provide
benefit for this subgroup of GRG patients.
|