Bcr-Abl Resistance Screening Predicts a Limited Spectrum of Point Mutations To Be Associated with Clinical Resistance to the Abl Kinase Inhibitor AMN107.

Blood ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 106 (11) ◽  
pp. 1983-1983 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nikolas von Bubnoff ◽  
Jana Saenger ◽  
Paul W. Manley ◽  
Juergen Mestan ◽  
Christian Peschel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Imatinib Mesylate ◽  
Kinase Inhibitors ◽  
Point Mutations ◽  
Imatinib Resistance ◽  
Resistance Profile ◽  
Abl Kinase ◽  
Clinical Resistance ◽  
Limited Spectrum ◽  
Abl Kinase Inhibitors

Abstract In advanced-phase CML, resistance to imatinib mesylate is frequently associated with point mutations in the Bcr-Abl kinase domain. New, highly potent Abl kinase inhibitors such as AMN107 and BMS-354824, have recently entered clinical trials. Data from analyses of resistant patients will be available not before a large number of resistant patients will have been treated within clinical trials. Therefore, it will be important to generate specific resistance profiles for each compound prior to its therapeutic application. Using a cell-based screening method for resistance of Bcr-Abl positive leukemia to Abl kinase inhibitors, we generated a resistance profile for AMN107 and compared it to the resistance profile of imatinib mesylate. In contrast to imatinib, resistance to AMN107 was associated with a very limited spectrum of Bcr-Abl kinase mutations. While 26 exchanges at 21 positions occured with imatinib, the AMN107 screen revealed eight different exchanges at seven amino acid positions, with four exchanges affecting the P-loop. Novel mutations which have never been observed with imatinib, either in vitro or in resistant patients, emerged in the presence of AMN107 including an F359 exchange to isoleucine and a Q252H/S349L double mutant. In contrast to imatinib, the frequency of resistant colonies dramatically decreased with increasing AMN107 concentrations. Rarely emerging resistant colonies at a concentration of 400 nM AMN107 exclusively contained T315I. With the exception of T315I, all mutations that were identified were effectively suppressed when AMN107 was increased to 2000 nM, a concentration which is achieved in plasma in treated patients. Thus, in this system, increasing the AMN107 concentration to 400 nM prevented the emergence of resistant colonies, with the exception of T315I. Our findings suggest that AMN107 might be superior to imatinib in terms of the development of resistance. Also, AMN107 at clinically relevant concentrations may overcome imatinib resistant disease, including cases with expression of P-loop mutations. However, our study indicates that clinical resistance to AMN107 may be associated with the predominant emergence of T315I. Using this or similar approaches, it will be possible to provide information that translates into combinatorial and sequential treatment strategies and to determine critical plasma concentrations for mutations that might occur during treatment.

Bcr-Abl resistance screening predicts a limited spectrum of point mutations to be associated with clinical resistance to the Abl kinase inhibitor nilotinib (AMN107)

Blood ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 108 (4) ◽  
pp. 1328-1333 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nikolas von Bubnoff ◽  
Paul W. Manley ◽  
Jurgen Mestan ◽  
Jana Sanger ◽  
Christian Peschel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Imatinib Mesylate ◽  
Kinase Inhibitors ◽  
Kinase Inhibitor ◽  
Point Mutations ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Kinase Domain ◽  
Abl Kinase ◽  
Advanced Phase ◽  
Clinical Resistance ◽  
Limited Spectrum

Abstract In advanced-phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), resistance to imatinib mesylate is associated with point mutations in the BCR-ABL kinase domain. A new generation of potent ABL kinase inhibitors is undergoing clinical evaluation. It is important to generate specific resistance profiles for each of these compounds, which could translate into combinatorial and sequential treatment strategies. Having characterized nilotinib (AMN107) against a large panel of imatinib mesylate–resistant Bcr-Abl mutants, we investigated which mutants might arise under nilotinib therapy using a cell-based resistance screen. In contrast to imatinib mesylate, resistance to nilotinib was associated with a limited spectrum of Bcr-Abl kinase mutations. Among these were mutations affecting the P-loop and T315I. Rarely emerging resistant colonies at a concentration of 400 nM nilotinib exclusively expressed the T315I mutation. With the exception of T315I, all of the mutations that were identified were effectively suppressed when the nilotinib concentration was increased to 2000 nM, which falls within the peak-trough range in plasma levels (3.6-1.7 μM) measured in patients treated with 400 mg twice daily. Our findings suggest that nilotinib might be superior to imatinib mesylate in terms of the development of resistance. However, our study indicates that clinical resistance to nilotinib may be associated with the predominant emergence of T315I.

High Sensitive Detection of Imatinib-Resistance Associated Mutations Based on ARMS-PCR.

Blood ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 104 (11) ◽  
pp. 2943-2943
Author(s):  
Franz X.E. Gruber ◽  
Mikchail Soevershaev ◽  
Marita Olsen ◽  
Bjoern Skogen
Keyword(s):  
Kinase Inhibitors ◽  
Point Mutations ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Kinase Domain ◽  
Single Step ◽  
Sensitive Detection ◽  
Imatinib Resistance ◽  
Abl Kinase ◽  
Loop Region ◽  
Highly Sensitive Detection

Abstract Background: Point mutations in the Abl kinase domain are associated with resistance against imatinib. Strategies to overcome resistance include dose escalation, combination treatment using imatinib with conventional or other developmental agents or, in the future, imatinib may be replaced by other tyrosine kinase inhibitors which work effectively against mutated clones. Mutational profiling of the BCR-ABL kinase domain will in this scenario become an important analysis as a supplement to BCR-ABL quantitation and may provide the rational basis for therapy, once resistance is diagnosed. Our group reported recently a sensitive, single step PCR assay for quantitation of mutated clones based on the ARMS principle. Aim: We describe an optimized, two step analysis for high sensitivity screening of mutated clones associated with resistance against imatinib targeting all P-Loop mutations, the T315I and M351T. Methods: In a first conventional PCR-reaction a cDNA-region spanning the BCR-ABL breakpoint is amplified resulting in an isolation of the BCR-ABL kinase domain for further analysis. An aliquot is then analysed in a second PCR step, conducted on the real time PCR Taqman platform. Selectivity for the mutated clone is conferred by the amplification refractoriness of non complementary primer 3′-ends (ARMS principle). By introducing potent nucleotide-mismatches in position n-2, selectivity of the assay could be further increased. Even in the P-Loop region, which is known to be a difficult PCR template, misannealing could be reduced to an acceptable level. Results: Assays targeting all P-Loop mutations inclusive the T315I and M351T were tested by analysis of patient samples diluted in normal cDNA and non-mutated BCR-ABL and plasmid dilutions, containing the targeted mutation in a background of wildtype plasmids. Generally a 1:1000 dilution of mutated templates could be detected (sensitivity 0.1%). For some mutations even higher sensitivity could be achieved (0.01%). The level of sensitivity is generally higher than reported for other methods described before. The first PCR step can be conducted in parallel to other PCR-based detection strategies. The second step can be run simultanously to Taqman based BCR-ABL quantitation. This makes the described assay the ideal supplement to general mutation detection approaches like D-HPLC or sequencing strategies. Compared to the single step assay we desribed before, the two step approach increases sensitivity with one or two log factors. Conclusion: The described assay may be suitable for highly sensitive detection of mutated clones in resistant CML patients as a supplement to less sensitive general screening approaches and BCR-ABL quantitation.

Optimal Treatment for Patients after Dasatinib or Nilotinib: Comparison of Preclinical Activities of Approved and Promising Investigational Kinase Inhibitors Against BCR-ABL Kinase Domain Mutations That Confer Clinical Resistance to Dasatinib or Nilotinib.

Blood ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 110 (11) ◽  
pp. 4589-4589
Author(s):  
Corynn Kasap ◽  
Christopher Weier ◽  
Neil P. Shah
Keyword(s):  
Second Generation ◽  
Kinase Inhibitors ◽  
Kinase Inhibitor ◽  
Kinase Domain ◽  
Inhibitor Therapy ◽  
Drug Resistant ◽  
Imatinib Resistance ◽  
Abl Kinase ◽  
Clinical Resistance ◽  
Kinase Domain Mutations

Abstract The optimal management of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is increasingly reliant upon molecular studies. Loss of response to imatinib in CML is most commonly associated with selection for a limited number of BCR-ABL kinase domain mutations that impair the ability of imatinib to effectively bind to BCR-ABL Molecular understanding of imatinib resistance mechanisms has led to the development of effective “second generation” BCR-ABL kinase inhibitors, such as dasatinib and nilotinib, which have clinical activity against most, but not all, drug-resistant mutations. Analysis of the BCR-ABL kinase domain in patients who develop resistance to second-generation inhibitors has implicated further selection of drug-resistant BCR-ABL kinase domain mutants in nearly all cases reported to date. Encouragingly, the number of resistant mutations capable of conferring clinical resistance to the most clinically-advanced second-generation agents, dasatinib (approved by the US FDA and EMEA) and nilotinib (approved in Mexico and Switzerland), appears to be restricted to a relatively small number of amino acid substitutions. As clinical experience with dasatinib and nilotinib grows, an understanding of the relative sensitivities of dasatinib- and nilotinib-resistant BCR-ABL mutants to other kinase inhibitors, both approved and investigational, is critical to optimize clinical outcomes in patients with resistance to dasatinib or nilotinib. At the present time, kinase inhibitor therapy options for patients with resistance to one of these agents include the investigational options bosutinib and MK-0457 (VX-680), as well as dasatinib and nilotinib (for patients not yet exposed to one of these agents) and re-exposure imatinib. It is likely that the success of therapeutic intervention in these cases can be predicted based upon the preclinical sensitivity of the mutation(s) involved with the agent chosen. We have therefore conducted a thorough biochemical and biological cross-analysis of the activities of each of these clinically-useful kinase inhibitors against mutations that confer clinical resistance to dasatinib or nilotinib. These studies provide clinicians with a useful reference for choosing an appropriate kinase inhibitor based upon the identity of the resistant BCR-ABL kinase domain mutation(s) detected at the time of relapse when faced with a patient who has lost response to dasatinib or nilotinib. It is hoped that the application of such “personalized medicine” strategies to the clinical management of CML cases will further improve outcomes in patients treated with kinase inhibitor therapy.

Screening of Mutations in BCR-ABL Kinase Domain in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) Patients Treated with Kinase Inhibitors by Denaturing High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (D-HPLC).

Blood ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 110 (11) ◽  
pp. 4580-4580
Author(s):  
Cintia C. Mascarenhas ◽  
Anderson F. Cunha ◽  
Katia B.B. Pagnano ◽  
Rosana A. Silveira ◽  
Fernando F. Costa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Marrow ◽  
Bone Marrow Transplantation ◽  
Marrow Transplantation ◽  
Kinase Inhibitors ◽  
Blast Crisis ◽  
Point Mutations ◽  
Kinase Domain ◽  
Molecular Response ◽  
Abl Kinase ◽  
Clinical Resistance

Abstract Point mutations within the ABL kinase domain are the most frequent mechanism for reactivation of kinase activity of the BCR-ABL gene and have been associated with clinical resistance to tyrosine kinases (TK) inhibitors in CML patients conferring in some of them a poor prognosis. The T315I (Treonine → Isoleucine) is a mutation described in exon 6 of BCR-ABL gene that makes the protein resistant to all kinase inhibitors most currently used for treating CML (imatinib, nilotinib and dasatinib). D-HPLC allows for high throughput mutation screening. This technique is based on heteroduplex formation by PCR products amplified from wild type and mutant alleles. Under optimized denaturing conditions, these heteroduplexes can be distinguished from homoduplex. In this study we screened mutations in exon 6 of BCR-ABL gene in patients treated with kinase inhibitors, in different phases of the disease. We evaluated 85 patients: 9 at diagnosis, 81 in chronic phase, 3 in accelerated phase, one in blast crisis. Thirty four were resistant to imatinib, 10 of them to dasatinib and three had suboptimal response to imatinib. In 9 of 85 (10,5%) samples, D-HPLC showed an abnormal elution profile suggesting the presence of nucleotide changes. Automated sequencing confirmed the presence of two point mutations: T315I (two patients) and F359V (two patients). Five patients requires sequencing confirmation. Patients with T315I mutation failed to imatinib and dasatinib. One of them relapsed after bone marrow transplantation in blast crisis. Patients with F359V mutation were resistant to imatinib. One of them has partial hematological response with dasatinib and the other is in complete molecular response after bone marrow transplantation. D-HPLC seems to be a ship and practical method for routine clinical monitoring for emergence of kinase domain mutations and may be useful for optimizing therapy in CML. Early detection of emerging mutant clones may help in decision-making of alternative treatment.

Overcoming Resistance in Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia

2013 ◽  
pp. 306-312
Author(s):  
Michael J. Mauro
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia ◽  
Kinase Inhibitors ◽  
Kinase Inhibitor ◽  
Point Mutations ◽  
Kinase Domain ◽  
Drug Binding ◽  
Myelogenous Leukemia ◽  
Novel Therapy ◽  
Abl Kinase ◽  
Clinical Resistance

Resistance in chronic myelogenous leukemia is an issue that has developed in parallel to the availability of rationally designed small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors to treat the disease. A significant fraction of patients with clinical resistance are recognized to harbor point mutations/substitutions in the Abl kinase domain, which limit or preclude drug binding and activity. Recent data suggest that compound mutations may develop as well. Proper identification of clinical resistance and prudent screening for all causes of resistance, ranging from adherence to therapy to Abl kinase mutations, is crucial to success with kinase inhibitor therapy. There is currently an array of Abl kinase inhibitors with unique toxicity and activity profiles available, allowing for individualizing therapy beginning with initial choice at diagnosis and as well informed choice of subsequent therapy in the face of toxicity or resistance, with or without Abl kinase domain mutations. Recent studies continue to highlight the merits of increasingly aggressive initial therapy to subvert resistance and importance of early response to identify need for change in therapy. Proper knowledge and navigation amongst novel therapy options and consideration of drug toxicities, individual patient characteristics, disease response, and vigilance for development of resistance are necessary elements of optimized care for the patient with chronic myelogenous leukemia.

scholarly journals Beneficial effects of combining nilotinib and imatinib in preclinical models of BCR-ABL+ leukemias

Blood ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 109 (5) ◽  
pp. 2112-2120 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ellen Weisberg ◽  
Laurie Catley ◽  
Renee D. Wright ◽  
Daisy Moreno ◽  
Lolita Banerji ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Kinase Inhibitors ◽  
Phase 1 ◽  
Point Mutations ◽  
Myelogenous Leukemia ◽  
In Vivo Model ◽  
Abl Kinase ◽  
Imatinib Resistant ◽  
Sequential Administration ◽  
Synergistic Cytotoxicity ◽  
Abl Kinase Inhibitors

Abstract Drug resistance resulting from emergence of imatinib-resistant BCR-ABL point mutations is a significant problem in advanced-stage chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). The BCR-ABL inhibitor, nilotinib (AMN107), is significantly more potent against BCR-ABL than imatinib, and is active against many imatinib-resistant BCR-ABL mutants. Phase 1/2 clinical trials show that nilotinib can induce remissions in patients who have previously failed imatinib, indicating that sequential therapy with these 2 agents has clinical value. However, simultaneous, rather than sequential, administration of 2 BCR-ABL kinase inhibitors is attractive for many reasons, including the theoretical possibility that this could reduce emergence of drug-resistant clones. Here, we show that exposure of a variety of BCR-ABL+ cell lines to imatinib and nilotinib results in additive or synergistic cytotoxicity, including testing of a large panel of cells expressing BCR-ABL point mutations causing resistance to imatinib in patients. Further, using a highly quantifiable bioluminescent in vivo model, drug combinations were at least additive in antileukemic activity, compared with each drug alone. These results suggest that despite binding to the same site in the same target kinase, the combination of imatinib and nilotinib is highly efficacious in these models, indicating that clinical testing of combinations of BCR-ABL kinase inhibitors is warranted.

A Cell-Based Screening Method for Resistance of Bcr-Abl Positive Leukemia Identifies the Mutation Pattern for an Alternative Abl Kinase Inhibitor.

Blood ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 104 (11) ◽  
pp. 558-558
Author(s):  
Nikolas von Bubnoff ◽  
Darren R. Veach ◽  
Heiko van der Kuip ◽  
Walter E. Aulitzky ◽  
Jana Saenger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Kinase Inhibitors ◽  
Screening Method ◽  
Point Mutations ◽  
Kinase Domain ◽  
Screening Strategy ◽  
Culture Conditions ◽  
Cross Resistance ◽  
Imatinib Resistance ◽  
Abl Kinase ◽  
A Cell

Abstract The increasing impact of targeted cancer treatment demands strategies to identify and evaluate resistance mechanisms toward kinase inhibitors prior to their therapeutic application. Point mutations within the Bcr-Abl kinase domain constitute the major mechanism of resistance toward imatinib mesylate in Philadelphia-positive (Ph+) leukemia. Using Bcr-Abl-transformed Ba/F3 cells, we established a cell-based screening strategy for the prediction of specific kinase mutations that cause resistance toward kinase inhibitors. With imatinib at clinically relevant concentrations, we generated 368 resistant Ba/F3 sublines that were derived from resistant colonies. Thirty-two different single point mutations within the kinase domain of Bcr-Abl were identified in twenty-five per cent (liquid culture conditions) and seventy-two per cent (solid culture conditions) of these lines at known and novel positions. Using imatinib, the pattern and relative frequency of mutations reflected matters observed in patients with imatinib resistance. We then applied this screen to the pyrido-pyrimidine PD166326 (PD16), an investigational Abl kinase inihibitor. Compared to imatinib, we observed a five to seven times lower frequency of resistant colonies with equipotent concentrations of PD16. In addition, PD16 produced a distinct pattern of Bcr-Abl mutations. P-loop, A-loop and the known imatinib contact site T315 were affected with both inhibitors, whereas C-helix and SH2 contact sites were affected in imatinib resistant colonies exclusively. In contrast to imatinib, where kinase domain mutations were still widely distributed over the kinase domain even at at 4μM, mutations observed with PD16 at a concentration of 100nM narrowed to the exchange at position T315 to iseulicine. We did not detect mutations outside the kinase domain. Some resistant sublines displayed increased Bcr-Abl activity. Mutations that were derived from the screen were cloned and examined for the extent of cross-resistance to both inhibitors. The majority of mutations were effectively suppressed by PD16 at 50–500nM. In contrast, only few mutations were inhibited by imatinib at 5–10μM. However, exchanges at position F317 mediated resistance toward PD16, but were inhibited by standard concentrations of imatinib. Since this cell-based system produced results that are clinically significant, it may be used to predict resistance mutations in Bcr-Abl and other oncogenic kinases like cKit, EGFR, FIP1L1-PDGFRalpha or FLT3 towards clinically applicated and investigational drugs. Thus, this robust and simple screening strategy provides a rational basis for combinatorial and sequential treatment strategies.

Mutations in the BCR/ABL Kinase Encoding the Resistance to Imatinib Mesylate Do Not Modify the Sensitivity to Genotoxic Treatment.

Blood ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 108 (11) ◽  
pp. 2194-2194
Author(s):  
Milene Bargaoanu ◽  
Tomasz Skorski
Keyword(s):  
Imatinib Mesylate ◽  
Kinase Activity ◽  
Kinase Inhibitors ◽  
Point Mutations ◽  
Kinase Domain ◽  
Dna Lesions ◽  
Leukemia Cells ◽  
Activation Loop ◽  
Γ Irradiation ◽  
Abl Kinase

Abstract Imatinib mesylate (IM), a selective inhibitor of ABL kinase activity, revolutionized the treatment of BCR/ABL-positive leukemias. Unfortunately, clinical and experimental observations reveal that resistance to IM is a rising problem, which obscures an otherwise very successful oncogene-targeted therapy. IM resistance can be achieved by point mutations in the kinase domain of BCR/ABL and have been detected in 50–90% of patients with acquired resistance to IM, including ~23% of the IM-naive patients. Strategies to enhance the effect of IM and eventually overcome the resistance are dose escalation, addition of a growth factor, and combinations with novel tyrosine kinase inhibitors like AMN107 and dasatinib, or with inhibitors targeting downstream BCR/ABL effectors, e.g. PI-3k. Unfortunately, resistance to other small molecule inhibitors is likely to appear, as well. Therefore, we tested the sensitivity of leukemia cells expressing IM-resistant BCR/ABL mutants to genotoxic agents. Baf3 cells expressing similar levels of p210BCR/ABL wild-type (WT) and Y253F, Y253H, E255K, E255V, T315I, M351T, and H396P mutants were established. These mutants were selected since they represent several functionally distinct ABL kinase domain regions, including P-loop (Y253F/H and E255K/V), the site of a hydrogen bond with IM (T315I), the activation loop hinge (M351T), and the activation loop (H396P). In addition, they exhibit altered transformation potency, kinase activity, and substrate utilization, irrespective of sensitivity to IM. Western analysis demonstrated similarity, but also differences in the patterns of tyrosine phosphorylated proteins in total cell lysates. As expected, these clones displayed different level of sensitivity to IM: T315I>Y253H>E255V>E255K=Y253F>M251T=H396P>WT. However, leukemia cells expressing the WT and IM-resistant BCR/ABL kinase mutants demonstrated similar sensitivity to cytotoxic drugs such as hydroxyurea (HU), mitomycin C (MMC), and N-Methyl N’-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG). Surprisingly, clones expressing IM-resistant BCR/ABL kinase mutants were more sensitive to γ-irradiation than their WT counterparts. γ-H2AX (histone H2AX phosphorylated on S139) nuclear foci, which serve as marker of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), the most lethal DNA lesions, were detected by immunofluorescence. Leukemia cells expressing WT and IM-resistant p210BCR/ABL proteins accumulated similar numbers of DSBs after MMC treatment and γ-irradiation. This observation suggests that leukemia cells expressing IM-resistant p210BCR/ABL mutants may be eliminated by genotoxic treatment, especially γ-irradiation. In addition, IM-resistant BCR/ABL kinase mutants, in contrast to the WT kinase may not be able to modulate the mechanisms protecting from apoptosis induced by γ-irradiation.

Defining and Managing Imatinib Resistance

Hematology ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 2006 (1) ◽  
pp. 219-225 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael J. Mauro
Keyword(s):  
Kinase Inhibitors ◽  
Residual Disease ◽  
Philadelphia Chromosome ◽  
Chronic Phase ◽  
Common Finding ◽  
Sustained Remission ◽  
Imatinib Resistance ◽  
Secondary Resistance ◽  
Abl Kinase ◽  
Clinical Resistance

AbstractWhile imatinib is highly effective therapy, with improving prospects over time for sustained remission and potential to severely limit or eliminate disease progression and transformation, a minority of patients either fail or respond suboptimally to imatinib; as well, disease eradication may not be possible with imatinib. Distinct patterns of resistance have evolved with the use of imatinib, and Abl kinase mutations, which alter imatinib binding or favor kinase conformations inaccessible to imatinib, are a common finding associated with clinical resistance. Dasatinib and nilotinib, alternate Abl kinase inhibitors, restore hematologic and cytogenetic remission in the majority of patients with primary failure or acquired resistance in chronic phase disease; in advanced disease and Philadelphia chromosome (Ph)+ ALL, responses are more limited and relapse is common. Future studies with these agents will focus on further optimizing imatinib response, reduction of minimal residual disease, and prevention of resistance. Still newer inhibitors active against T315I mutant BCR-ABL may overcome primary and secondary resistance to dasatinib and nilotinib.

BCR-ABL P-Loop Deletion Detected in Imatinib-Resistant CML Patients Corresponds to Splice Variant Associated with L248V Point Mutation, Retains BCR-ABL Kinase Activity, and Responds to Dasatinib Treatment.

Blood ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 108 (11) ◽  
pp. 2168-2168
Author(s):  
Nikolas von Bubnoff ◽  
Philipp Erben ◽  
Martin Müller ◽  
Tanja Lahaye ◽  
Susanne Schnittger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Splice Variant ◽  
Kinase Activity ◽  
Kinase Inhibitors ◽  
Point Mutations ◽  
Kinase Domain ◽  
Imatinib Resistance ◽  
Abl Kinase ◽  
Imatinib Resistant ◽  
Exon 4

Abstract Clonal selection of cells harboring point mutations of the BCR-ABL kinase domain are considered a major cause of resistance to imatinib. More than 40 different point mutations have been described that cause a variable degree of imatinib resistance, and display a differential response to alternative kinase inhibitors, like dasatinib or nilotinib. Here, we describe three cases (2 m, 1 f) with imatinib resistant chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) associated with a specific deletion of 81 bp of ABL exon 4. Patients were diagnosed with chronic phase (CP) CML at the age of 52, 54, and 68 years. After initial interferon alpha based therapies for 32, 60, and 71 mo, imatinib therapy was initiated at dosages between 400–800 mg per day. After 18, 24, and 29 mo patients lost hematologic response in CP CML (n=2) or progressed to lymphoid blast crisis (BC, n=1). Molecular analysis of the ABL kinase domain revealed a deletion of a 81 bp fragment associated with a loss of amino acids 248–274 in all cases. In one patient, an additional M351T mutation was found. In the two cases with CP CML, dasatinib was commenced for imatinib resistance, resulting in a partial hematologic and minor cytogenetic response (60 and 70% Ph+ metaphases, respectively) after 14 mo of therapy. The patient with lymphoid BC was treated with vincristine and prednisone and died 24 mo after appearance of imatinib resistance. In two cases, sequencing of genomic DNA revealed an underlying CTG/GTG mutation associated with a L248V amino acid switch. The point mutation activated a cryptic splice site within ABL exon 4 leading to an in-frame splice variant characterized by the loss of a 81 bp 3′ portion of exon 4. We sought to evaluate the BCR-ABL kinase activity of the splice variant and the response to tyrosine kinase inhibitors in vitro. The 81 bp deletion of p210 BCR-ABL was cloned using cDNA from one of the patients. Using this construct, retrovirally transduced Ba/F3 cells were transformed upon growth factor withdrawal. These cells expressed BCR-ABL at the transcript and protein levels. Presence of the 81 bp deletion was confirmed by sequencing. Despite the presence of the corresponding 27 amino acid P-loop deletion (Δ248–274), Western blot indicated strong autophosphorylation of BCR-ABL, which decreased in the presence of imatinib to non-detectable levels at concentrations of 1.25μM and above. In the presence of imatinib/nilotinib/dasatinib, the growth of BCR-ABL expressing Ba/F3 cells was shifted from an IC50 of 125/30/0.5nM for wild-type BCR-ABL to 470/185/1.9nM for Δ248–274 cells. Thus, in vitro data demonstrate that deletion of almost the entire P-loop does not abrogate BCR-ABL kinase activity and results in only marginal resistance towards ABL kinase inhibitors. We conclude that deletions of BCR-ABL may be the result of alternative splicing generated by point mutations associated with resistance to imatinib. The Δ248–274 splice variant retains BCR-ABL kinase activity and sensitivity to imatinib, nilotinib, and dasatinib.

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