Characterization of newly established Pralatrexate-resistant cell lines and the mechanisms of resistance

Abstract Background Pralatrexate (PDX) is a novel antifolate approved for the treatment of patients with relapsed/refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma, but some patients exhibit intrinsic resistance or develop acquired resistance. Here, we evaluated the mechanisms underlying acquired resistance to PDX and explored potential therapeutic strategies to overcome PDX resistance. Methods To investigate PDX resistance, we established two PDX-resistant T-lymphoblastic leukemia cell lines (CEM and MOLT4) through continuous exposure to increasing doses of PDX. The resistance mechanisms were evaluated by measuring PDX uptake, apoptosis induction and folate metabolism-related protein expression. We also applied gene expression analysis and methylation profiling to identify the mechanisms of resistance. We then explored rational drug combinations using a spheroid (3D)-culture assay. Results Compared with their parental cells, PDX-resistant cells exhibited a 30-fold increase in half-maximal inhibitory concentration values. Induction of apoptosis by PDX was significantly decreased in both PDX-resistant cell lines. Intracellular uptake of [14C]-PDX decreased in PDX-resistant CEM cells but not in PDX-resistant MOLT4 cells. There was no significant change in expression of dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) or folylpolyglutamate synthetase (FPGS). Gene expression array analysis revealed that DNA-methyltransferase 3β (DNMT3B) expression was significantly elevated in both cell lines. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed that adipogenesis and mTORC1 signaling pathways were commonly upregulated in both resistant cell lines. Moreover, CpG island hypermethylation was observed in both PDX resistant cells lines. In the 3D-culture assay, decitabine (DAC) plus PDX showed synergistic effects in PDX-resistant cell lines compared with parental lines. Conclusions The resistance mechanisms of PDX were associated with reduced cellular uptake of PDX and/or overexpression of DNMT3B. Epigenetic alterations were also considered to play a role in the resistance mechanism. The combination of DAC and PDX exhibited synergistic activity, and thus, this approach might improve the clinical efficacy of PDX.

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Molecular Alterations Associated with Acquired Drug Resistance during Combined Treatment with Encorafenib and Binimetinib in Melanoma Cell Lines

Cancers ◽

10.3390/cancers13236058 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (23) ◽

pp. 6058

Author(s):

Vikas Patel ◽

István Szász ◽

Viktória Koroknai ◽

Tímea Kiss ◽

Margit Balázs

Keyword(s):

Drug Resistance ◽

Cell Lines ◽

Melanoma Cell ◽

Acquired Resistance ◽

Resistance Mechanisms ◽

Resistant Cell ◽

Differentially Expressed ◽

Molecular Alterations ◽

Melanoma Cell Lines ◽

Resistant Cells

Combination treatment using BRAF/MEK inhibitors is a promising therapy for patients with advanced BRAFV600E/K mutant melanoma. However, acquired resistance largely limits the clinical efficacy of this drug combination. Identifying resistance mechanisms is essential to reach long-term, durable responses. During this study, we developed six melanoma cell lines with acquired resistance for BRAFi/MEKi treatment and defined the molecular alterations associated with drug resistance. We observed that the invasion of three resistant cell lines increased significantly compared to the sensitive cells. RNA-sequencing analysis revealed differentially expressed genes that were functionally linked to a variety of biological functions including epithelial-mesenchymal transition, the ROS pathway, and KRAS-signalling. Using proteome profiler array, several differentially expressed proteins were detected, which clustered into a unique pattern. Galectin showed increased expression in four resistant cell lines, being the highest in the WM1617E+BRes cells. We also observed that the resistant cells behaved differently after the withdrawal of the inhibitors, five were not drug addicted at all and did not exhibit significantly increased lethality; however, the viability of one resistant cell line (WM1617E+BRes) decreased significantly. We have selected three resistant cell lines to investigate the protein expression changes after drug withdrawal. The expression patterns of CapG, Enolase 2, and osteopontin were similar in the resistant cells after ten days of “drug holiday”, but the Snail protein was only expressed in the WM1617E+BRes cells, which showed a drug-dependent phenotype, and this might be associated with drug addiction. Our results highlight that melanoma cells use several types of resistance mechanisms involving the altered expression of different proteins to bypass drug treatment.

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Efficacy of the CDK4/6 Dual Inhibitor Abemaciclib in EGFR-Mutated NSCLC Cell Lines with Different Resistance Mechanisms to Osimertinib

Cancers ◽

10.3390/cancers13010006 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

pp. 6

Author(s):

Silvia La Monica ◽

Claudia Fumarola ◽

Daniele Cretella ◽

Mara Bonelli ◽

Roberta Minari ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cell Lines ◽

Kinase Inhibitor ◽

Acquired Resistance ◽

Growth Factor Receptor ◽

Resistance Mechanisms ◽

Resistant Cell ◽

Nsclc Cell ◽

Dual Inhibitor ◽

Nsclc Patients ◽

Egfr Mutated

Abemaciclib is an inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK) 4 and 6 that inhibits the transition from the G1 to the S phase of the cell cycle by blocking downstream CDK4/6-mediated phosphorylation of Rb. The effects of abemaciclib alone or combined with the third-generation epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) osimertinib were examined in a panel of PC9 and HCC827 osimertinib-resistant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines carrying EGFR-dependent or -independent mechanisms of intrinsic or acquired resistance. Differently from sensitive cells, all the resistant cell lines analyzed maintained p-Rb, which may be considered as a biomarker of osimertinib resistance and a potential target for therapeutic intervention. In these models, abemaciclib inhibited cell growth, spheroid formation, colony formation, and induced senescence, and its efficacy was not enhanced in the presence of osimertinib. Interestingly, in osimertinib sensitive PC9, PC9T790M, and H1975 cells the combination of abemaciclib with osimertinib significantly inhibited the onset of resistance in long-term experiments. Our findings provide a preclinical support for using abemaciclib to treat resistance in EGFR mutated NSCLC patients progressed to osimertinib either as single treatment or combined with osimertinib, and suggest the combination of osimertinib with abemaciclib as a potential approach to prevent or delay osimertinib resistance in first-line treatment.

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Dissecting Mechanisms of Melanoma Resistance to BRAF and MEK Inhibitors Revealed Genetic and Non-Genetic Patient- and Drug-Specific Alterations and Remarkable Phenotypic Plasticity

Cells ◽

10.3390/cells9010142 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

pp. 142 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Mariusz L. Hartman ◽

Malgorzata Sztiller-Sikorska ◽

Anna Gajos-Michniewicz ◽

Malgorzata Czyz

Keyword(s):

Phenotypic Plasticity ◽

Cell Lines ◽

Mapk Pathway ◽

Acquired Resistance ◽

Resistance Mechanisms ◽

Genetic Alterations ◽

Resistant Cell ◽

Cross Resistance ◽

Preclinical Model ◽

Development Of Resistance

The clinical benefit of MAPK pathway inhibition in BRAF-mutant melanoma patients is limited by the development of acquired resistance. Using drug-naïve cell lines derived from tumor specimens, we established a preclinical model of melanoma resistance to vemurafenib or trametinib to provide insight into resistance mechanisms. Dissecting the mechanisms accompanying the development of resistance, we have shown that (i) most of genetic and non-genetic alterations are triggered in a cell line- and/or drug-specific manner; (ii) several changes previously assigned to the development of resistance are induced as the immediate response to the extent measurable at the bulk levels; (iii) reprogramming observed in cross-resistance experiments and growth factor-dependence restricted by the drug presence indicate that phenotypic plasticity of melanoma cells largely contributes to the sustained resistance. Whole-exome sequencing revealed novel genetic alterations, including a frameshift variant of RBMX found exclusively in phospho-AKThigh resistant cell lines. There was no similar pattern of phenotypic alterations among eleven resistant cell lines, including expression/activity of crucial regulators, such as MITF, AXL, SOX, and NGFR, which suggests that patient-to-patient variability is richer and more nuanced than previously described. This diversity should be considered during the development of new strategies to circumvent the acquired resistance to targeted therapies.

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Activation of the Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway Mediates Lenalidomide Resistance in Multiple Myeloma.

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v114.22.113.113 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 114 (22) ◽

pp. 113-113 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Chad C. Bjorklund ◽

Deborah J. Kuhn ◽

Jairo A. Matthews ◽

Michael Wang ◽

Veerabhadran Baladandayuthapani ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gene Expression ◽

Multiple Myeloma ◽

Cell Lines ◽

Expression Profiling ◽

Fold Increase ◽

Resistant Cell ◽

Refractory Disease ◽

Wild Type ◽

Myeloma Cells ◽

Resistant Cells

Abstract Abstract 113 Background: Novel drugs such as the immunomodulatory agent lenalidomide have revolutionized the treatment of multiple myeloma, as evidenced by an increasing overall survival for patients with both newly-diagnosed, and relapsed and/or refractory disease. Despite these improvements, myeloma remains incurable, and is still characterized by a trend for increasing chemoresistance at relapse, with a decreasing duration of benefit from each successive line of therapy. By understanding the mechanisms responsible for the emergence of drug resistance, which have so far not been well characterized in the case of lenalidomide, it may be possible to rationally design novel regimens that could either overcome this resistance, or possibly prevent its emergence altogether. Methods: To improve our understanding of the mechanisms responsible for lenalidomide resistance, we developed cell line models of interleukin (IL)-6-dependent (ANBL-6 and KAS-6/1) and –independent (U266 and MM1.S) lenalidomide-resistant multiple myeloma cells. Starting at a concentration that was 1/10 of the IC50 for lenalidomide's anti-proliferative effects in drug-naïve cells, increasing drug concentrations were used until all the cell lines could proliferate and maintain cell membrane integrity in the presence of 10 μM lenalidomide. These cell lines were then used as an in vitro model of lenalidomide-specific drug resistance, and subjected to further characterization, including with gene expression profiling. Results: Resistance to lenalidomide was evidenced by a dramatic, 100-1000-fold increase in the IC50 values of these myeloma cells. In the case of ANBL-6 cells, for example, drug-naïve cells showed an IC50 of 0.14 μM using tetrazolium dye-based viability assays, but this increased to >100 μM in the drug-resistant cells, as was the case in U266 and MM1.S cells. This resistance was a stable phenotype, since removal of lenalidomide for seven to ninety days from cell culture conditions did not re-sensitize them when 10 μM lenalidomide was reintroduced. Gene expression profiling followed by pathway analysis to examine changes at the transcript level between wild-type parental and lenalidomide-resistant cell lines identified the Wnt/β-catenin pathway as the most altered across all cell lines. Increased expression was seen in several members of the low-density-lipoprotein receptor related protein family, including LRP1 and 5; members of the wingless-type MMTV integrations site family, including WNT3 and 4; β-catenin; and downstream Wnt/β-catenin targets such as CD44. Similar changes were detected in primary samples from a patient who developed clinically lenalidomide-refractory disease. Reporter assays revealed an up to 5-fold increase in LEF/TCF-dependent transcription both in drug-naïve cells acutely exposed to lenalidomide, and in their chronically exposed, lenalidomide-resistant clones. Western blotting and flow cytometry confirmed that these lenalidomide-resistant cells had increased expression by 2-20 fold of β-catenin and CD44, as well as other LEF/TCF targets, including Cyclin D1 and c-Myc. Comparable changes occurred after lenalidomide exposure in myeloma cells grown in the context of bone marrow stroma. Notably, lenalidomide-resistant cells showed decreased expression of casein kinase 1 and increased phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase 3 at Ser21/9, both of which would reduce the phosphorylation of β-catenin needed for its later proteasome-mediated degradation. Stimulation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway with recombinant human Wnt3a resulted in resistance to lenalidomide in wild-type, drug-naïve cells, as evidenced by a 10-fold increase in the IC50. Conversely, exposure of lenalidomide-resistant cell lines to quercetin, a known antagonist of the β-catenin/TCF interaction, induced a partial re-sensitization to lenalidomide. Conclusions: These data support the hypothesis that activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway represents a mechanism of both acute and chronic resistance to the anti-proliferative effects of lenalidomide in multiple myeloma. Moreover, they support the development of strategies aimed at suppressing Wnt/β-catenin activity to resensitize multiple myeloma to the effects of this immunomodulatory agent in vivo. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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Characterization of Newly Established Pralatrexate-resistant Cell Lines and the Mechanisms of Resistance

10.21203/rs.3.rs-46923/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Naoko Hosono ◽

Kana Oiwa ◽

Rie Nishi ◽

Luigi Scott ◽

Owen A. O’Connor ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gene Expression ◽

T Cell ◽

Cell Lines ◽

Cell Lymphoma ◽

Lymphoblastic Leukemia ◽

Nucleoside Analogs ◽

Resistant Cell ◽

T Cell Lymphoma ◽

Mechanisms Of Resistance ◽

Intrinsic Resistance

Abstract Background Pralatrexate (PDX) is a novel antifolate approved for the treatment of patients with relapsed/refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma. However, some patients exhibit intrinsic resistance or develop acquired resistance to PDX. Here, we evaluated the mechanisms underlying acquired drug resistance and identified strategies to prevent resistance. Methods We established two PDX-resistant T-lymphoblastic leukemia cell lines (CEM and MOLT4) through repeated escalating exposure to PDX. Gene expression analysis and methylation profiling were performed to identify the mechanisms of resistance. We then explored rational drug:drug combinations to prevent resistance. Results PDX-resistant cells exhibited a 30-fold increase in half-maximal inhibitory concentration values compared with those of their parental cells. Induction of apoptosis by PDX was significantly decreased in both PDX-resistant cell lines. Intracellular uptake of [14C]-PDX decreased in PDX-resistant CEM cells, and dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) expression was increased in PDX-resistant MOLT4 cells. Gene expression array analysis revealed that DNA-methyltransferase 3β expression was significantly elevated in both cell lines. Moreover, decitabine plus PDX showed synergistic effects in drug-resistant cell lines compared with parental lines. In addition, both PDX-resistant cell lines showed sensitivity to nucleoside analogs, i.e., cytarabine and forodesine. Conclusions This is the first study to explore the specific mechanisms of PDX resistance in T-cell lymphoma. The resistance mechanisms were associated with reduced cellular uptake of PDX and overexpression of DHFR. Epigenetic alterations were also considered to play a role in the resistance mechanism. The cells exhibited increased sensitivity to nucleoside analogs. These results could facilitate rational combinations to improve the clinical efficacy of PDX.

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Mechanisms of Acquired Resistance to Venetoclax in Preclinical AML Models

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v126.23.328.328 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 126 (23) ◽

pp. 328-328 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Qi Zhang ◽

Rongqing Pan ◽

Lina Han ◽

Ce Shi ◽

Stephen E. Kurtz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cell Death ◽

Cell Lines ◽

Small Molecule ◽

Research Funding ◽

Synergistic Effects ◽

Acquired Resistance ◽

Parental Cell ◽

Resistant Cell ◽

Flt3 Inhibitors ◽

Resistant Cells

Abstract BH3-mimetic ABT-199 (venetoclax, VEN) is a selective small-molecule antagonist of the anti-apoptotic BCL-2 protein. It binds to BCL-2 specifically, causing the release of pro-apoptotic BAX and BH3-only proteins and induction of cell death. Our studies indicated that AML is a BCL-2 dependent disease that, in pre-clinical studies, responds robustly to VEN by induction of apoptotic cell death (Pan et al., Cancer Discovery 2014). As a single agent, VEN demonstrated clinical activity in relapsed/refractory AML, yet patients who initially responded ultimately developed resistance and progressed. In this study we investigated mechanisms of acquired resistance to VEN in preclinical AML models. First, we generated 5 VEN-resistant cell lines (OCI-AML2, Kasumi, KG-1, MV4;11 and Molm13; with VEN cell-killing IC50s of 0.021µM, 0.046µM, 0.073µM, 0.020µM and 0.050µM, respectively) by exposing the cells to gradually increasing VEN concentrations. The IC50s of resistant cells are 15.2µM, 5.7µM, 31.6µM, 11.4µM and 15.4µM (124-723-fold greater than their parental counterparts). Protein analysis of resistant cells using immunoblotting demonstrated increased expression of MCL-1, a known resistance factor to VEN, in 4 resistant cell lines (OCI-AML2, KG-1, Mv4;11 and Molm13); and BCL-XL increase in MV4;11 and Molm13 resistant cells. To characterize the functional role of MCL-1 and BCL-XL in resistance to VEN, we co-treated parental and resistant cells with novel MCL-1 and BCL-XL- selective inhibitors (A-1210477 and A-1155463). The combination of VEN with A-1210477 or A-1155463 showed synergistic growth inhibition in all 5 parental cell lines (combination indices (CI) for A-1210477 were 0.15-0.62; CI for A-1155463 were 0.33-0.51, except >3 for KG-1). Notably, 4 out of 5 resistant cell lines (OCI-AML2, Kasumi, MV4;11, Molm13) became more sensitive to MCL-1 selective inhibitor A-1155463 but not to BCL-XL inhibitor A-1210477. However, no further effects were seen in resistant cells when combined with VEN. We next compared sensitivity of three paired parental and resistant cell lines (OCI-AML2, MV4;11 and Molm13) to a library of 130 specific small-molecule inhibitors (Tyner, et.al.. Cancer Res. 2013). Cells were co-treated with VEN and each specific inhibitor, and drug target scores were calculated based on the IC50 of measured effectiveness of panel drugs against the cells. The screening revealed modulation of sensitivity to mTOR, MEK, and FLT3 pathways in resistant cells (Fig.1C). To confirm these findings, we next co-treated AML cells with VEN and specific inhibitors of the mTOR pathway (rapamycin and AZD2014) or MEK pathway (CI1040) in all 5 paired parental and resistant cell lines; or with FLT3 inhibitors (quizartinib and sorafenib) in parental and resistant MV4;11 and Molm13, which harbor FLT3-ITD. The combination of VEN and AZD2014 achieved synergistic effects in all 5 parental cell lines (CI AZD2014: 0.08-0.94), and VEN/rapamycin were synergistic in 3 parental cell lines (CI rapamycin: 0.00-0.55, except 1.76 for KG-1 and 1.59 for Molm13). Combination of VEN with CI1040 achieved synergy in OCI-AML2, Kasumi, MV4;11 and Molm13 parental cell lines (CI: 0.14-0.61). Finally, VEN/FLT3 inhibitors achieved synergistic effects in MV4;11 and Molm13 parental cell lines (CI quizartinib: 0.66-0.69; CI sorafenib: 0.64-0.71). The resistant cell lines exhibited sensitivity to these inhibitors as single agents, and no synergistic effects were seen when combined with VEN. We have further induced in vivo resistance in two primary AML xenografts by treating NSG mice engrafted with 2nd passage AML cells with 100 mg/kg Q.D. VEN for 4 weeks followed by harvest of leukemic cells that repopulated the mouse after treatment discontinuation. While the proteomics, gene expression (RNAseq) and drug screening assays are in progress, preliminary immunoblotting studies demonstrated decreased expression of BCL-XL and BCL-2 (Fig.1B). In summary, we identified multiple mechanisms of acquired resistance to VEN, which ultimately modulate the balance between pro- and anti-apoptotic BCL-2 family members. Our studies indicate that upfront combination of VEN with selective inhibitors of MCL-1, or with inhibitors of specific signaling pathways, can synergistically induce apoptosis in AML cells and conceivably prevent emergence of VEN resistance. Disclosures Leverson: AbbVie: Employment, Equity Ownership. Tyner:Aptose Biosciences: Research Funding; Constellation Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding; Janssen Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding; Array Biopharma: Research Funding; Incyte: Research Funding. Konopleva:Novartis: Research Funding; AbbVie: Research Funding; Stemline: Research Funding; Calithera: Research Funding; Threshold: Research Funding.

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Upregulation of MAPK/MCL-1 Maintaining Mitochondrial Oxidative Phosphorylation Confers Acquired Resistance to BCL-2 Inhibitor Venetoclax in AML

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v128.22.101.101 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 128 (22) ◽

pp. 101-101 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Qi Zhang ◽

Lina Han ◽

Ce Shi ◽

Rongqing Pan ◽

Man Chun John MA ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cell Death ◽

Cell Lines ◽

Research Funding ◽

Acquired Resistance ◽

Resistant Cell ◽

Mitochondrial Activity ◽

Mitochondrial Oxidative Phosphorylation ◽

Expression Of Genes ◽

Apoptotic Proteins ◽

Resistant Cells

Abstract ABT-199 (venetoclax), a selective small-molecule antagonist of the anti-apoptotic protein BCL-2, enables the activation of pro-apoptotic proteins and the induction of cancer cell death. Our previous studies found that AML is a BCL-2 dependent disease and responds robustly to venetoclax by induction of apoptotic cell death (Pan et al., Cancer Discovery 2014). Despite initial responses to single agent venetoclax in a Phase II trial of relapsed AML, patients ultimately developed resistance and progressed (Konopleva et al., Cancer Discovery 2016). In this study we investigated mechanisms of acquired resistance to venetoclax in preclinical AML models. First, we generated 5 AML cell lines resistant to ³1µM venetoclax. No BAX (exon5 and 6) or BCL2 (exon2) mutations were found in resistant cells. Immunoblotting analysis demonstrated increased expression of anti-apoptotic proteins MCL-1, BCL-2 A1, and BCL-XL, and a decrease of pro-apoptotic PUMA protein in selected resistant cell lines. To probe the functional interactions between the pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins, we next performed co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) studies. The anti-BIM and anti-MCL-1 co-IPs revealed reduced levels of BIM:BCL-2 complexes and increased BIM:MCL-1 complexes in resistant cells compared to their parental counterparts (Fig 1B). The BH3 profiling technique examines mitochondrial sensitivity to different BH3 mimetic peptides, and has proven to be a useful tool to determine cell dependence on anti-apoptotic BCL-2 family proteins. BH3 profiling demonstrated that resistant cells had increased responses to NOXA, MS1 and HRK peptides, indicating increased dependence on MCL-1 and/or BCL-XL (Fig 1C). To characterize the functional role of MCL-1 in resistance to venetoclax, we co-treated parental and resistant cells with selective BCL-XL or MCL-1 inhibitors A-1155463 (Leverson et al. Science Transl Med 2015) and A-1210477 (Leverson et al., Cell Death Dis 2015). The combination of venetoclax with either A-1155463 or A-1210477 showed synergistic growth inhibition in all 5 parental cell lines. Notably, 4 of the 5 resistant cell lines (OCI-AML2, Kasumi, MV4-11, MOLM13) became more sensitive to an MCL-1 inhibitor but not to a BCL-XL inhibitor (Fig 1E). However, no further sensitization was seen in combination with venetoclax in resistant cells. To characterize additional mechanisms of resistance to venetoclax in AML cells, we conducted RNA sequencing of single cell clones (2 clones/cell line) isolated from paired isogenic cells (OCI-AML2, MV4-11, MOLM13). Analysis of RNA expression patterns by gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) revealed elevated expression of genes in the RAS/MAPK pathway (Fig 1F), consistent with increased p-ERK and p-p90-RSK protein levels (Fig 1G). Inhibition of MAPK with MEK inhibitor GDC-0973 reduced MCL-1 expression in parental but not in resistant cells, indicating that MAPK activation partially contributed to high MCL-1 levels (Fig 1G). GSEA of RNAseq data further uncovered altered expression of genes involved in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos) in 3 resistant cell lines with high MCL-1 expression (OCI-AML2, MV4-11 and MOLM-13). Notably, BCL-2 was reported to sustain AML stem cell survival through maintenance of the mitochondrial activity of OxPhos (Lagadinou etal., Cell Stem Cell, 2013). Analysis of mitochondrial respiration using a Seahorse Bioanalyzer demonstrated similar levels of oxygen consumption rate (OCR) in parental and resistant cells. Inhibition of BCL-2 with 100nM venetoclax for only 2 hrs. fully blocked baseline and maximal respiratory activity in parental but not in resistant cells. In turn, inhibition of MCL-1 with A-1210477 inhibited respiration in both parental and resistant cells, indicating a role for MCL-1 in sustaining mitochondrial activity in venetoclax-resistant AML cells, which can maintain unperturbed mitochondrial function. In summary, we identified a novel mechanism of resistance to targeted BCL-2 inhibition through upregulation of MAPK leading to increased levels of anti-apoptotic MCL-1 that binds and neutralizes BIM and maintains the mitochondrial OxPhos pathway in AML cells. Concomitant inhibition of BCL-2 and MCL-1, or of BCL-2 and OxPhos could induce synergistic cell death in AML and conceivably prevent the emergence of venetoclax resistance. Disclosures Tyner: Constellation Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding; Janssen Research & Development: Research Funding; Agios Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding; Genentech: Research Funding; Array Biopharma: Research Funding; Inctye: Research Funding; Seattle Genetics: Research Funding; Aptose Biosciences: Research Funding; AstraZeneca: Research Funding; Takeda Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding; Leap Oncology: Consultancy. Leverson:AbbVie: Employment, Other: Shareholder in AbbVie. Letai:Astra-Zeneca: Consultancy, Research Funding; Tetralogic: Consultancy, Research Funding; AbbVie: Consultancy, Research Funding. Konopleva:Calithera: Research Funding; Cellectis: Research Funding.

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Overcoming Resistance to 5-Azacytidine in Acute Myelogenous Leukemia

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v120.21.1370.1370 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 120 (21) ◽

pp. 1370-1370

Author(s):

Piyanuch Sripayap ◽

Tadashi Nagai ◽

Mitsuyo Uesawa ◽

Hiroyuki Kobayashi ◽

Tomonori Tsukahara ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gene Expression ◽

Drug Resistance ◽

Cell Lines ◽

Resistant Cell ◽

Myelogenous Leukemia ◽

P16 Gene ◽

Resistant Lines ◽

Acute Myelogenous ◽

Dependent Mechanism ◽

Resistant Cells

Abstract Abstract 1370 Background: The DNA methylation inhibitor 5-azacytidine (AZA), which is approved for treatment of myelodysplastic syndrome, is also a potential agent for treatment of leukemia; however, drug resistance is an ongoing problem, and mechanisms underlying developing resistance to AZA are poorly understood. Therefore, clarifying the resistance mechanisms is central to establish effective countermeasures. Methods: To probe the mechanisms of resistance to AZA and to develop an effective method for overcoming them, we first generated two AZA-resistant cell lines, THP-1/AR and HL60/AR, from the human acute myelogenous leukemia cell lines THP-1 and HL60. We then studied variations between the parental and resistant lines. Results: AZA increased the percentages of sub-G1 and G2/M-phase cells in the AZA-sensitive parental cell lines; whereas, it had no similar effect in the resistant lines. Consistent with these results, the AZA-induced increases in the levels of cleaved forms of caspase 3, caspase 7, caspase 9, and PARP seen in sensitive cells were diminished in resistant cells. Furthermore, AZA markedly elevated the level of phospho JNK/SAPK in sensitive cells, but not in resistant cells. These results suggest that AZA induced apoptosis as well as G2/M arrest due to activation of JNK/SAPK signaling, and that induction of these changes was prevented in resistant cells. We also found that the activity as well as protein levels of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), which are the main target molecules of AZA, were suppressed by AZA in sensitive cells. However, in resistant cells, this effect was abrogated; and accordingly, AZA-induced up-regulation of p16 gene expression was also negated. These findings thus suggest that resistance was acquired by a DNMT-dependent mechanism. There was no remarkable difference between resistant cells and sensitive cells in the levels of uridine-cytidine kinase 2 (UCK2), which is a key enzyme for conversion of AZA to active form. However, several point mutations were found restrictedly in exon 4 of the UCK2 gene in both resistant cells. These results raised the possibility that the AZA activation process was perturbed due to reduction of UCK activity; and consequently, AZA failed to suppress DNMT in resistant cells. In addition, by microarray analysis, we identified eleven genes that were expressed at significantly different levels in resistant cells versus sensitive cells. Finally, we showed that the histone deacetylase inhibitor romidepsin induced p16 gene expression and increased the levels of apoptosis-related molecules, while suppressing growth in both sensitive and resistant cell lines. An isobologram analysis demonstrated that simultaneous administration of AZA and romidepsin resulted in an additive inhibitory effect on both AZA-sensitive and AZA-resistant cell growth. These results suggest that romidepsin can overcome AZA resistance; therefore, the combination of AZA and romidepsin not only augments the anti-leukemia effect but also prevents acquisition of resistance to AZA. Conclusions: Newly established 5-azacytidine-resistant cell lines THP-1/AR and HL60/AR are good models to analyze the mechanisms of drug resistance to 5-azacytidine. Using these cell lines, we revealed that acquisition of resistance is primarily caused by a DNMT-dependent mechanism, which can be surmounted with addition of romidepsin. It is likely that the combination of AZA and romidepsin can prevent patients from acquiring resistance to AZA while augmenting its anti-leukemia therapeutic effect. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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Aberrant Activation of the PI3K/mTOR Pathway Promotes Resistance to Sorafenib in AML

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v126.23.2472.2472 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 126 (23) ◽

pp. 2472-2472

Author(s):

Oscar Lindblad ◽

Eugenio Cordero ◽

Alexandre Puissant ◽

Lucy Macaulay ◽

Nuzhat N. Kabir ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cell Lines ◽

Sanger Sequencing ◽

Acquired Resistance ◽

Resistant Cell ◽

Mtor Pathway ◽

Antibody Array ◽

Specific Antibodies ◽

Flt3 Inhibitor ◽

Stat3 Phosphorylation ◽

Resistant Cells

Abstract Therapy directed against oncogenic FLT3 has been shown to induce response in patients with AML, but these responses are almost always transient. To address the mechanism of FLT3 inhibitor resistance, we generated two resistant MV4-11 and MOLM-13 cell lines by sustained treatment with the FLT3 inhibitor sorafenib. MV4-11 cells express only FLT3-ITD, while MOLM-13 cells express wild-type FLT3 and FLT3-ITD. Both cell lines are dependent on FLT3 activation as sorafenib, PKC-412, and AC220, but not imatinib, dasatinib, nilotinib or bosutinib, inhibit cell survival in both cell lines. After treatment with sorafenib for 90 days, we observed that both cell lines displayed resistance to sorafenib as well as to AC220 suggesting that sustained treatment with an FLT3 inhibitor results in acquired resistance to multiple FLT3 inhibitors. To test whether sorafenib was still effective in FLT3 inhibition, we treated sensitive and resistant cells with sorafenib or DMSO and then stimulated with FLT3 ligand (FL). While DMSO-treated resistant cells responded to FL as expected, sorafenib-treated cells displayed poor FLT3 activation, suggesting that sorafenib was still capable of inhibiting FLT3 activation in the resistant cells. Surprisingly we observed that the resistant cells treated with DMSO had a much more robust response to ligand in terms of FLT3 activation. Similar results were observed with AKT and ERK activation, as sorafenib-treated cells poorly responded to FL-stimulation. Furthermore, resistant cells treated with sorafenib could still form colonies similar to DMSO-treated cells indicating that these cells were no longer dependent on FLT3 activation, although sorafenib could partially block FLT3 activation. To determine whether secondary mutations occurred in FLT3, we sequenced the whole coding region using Sanger sequencing. Except for a mutation in the extracellular domain in all four cell lines no mutations were detected in the inhibitor binding site. Similar to Sanger sequencing, mass spectroscopic analysis of affinity-enriched FLT3 indicated no differences in the intracellular part of FLT3 between sensitive and resistant cells. Because we observed an unexpected activation of FLT3 in resistant cells stimulated with FL, we hypothesized that certain FLT3 residues remain hyper-tyrosine phosphorylated. To test that we used phospho-specific antibodies against known FLT3 tyrosine phosphorylation sites. Although we observed an increase in total FLT3 tyrosine phosphorylation, we were unable to identify a single site that was selectively hyper-phosphorylated. Instead, all sites remained slightly more phosphorylated compared to control cells. Gene expression analysis of mRNA from sensitive and resistant cell lines using ANOVA and significance analysis of microarrays (SAM) suggested an enrichment of the PI3K/mTOR pathway in the resistant phenotype. In addition to pathway enrichment, using a phospho-protein antibody array, we found that phosphorylation of the mTOR substrates S6K and AKT were selectively increased in resistant cells. We also observed an increase in STAT3 phosphorylation. Elevated STAT3 phosphorylation was probably due to the previously described upregulation of JAK3 expression in sorafenib-resistant AML. We also observed enrichment of an mTOR signature in AML blasts from eight patients with sorafenib-resistant AML (GSE35907) and in AML blasts from patients expressing FLT3-ITD compared to those lacking FLT3-ITD (525 samples, GSE14468). Furthermore, a selective PI3K/mTOR inhibitor, gedatolisib, efficiently blocked proliferation, colony and tumor formation, and induced apoptosis in the resistant cell lines. Treatment of cells with a higher concentration of gedatolisib did not alter the phosphorylation of other signaling proteins except for AKT and S6K which was detected by a phospho-specific antibody array. The array data was further verified with western blotting using phospho-specific antibodies against AKT, ERK1/2, p38 and S6K. These results suggest that gedatolisib efficiently blocks the downstream effectors PI3K/mTOR without affecting other signaling pathways. Taken together, our data suggest that aberrant activation of the PI3K/mTOR pathway in FLT3-ITD dependent AML results in resistance to drugs targeting FLT3 and treatment with selective PI3K/mTOR inhibitors are likely to be effective in overcoming acquired resistance in AML patients. Disclosures Stegmaier: Novartis Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy.

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TDP1 and TOP1 Modulation in Olaparib-Resistant Cancer Determines the Efficacy of Subsequent Chemotherapy

Cancers ◽

10.3390/cancers12020334 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (2) ◽

pp. 334 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Jin Won Kim ◽

Ahrum Min ◽

Seock-Ah Im ◽

Hyemin Jang ◽

Yu Jin Kim ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cell Lines ◽

Brca2 Mutation ◽

Acquired Resistance ◽

Xenograft Model ◽

Underlying Mechanism ◽

Resistant Cell ◽

Cross Resistance ◽

Topoisomerase 1 ◽

Underlying Mechanisms ◽

Resistant Cells

The aim of this study was to elucidate the carryover effect of olaparib to subsequent chemotherapy and its underlying mechanisms. We generated olaparib-resistant SNU-484, SNU-601, SNU-668, and KATO-III gastric cancer cell lines and confirmed their resistance by cell viability and colony forming assays. Notably, olaparib-resistant cell lines displayed cross-resistance to cisplatin except for KATO-III. Inversely, olaparib-resistant SNU-484, SNU-668, and KATO-III were more sensitive to irinotecan than their parental cells. However, sensitivity to paclitaxel remained unaltered. There were compensatory changes in the ATM/ATR axis and p-Chk1/2 protein expression. ERCC1 was also induced in olaparib-resistant SNU-484, SNU-601, and SNU-668, which showed cross-resistance to cisplatin. Olaparib-resistant cells showed tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1 (TDP1) downregulation with higher topoisomerase 1 (TOP1) activity, which is a target of irinotecan. These changes of TOP1 and TDP1 in olaparib-resistant cells was confirmed as the underlying mechanism for increased irinotecan sensitivity through manipulated gene expression of TOP1 and TDP1 by specific plasmid transfection and siRNA. The patient-derived xenograft model established from the patient who acquired resistance to olaparib with BRCA2 mutation showed increased sensitivity in irinotecan. In conclusion, the carryover effects of olaparib to improve antitumor effect of subsequent irinotecan were demonstrated. These effects should be considered when determining the subsequent therapy with olaparib.

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