Abstract LB-107: Inhibiting TNKS sensitizes KRAS mutant cancer cells to MEK inhibitors by suppressing FGFR2 feedback signaling

Abstract

Tankyrases (TNKS) play roles in Wnt signaling, telomere homeostasis and mitosis, and are therefore considered as attractive targets for anti-cancer treatment. Using unbiased combination screens in a large panel of cancer cell lines, we have identified a strong synergy between TNKS and MEK inhibitors in KRAS mutant cancer cells. Our study uncovers a novel function of TNKS in the relief of a feedback loop induced by MEK inhibition on FGFR2 signaling pathway. Moreover, dual inhibition of TNKS and MEK leads to more robust apoptosis and anti-tumor activity both in vitro and in vivo than effects observed by previously reported MEK inhibitor combinations. Altogether, our data provides a strong rationale for combined targeting of TNKS and MEK in KRAS mutant cancers. Citation Format: Wenlin Shao, Marie Schoumacher, Kristen Hurov, Joseph Lehar, Yan Yan-Neale, Yuji Mishina, Dmitriy Sonkin, Joshua Korn, Daisy Flemming, Michael Jones, Brandon Antonakos, Vessilina Cooke, Mark Stump, Nika Danial, William Sellers. Inhibiting TNKS sensitizes KRAS mutant cancer cells to MEK inhibitors by suppressing FGFR2 feedback signaling. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-107. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-LB-107