[PDF][PDF] Targeting Aurora B kinase prevents and overcomes resistance to EGFR inhibitors in lung cancer by enhancing BIM-and PUMA-mediated apoptosis

K Tanaka, AY Helena, S Yang, S Han, SD Selcuklu… - Cancer Cell, 2021 - cell.com
K Tanaka, AY Helena, S Yang, S Han, SD Selcuklu, K Kim, S Ramani, YT Ganesan, A Moyer…
Cancer Cell, 2021cell.com
The clinical success of EGFR inhibitors in EGFR-mutant lung cancer is limited by the
eventual development of acquired resistance. We hypothesize that enhancing apoptosis
through combination therapies can eradicate cancer cells and reduce the emergence of
drug-tolerant persisters. Through high-throughput screening of a custom library of∼ 1,000
compounds, we discover Aurora B kinase inhibitors as potent enhancers of osimertinib-
induced apoptosis. Mechanistically, Aurora B inhibition stabilizes BIM through reduced …
Summary
The clinical success of EGFR inhibitors in EGFR-mutant lung cancer is limited by the eventual development of acquired resistance. We hypothesize that enhancing apoptosis through combination therapies can eradicate cancer cells and reduce the emergence of drug-tolerant persisters. Through high-throughput screening of a custom library of ∼1,000 compounds, we discover Aurora B kinase inhibitors as potent enhancers of osimertinib-induced apoptosis. Mechanistically, Aurora B inhibition stabilizes BIM through reduced Ser87 phosphorylation, and transactivates PUMA through FOXO1/3. Importantly, osimertinib resistance caused by epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) activates the ATR-CHK1-Aurora B signaling cascade and thereby engenders hypersensitivity to respective kinase inhibitors by activating BIM-mediated mitotic catastrophe. Combined inhibition of EGFR and Aurora B not only efficiently eliminates cancer cells but also overcomes resistance beyond EMT.
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