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K. Gately
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MINI 08 - Prognostic/Predictive Biomarkers (ID 106)
- Event: WCLC 2015
- Type: Mini Oral
- Track: Biology, Pathology, and Molecular Testing
- Presentations: 1
- Moderators:T.E. Stinchcombe, N. Pavlakis
- Coordinates: 9/07/2015, 16:45 - 18:15, Mile High Ballroom 4a-4f
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MINI08.10 - Co-Occurrence of Driver Mutations of MAPK and PI3K Pathways in Non Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Report from Lung Cancer Genomics Ireland (LCGI) Study (ID 2627)
16:45 - 18:15 | Author(s): K. Gately
- Abstract
- Presentation
Background:
The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathways are frequently altered in human cancers. Targeting these pathways is an attractive therapeutic strategy in malignant disease. The frequency of single and dual pathway alterations varies substantially across various cancers. Co-occurrence of the MAPK and PI3K pathway aberrations is reported in 5-7% of melanomas, gastric and colorectal cancers, and is associated with a worse clinical outcome. In this report we aim to determine the co-occurrence of the MAPK and PI3K pathway mutations in a large cohort of surgically resected NSCLC tumors.
Methods:
We used the platform of Sequenom’s MassArray to perform genotyping for 548 somatic hotspot mutations in 49 genes including genes in the MAPK and PI3K pathways in surgically resected NSCLC tumors. MAPK pathway genes that were screened include: KRAS, HRAS, BRAF, RAF1, MAP3K1, MAP3K2, MAP3K3, MAP3K4, MAP3K5, MAP2K1, MAP2K2, MAP2K3, and PTPN11. PI3K pathway genes that were screened include: PIK3CA, PIK3R1, PIK3R2, PTEN, PDPK1, AKT1, AKT2, and MTOR. Fisher’s exact test was used to determine the statistical significance of association between the MAPK and PI3K pathway mutations. The strength of association was determined in the form of odds ratio.
Results:
NSCLC tumors from 356 patients (258 squamous cell, 98 adenocarcinomas) were tested using Sequenom’s MassArray. The frequency of mutations in the MAPK and PI3K pathways was 22.5% (n=80) and 22.8% (n=81) respectively. Among these patients, 38 patients had mutations in both pathways (i.e: 47.5% of patients with a MAPK pathway mutation also had a mutation in the PI3K pathway, and 46.9% of patients with a PI3K pathway mutation also had a mutation in the MAPK pathway, see table 1). Fisher’s exact test revealed that mutations in the MAPK and the PI3K pathways are mutually inclusive (p<0.0001, odds ratio=4.95, 95% CI 2.9-8.5) Table 1: The co-occurrence of MAPK and PI3K pathway mutations in NSCLCPathway/no of patients PI3K WT PI3K MT MAPK WT 235 43 MAPK MT 42 38
Conclusion:
38 (10.7%) of 356 NSCLC patients included in the LCGI study had hotspot somatic mutations in both the MAPK and PI3K pathways. Contrary to previous reports, we observed that activating mutations of the MAPK and PI3K pathways are mutually inclusive in NSCLC. These findings may have implications in designing clinical trials of targeted therapies in lung cancer.
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ORAL 37 - Novel Targets (ID 146)
- Event: WCLC 2015
- Type: Oral Session
- Track: Biology, Pathology, and Molecular Testing
- Presentations: 1
- Moderators:S.S. Ramalingam, E. Thunnissen
- Coordinates: 9/09/2015, 16:45 - 18:15, Mile High Ballroom 4a-4f
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ORAL37.02 - Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase Non Receptor 11 PTPN11/Shp2 as a Driver Oncogene and a Novel Therapeutic Target in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer NSCLC (ID 1590)
16:45 - 18:15 | Author(s): K. Gately
- Abstract
Background:
PTPN11/Shp2 somatic mutations occur in 25% of Juvenile myelomonocytic leukemias (JMML) and less commonly in adult solid tumors. PTPN11/Shp2 activates the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and the phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathways. Accordingly, PTPN11/Shp2 mutations were shown to sensitize leukemia cells to MEK and PI3K inhibitors.
Methods:
We applied mass-spectrometry based genotyping (Sequenom Inc., Germany) to DNA extracted from tumor and matched normal tissue of 356 NSCLC patients (98 adenocarcinomas and 258 squamous cell (SCC)). PTPN11/Shp2 constructs with mutations (E76A, A72D) were generated and stably expressed in IL-3 dependent BaF3 cells and NSCLC cell lines (H1703, H157). The acquisition of MAPK and PI3K pathways activation was evaluated using western blotting and reverse phase protein array (RPPA). PTPN11/Shp2 phosphatase activity was measured in whole cell protein lysates using Shp2 assay kit (R&D Systems).
Results:
Somatic PTPN11/Shp2 hotspot mutations occurred in 3 (3.1%) and 9 (3.4%) of adenocarcinomas and SCCs, respectively. Mutant PTPN11/Shp2, compared to PTPN11/Shp2 wild type, promoted ten-fold IL-3 independent BaF3 cell survival. BaF3, H1703, and H157 cells expressing mutant PTPN11/Shp2 exhibited increased PTPN11/Shp2 phosphatase activity, phospho-ERK1/2, and phospho-AKT levels. Sequencing of NSCLC cell lines revealed that NSCLC H661 cell line has a PTPN11/Shp2 activating mutation (N58S). H661 had significantly higher PTPN11/Shp2 phosphatase activity when compared to PTPN11 wild-type H1703 and Calu3 NSCLC cells. Since the biological functions of PTPN11/Shp2 are mediated through its phosphatase domain, we stably expressed the inactivating PTPN11/Shp2 phosphatase domain mutation (C459S) in H661, H1703 and H157 cells resulting in catalytically inactive PTPN11/Shp2. This led to decreased phospho-ERK1/2 levels in all three cell lines. Importantly, the inactivation of PTPN11/Shp2 resulted in decreased phospho-AKT levels in H661 cells (PTPN11-mutated) and had no effect on phospho-AKT levels in the PTPN11/Shp2-wild type H1703 and H157 cells. Taken together, this data suggests that PTPN11/Shp2 activating mutations are oncogenic in NSCLC cells. Moreover, these findings reveal that PTPN11/Shp2 mutations may selectively activate the PI3K pathway in NSCLC cells. Parental H661 (PTPN11-mutated, KRAS and PIK3CA-wild type), parental H1703 (PTPN11, KRAS and PIK3CA-wild type) and parental H157 (KRAS-mutated, PTPN11 and PIK3CA-wild type) cells were treated with the novel MEK (BAY86-9766) and PI3K (BAY80-6946) inhibitors. IC50 values (table 1) suggest that PTPN11-mutated NSCLC cells have modest sensitivity to MEK inhibitors and profound sensitivity to PI3K inhibitors.Table 1 IC 50 valuse
Cell Line BAY86-9766 (nM) BAY80-6946 (nM) H661 2880 ± 600 13 ± 4.7 H157 1450 ± 520 < 50% inhibition @ 200 H1704 < 50% inhibition @ 10000
Conclusion:
PTPN11/Shp2 demonstrates the in vitro features of a driver oncogene, and potentially represents a new target in NSCLC.
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P1.04 - Poster Session/ Biology, Pathology, and Molecular Testing (ID 233)
- Event: WCLC 2015
- Type: Poster
- Track: Biology, Pathology, and Molecular Testing
- Presentations: 1
- Moderators:
- Coordinates: 9/07/2015, 09:30 - 17:00, Exhibit Hall (Hall B+C)
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P1.04-088 - Lung Cancer Cells Can Alter the Behaviour of Normal Bronchial Epithelial Cells Through Multiple Mechanisms (ID 1312)
09:30 - 17:00 | Author(s): K. Gately
- Abstract
Background:
Lung cancer is one of the most heterogeneous of all solid cancers. This may in part be due to hi-jacking and additional bystander affects that are exerted on the normal lung cell population by the cancer cells. A number of pathways may be stimulated through soluble factors or effector filled vesicles such as exosomes secreted by cancer cells. The aim of this project was to evaluate the effects of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells on an immortalised normal bronchial epithelial cell line.
Methods:
A normal bronchial epithelial cell line (HBEC4) was exposed to adenocarcinoma, large cell and squamous NSCLC cell lines and a number of phenotypic and genotypic characterisations were undertaken. These included cellular proliferation (BrdU ELISA), gene (RT-PCR) and miRNA expression screening (Nanostring). The effect of cancer exosome fractions was also determined.
Results:
Exposure to various subtypes of NSCLC significantly increased the cellular proliferation rate of the immortalised cell line in a number of models. Expression of a number of miRNAs were altered in the normal cells pre- and post exposure to the cancer cells. Various stem cell factor markers (KLF4, Oct, c-myc) were also significantly changed at the mRNA level. In addition, exosome fractions altered the behaviour of the normal cell line, likewise stimulating cell proliferation.
Conclusion:
Lung cancer cells may influence normal cell behaviour in both a direct and indirect manner using multiple mechanisms. Normal bronchial epithelial cells with stem like features may be induced to proliferate and behave in a malignant manner. This, akin to Hodgkin’s lymphoma, may contribute significantly to the composition of the tumour. Furthermore this observation may contribute to the heterogeneity of lung cancer tumours and affect treatment response. Ongoing studies are evaluating these effects in novel 2D and 3D culture systems.
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P2.04 - Poster Session/ Biology, Pathology, and Molecular Testing (ID 234)
- Event: WCLC 2015
- Type: Poster
- Track: Biology, Pathology, and Molecular Testing
- Presentations: 3
- Moderators:
- Coordinates: 9/08/2015, 09:30 - 17:00, Exhibit Hall (Hall B+C)
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P2.04-057 - Targeting PIM Kinase in NSCLC (ID 933)
09:30 - 17:00 | Author(s): K. Gately
- Abstract
Background:
PIM proteins belong to a family of serine/threonine kinases composed of 3 isoforms, PIM1, PIM2 and PIM3, that play a key role in cell cycle regulation, have potent anti-apoptotic activity and play a role in the homing and migration of metastatic cells. Furthermore, PIM kinases have also been shown to be activated in response to Akt pathway inhibition, indicating a role in adaptive responses to inhibition of this pathway potentially leading to treatment resistance. Thus, there is a strong rationale for combining PIM kinase inhibition with inhibition of the Akt pathway (i.e., inhibitors of EGFR, PI3K, Akt and mTOR). PIM kinase has been recognised as a therapeutic target particularly in haematological malignancies however the role of PIM kinases in solid tumours and NSCLC in particular are less well characterised. This study is the first to elucidate the expression of all 3 PIM isoforms in NSCLC cell lines and patient tumours as well as to examine the effect of Inflection Bioscience Ltd novel dual PI3K/PIM kinase (IBL-202) and triple PI3K/mTOR/PIM kinase (IBL-301) targeted therapies in-vitro and in-vivo.
Methods:
PIM 1/2/3 protein expression was quantified by western blot analysis in a panel of NSCLC cell lines and 40 matched normal/tumour tissues from NSCLC patients (20 adenocarcinoma and 20 squamous cell carcinoma). PIM kinase expression was correlated to patient clinicopathological characteristics and survival data. The effectiveness of IBL-202 and IBL-301 on proliferation and apoptosis in NSCLC cell lines were examined by BrdU and Annexin V/PI FACS analysis, respectively. A head-to-head in-vivo study of IBL-202 vs. IBL-301 in xenograft nude mice formed using H1975 cells is ongoing.
Results:
All 3 isoforms of PIM kinase are highly expressed across a panel of NSCLC cell lines. PIM kinase is expressed in ~ 90% of NSCLC tumour tissues across all stages of the disease. IBL-202 and IBL-301 induced apoptosis and decreased cell proliferation in NSCLC cell lines at micromolar concentrations in-vitro. The in-vivo study is ongoing and results will be presented.
Conclusion:
PIM kinase is a promising new therapeutic target for the treatment of NSCLC patients. Dual PI3K/PIM kinase (IBL-202) and triple PI3K/mTOR/PIM kinase (IBL-301) targeted therapies have demonstrated pro-apoptotic and anti-proliferative activity in-vitro and in-vivo and should be considered in the treatment of NSCLC patients.
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P2.04-102 - Targeting Inflammatory Mediators to Overcome Intrinsic and Acquired Cisplatin Resistance in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (ID 1314)
09:30 - 17:00 | Author(s): K. Gately
- Abstract
Background:
Cisplatin based doublet-chemotherapy is commonly used in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment with an initial objective response rate of 40-50%. However, intrinsic and acquired chemo-resistance constitutes a major clinical obstacle. The mechanisms of resistance have yet to be fully understood. We have previously demonstrated that NF-κB levels are elevated in cisplatin resistant cells (CisR) and that the use of an NF-κB inhibitor, DHMEQ, resulted in greater CisR cell death. The goal of this project is to elucidate the mechanistic links between NF-κB regulated pathways and the development of cisplatin resistant NSCLC.
Methods:
The expression of NF-κB mediators and immune regulators were assessed in an isogenic NSCLC cell line model of cisplatin resistance using qPCR arrays (252 genes). A number of targets were identified and validated using PCR. The effect of drug combinations (Cisplatin and DHMEQ) was also determined. Comet assays (DNA damage) were also performed to determine the effect of DHMEQ alone or in combination with irradiation (6 Gy).
Results:
Various chemokines and their receptors were elevated in cisplatin resistant (CisR) cells compared with cisplatin sensitive (PT). In addition, a number of key TLRs and regulators of the innate immune pathway were altered. DHMEQ enhanced cellular sensitivity to cisplatin in both PT and CisR cell lines (p<0.05). This drug also overcame the chemo-protective effect of a number of chemokines and enhanced irradiation induced DNA damage. An animal study will commence shortly using DHMEQ alone and in combination with cisplatin.
Conclusion:
Immune-modulators such as DHMEQ may be a novel viable option in addressing inflammatory mediated acquired and intrinsic NSCLC chemo-resistance. In addition, immune regulators identified in this project may provide innovative targets for immuno-oncology therapy.
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P2.04-109 - Epithelial-To-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) and Acquired Resistance to PI3K-mTOR Inhibition in NSCLC (ID 934)
09:30 - 17:00 | Author(s): K. Gately
- Abstract
Background:
The PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway regulates cell growth and proliferation and is often dysregulated in NSCLC, making it an attractive therapeutic target in this setting. GDC-0980 is a selective dual inhibitor of PI3K and mTOR, which is currently in Phase II clinical trials for solid tumours. As with all targeted therapies, acquired resistance to GDC-0980 is anticipated to be a major hurdle in the success of this drug. The aims of this project are to (i) elucidate the frequency of PIK3CA mutations in an Irish cohort of NSCLC patients and (ii) develop and characterise three cell line models of resistance to GDC-0980, each representing a different molecular subtype of NSCLC, in order to identify biomarkers of response/resistance to the drug that may dictate beneficial treatment strategies.
Methods:
DNA was extracted from 250 NSCLC patient tissue samples, and screened for 547 clinically relevant mutations in 46 genes using the Sequenom platform. H460, A549, and H1975 cells were cultured in GDC-0980 at IC50 concentrations over a period of several months, along with matched ‘parent’ cell lines. Development of resistance was assessed by monthly BrdU proliferation assays. Cell growth patterns were compared across the sensitive and resistant cell lines in real time using the xCELLigence platform. Cell lines were then interrogated for alterations in DNA (Sequenom), mRNA (SABiosciences arrays profiling expression of >150 genes), miRNA (Exiqon expression profiling of 2100 miRNAs) and protein (R&D Phospho Kinase array expression profiling of 43 kinases and 2 associated total proteins, PTMScan[®] Ubiquitin Remnant Motif (K-ε-GG) Kit from CST and Western blot analysis).
Results:
PIK3CA mutations occur in ~5% adenocarcinomas & 12% squamous cell carcinomas. H1975 cells (PIK3CA mutant and activated pAkt (Ser473/Thr308), pmTOR, pS6R) were most sensitive to GDC-0980, however they were the first to develop resistance to the drug. Results obtained from xCELLigence studies identified H1975 resistant (H1975R) cells as having the highest cell index out of all parent and resistant cell lines after 100 hours of cell growth, suggesting that these are the most aggressive cells. Initially a 33 miRNA signature was identified contrasting H1975P and H1975R. qPCR validation of miR-205 (a regulator of EMT) identified expression in H1975P cells but miR-205 was undetectable in H1975R cells. mRNA expression of Zeb1 & Zeb2 (direct targets of miR-205) were increased in H1975R cells compared to H1975P cells. 1,200 proteins were found to be differentially expressed between H1975P and H1975R cells. Increased expression of EMT proteins vimentin, desmin and filamin was detected in H1975R cells (p < 0.05, fold change >2). Vimentin overexpression in H1975R cells was confirmed by western blot analyis. Activation of EMT was identified as one potential mechanism of resistance to GDC-0980 in H1975R cells.
Conclusion:
The PI3K-mTOR pathway is frequently mutated in NSCLC, in particular squamous cell carcinoma, making it an ideal therapeutic target. Acquired resistance to GDC-0980 developed rapidly in NSCLC cell lines, (4-6 months) and correlates to the induction of EMT. Further elucidation of EMT regulation is under investigation and is crucial to the design of improved treatment protocols.
