Inhibiting tankyrases sensitizes KRAS mutant cancer cells to MEK inhibitors by FGFR2 feedback signaling

Tankyrases (TNKS) play roles in Wnt signaling, telomere homeostasis and mitosis, offering attractive targets for anti-cancer treatment. Using unbiased combination screening 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 results show how a novel combination of TNKS and MEK inhibitors can be highly effective in targeting KRAS mutant cancers by suppressing a newly discovered resistance mechanism.

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Schoumacher M, Hurov KE, Lehár J, Yan-Neale Y, Mishina Y, Sonkin D, Korn JM, Flemming D, Jones MD, Antonakos B, Cooke VG, Steiger J, Ledell J, Stump MD, Sellers WR, Danial NN, Shao W