380 The kinesin-like protein Kif11 is essential for the survival of TP53 mutant triple-negative breast cancer cells

Abstract

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: While mutant TP53 is an attractive therapeutic target in TNBC, attempts to target the mutant p53 protein directly have failed. Thus, we aim to identify pathways critical for the survival of TP53 mutant cells that can be targeted in TNBC. We have identified Kif11 as one such target and aim to further investigate its function in TP53 mutant TNBC. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: We conducted a dual in silico/in vivo screen that identified Kif11 inhibition as preferentially inhibiting the growth of TP53 mutant TNBC. We obtained data on TP53 mutational status, KIF11 mRNA expression levels, and clinical characteristics from TCGA, METABRIC, and CCLE datasets. We treated breast cancer cell lines with the KIF11 inhibitor SB-743921. Cell counts were obtained through staining with DAPI or Hoechst and imaging on the ImageXPress PICO. We detected cell death by DRAQ7 staining and flow cytometry analysis following Annexin V-PI staining. To investigate mitotic spindle organization, we performed immunofluorescent staining with an anti-tubulin antibody and DAPI co-staining. Cell cycle analysis was performed through flow cytometry. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: KIF11 is highly expressed in TP53 mutant and TNBC clinical samples. High KIF11 expression is associated with poorer clinical outcomes. Kif11 inhibition suppresses growth of both TP53 mutant and wild-type breast cancer cells, but preferentially induces the death of TP53 mutant cells as detected by DRAQ7 and Annexin V/PI staining. Kif11 inhibition induces a G2-M block and growth inhibition in TP53 wild-type cells. On the other hand, following treatment with the Kif11 inhibitor SB-743921, TP53 mutant cells undergo mitotic spindle dysfunction leading to the formation of multinucleated cells and cell death. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: These results demonstrate that Kif11 is a promising therapeutic target in aggressive, TP53 mutant TNBCs. Kif11 inhibitors, including SB-743921, have been tested in human trials, and are well tolerated, but it is unclear which patients would most benefit. Our studies show that Kif11 inhibitors may be most useful in patients with TP53 mutant TNBCs.