Abstract 4181: Simultaneous inhibition of the Wnt/B-catenin and Ras pathways by KY1022 effectively suppresses tumor initiation and progression of colorectal cancer

Abstract

Abstract APC (80-90%) and K-Ras (40-50%) mutations frequently occur in human colorectal cancer (CRC) and these mutations cooperatively accelerate tumorigenesis including metastasis. In addition, both B-catenin and Ras levels are highly increased in CRC, especially in metastatic CRC (mCRC). Targeting these signaling pathways may therefore be an ideal strategy for treating mCRC; however, therapeutics targeting both of these pathways have not been developed because the mechanisms regulating these pathways are not well understood. Based on our recent identification of the B-catenin destruction complex-mediated Ras protein stability mechanism, we screened a small-molecule library to identify compounds that destabilize both B-catenin and Ras proteins via inhibition of the Wnt/B-catenin pathway. Among the effective small molecules destabilizing both B-catenin and Ras proteins via inhibition of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, we characterized KY1022, a small molecule that most effectively inhibits EMT, an initial process of metastasis. As shown by in vitro and in vivo studies using APCMin/+/K-RasG12DLA2 mice, KY1022 effectively suppressed the development of mCRC at an early stage of tumorigenesis. Our results suggest that a small molecular approach degrading both B-catenin and Ras via inhibition of the Wnt/B-catenin signaling would be an ideal strategy for treatment of CRC including mCRC. Citation Format: Eun Ji Ro, Jeong-Ha Hwang, Yong-Hee Cho, Kang-Yell Choi. Simultaneous inhibition of the Wnt/B-catenin and Ras pathways by KY1022 effectively suppresses tumor initiation and progression of colorectal cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 4181.