Abstract A165: mTOR kinase inhibition causes feedback-dependent biphasic regulation of AKT signaling.

Abstract

Abstract mTORC1 inhibitors relieve feedback inhibition of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) and cause mTORC2-dependent phosphorylation of AKT S473 and activation of AKT kinase and signaling. mTOR kinase inhibitors block mTORC1 and mTORC2 and thus do not cause the mTORC2 activation of AKT observed with the mTORC1 inhibitor rapamycin. We now show, however, that these drugs have a biphasic effect on AKT. Inhibition of mTORC2 leads to AKT S473 dephosphorylation and a rapid but transient inhibition of AKT T308 phosphorylation and AKT signaling. However, inhibition of mTOR kinase also relieves feedback inhibition of RTKs leading to subsequent PI3K activation and rephosphorylation of AKT T308 sufficient to reactivate AKT activity and signaling. Thus, catalytic inhibition of mTOR kinase leads to a new steady state characterized by profound inhibition of mTORC1 and accumulation of activated AKT phosphorylated on T308 but not S473. Combined inhibition of mTOR kinase and the induced RTKs fully abolishes AKT signaling and results in profound cell death and tumor regression in vivo. These results reveal the adaptive capabilities of oncogenic signaling networks, as AKT signaling may be driven by a loss-of-feedback-induced AKT species lacking S473 phosphorylation. The addition of RTK inhibitors can prevent this reactivation of AKT signaling and cause profound cell death and tumor regressions in vivo, highlighting the possible need for combinatorial approaches to block feedback-regulated pathways. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2011 Nov 12-16; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2011;10(11 Suppl):Abstract nr A165.