Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Kinase Research Articles

151 TRPA1/V3-Dependent Regulation of Airway Epithelial Cell Damage and Repair Triggered by wood/Biomass Smoke Particulate

Abstract Wood/biomass smoke particulate material (WBSPM) is a pervasive environmental pollutant. Acute high-dose inhalation exposure can cause airway epithelial cell (AEC) damage and respiratory dysfunction. We hypothesized that AEC damage is limited by compensatory signaling to allow epithelial repair. RNA sequencing, proteomics, targeted interventions, and cultured human AECs treated with WBSPM and Transient Receptor Potential Ankyrin-1 (TRPA1) agonists revealed TRPA1-driven endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and oxidative stress (OS) as contributory pathways to cytotoxicity. Alternatively, TRP vanilloid-3 (TRPV3) counteracted these events despite also being activated by WBSPM. Using the TRPA1 agonist AITC (and others) as a surrogate for WBSPM, morphological distortion indicative of AEC damage was observed 2-4h post-treatment; at >6h cells recovered. Strikingly, at 2h, the abundance of only 6 proteins changed including loss of fibronectin and tubulin and increased heme oxygenase 1. At 6h, 36 proteins changed, including ER chaperones and transcriptional/cell cycle regulatory proteins, OS-response, and structural/matrix proteins. Analysis of the phosphoproteome revealed changes in 2672 and 1886 unique phosphosites at 2 and 6h, attributable to PKC, p38 MAPK, EGFR, Akt and other kinase activities based on “phosphosite-GSEA” analysis. A kinase inhibitor screen linked PKC, p38 MAPK, GSK3b and ERK1/2 with cytotoxicity, while EGFR, MEK1/2, JNK1/2/3 and Akt were protective. Considering that TRPV3 expression is regulated by EGFR following WBSPM injury and TRPV3 enhanced adhesion and slowed proliferation via attenuated EGFR signaling, we propose a mechanism whereby the balance of TRPA1, TRPV3, and calcium/growth factor receptor-dependent kinase signaling coordinates WBSPM injury, compensation and repair.

Potential therapeutic target of EGF on bile duct ligation model and biliary atresia children.

The pathogenesis of liver fibrosis in biliary atresia (BA) is unclear. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) plays a vital role in liver fibrosis. This study aims to investigate the expression of EGF and the mechanisms of its pro-fibrotic effects in BA. EGF levels in serum and liver samples of BA and non-BA children were detected. Marker proteins of EGF signaling and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in liver sections were evaluated. Effects of EGF on intrahepatic cells and the underlying mechanisms were explored in vitro. Bile duct ligation (BDL) mice with/without EGF antibody injection were used to verify the effects of EGF on liver fibrosis. Serum levels and liver expression of EGF elevated in BA. Phosphorylated EGF receptor (p-EGFR) and extracellular regulated kinase 1/2 (p-ERK1/2) increased. In addition, EMT and proliferation of biliary epithelial cells were present in BA liver. In vitro, EGF induced EMT and proliferation of HIBEpic cells and promoted IL-8 expression in L-02 cells by phosphorylating ERK1/2. And EGF activated LX-2 cells. Furthermore, EGF antibody injection reduced p-ERK1/2 levels and alleviated liver fibrosis in BDL mice. EGF is overexpressed in BA. It aggravates liver fibrosis through EGF/EGFR-ERK1/2 pathway, which may be a therapeutic target for BA. The exact pathogenesis of liver fibrosis in BA is unknown, severely limiting the advancement of BA treatment strategies. This study revealed that serum and liver tissue levels of EGF were increased in BA, and its expression in liver tissues was correlated with the degree of liver fibrosis. EGF may promote EMT and proliferation of biliary epithelial cells and induce IL-8 overexpression in hepatocytes through EGF/EGFR-ERK1/2 signaling pathway. EGF can also activate HSCs in vitro. The EGF/EGFR-ERK1/2 pathway may be a potential therapeutic target for BA.

Abstract PR07: Oncogenic Kras signaling shapes the tumor microenvironment in lung adenocarcinoma

Abstract Despite advancements in targeted therapy and immunotherapy, lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in both men and women worldwide, with an estimated 2.2 million deaths each year. At 85%, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is by far the most common subtype, comprising adenocarcinomas and lung squamous cell carcinoma. Mutations in Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and anaplastic lymphoma receptor tyrosine kinase (ALK) genes are common, with the worst overall survival in KRAS mutant adenocarcinoma patients. About 40% of lung tumors with KRAS mutations also harbor mutations in tumor protein p53 gene (TP53), a tumor suppressor gene. KrasG12C and KrasG12D are both prevalent mutations in lung cancer. Sotorasib, a KrasG12C inhibitor, was recently approved for treatment of NSCLC. However, only 37% of patients have an objective response to Sotorasib, with a median duration of just 11 months. The KrasG12D inhibitor MRTX1133 is entering clinical trials; elucidating the mechanism of action for potential resistance is imperative to design combination treatment approaches. While cell-intrinsic mechanisms of resistance in epithelial oncogenic KRASG12D (Kras*) are well studied, our group and others have shown that KRASG12D also extrinsically regulates the tumor microenvironment (TME) in pancreatic cancer. Whether and how this oncogene regulates the TME of lung cancer is less understood. To study the crosstalk between epithelial lung cells expressing oncogenic KRAS and the surrounding TME, we have established a triple transgenic murine model of Kras*-driven NSCLC, wherein both lung epithelial-specific expression of Kras* and expression of mutant TP53R172H (Tp53*) can be controlled in an inducible and reversible manner. Our preliminary data show that expression of Kras* drives tumor growth, while Kras* depletion results in regression, even in the presence of Tp53*. Here we interrogate how Kras* modulates the TME in lung adenocarcinomas. Harnessing scRNA sequencing, immunohistochemistry, and multiple biochemical approaches, we will provide insight into changes in stromal and immune contexture upon Kras* depletion in mice. Citation Format: Rachael K. Baliira, Emily Lasse Opsahl, Elyse McLintock, Katelyn L. Donahue, Ivana Barravacchia, Marina Pasca di Magliano, Stefanie Galbán. Oncogenic Kras signaling shapes the tumor microenvironment in lung adenocarcinoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Targeting RAS; 2023 Mar 5-8; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Res 2023;21(5_Suppl):Abstract nr PR07.

Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine and thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives as novel EGFRL858R/T790M inhibitors

EGFR mutations have been identified in 20,000 reported NSCLC (non-small cell lung cancer) samples, and exon 19 deletions and L858R mutations at position 21, known as “classical” mutations, account for 85–90% of the total EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) mutations. In this paper, two series of EGFR kinase inhibitors were designed and synthesised. Among them, compound B1 showed an IC50 value of 13 nM for kinase inhibitory activity against EGFRL858R/T790M and more than 76-fold selectivity for EGFRWT. Furthermore, in an in vitro anti-tumour activity test, compound B1 showed an effective anti-proliferation activity against H1975 cells with an IC50 value of 0.087 μΜ. We also verified the mechanism of action of compound B1 as a selective inhibitor of EGFRL858R/T790M by cell migration assay and apoptosis assay.

On the allosteric puzzle and pocket crosstalk through computational means.

Allostery is a constitutive, albeit often elusive, feature of biomolecular systems, which heavily determines their functioning. Its mechanical, entropic, long-range, ligand, and environment-dependent nature creates far from trivial interplays between residues and, in general, the secondary structure of proteins. This intricate scenario is mirrored in computational terms as different notions of "correlation" among residues and pockets can lead to different conclusions and outcomes. In this article, we put on a common ground and challenge three computational approaches for the correlation estimation task and apply them to three diverse targets of pharmaceutical interest: the androgen A2A receptor, the androgen receptor, and the EGFR kinase domain. Results show that partial results consensus can be attained, yet different notions lead to pointing the attention to different pockets and communications.

Tumor suppressor miR-218 directly targets epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression in triple-negative breast cancer, sensitizing cells to irradiation

PurposeMicroRNA-218 (miR-218) is a key regulator of numerous processes relevant to tumor progression. In the present study, we aimed to characterize the relationship between miR-218 and the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) as well as to understand downstream effects in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).MethodsWe assessed miR-218 and EGFR expression in cell lines and publicly available primary breast cancer gene expression data. We then overexpressed miR-218 in two TNBC cell lines and investigated effects on EGFR and downstream mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase signaling. Luciferase reporter assay was used to characterize a direct binding interaction between miR-218 and EGFR mRNA. Digital holographic microscopy helped investigate cell migration and dry mass after miR-218 overexpression. Cell division and invasion were assessed microscopically, while radiation response after miR-218 overexpression alone or combined with additional EGFR knockdown was investigated via clonogenic assays.ResultsWe found an inverse correlation between EGFR expression and miR-218 levels in cell lines and primary breast cancer tissues. MiR-218 overexpression resulted in a downregulation of EGFR via direct binding of the mRNA. Activation of EGFR and downstream p44/42 MAPK signaling were reduced after pre-miR-218 transfection. Cell proliferation, motility and invasiveness were inhibited whereas cell death and mitotic catastrophe were upregulated in miR-218 overexpressing cells compared to controls. MiR-218 overexpressing and EGFR siRNA-treated cells were sensitized to irradiation, more than miR-218 overexpressing cells alone.ConclusionThis study characterizes the antagonistic relationship between miR-218 and EGFR. It also demonstrates downstream functional effects of miR-218 overexpression, leading to anti-tumorigenic cellular changes.

Design, synthesis and molecular docking of 1,2,4-triazole schiff base hybrids as tubulin, EGFR inhibitors and apoptosis-inducers

The corporate 1,2,4-triazole scaffold was used to synthesize new Schiff base compounds as anticancer agents against several cancer cell lines. Compounds 4d, 4e, and 4k exhibit strong anticancer activity, with IC50 values ranging from 6.78 to 23.03 µM. The inhibitory effects of compounds 4d, 4e, and 4k against EGFR kinase and tubulin were further investigated as they showed significant cytotoxic activity. Compound 4d showed excellent EGFR inhibitory efficacy at an IC50 value of 0.13 µM when compared to lapatinib (IC50 = 0.04 µM). Compound 4k also demonstrated 82.78% inhibition of β-tubulin at 25 μM compared to the untreated control. On the other hand, compound 4d also caused a total cell cycle arrest at the G1/S phase. Furthermore, compound 4d caused 5.28 percent necrosis in the K562 cell line and induced early rather than late apoptosis. A comprehensive molecular docking analysis was carried out to investigate the potential interactions and binding patterns of the three most active compounds, 4d, 4e, and 4k, within the active sites of the targeted EGFR kinase and tubulin polymerization.

Safety Monitoring Activity During EGFR or Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase Inhibitor Therapy for Patients With Lung Cancer.

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are highly effective for treatment of EGFR- or ALK-mutated lung cancer. Nevertheless, they are associated with several unique toxicities. Although the available US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug label can provide guidance for safety monitoring, its integration into clinical practice has not been previously described. We studied the conduct of safety monitoring activity (SMA) at a large academic institution. On the basis of FDA-approved drug labels, two drug-specific SMAs were identified for osimertinib, crizotinib, alectinib, or lorlatinib. Electronic medical records of patients initiated on these drugs from 2017 to 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Each course of treatment was evaluated for the occurrence of SMAs and the corresponding adverse events. Analyses included 130 treatment courses from 111 unique patients. For each SMA evaluated, the prevalence of SMA conduct ranged from 10.0% to 84.6%. The most frequently conducted SMA was ECG for lorlatinib therapy and the least was creatine phosphokinase analysis for alectinib. We observed none of the assessed SMAs being conducted in 41 treatment courses (31.5%). EGFR inhibitor predicted a higher likelihood of both SMAs being conducted than ALK inhibitors (P = .02). Serious, grade 3 or 4 adverse events were observed in 21 treatment courses (16.2%), including one grade 4 transaminitis related to alectinib. On the basis of our experience, the conduct of SMA was more challenging to implement for ALK inhibitor than for EGFR inhibitor. Clinicians should be vigilant and review the FDA-approved drug label before prescribing.

Heterogeneity in the immune microenvironment of bone metastasis in driver-positive non-small cell lung cancer.

Mutations in epidermal growth factor receptor and anaplastic lymphoma kinase are common driver events in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which are associated with a high frequency of bone metastases (BMs). While the bone marrow represents a specialized immune microenvironment, the immune repertoire of BMs remains unknown. Considering the higher incidence of BMs in driver gene-positive NSCLCs, and the unique biology of the bone, herein, we assessed the infiltrating immune cells and T cell receptor (TCR) profile of BMs in driver-positive NSCLCs. Immune profile of BMs in driver gene-positive NSCLC were assessed in 10 patients, where 6 had driver gene-positive mutation. TCR and bulk RNA sequencing were performed on malignant bone samples. The diversity and clonality of the TCR repertoire were analyzed. The cellular components were inferred from bulk gene expression profiles computationally by CIBERSORT. Although BMs were generally regarded as immune-cold tumors, immune cell composition analyses showed co-existence of cytotoxic and suppressor immune cells in driver-positive BM samples, as compared to primary lung. Analysis of the TCR repertoire indicated a trend of higher diversity and similar clonality in the driver-positive compared with the driver-negative subsets. In addition, we identified two cases that showed the opposite response to immune checkpoint blockade. A comparison of these two patients' BM samples showed more highly amplified clones, fewer M2 macrophages and more activated natural killer cells in the responder. In summary, BMs in NSCLC are heterogeneous in their immune microenvironment, which might be related to differential clinical outcomes to immune checkpoint blockade.

Abstract LB327: Discovery and characterization of ABSK112, a next-generation and potential best-in-class EGFR Exon20 mutant inhibitor with superior selectivity and brain penetration ability

Abstract Introduction: EGFR Exon20 mutations are clinically validated oncogenic alterations including a wide spectrum of mutations occurring in lung cancer and various other cancer types. Although several EGFR Exon20 inhibitors have reached clinical stage or received approval, there still leave large room for improvement in safety and efficacy, likely due to their limited selectivity against wild-type EGFR or other kinases, suboptimal mutation coverage, and lack brain penetrating ability. Herein, we have discovered a novel and next-generation EGFR Exon20 mutation inhibitor, ABSK112. It showed high selectivity over wild-type EGFR and other kinases, as well as a more comprehensive coverage over majority of EGFR Exon20 mutations in comparison with other EGFR Exon20 inhibitors. Method: Anti-proliferation experiments in cell lines harboring various EGFR Exon20 mutations were used to evaluate potency and spectrum of coverage for ABSK112 and other inhibitors. Efficacy studies and PK/PD study in multiple tumor models confirmed its in vivo activities. Cell proliferation and in vivo efficacies studies in models harboring mutated or wild type EGFR were used to demonstrate its selectivity. Kinome selectivity, safety profiles, PK and ADME profiles were also characterized. Results: ABSK112 showed potent inhibition of proliferation in multiple EGFR Exon20 mutation cell lines and superior wild-type EGFR selectivity compare to other inhibitors including mobocertinib (TAK788). In xenograft mouse models with various EGFR Exon20 mutations, oral dose of ABSK112 showed strong and dose-dependent anti-tumor efficacy. Moreover, ABSK112 exhibited much reduced in vivo inhibition against xenograft tumors with wild-type EGFR, compared to mobocertinib, confirming its superior selectivity. PK/PD analysis showed good correlation between ABSK112 exposure and inhibition of EGFR signaling. ABSK112 also demonstrated excellent preclinical brain penetration, bioavailability, and safety profile. Conclusion: ABSK112 is a novel and next-generation EGFR Exon20 mutation inhibitor with improved selectivity over wild-type EGFR and strong brain penetrating ability. It has demonstrated superior in vivo efficacy in several xenograft models with various EGFR Exon20 mutations, and excellent drug-like properties supporting its further development into clinical studies. Citation Format: Mei Ning, Shuqun Yang, Juan Peng, Shuangyun Hu, Weijia Lu, Cheng Dai, Baowei Zhao, Mingming Zhang, Hongping Yu, Zhui Chen, Yao-chang Xu. Discovery and characterization of ABSK112, a next-generation and potential best-in-class EGFR Exon20 mutant inhibitor with superior selectivity and brain penetration ability [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 2 (Clinical Trials and Late-Breaking Research); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(8_Suppl):Abstract nr LB327.

Novel CDK12/13 Inhibitors AU-15506 and AU-16770 Are Potent Anti-Cancer Agents in EGFR Mutant Lung Adenocarcinoma with and without Osimertinib Resistance.

Osimertinib is a third-generation epidermal growth factor receptor and tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) approved for the treatment of lung adenocarcinoma patients harboring EGFR mutations. However, acquired resistance to this targeted therapy is inevitable, leading to disease relapse within a few years. Therefore, understanding the molecular mechanisms of osimertinib resistance and identifying novel targets to overcome such resistance are unmet needs of cancer patients. Here, we investigated the efficacy of two novel CDK12/13 inhibitors, AU-15506 and AU-16770, in osimertinib-resistant EGFR mutant lung adenocarcinoma cells in culture and xenograft models in vivo. We demonstrate that these drugs, either alone or in combination with osimertinib, are potent inhibitors of osimertinib-resistant as well as -sensitive lung adenocarcinoma cells in culture. Interestingly, only the CDK12/13 inhibitor in combination with osimertinib, although not as monotherapy, suppresses the growth of resistant tumors in xenograft models in vivo. Taken together, the results of this study suggest that inhibition of CDK12/13 in combination with osimertinib has the potential to overcome osimertinib resistance in EGFR mutant lung adenocarcinoma patients.

Identification of EGFR inhibitors as potential agents for cancer therapy: pharmacophore-based modeling, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics investigations.

As a member of a large family of proteins that together regulate various aspects of cell growth and development, the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a validated target for the development of new drugs. Herein, we compiled a library of 62 compounds from the PubChem database with similar pharmacophores as osimertinib, which to our knowledge represents the only drug capable of overcoming EGFR-T790M-mutated NSCLC until date. Subsequently, we launched a docking-based virtual screening campaign against the EGFR kinase with the compiled chemical entities. The virtual screen identified 3 hit candidates (CID_126667097, CID_137660592, and CID_137659061) with lower binding energy/higher affinity (- 8.7kcal/mol, - 8.6kcal/mol, and - 8.5kcal/mol, respectively) than the standard osimertinib (- 8.4kcal/mol). Molecular dynamics metrics such as RMSD, RMSF, ROG, and intermolecular H-bond were used to substantiate the stability of the promising drug candidates at the binding pocket of EGFR after 100,000ps production run. Overall, our molecular modeling study portrayed CID_126667097, CID_137660592, and CID_137659061 as lead-like drug candidates that may be further developed for the treatment of EGFR-associated cancer disease. Molecular docking was conducted with Autodock Vina. A total of 62 compounds were compiled for the docking screen, which were then downloaded in SMILE format and converted to Protein Data Bank (PDB) format using the Openbabel online server. Finally, Gromacs 2022.3 was used to perform MD simulation to substantiate the stability of the hit candidates.

Abstract 5339: 4-Amino-N-phenylbenzamides as dual-targeted mEGFR and AURK inhibitors and anticancer agents

Abstract Small molecule, mutant epidermal growth factor receptor kinase (mEGFR) inhibitors are rendered ineffective in NSCLC due to mutations within the enzyme binding sites and redundant signaling pathways. The mEGFR inhibitors were found to retain their anticancer effects in NSCLC cells if given concurrently with AURK inhibitors. Dual-targeted small molecules designed to inhibit both mEGFR and AURK could demonstrate improved anticancer effects compared to monotargeted mEGFR inhibitors. We conducted molecular modeling studies to determine if there were similarities between the kinase pockets of mEGFR and AURK that could be exploited to develop dual-targeted mEGFR and AURK inhibitors. An overlap was observed for the active and allosteric sites of the kinase pocket for mEGFR and AURK. A series of compounds were synthesized and evaluated against mEGFR, AURKA, and AURKB. We found the kinase inhibitory profile to vary significantly depending on the substitution pattern ranging from selective mEGFR inhibitors to dual mEGFR and AURK inhibitors. The 4-substituted amino-N-phenylbenzamides were identified as dual mEGFR/AURK inhibitors. Dual mEGFR/AURK inhibitors demonstrated varied modes of binding within mEGFR and AURK. The most potent dual mEGFR and AURK inhibitors displayed nanomolar inhibition of mEGFR and AURK, and single-digit micromolar inhibition of non-small cell lung cancer cells. Target compounds were further evaluated in a 96-kinase screening assay and demonstrated selectivity for target kinases. The synthesis, structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis and anticancer effects will be presented and discussed. Citation Format: Brianne Rogers, Nicholas Rohde, Justin Mikitaroff, Joshua Matson, Samantha Satawa, Felix Amissah, Sonali Kurup. 4-Amino-N-phenylbenzamides as dual-targeted mEGFR and AURK inhibitors and anticancer agents. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 5339.

Abstract 2551: CASC4 drives anoikis resistance in high grade serous ovarian cancer through recycling of EGFR

Abstract Introduction: Ovarian cancer is the deadliest gynecological malignancy, and accounts for over 150,000 deaths per year worldwide. The high grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) subtype accounts for almost 60% of ovarian cancers and is the deadliest. HGSOC originates in the fimbria of the fallopian tube and disseminates through the peritoneal cavity. Survival of tumor cells in the peritoneal fluid requires cells to resist anoikis (anchorage-independent apoptosis). CRISPR/Cas9 and transcriptomic screens identified the Golgi protein CASC4 (GOLM2, H63) as a “driver” of anoikis resistance. As CASC4 is highly uncharacterized in literature, we sought to determine how CASC4 confers anoikis resistance to HGSOC cells. Methods: Mining of publicly available ovarian cancer datasets (TCGA) showed that CASC4 is associated with worse clinical outcomes, such as worse overall survival and increased resistance to platinum-based chemotherapies. For experiments, we used HGSOC cell lines PEO1, CaOV3, and OVCAR3 with shRNA-mediated CASC4 knockdowns (CASC4 KD), cultured in forced suspension. Results: Culturing cells in suspension, to recapitulate the peritoneal fluid environment in vitro, showed that CASC4 KD hampers cell proliferation and colony formation ability, and increases apoptosis. Additionally, a Reverse Phase Protein Assay (RPPA) showed that CASC4 KD results in significant changes in proteins known to be localized to the cell surface or secreted, including decreased protein levels of the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR), an initiator of several oncogenic signaling pathways. A paralog of CASC4, GOLM1, is known to drive hepatocellular carcinoma through various mechanisms, such as the recycling of internalized RTKs, including EGFR. Indeed, our experiments showed that CASC4 KD in ovarian cancer cells leads to decreased EGFR levels and decreased EGFR recycling. Conclusion: Knocking down CASC4 results in decreased survivability in suspension, decreased EGFR levels at the plasma membrane, and decreased recycling of EGFR. Further elucidating mechanisms of CASC4-dependent anoikis resistance could lead to the development of novel therapeutic approaches, such as inhibitory peptides, and may assist in developing newer biomarkers for predicting ovarian cancer malignancy. Citation Format: Jaidev Bapat, Lindsay W. Brubaker, Zachary L. Watson, Tomomi M. Yamamoto, Benjamin G. Bitler. CASC4 drives anoikis resistance in high grade serous ovarian cancer through recycling of EGFR [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 2551.

Abstract 433: Mechanisms of resistance to BAY 2927088, the first reversible inhibitor targeting EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations in non-small cell lung cancer

Abstract Molecular therapies targeting EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have dramatically improved prognosis for patients with the classical activating mutations, L858R and exon 19 deletion. Tumors harboring EGFR exon 20 insertions do not respond to inhibitors of classical activating mutations. Agents such as amivantamab and mobocertinib have been approved for treatment of lung cancer patients with exon 20 insertions, but agents with an improved selectivity profile versus wild-type EGFR are still needed. BAY 2927088, currently in phase I clinical trials, is a novel reversible inhibitor that targets EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations with decreased activity towards wild-type EGFR. Although most patients with advanced EGFR-mutant NSCLC eventually progress due to acquired resistance to EGFR inhibitors, the mechanisms of resistance to BAY 2927088 are currently unknown. Using two different methods of in vitro resistance generation, we identified mechanisms of intrinsic and acquired resistance to BAY 2927088 and other EGFR inhibitors. With the first method, involving initial incubation with a high concentration of inhibitor, we isolated drug-tolerant persister cells that underwent a transcriptional state transition resembling EMT. With the second method, involving gradual escalation of inhibitor concentrations, we identified NRAS hotspot mutations as a mechanism of resistance to BAY 2927088 and other EGFR inhibitors. As a parallel approach, we are developing a deep-scanning mutagenesis assay of the EGFR kinase domain to identify mutations that could cause resistance. Understanding these resistance mechanisms will help to identify second-line treatments for exon 20 insertion patients who develop resistance to EGFR inhibition. Citation Format: Gizem Karsli Uzunbas, Quinn McVeigh, Akansha Gupta, Stephanie Hoyt, Andrew Cherniack, Franziska Siegel, Stephan Siegel, Matthew Meyerson, Heidi Greulich. Mechanisms of resistance to BAY 2927088, the first reversible inhibitor targeting EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations in non-small cell lung cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 433.

Structure-Activity Relationship Studies Based on Quinazoline Derivatives as EGFR Kinase Inhibitors (2017-Present).

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) plays a critical role in the tumorigenesis of various forms of cancer. Targeting the mutant forms of EGFR has been identified as an attractive therapeutic approach and led to the approval of three generations of inhibitors. The quinazoline core has emerged as a favorable scaffold for the development of novel EGFR inhibitors due to increased affinity for the active site of EGFR kinase. Currently, there are five first-generation (gefitinib, erlotinib, lapatinib, vandetanib, and icotinib) and two second-generation (afatinib and dacomitinib) quinazoline-based EGFR inhibitors approved for the treatment of various types of cancers. The aim of this review is to outline the structural modulations favorable for the inhibitory activity toward both common mutant (del19 and L858R) and resistance-conferring mutant (T790M and C797S) EGFR forms, and provide an overview of the newly synthesized quinazoline derivatives as potentially competitive, covalent or allosteric inhibitors of EGFR.

Exploration of novel dihydroquinoxalinone derivatives as EGFRL858R/T790M tyrosine kinase inhibitors for the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer

To overcome or delay the drug-resistance of first-generation epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) kinase inhibitors and non-selectivity toxicity mediated by second-generation inhibitors, splicing principle was employed to design and synthesize a series of Osimertinib derivatives containing dihydroquinoxalinone (8–30) as the novel third-generation inhibitors against double mutant L858R/T790M in EGFR. Among them, compound 29 showed excellent kinase inhibitory activity against EGFRL858R/T790M with an IC50 value of 0.55 ± 0.02 nM and potent anti-proliferative activity against H1975 cells with an IC50 value of 5.88 ± 0.07 nM. Moreover, the strong down-regulation effect of EGFR-mediated signaling pathways and the promotion of apoptosis in H1975 cells confirmed its potent antitumor activities. Compound 29 was also demonstrated with good ADME profile in various in vitro assays. Further in vivo studies confirmed that compound 29 could suppress the growth of xenograft tumors. These results verified that compound 29 would be a promising lead compound for targeting drug-resistant EGFR mutations.

Extracellular vesicles released from ganglioside GD2-expressing melanoma cells enhance the malignant properties of GD2-negative melanomas

Exosomes (small extracellular vesicles: EVs) have attracted increasing attention from basic scientists and clinicians since they play important roles in cell-to-cell communication in various biological processes. Various features of EVs have been elucidated regarding their contents, generation and secretion mechanisms, and functions in inflammation, regeneration, and cancers. These vesicles are reported to contain proteins, RNAs, microRNAs, DNAs, and lipids. Although the roles of individual components have been rigorously studied, the presence and roles of glycans in EVs have rarely been reported. In particular, glycosphingolipids in EVs have not been investigated to date. In this study, the expression and function of a representative cancer-associated ganglioside, GD2, in malignant melanomas was investigated. Generally, cancer-associated gangliosides have been shown to enhance malignant properties and signals in cancers. Notably, EVs derived from GD2-expressing melanomas enhanced the malignant phenotypes of GD2-negative melanomas, such as cell growth, invasion, and cell adhesion, in a dose-dependent manner. The EVs also induced increased phosphorylation of signaling molecules such as EGF receptor and focal adhesion kinase. These results suggest that EVs released from cancer-associated ganglioside-expressing cells exert many functions that have been reported as a function of these gangliosides and regulate microenvironments, including total aggravation of heterogeneous cancer tissues, leading to more malignant and advanced cancer types.

Design and development of novel spiro-oxindoles as potent antiproliferative agents using quantitative structure activity based Monte Carlo method, docking molecular, molecular dynamics, free energy calculations, and pharmacokinetics /toxicity studies

In this study, the Monte Carlo method was applied for quantitative structure-activity relationship of novel steroidal spiro-oxindoles as potent antiproliferative inhibitors against human breast cancer. The informations derived from these models assist in the identification of the molecular fragments responsible for the increase and decrease in activity. The absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity were predicted to help in drug development. Doxorubicin as a control, the best newly designed ligand P1, and compound 25 most active were docked in the binding site at three target receptor tyrosine kinases for behavior final assessment of the inhibitors studied, and also to determine the most selective receptor for our ligands. The results showed the good positioning of the designed ligands in the binding site of three target of crystal structure of epidermal growth factor receptors kinase (2J5F, 5GTY and 3IKA). Molecular dynamic simulations and free binding energy calculation were performed on two best target proteins. The results showed the good stability of the compounds and especially the P1 ligand and the role of van der waals interaction and electrostatics in the stability of the studied ligands. These results open several possibilities to develop new and more potent inhibitors against breast cancer.

Molecular docking, HOMO-LUMO and quantum chemical computation analysis of anti-glyoximehydrazone derivatives containing pyrazolone moiety and their transition metal complexes

In this study, in order to obtain biologically active compounds, a series of anti-glyoximehydrazone ligands bearing vic-dioxime, hydrazone, and pyrazole moieties and their (O•••H–O) bridged nickel(II), cobalt(II) and copper(II) metal complexes were prepared. Further, the molecular docking studies were carried out on those ligands and their nickel(II), cobalt(II) and copper(II) metal complexes to analyze the interaction with EGFR Kinase domain complexed with tak-285 (PDB ID: 3POZ) and human androgen receptor T877A mutant (PDB ID:2OZ7). In addition, the compounds were optimized by using B3LYP/6-311G+(d,p) level of Density Functional Theory (DFT) to evaluate the HOMO–LUMO contours and quantum chemical parameters. Also, bioactivity analysis were performed.Metal complexes had higher binding affinities against 3POZ and 2OZ7. The most promising compounds for 3POZ were nickel(II) and copper(II) metal complexes. However, for the 2OZ7 target receptor, cobalt(II) and copper(II) metal complexes were the possible hit compounds. Furthermore, cobalt(II) metal complex of ligand two was found to be the most reactive one among others. Moreover, it had the highest ω which is related to a potent higher electrophilic character. It was determined that all the compounds had moderate bioactivity.In conclusion, nickel(II), cobalt(II), and copper(II) complexes could be powerful hit compounds for anti-cancer drug discovery studies.