Targeting the MITF/APAF-1 axis as salvage therapy for MAPK inhibitors in resistant melanoma
Authors: Pietro Carotenuto, Alessia Romano, Anna Barbato, Paola Quadrano, Simona Brillante, Mariagrazia Volpe,
Luigi Ferrante, Roberta Tammaro, Manuela Morleo, Rossella De Cegli, Antonella Iuliano, Marialuisa Testa,
Fabrizio Andreone, Gennaro Ciliberto, Eduardo Clery, Giancarlo Troncone, Giuseppe Palma, Claudio Arra,
Antonio Barbieri, Mariaelena Capone, Gabriele Madonna, Paolo A. Ascierto, Luisa Lanfrancone, Alessia Indrieri,
and Brunella Franco
Year: 2022
Sources: Cell Reports
Abstract:
Melanoma is a deadly form of cancer characterized by remarkable therapy resistance. Analyzing the transcriptome of MAPK inhibitor sensitive- and resistant-melanoma, we discovered that APAF-1 is negatively regulated by MITF in resistant tumors. This study identifies the MITF/APAF-1 axis as a molecular driver of MAPK inhibitor resistance. A drug-repositioning screen identified quinacrine and methylbenzethonium as potent activators of apoptosis in a context that mimics drug resistance mediated by APAF-1 inactivation. The compounds showed anti-tumor activity in in vitro and in vivo models, linked to suppression of MITF function. Both drugs profoundly sensitize melanoma cells to MAPK inhibitors, regulating key signaling networks in melanoma, including the MITF/APAF-1 axis. Significant activity of the two compounds in inhibiting specific epigenetic modulators of MITF/APAF-1 expression, such as histone deacetylases, was observed. In summary, we demonstrate that targeting the MITF/APAF-1 axis may overcome resistance and could be exploited as a potential therapeutic approach to treat resistant melanoma.
Category: journals