Cell line-specific network models of ER+ breast cancer identify potential PI3Kα inhibitor resistance mechanisms and drug combinations.
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Abstract | Durable control of invasive solid tumors necessitates identifying therapeutic resistance mechanisms and effective drug combinations. In this work, we used a network-based mathematical model to identify sensitivity regulators and drug combinations for the PI3Kα inhibitor alpelisib in ER+ PIK3CA mutant breast cancer. The model-predicted efficacious combination of alpelisib and BH3 mimetics, e.g., MCL1 inhibitors, was experimentally validated in ER+ breast cancer cell lines. Consistent with the model, FOXO3 downregulation reduced sensitivity to alpelisib, revealing a novel potential resistance mechanism. Cell line-specific sensitivity to combinations of alpelisib and BH3 mimetics depended on which BCL-2 family members were highly expressed. Based on these results, newly developed cell line-specific network models were able to recapitulate the observed differential response to alpelisib and BH3 mimetics. This approach illustrates how network-based mathematical models can contribute to overcoming the challenge of cancer drug resistance. |
Year of Publication | 2021
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Journal | Cancer Res
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Date Published | 2021 Jul 13
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ISSN | 1538-7445
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DOI | 10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-21-1208
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PubMed ID | 34257082
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