Varuna Nangia, Humza Ashraf, Nasreen Marikar, Victor J. Passanisi, Christopher R. Ill, Sabrina L. Spencer
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
In BRAF-mutant melanoma cells treated with inhibitors of the kinases BRAF and MEK, a subset of cells rapidly and nongenetically adapts to escape drug-induced quiescence and reenters the cell cycle. Here, we investigated the mechanisms enabling this drug escape by computationally reconstructing single-cell lineages from time-lapse imaging data, linking dynamic signaling pathways to distinct cell-cycle fate outcomes. We found that reactivation of the MEK substrate ERK was necessary but not sufficient to drive escape; rather, the activity of the protein complex mTORC1 was also required to promote cell growth and protein synthesis in drug-treated cells destined for cell-cycle reentry. ERK and mTORC1 signaling converged to increase the abundance of cyclin D1 protein, a critical bottleneck for cell-cycle commitment under drug pressure. In cells in which endogenous cyclin D1 was fluorescently tagged using CRISPR, the subset that escaped drug treatment exhibited marked accumulation of cyclin D1 at least 15 hours before cell-cycle reentry, enabling early prediction of future drug escape. Cyclin D1 thus represents both an early biomarker and potential therapeutic target for suppressing drug escape in melanoma. We observed a similar mTORC1-driven mechanism underlying escape in lung cancer cells, but not colon cancer cells, highlighting partial generalizability across cancer types.
期刊介绍:
"Science Signaling" is a reputable, peer-reviewed journal dedicated to the exploration of cell communication mechanisms, offering a comprehensive view of the intricate processes that govern cellular regulation. This journal, published weekly online by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), is a go-to resource for the latest research in cell signaling and its various facets.
The journal's scope encompasses a broad range of topics, including the study of signaling networks, synthetic biology, systems biology, and the application of these findings in drug discovery. It also delves into the computational and modeling aspects of regulatory pathways, providing insights into how cells communicate and respond to their environment.
In addition to publishing full-length articles that report on groundbreaking research, "Science Signaling" also features reviews that synthesize current knowledge in the field, focus articles that highlight specific areas of interest, and editor-written highlights that draw attention to particularly significant studies. This mix of content ensures that the journal serves as a valuable resource for both researchers and professionals looking to stay abreast of the latest advancements in cell communication science.