Systematic mapping of BCL-2 gene dependencies in cancer reveals molecular determinants of BH3 mimetic sensitivity.
Abstract
While inhibitors of BCL-2 family proteins (BH3 mimetics) have shown promise as anti-cancer agents, the various dependencies or co-dependencies of diverse cancers on BCL-2 genes remain poorly understood. Here we develop a drug screening approach to define the sensitivity of cancer cells from ten tissue types to all possible combinations of selective BCL-2, BCL-XL, and MCL-1 inhibitors and discover that most cell lines depend on at least one combination for survival. We demonstrate that expression levels of BCL-2 genes predict single mimetic sensitivity, whereas EMT status predicts synergistic dependence on BCL-XL+MCL-1. Lastly, we use a CRISPR/Cas9 screen to discover that BFL-1 and BCL-w promote resistance to all tested combinations of BCL-2, BCL-XL, and MCL-1 inhibitors. Together, these results provide a roadmap for rationally targeting BCL-2 family dependencies in diverse human cancers and motivate the development of selective BFL-1 and BCL-w inhibitors to overcome intrinsic resistance to BH3 mimetics.
References
ABT-199, a potent and selective BCL-2 inhibitor, achieves antitumor activity while sparing platelets
Systematic identification of signaling pathways with potential to confer anticancer drug resistance.
Targeting MCL-1/BCL-XL Forestalls the Acquisition of Resistance to ABT-199 in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Citations
Datasets Mentioned
Methods Mentioned
Software Mentioned
Related Concepts
Related Feeds
CRISPR Ribonucleases Deactivation
CRISPR-Cas system enables the editing of genes to create or correct mutations. This feed focuses on mechanisms that underlie deactivation of CRISPR ribonucleases. Here is the latest research.
BCL-2 Family Proteins
BLC-2 family proteins are a group that share the same homologous BH domain. They play many different roles including pro-survival signals, mitochondria-mediated apoptosis and removal or damaged cells. They are often regulated by phosphorylation, affecting their catalytic activity. Here is the latest research on BCL-2 family proteins.
CRISPR (general)
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) are DNA sequences in the genome that are recognized and cleaved by CRISPR-associated proteins (Cas). CRISPR-Cas system enables the editing of genes to create or correct mutations. Discover the latest research on CRISPR here.
CRISPRi Screens for Antibiotics
The CRISPR-Cas system is a gene editing technique that can be used for high-throughput genome-wide screens to identify modes of actions of novel antibiotics. Here is the latest research.
CRISPR in Cancer
CRISPR-Cas system enables the editing of genes to create or correct mutations. Given that genome instability and mutation is one of the hallmarks of cancer, the CRISPR-Cas system is being explored to genetically alter and eliminate cancer cells. Here is the latest research.