Cotargeting MNK and MEK kinases induces the regression of NF1-mutant cancers
Cotargeting MNK and MEK kinases induces the regression of NF1-mutant cancers
Neurofibromin 1-mutant (NF1-mutant) cancers are driven by excessive Ras signaling; however, there are currently no effective therapies for these or other Ras-dependent tumors. While combined MEK and mTORC1 suppression causes regression of NF1-deficient malignancies in animal models, the potential toxicity of cotargeting these 2 major signaling pathways in humans may necessitate the identification of more refined, cancer-specific signaling nodes. Here, we have provided evidence that MAPK-interacting kinases (MNKs), which converge on the mTORC1 effector eIF4E, are therapeutic targets in NF1-deficient malignancies. Specifically, we evaluated primary human NF1-deficient peripheral nervous system tumors and found that MNKs are activated in the majority of tumors tested. Genetic and chemical suppression of MNKs in NF1-deficient murine tumor models and human cell lines potently cooperated with MEK inhibitors to kill these cancers through effects on eIF4E. We also demonstrated that MNK kinases are important and direct targets of cabozantinib. Accordingly, coadministration of cabozantinib and MEK inhibitors triggered dramatic regression in an aggressive genetically engineered tumor model. The cytotoxicity of this combination required the suppression of MNK-induced eIF4E phosphorylation and was not recapitulated by suppressing other cabozantinib targets. Collectively, these studies demonstrate that combined MNK and MEK suppression represents a promising therapeutic strategy for these incurable Ras-driven tumors and highlight the utility of developing selective MNK inhibitors for these and possibly other malignancies.
- Harvard University United States
- Eli Lilly (United States) United States
- Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital United States
- KU Leuven Belgium
Nucleocytoplasmic Transport Proteins, PROTEINS, Pyridines, MODELS, Immunology, NEUROFIBROMATOSIS TYPE-1, Research & Experimental Medicine, Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin Complex 1, Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases, Nerve Sheath Neoplasms, Mice, Cell Line, Tumor, Genes, Neurofibromatosis 1, TUMORIGENESIS, Animals, Humans, Anilides, Phosphorylation, PHOSPHORYLATION, Protein Kinase Inhibitors, TUMOR-DEVELOPMENT, 11 Medical and Health Sciences, Science & Technology, 42 Health sciences, Neurofibromin 1, 31 Biological sciences, TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases, INHIBITOR, 32 Biomedical and clinical sciences, MAP Kinase Kinase Kinases, Medicine, Research & Experimental, Multiprotein Complexes, Mutation, MAP, GROWTH, TRANSLATION, Life Sciences & Biomedicine, Signal Transduction
Nucleocytoplasmic Transport Proteins, PROTEINS, Pyridines, MODELS, Immunology, NEUROFIBROMATOSIS TYPE-1, Research & Experimental Medicine, Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin Complex 1, Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases, Nerve Sheath Neoplasms, Mice, Cell Line, Tumor, Genes, Neurofibromatosis 1, TUMORIGENESIS, Animals, Humans, Anilides, Phosphorylation, PHOSPHORYLATION, Protein Kinase Inhibitors, TUMOR-DEVELOPMENT, 11 Medical and Health Sciences, Science & Technology, 42 Health sciences, Neurofibromin 1, 31 Biological sciences, TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases, INHIBITOR, 32 Biomedical and clinical sciences, MAP Kinase Kinase Kinases, Medicine, Research & Experimental, Multiprotein Complexes, Mutation, MAP, GROWTH, TRANSLATION, Life Sciences & Biomedicine, Signal Transduction
11 Research products, page 1 of 2
- 2023IsAmongTopNSimilarDocuments
- 2019IsAmongTopNSimilarDocuments
- 2021IsAmongTopNSimilarDocuments
- 2014IsAmongTopNSimilarDocuments
- 2017IsAmongTopNSimilarDocuments
- 2015IsAmongTopNSimilarDocuments
- 2020IsAmongTopNSimilarDocuments
chevron_left - 1
- 2
chevron_right
citations This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).37 popularity This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.Top 10% influence This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).Top 10% impulse This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.Top 10%
