BRAF activation by metabolic stress promotes glycolysis sensitizing NRASQ61-mutated melanomas to targeted therapy

Identifier:  imarina:9286900

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/imarina9286900

Authors:  McGrail, Kimberley; Granado-Martinez, Paula; Esteve-Puig, Rosaura; Garcia-Ortega, Sara; Ding, Yuxin; Sanchez-Redondo, Sara; Ferrer, Berta; Hernandez-Losa, Javier; Canals, Francesc; Manzano, Anna; Navarro-Sabate, Aura; Bartrons, Ramon; Yanes, Oscar; Perez-Alea, Mileidys; Munoz-Couselo, Eva; Garcia-Patos, Vicenc; Recio, Juan A

Abstract:
NRAS-mutated melanoma lacks a specific line of treatment. Metabolic reprogramming is considered a novel target to control cancer; however, NRAS-oncogene contribution to this cancer hallmark is mostly unknown. Here, we show that NRASQ61-mutated melanomas specific metabolic settings mediate cell sensitivity to sorafenib upon metabolic stress. Mechanistically, these cells are dependent on glucose metabolism, in which glucose deprivation promotes a switch from CRAF to BRAF signaling. This scenario contributes to cell survival and sustains glucose metabolism through BRAF-mediated phosphorylation of 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase-2/3 (PFKFB2/PFKFB3). In turn, this favors the allosteric activation of phosphofructokinase-1 (PFK1), generating a feedback loop that couples glycolytic flux and the RAS signaling pathway. An in vivo treatment of NRASQ61 mutant melanomas, including patient-derived xenografts, with 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) and sorafenib effectively inhibits tumor growth. Thus, we provide evidence for NRAS-oncogene contributions to metabolic rewiring and a proof-of-principle for the treatment of NRASQ61-mutated melanoma combining metabolic stress (glycolysis inhibitors) and previously approved drugs, such as sorafenib.© 2022. The Author(s).