ePrints

The synergistic interaction of MEK and PI3K inhibitors is modulated by mTOR inhibition

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Emma Haagensen, Suzanne Kyle, Dr Gary Beale, Dr Ross Maxwell, Professor Herbie Newell

Downloads

Full text for this publication is not currently held within this repository. Alternative links are provided below where available.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Combined targeting of MAPK and PI3K signalling pathways may be necessary for optimal therapeutic activity in cancer. This study evaluated the MEK inhibitors AZD6244 and PD0325901, alone and in combination with the dual mTOR/PI3K inhibitor NVP-BEZ235 or the PI3K inhibitor GDC-0941, in three colorectal cancer cell lines. METHODS: Growth inhibition, survival and signal transduction were measured using the Sulforhodamine B assay, clonogenicity and western blotting, respectively, in HCT116, HT29 and DLD1 cell lines. RESULTS: All MEK/PI3K inhibitor combinations exhibited marked synergistic growth inhibition; however, GDC-0941 displayed greater synergy in combination with either MEK inhibitor. NVP-BEZ235 exhibited stronger inhibition of 4EBP1 phosphorylation, and similar inhibition of S6 and AKT phosphorylation, compared with GDC-0941. Both PD0325901 and AZD6244 inhibited ERK phosphorylation, and with MEK/PI3K inhibitor combinations inhibition of S6 phosphorylation was increased. The reduced synergy exhibited by NVP-BEZ235 in combination with MEK inhibitors, compared with GDC-0941, may be due to inhibition of mTOR, and the addition of the mTORC1/2 inhibitor KU0063794 compromised the synergy of GDC-0941: PD0325901 combinations. CONCLUSION: These studies confirm that dual targeting of PI3K and MEK can induce synergistic growth inhibition; however, the combination of specific PI3K inhibitors, rather than dual mTOR/PI3K inhibitors, with MEK inhibitors results in greater synergy. British Journal of Cancer (2012) 106, 1386-1394. doi: 10.1038/bjc.2012.70 www.bjcancer.com Published online 13 March 2012 (C) 2012 Cancer Research UK

Publication metadata

Author(s): Haagensen EJ, Kyle S, Beale GS, Maxwell RJ, Newell DR

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: British Journal of Cancer

Year: 2012

Volume: 106

Issue: 8

Pages: 1386-1394

Print publication date: 13/03/2012

ISSN (print): 0007-0920

ISSN (electronic): 1532-1827

Publisher: Nature Publishing Group

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/bjc.2012.70

DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2012.70

Altmetrics

Share