Effect of Janus kinase (JAK) signaling inhibition on lineage plasticity and drug sensitivity in castrate resistant prostate cancer.

Abstract

227 Background: Despite the remarkable successes of targeted cancer therapies, certain cancers, including lung, breast, and prostate cancer and melanoma, invariably become resistant to therapy. One mechanism of secondary resistance—lineage plasticity—arises when cells alter their identity and transition into aggressive states. In the case of prostate cancer, cells can acquire a neuroendocrine histology. This is often associated with a loss of tumor suppressor genes, such as TP53, RB1, and PTEN. However, while these genomic events initiate plasticity, tumor progression is not always associated with successive genomic alterations. This, in essence, not only poses a clinical challenge, but also confronts us with a wide-open biological question—what are the molecular underpinnings of lineage plasticity, and importantly, can the process be reversed? Methods: To study the temporal evolution of lineage plasticity and its relationship to androgen receptor signaling inhibitor (ARSI) resistance, we utilized genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) and murine organoids that were deleted for Tp53, Rb1, and/or Pten. Single cell RNA analyses were utilized to dissect which genes and pathways were up-regulated and most associated with the progression of plasticity. Plasticity-associated genes and pathways were perturbed using FDA-approved inhibitors or genetic editing tools. The presence of these pathways was confirmed in a subset of metastatic index lesions obtained by radiologically guided biopsies and as visualized by metabolic imaging. Furthermore, relevant findings were functionally validated in human tumor derived organoids (“tumoroids”). Results: Using GEMMs and organoid models, we found the lineage plasticity depended on increased Janus Kinase (JAK) and fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) activity. Pharmacologic inhibition using FDA–approved inhibitors of JAK/STAT (ruxolitinib) and FGFR (erdafinitib), or through genetic knockdown, demonstrated increased androgen receptor (AR) signaling and restored ARSI sensitivity. These findings were further validated in a subset of ARSI-insensitive human tumoroids. By performing single cell RNA sequencing on mCRPC tumors biopsies, the presence of highly plastic JAK/STAT- and FGFR-high cells were confirmed, with implications for stratifying patients for clinical trials. Conclusions: JAK/STAT and FGFR signaling pathways promote lineage plasticity and result in complete insensitivity to androgen receptor signaling inhibitors (ARSIs). FDA-approved inhibitors of JAK/STAT (ruxolitinib) and FGFR (erdafitinib) synergize to reverse lineage plasticity and restore ARSI sensitivity.