PIK3Cδ expression by fibroblasts promotes triple-negative breast cancer progression
File(s)
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
As there is growing evidence for the tumor microenvironment's (TME) role in tumorigenesis, we investigated the role of fibroblast-expressed kinases in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). Using a high-throughput kinome screen combined with 3D invasion assays, we identified fibroblast-expressed PIK3Cδ (f-PIK3Cδ) as a key regulator of progression. Although PIK3Cδ was expressed in primary fibroblasts derived from TNBC patients, it was undetectable in breast cancer cell lines. Genetic and pharmacologic gain- and loss-of functions experiments verified the contribution of f-PIK3Cδ in TNBC cell invasion. Integrated secretomics and transcriptomics analyses revealed a paracrine mechanism via which f-PIK3Cδ confers its pro-tumorigenic effects. Inhibition of f-PIK3Cδ promoted the secretion of factors, including PLGF and BDNF, which led to upregulation of NR4A1 in TNBC cells where it acts as a tumor suppressor. Inhibition of PIK3Cδ in an orthotopic BC mouse model reduced tumor growth only after inoculation with fibroblasts, indicating a role of f-PIK3Cδ in cancer progression. Similar results were observed in the MMTV-PyMT transgenic BC mouse model, along with a decrease on tumor metastasis emphasizing the potential immune-independent effects of PIK3Cδ inhibition. Finally, analysis of BC patient cohorts and TCGA datasets identified f-PIK3Cδ (protein and mRNA levels) as an independent prognostic factor for overall and disease free survival, highlighting it as a therapeutic target for TNBC.
Date Issued
2020-06-01
Date Acceptance
2020-02-27
Citation
Journal of Clinical Investigation, 2020, 130 (6), pp.3188-3204
ISSN
0021-9738
Publisher
American Society for Clinical Investigation
Start Page
3188
End Page
3204
Journal / Book Title
Journal of Clinical Investigation
Volume
130
Issue
6
Copyright Statement
© 2020, American Society for Clinical Investigation
Sponsor
Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust- BRC Funding
National Institute for Health Research
Identifier
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32125284
PII: 128313
Grant Number
RDB01 79560
NIHR-RP-011-053
Subjects
Breast cancer
Cell Biology
Oncology
Protein kinases
Signal transduction
Publication Status
Published
Coverage Spatial
United States
Date Publish Online
2020-03-10