The Endosomal Protein CEMIP Links WNT Signaling to MEK1-ERK1/2 Activation in Selumetinib-Resistant Intestinal Organoids.

Abstract

MAPK signaling pathways are constitutively active in colon cancer and also promote acquired resistance to MEK1 inhibition. Here, we demonstrate that <i>BRAF^V600E</i> -mutated colorectal cancers acquire resistance to MEK1 inhibition by inducing expression of the scaffold protein CEMIP through a β-catenin- and FRA-1-dependent pathway. CEMIP was found in endosomes and bound MEK1 to sustain ERK1/2 activation in MEK1 inhibitor-resistant BRAF^V600E-mutated colorectal cancers. The CEMIP-dependent pathway maintained c-Myc protein levels through ERK1/2 and provided metabolic advantage in resistant cells, potentially by sustaining amino acids synthesis. CEMIP silencing circumvented resistance to MEK1 inhibition, partly, through a decrease of both ERK1/2 signaling and c-Myc. Together, our data identify a cross-talk between Wnt and MAPK signaling cascades, which involves CEMIP. Activation of this pathway promotes survival by potentially regulating levels of specific amino acids via a Myc-associated cascade. Targeting this node may provide a promising avenue for treatment of colon cancers that have acquired resistance to targeted therapies.<b>Significance:</b> MEK1 inhibitor-resistant colorectal cancer relies on the scaffold and endosomal protein CEMIP to maintain ERK1/2 signaling and Myc-driven transcription. <i>Cancer Res; 78(16); 4533-48. ©2018 AACR</i>.