Uncoupling of Akt and mTOR signaling drives resistance to Akt inhibition in PTEN loss prostate cancers.

Abstract

Recent phase 3 clinical trial showed improved radiographic progression-free survival in PTEN-deficient prostate cancers treated with combined Akt and AR inhibition. Building on this and our previous research into PI3K and AR signaling interactions, we aimed to define the mechanisms of response and resistance to Akt inhibition. We discovered that restoration of mTOR signaling was the early dominant driver of resistance to Akt inhibition. Mechanistically, this can be achieved through molecular alterations, resulting in loss of negative regulators of mTOR. Unexpectedly, we discovered that this was dominated by restoration of mTOR signaling through the nutrient sensing arm. This can be achieved by loss of the components of the GATOR/KICSTOR complexes or through cellular processes, leading to the recycling of amino acids. The addition of an mTOR inhibitor restored sensitivity to Akt inhibition and represents a precision-based strategy to overcome resistance in the clinic.