Dysregulation of mitochondrial dynamics proteins are a targetable feature of human tumors.

Journal Article (Journal Article)

Altered mitochondrial dynamics can broadly impact tumor cell physiology. Using genetic and pharmacological profiling of cancer cell lines and human tumors, we here establish that perturbations to the mitochondrial dynamics network also result in specific therapeutic vulnerabilities. In particular, through distinct mechanisms, tumors with increased mitochondrial fragmentation or connectivity are hypersensitive to SMAC mimetics, a class of compounds that induce apoptosis through inhibition of IAPs and for which robust sensitivity biomarkers remain to be identified. Further, because driver oncogenes exert dominant control over mitochondrial dynamics, oncogene-targeted therapies can be used to sensitize tumors to SMAC mimetics via their effects on fission/fusion dynamics. Collectively, these data demonstrate that perturbations to the mitochondrial dynamics network induce targetable vulnerabilities across diverse human tumors and, more broadly, suggest that the altered structures, activities, and trafficking of cellular organelles may facilitate additional cancer therapeutic opportunities.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Anderson, GR; Wardell, SE; Cakir, M; Yip, C; Ahn, Y-R; Ali, M; Yllanes, AP; Chao, CA; McDonnell, DP; Wood, KC

Published Date

  • April 26, 2018

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 9 / 1

Start / End Page

  • 1677 -

PubMed ID

  • 29700304

Pubmed Central ID

  • PMC5919970

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 2041-1723

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1038/s41467-018-04033-x

Language

  • eng

Conference Location

  • England