AKT dependent Notch3 activation drives tumor progression in a model of mesenchymal colorectal cancer subtype

ABSTRACT: Recently a consensus molecular subtype (CMS) classification of colorectal cancer (CRC) has been established that is based on the transcriptional rather than the genetic profile of an individual tumor and which may ultimately help to individualize CRC therapy. So far, however, the lack of appropriate animal models that faithfully recapitulate the different molecular subtypes impedes adequate preclinical testing of stratified therapeutic concepts. Here we demonstrate that constitutive AKT activation in intestinal epithelial cells markedly enhances colonic tumor invasion and metastasis in Trp53DIEC mice (Trp53ΔIECAktE17K) upon challenge with the carcinogen azoxymethane (AOM). Gene-expression profiling indicates that Trp53ΔIECAktE17K tumors closely resemble the human mesenchymal colorectal cancer subtype (CMS4), which is characterized by the poorest survival rate among the four consensus molecular subtypes of CRC. Trp53ΔIECAktE17K tumors are further characterized by a NOTCH pathway gene signature and a distinct cell autonomous upregulation of Notch3 in tumor epithelia while treatment of Trp53ΔIECAktE17K mice with a NOTCH3-inhibiting antibody reduces invasion and metastasis. Conversely, selective activation of NOTCH3 by overexpression of NOTCH3-IC in Akt wt tumor organoids strongly promotes development of metastasis in an orthotopic transplantation model. In CRC patients NOTCH3 expression correlates positively with tumor grading and the presence of lymph node as well as distant metastases and is specifically upregulated in CMS4 tumors. Therefore, we suggest NOTCH3 as a putative target for advanced CMS4 CRC patients.

INSTRUMENT(S): Q Exactive HF

ORGANISM(S): Mus Musculus (mouse)

TISSUE(S): Epithelial Cell, Colon

DISEASE(S): Colon Cancer

SUBMITTER: Julia Varga  

LAB HEAD: Florian R. Greten

PROVIDER: PXD014778 | Pride | 2021-09-08

REPOSITORIES: Pride