Project description:Ligand binding induces extensive spatial reorganization and clustering of the EphA2 receptor at the cell membrane. It has previously been shown that the nanoscale spatial distribution of ligands modulates EphA2 receptor reorganization, activation and the invasive properties of cancer cells. However, the mechanisms by which cells transduce ligand nanoscale spatial distribution signals have not been elucidated. Here we used DNA origami nanocalipers to control the positions of ephrin-A5 ligands at the nanoscale and investigated the transcriptional responses following ligand binding. Using mRNA sequencing, we determined the transcriptional profiles of glioblastoma cells treated with nanocalipers presenting a single ephrin-A5 dimer or two dimers spaced 14, 40 or 100 nm apart. We observed divergent transcriptional responses to ephrin-A5 nano-organization, with ephrin-A5 dimers spaced 40 or 100 nm apart showing the highest levels of differential expressed genes compared to treatment with n anocalipers that do not present ephrin-A5. These findings show that the nanoscale organization of ephrin-A5 modulates transcriptional responses to EphA2 activation.
Project description:Advanced bladder cancer remains a difficult cancer to treat, and for the majority of patients, current standard treatments ultimately prove ineffective. These tumors frequently harbor mutations in the BAF complex subunit ARID1A, which has been reported to confer sensitivity to EZH2 inhibition in several tumor types. Here we describe the generation of CPI-0209, a best-in-class, orally available EZH2 inhibitor. We show that mutant bladder cancer lines harboring ARID1A loss of function (LOF) mutations are preferentially sensitive to inhibition of EZH2. Treatment with CPI-0209 not only elicits a significant monotherapeutic response in ARID1A mutant models, it also outperforms cisplatin and improves response in chemo-resistant models. These findings shine light on new therapeutic opportunities for patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma.
