Abstract B080: Non-genetic determinants driving sub-clonal resistance to KRAS G12C combination therapies in KRAS mutant non-small cell lung cancer

Abstract

The FDA approval of the KRAS G12C inhibitor (G12Ci) sotorasib and the advancement of similar drugs into the clinic marks a major milestone in treating KRAS G12C non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, not all patients respond (sotorasib – ORR = 37.1%, adagrasib - 43%, JDQ443 – 35%), motivating preclinical and clinical investigation into mechanisms of intrinsic and acquired resistance. For instance, clinical studies have reported on-target KRAS mutations and preclinical studies have demonstrated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) feedback reactivation including EGFR, SHP2, and WT RAS signaling. In response to targeted therapies, sub-populations of cells can enter quiescence or specific epigenetic-driven states that confer drug tolerance. However, epigenetic states defining drug-tolerant persister populations and contributing to adaptive resistance to KRAS G12Ci have not been reported. Using a high-complexity DNA-barcoding system and mathematical modeling, we observed that pre-existing resistant clones to KRAS G12Ci gain clonal fitness during treatment independent of growth rate. Using single-cell profiling and RNA-lineage tracing barcoded systems, we identified distinct subpopulations of cells defined by specific chromatin and transcriptional states, including activation of interferon-gamma genes (ISG) and increased chromatin accessibility for pioneer transcription factors, which may contribute to MAPK reactivation-driven resistance. These results suggest a potential role of pioneer transcription factor-activated interferon-gamma response in driving MAPK feedback reactivation in KRAS G12Ci- resistant tumor subpopulations.

Citation Format: Chendi Li, Christopher J Graser, Qian Qin, Usman M Syed, Barbara Karakyriakou, Sarah E Clark, Anne Y Saiki, Paul E Hughes, Christopher Ott, Luca Pinello, Franziska Michor, Aaron N Hata. Non-genetic determinants driving sub-clonal resistance to KRAS G12C combination therapies in KRAS mutant non-small cell lung cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC Virtual International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2023 Oct 11-15; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2023;22(12 Suppl):Abstract nr B080.