Small molecule-induced destabilization of β-catenin and RAS is the ideal strategies for suppressing colorectal cancer

Abstract

Background Mutations of adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) and KRAS play essential roles in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC) by forming an abnormal colon morphology. Despite intensive efforts to discover therapeutic strategies to re-transform cancer cells into normal cells, no effective approaches have been reported yet. Methods In this study, we aimed to identify therapeutic strategies for inducing morphological changes of tumor organoids to structures similar to the normal intestine in ApcMin/+/KrasG12DLA2 mice by using KYA1797K, a dual inhibitor of the Wnt/β-catenin and RAS signaling pathways. Results KYA1797K, previously identified as a dual inhibitor of the Wnt/β-catenin and RAS pathways, inhibited the growth of organoids derived from tumor cells of ApcMin/+/KrasG12DLA2 mice, with the transformation of benign tumor structures into normal structures, similar to bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4), an intestinal differentiation signaling inducer. Conclusion Given the anti-cancer effects of KYA1797K and its ability to induce morphological changes similar to those elicited by BMP4 treatment, the dual suppression of Wnt/β-catenin and RAS signaling is a potential therapy for treating CRC.

Keywords

• colorectal neoplasms
• tumor organoids
• wnt/β-catenin pathway
• ras signaling pathway
• destabilization
• bmp4
• normal-appearing structure
• anti-cancer effect
• kya1797k