KEAP1-NRF2 Pathway as a Novel Therapeutic Target for EGFR-Mutant Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
- Author:
Jae-Sun CHOI
1
;
Hye-Min KANG
;
Kiyong NA
;
Jiwon KIM
;
Tae-Woo KIM
;
Junyang JUNG
;
Heejin LIM
;
Hyewon SEO
;
Seung Hyeun LEE
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases 2025;88(1):138-149
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background:Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1)–nuclear factor erythroid- 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) pathway is a major regulator protecting cells from oxidative and metabolic stress. Studies have revealed that this pathway is involved in mediating resistance to cytotoxic chemotherapy and immunotherapy; however, its implications in oncogene-addicted tumors are largely unknown. This study aimed to elucidate whether this pathway could be a potential therapeutic target for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutant non-small cell lung cancer.
Methods:We measured the baseline expression of NRF2 using EGFR-mutant parental cells and acquired gefitinib resistant cells. We investigated whether NRF2 inhibition affected cell death in vitro and tumor growth in vivo using a xenograft mouse model, and compared the transcriptional changes before and after NRF2 inhibition.
Results:Baseline NRF2 expression was enhanced in PC9 and PC9 with gefitinib resistance (PC9/GR) cells than in other cell lines, with a more prominent expression in PC9/ GR. The NRF2 inhibitor induced NRF2 downregulation and cell death in a dose-dependent manner. Cotreatment with an NRF2 inhibitor enhanced osimertinib-induced cell death in vitro, and potentiated tumor growth inhibition in a PC9/GR xenograft model. Finally, RNA sequencing revealed that NRF2 inhibition resulted in the altered expression of multiple genes involved in various signaling pathways.
Conclusion:We identified that NRF2 inhibition enhanced cell death and inhibited tumor growth in tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI)-resistant lung cancer with EGFR-mutation. Thus, NRF2 modulation may be a novel therapeutic strategy to overcome the resistance to EGFR-TKIs.
