FGFR inhibitor, AZD4547, impedes the stemness of mammary epithelial cells in the premalignant tissues of MMTV-ErbB2 transgenic mice

Sci Rep. 2017 Sep 12;7(1):11306. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-11751-7.

Abstract

The fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) family of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) regulates signaling pathways involved in cell proliferation and differentiation. Currently, the anti-tumor properties of FGFR inhibitors are being tested in preclinical and clinical studies. Nevertheless, reports on FGFR inhibitor-mediated breast cancer prevention are sparse. In this study, we investigated the anti-cancer benefits of AZD4547, an FGFR1-3 inhibitor, in ErbB2-overexpressing breast cancer models. AZD4547 (1-5 µM) demonstrated potent anti-proliferative effects, inhibition of stemness, and suppression of FGFR/RTK signaling in ErbB2-overexpressing human breast cancer cells. To study the in vivo effects of AZD4547 on mammary development, mammary epithelial cell (MEC) populations, and oncogenic signaling, MMTV-ErbB2 transgenic mice were administered AZD4547 (2-6 mg/kg/day) for 10 weeks during the 'risk window' for mammary tumor development. AZD4547 significantly inhibited ductal branching and MEC proliferation in vivo, which corroborated the in vitro anti-proliferative properties. AZD4547 also depleted CD24/CD49f-sorted MEC populations, as well as the CD61highCD49fhigh tumor-initiating cell-enriched population. Importantly, AZD4547 impaired stem cell-like characteristics in primary MECs and spontaneous tumor cells. Moreover, AZD4547 downregulated RTK, mTOR, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways in premalignant mammary tissues. Collectively, our data provide critical preclinical evidence for AZD4547 as a potential breast cancer preventative and therapeutic agent.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Benzamides / pharmacology*
  • Cell Cycle / drug effects
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Cell Self Renewal / genetics
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Epithelial Cells / drug effects*
  • Epithelial Cells / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Gene Expression
  • Mammary Neoplasms, Animal / etiology*
  • Mammary Neoplasms, Animal / metabolism
  • Mammary Neoplasms, Animal / pathology*
  • Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental
  • Mice
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Piperazines / pharmacology*
  • Precancerous Conditions*
  • Pyrazoles / pharmacology*
  • Receptor, ErbB-2 / genetics*
  • Receptors, Fibroblast Growth Factor / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Signal Transduction
  • Stem Cells / metabolism

Substances

  • AZD4547
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Benzamides
  • Piperazines
  • Pyrazoles
  • Receptors, Fibroblast Growth Factor
  • Receptor, ErbB-2