An alternative pathway for cellular protection in BRAF inhibitor resistance in aggressive melanoma type skin cancer

Chem Biol Interact. 2020 May 25:323:109061. doi: 10.1016/j.cbi.2020.109061. Epub 2020 Mar 17.

Abstract

Oncogenic alterations in the BRAF gene are identified in an estimate of 50% of melanomas and cause melanoma development. BRAF kinase inhibitors (BRAFi), including vemurafenib and dabrafenib, were discovered and used in the clinical treatment of BRAF-mutant metastatic melanoma. Though, BRAFi's therapeutic advantages are short term and short-lived associated with drug resistance. Although a few pathways of developed BRAFi resistance have also been established, in approximately 40% of melanomas, the cause for inherited resistance remains unclear. Recognizing a new process of developed BRAFi resistance might provide new possibilities to successfully treat BRAF mutant melanoma. In this study, we are exploring the compensatory alternative pathway followed by BRAFi/MEKi treated resistant cell for maintaining the long-term integrity and survival.

Keywords: BRAF kinase Inhibitors; BRAFi/MEki resistant; MEK inhibitor; Mitogen-activated protein kinase; Rho-kinase I/II (ROCKI/II).

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cytoprotection*
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm*
  • Humans
  • Melanoma / pathology*
  • Melanoma, Cutaneous Malignant
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction*
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology*

Substances

  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf