Abstract 1010: Evaluation of small-molecule FASN inhibitors in preclinical models of colorectal cancer
Authors: Zaytseva Yekaterina Y. , Rychahou Piotr G. , Gao Tianyan , Lee Eun Y. , Weiss Heidi L. , Heuer Timothy S. , Kemble George , Evers B. Mark 
Published: July 2016

Fatty Acid Synthase (FASN), a key enzyme of de novo lipid synthesis, is upregulated in many cancers including colorectal cancer (CRC); increased FASN activity is associated with decreased survival and increased disease recurrence. Recently, a first-in-class, oral FASN inhibitor (TVB-2640) entered a Phase I clinical trial (3V2640-CLIN-002) in solid tumor patients demonstrating a favorable tolerability profile with no significant adverse events; however, tumor characteristics that would indicate responsiveness to FASN inhibition are not fully understood. The purpose of our study was: (i) to determine the effect of novel, selective and reversible FASN inhibitors on proliferation of primary CRC cell cultures, established CRC cell lines, and CRC patient-derived xenografts (PDXs); and (ii) to identify potential biomarkers associated with CRC responsiveness to FASN inhibition. METHODS. The effect of TVB-3166, TVB-3664, and TVB-3693 (all developed by 3-V Biosciences) on the proliferation of primary cells (established from 1st generation PDX tumors) and CRC cell lines was assessed by cell count; apoptosis was assessed by Cell Death ELISA. In addition, tumor growth was assessed in PDX models established in NOD SCID gamma mice using freshly resected CRC specimens (either primary CRC or metastasis) from our patient population. Once the xenografts grew to ∼100 mm3, mice were randomized into two groups (n = 5) to receive either vehicle or TVB-3664 (3mg/kg) by gavage daily. Tumor volume and animal weights were measured weekly. Western blot analysis, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescent staining were used to identify FASN-mediated changes in β-catenin, Akt and AMPK pathways. RESULTS. TVB compounds tested showed similar efficacy in primary and established CRC cells with a wide range of sensitivity to FASN inhibition. The 5 cell lines that were most responsive to FASN inhibition demonstrated a low basal level of pAMPK and pAkt as compared to the 5 least responsive cells. Moreover, we noted that increased FASN protein expression was also associated with increased sensitivity to FASN inhibition. Inhibition of proliferation by TVB compounds was associated with decreased expression of active β-catenin, c-MYC, pAkt, and survivin, while an increase in apoptosis was noted by induction of PARP cleavage. Consistent with our in vitro studies, TVB-3664 treatment significantly reduced tumor volume in vivo with no weight changes or toxicity observed. CONCLUSIONS. Our studies show that the novel FASN inhibitors, as a single agent, significantly inhibit CRC growth both in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, our results suggest that basal activation of AMPK and Akt may be predictive of responsiveness to FASN inhibition and may function as potential biomarkers to allow a more personalized treatment approach.

Citation Format: Yekaterina Y. Zaytseva, Piotr G. Rychahou, Tianyan Gao, Eun Y. Lee, Heidi L. Weiss, Timothy S. Heuer, George Kemble, B. Mark Evers. Evaluation of small-molecule FASN inhibitors in preclinical models of colorectal cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 1010.