Journal article
A critical role of FAK signaling in Rac1-driven melanoma cell resistance to MAPK pathway inhibition
Oncogene, Vol.44(46), pp.4520-4532
12/02/2025
DOI: 10.1038/s41388-025-03603-w
PMCID: PMC12602353
PMID: 41109929
Appears in UI Libraries Support Open Access
Abstract
The Rac1 P29S hotspot mutation in cutaneous melanoma is associated with resistance to MAPK pathway inhibitors (MAPKi) and worse clinical outcomes. Moreover, activation of Rac1 guanine exchange factors (GEFs) also promotes MAPKi-resistance, particularly in undifferentiated melanoma cells. Here we delineate mechanisms of Rac1-driven MAPKi-resistance and identify strategies to inhibit the growth of this class of cutaneous melanomas. We find that Rac1-driven melanomas manifest pleiotropic resistance mechanisms including (i) reduced dependence on BRAF/MEK, (ii) activation of alternative MAPK pathways utilizing Jun kinase and p38 MAP kinase, and (iii) a partial reliance on YAP/TAZ signaling. Importantly, although Rac1-driven melanoma cells display reduced dependence on BRAF/MEK, they are not completely ERK-independent. Additionally, the presence of activated Rac1 appears to create a dependency on focal adhesion kinase (FAK) signaling in undifferentiated melanoma cells. Therefore, despite the pleiotropic mechanisms of Rac1-driven MAPKi resistance, we find that combined inhibition of RAF and MEK with the RAF/MEK clamp avutometinib and FAK with the FAK inhibitor defactinib is a promising approach for suppressing the growth of Rac1-driven melanoma cells. Thus, the avutometinib plus defactinib combination, which is currently being investigated for brain metastatic cutaneous melanoma may also have utility against Rac1-driven MAPKi-resistance in heavily pre-treated, advanced disease.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- A critical role of FAK signaling in Rac1-driven melanoma cell resistance to MAPK pathway inhibition
- Creators
- Jesse D Riordan - University of IowaTeagan A Nathanson - University of IowaAfshin Varzavand - University of IowaAdeline A Hawkins - Department of Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USARebekah M Peplinski - University of IowaElizabeth C Hannan - University of IowaFaith A Bibeau - Department of Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USANathaniel J Freesmeier - University of IowaMadison C Jilek - University of IowaSilvia Coma - VerastemJonathan A Pachter - VerastemAdam J Dupuy - University of IowaChristopher S Stipp - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Oncogene, Vol.44(46), pp.4520-4532
- DOI
- 10.1038/s41388-025-03603-w
- PMID
- 41109929
- PMCID
- PMC12602353
- NLM abbreviation
- Oncogene
- ISSN
- 1476-5594
- eISSN
- 1476-5594
- Publisher
- Springer Nature
- Grant note
- PUHE-CCI-25-752 / Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH)
- Language
- English
- Electronic publication date
- 10/18/2025
- Date published
- 12/02/2025
- Academic Unit
- Dermatology; Molecular Physiology and Biophysics; Anatomy and Cell Biology; Pathology; Biology
- Record Identifier
- 9985014805802771
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