RAC1 Alterations Induce Acquired Dabrafenib Resistance in Association with Anaplastic Transformation in a Papillary Thyroid Cancer Patient

Simple Summary We identified an acquired RAC1 (P34R) mutation in the metastatic tumor of a BRAF-mutated papillary thyroid cancer patient treated with the BRAF inhibitor dabrafenib. Further investigations uncovered a high RAC1 copy number in the metastatic sample and its derived cell line. We demonstrated that an increase in RAC1 copy numbers could lead to increased tumor cell growth independently of the RAC1 (P34R) mutation. Further, we identified polyploidy of chromosome 7 in the metastatic sample and derived cell line, which accounted for amplification of other genes, their increased expression and therefore their ability to also induce resistance to therapy. BRAF-activating mutations are the most frequent driver mutations in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). Targeted inhibitors such as dabrafenib have been used in advanced BRAF-mutated PTC; however, acquired resistance to the drug is common and little is known about other effectors that may play integral roles in this resistance. In addition, the induction of PTC dedifferentiation into highly aggressive KRAS-driven anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) has been reported. We detected a novel RAC1 (P34R) mutation acquired during dabrafenib treatment in a progressive metastatic lesion with ATC phenotype. To identify a potential functional link between this novel mutation and tumor dedifferentiation, we developed a cell line derived from the metastatic lesion and compared its behavior to isogenic cell lines and primary tumor samples. Our data demonstrated that RAC1 mutations induce changes in cell morphology, reorganization of F-actin almost exclusively at the cell cortex, and changes in cell adhesion properties. We also established that RAC1 amplification, with or without mutation, is sufficient to drive cell proliferation and resistance to BRAF inhibition. Further, we identified polyploidy of chromosome 7, which harbors RAC1, in both the metastatic lesion and its derived cell line. Copy number amplification and overexpression of other genes located on this chromosome, such as TWIST1, EGFR, and MET were also detected, which might also lead to dabrafenib resistance. Our study suggests that polyploidy leading to increased expression of specific genes, particularly those located on chromosome 7, should be considered when analyzing aggressive thyroid tumor samples and in further treatments.

Automated summary

This study identified a novel RAC1 (P34R) mutation acquired during dabrafenib treatment, as well as revealed that an increase in RAC1 copy numbers and polyploidy of chromosome 7 may contribute to drug resistance.