Dual targeting of MAPK and PI3K pathways unlocks redifferentiation of Braf-mutated thyroid cancer organoids

Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignancy and several genetic events have been described to promote the development of thyroid carcinogenesis. Besides the effects of specific mutations on thyroid cancer development, the molecular mechanisms controlling tumorigenesis, tumor behavior, and drug resistance are still largely unknown. Cancer organoids have been proposed as a powerful tool to study aspects related to tumor development and progression and appear promising to test individual responses to therapies. Here, using mESC-derived thyroid organoids, we developed a Braf(V637E)-inducible model able to recapitulate the features of papillary thyroid cancer in vitro. Overexpression of the murine Braf(V637E) mutation, equivalent to Braf(V600E) in humans, rapidly triggers to MAPK activation, cell dedifferentiation, and disruption of follicular organization. Braf(V637E)-expressing organoids show a transcriptomic signature for p53, focal adhesion, ECM-receptor interactions, EMT, and inflammatory signaling pathways. Finally, PTC-like thyroid organoids were used for drug screening assays. The combination of MAPK and PI3K inhibitors reversed Braf(V637E) oncogene-promoted cell dedifferentiation while restoring thyroid follicle organization and function in vitro. Our results demonstrate that pluripotent stem cells-derived thyroid cancer organoids can mimic tumor development and features while providing an efficient tool for testing novel targeted therapies.

Automated summary

In this study, mESC-derived thyroid organoids were used to establish a model that can replicate the features of papillary thyroid cancer in vitro. The results demonstrate that these organoids can mimic tumor development and features, and provide an effective tool for testing novel targeted therapies.