Splicing modulator FR901464 is a potential agent for colorectal cancer in combination therapy

Abstract

FR901464 (FR) was first described as an anticancer drug and later identified as a modulator of splicing factor 3B subunit 1 (SF3B1). Although the effectiveness of splicing modulators has been investigated in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells, their usefulness in animal experiments has not been confirmed. The association of <i>SF3B1</i> with CRC progression and the influence of FR on transcriptional activity in CRC has not been fully elucidated. FR showed strong cytotoxicity against CRC cell lines, <i>SF3B1</i>-mutated cancer cell lines, and human fibroblasts with IC₅₀ values less than 1 ng/ml. FR-resistant clones derived from HCT116, DLD1, Lovo, and CT26 cells showed IC₅₀ values greater than 100 ng/ml. <i>SF3B1</i> sequencing demonstrated low frequencies of <i>SF3B1</i> mutations in CRC and mutations in codon 1074 of exon 22 in all FR-resistant clones. Unlike hematological malignancies, <i>SF3B1</i> expression was not associated with CRC progression. Although FR showed significant growth inhibition in a xenograft model of RKO cells, severe toxicity was also induced. These data indicated CRC might be a suitable target of FR unless toxicity occurs. Microarray analysis and real-time quantitative PCR demonstrated downregulation of genes associated with Fanconi anemia (<i>BRCA1 and BRCA2</i>) and 28 driver oncogenes. These data suggested combination treatment of FR with other anticancer drugs whose sensitivity is associated with genes affected by FR treatment. Combination treatment with PARP1 inhibitor olaparib, whose sensitivity was enhanced by <i>BRCA</i> 1/2 deficiency, showed synergistic effects in CRC cells. Our data indicates the potential of FR in combination therapy rather than monotherapy for CRC treatment.