Metastatic cancers invariably relapse due to the emergence of resistant subclones that are capable of self- renewal, slow cell-cycling, tumor re-initiation and therapy resistance, termed metastasis stem cells (MetSCs). Yet the molecular mechanisms MetSCs employ for survival and regrowth are poorly understood. Preliminary data described in this proposal identify the cell-adhesion molecule cell adhesion molecule L1 (L1CAM) as a critical target for suppressing metastatic relapse. Employing novel patient-derived organoid models of therapy- resistant colorectal cancer (CRC) liver metastases, L1CAM+ cells in patient tumors are shown to selectively regenerate organoids ex vivo. L1CAM is required for the regeneration of organoids in vitro, and the mouse colon epithelium after colitis injury in vivo. Disruption of cell-cell contact in intact epithelial structures is necessary and sufficient for L1CAM induction, with expression diminishing over time as the epithelium is regenerated. We hypothesize that epithelial disintegrity induces L1CAM expression, which is required for the survival and regrowth of cancer cells during invasion, metastasis and following therapy. The mechanisms that induce L1CAM dependency during tumor progression will be defined (1) using patient-derived organoid models of metastatic CRC to define the transcriptional regulation of L1CAM downstream of epithelial junction dissociation and (2) using genetically engineered mouse models, cutting-edge organoid-derived orthotopic rectal transplantation, and orthotopic liver and lung metastatic models in vivo to determine the role of L1CAM in tumor initiation, local invasion, metastatic colonization and maintenance. The proposed investigations will delineate signaling pathways by which tumor dissemination induces phenotypic plasticity and the emergence of metastatic traits, and will pave the way for L1CAM-targeting drugs that inhibit metastasis regeneration. The applicant, Dr. Karuna Ganesh, an Instructor in the Gastrointestinal Oncology Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), has delineated a 5-year career plan that builds upon her research background in biochemistry and clinical training in medical oncology. This project will provide the ideal training for Dr. Ganesh in using clinically representative, state-of-the-art patient-derived organoid and mouse models to dissect the transcriptional and epigenetic regulation of metastasis. Dr. Ganesh will be mentored by Dr. Joan Massagu, an internationally renowned expert in metastasis with a strong track record of training successful independent physician scientists. The candidate's career development plan includes coursework, workshops, mentoring from an interdisciplinary advisory committee comprising distinguished basic scientists and medical oncologists, and research experience in the outstanding institutional environment of MSKCC, a center of excellence in translational cancer research. Successful completion of the research project will lead to new approaches for treating patients with metastatic cancer and will provide the foundation for Dr. Ganesh to transition to a position as an independent investigator with her own laboratory and R01 funding.

Public Health Relevance

/PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE STATEMENT Metastasis is the major cause of cancer death: more effective therapies for metastatic cancer are urgently needed. To survive the process of dissemination to distant organs, we have discovered that cancer cells require a molecule called Cell Adhesion Molecule L1 (L1CAM), which can be inhibited to suppress metastatic relapse. This project investigates the mechanism by which cancer cells induce and become dependent on L1CAM, with the ultimate goal of improving therapeutic outcomes for patients with metastatic cancer.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Type
Clinical Investigator Award (CIA) (K08)
Project #
1K08CA230213-01
Application #
9582417
Study Section
Subcommittee I - Transistion to Independence (NCI)
Program Officer
Lim, Susan E
Project Start
2018-08-13
Project End
2023-07-31
Budget Start
2018-08-13
Budget End
2019-07-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2018
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research
Department
Type
DUNS #
064931884
City
New York
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
10065