LAPTM4B Confers Resistance to EGFR-TKIs by Suppressing the Proteasomal Degradation of ATP1A1 in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have transformed the treatment of EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); however, acquired resistance remains a major clinical challenge. While lysosomes have been implicated in drug resistance, their precise role in EGFR-TKI resistance remains unclear. In this study, we found that EGFR-TKI, including gefitinib and osimertinib, impaired WWP2-mediated proteasomal degradation of LAPTM4B. Through analysis of clinical tumor samples, genetic manipulation, and functional assays, we identify the lysosomal protein LAPTM4B as a key driver of EGFR-TKI resistance by enhancing EGFR phosphorylation and downstream signaling. Mechanistically, LAPTM4B interacts with ATP1A1 and facilitates its endocytosis, while simultaneously preventing its degradation by suppressing TRIM8-mediated K63-linked ubiquitination and proteasomal turnover. This stabilization of ATP1A1 enhances lysosomal acidification, ultimately promoting EGFR-TKI resistance. To identify potential therapeutic strategies, we conducted an unbiased high-content drug screen and identified compounds that suppress LAPTM4B expression. These compounds synergistically enhance the efficacy of EGFR-TKIs in NSCLC models in vitro and in vivo, with minimal toxicity. Integrative analyses of patient tissue samples, cellular models, an animal model, and cancer databases highlight the critical role of the LAPTM4B-ATP1A1-lysosomal acidification axis in EGFR-TKI resistance, providing a promising therapeutic avenue for overcoming resistance in EGFR-mutant NSCLC.