Abstract 6151: Loss of GPR54 inhibits tumor growth by suppressing AKT/DDC signaling pathway in KRAS-mutant non-small cell lung cancer

Abstract Therapeutic targeting of KRAS-mutant lung cancers has remained a challenge. There are increasing evidence that KISS1/GPR54 signaling pathway is associated with the development of various cancer. Although KISS1 and GPR54 are expressed in the lung, their biological role in the lung tumorigenesis remains unclear. In this study, using the genetically engineered mouse models, we have identified that loss of Gpr54 inhibited Kras-driven lung tumorigenesis by suppressing pathways in oncogenesis such as the MAPK and AKT pathways and inducing apoptosis. Similarly, genomic inhibition of GPR54 suppressed cell proliferation, decreased ERK and AKT signaling pathway, and increased apoptotic cell death in NSCLC cells. RNA-sequencing analysis revealed that DDC expression and glycolysis gene sets were significantly changed in Gpr54 deficient mice. Interestingly, HIF-1α expression is regulated by GPR54/AKT/DDC signaling pathway in NSCLC cells, leading to glycolytic change. Genomic inhibition of DDC suppressed cell proliferation and enhanced apoptotic cell death in NSCLC cell lines. Also, pharmacological inhibition of GPR54 and DDC lower glucose consumption and lactate production in NSCLC cell lines. Taken together, we demonstrate GPR54, as a potential therapeutic target, suggesting a new strategy to cure for lung cancer patients. Citation Format: Seo Yeon Lee, Yu-Jeong Choi, Hyun-Ha Hwang, Sooyeon Kang, Kangwook Lee, Seong-Gyu Ko. Loss of GPR54 inhibits tumor growth by suppressing AKT/DDC signaling pathway in KRAS-mutant non-small cell lung cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 6151.