Basal-shift transformation leads to EGFR therapy-resistance in human lung adenocarcinoma

Although EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) are effective for EGFR-mutant lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), resistance inevitably develops through diverse mechanisms, including secondary genetic mutations, amplifications and as-yet undefined processes. To comprehensively unravel the mechanisms of EGFR-TKI resistance, we establish a biobank of patient-derived EGFR-mutant lung cancer organoids, encompassing cases previously treated with EGFR-TKIs. Through comprehensive molecular profiling including single-cell analysis, here we identify a subgroup of EGFR-TKI-resistant LUAD organoids that lacks known resistance-related genetic lesions and instead exhibits a basal-shift phenotype characterized by the hybrid expression of LUAD- and squamous cell carcinoma-related genes. Prospective gene engineering demonstrates that NKX2-1 knockout induces the basal-shift transformation along with EGFR-target therapy resistance. Basal-shift LUADs frequently harbor CDKN2A/B loss and are sensitive to CDK4/6 inhibitors. Our EGFR-mutant lung cancer organoid library not only offers a valuable resource for lung cancer research but also provides insights into molecular underpinnings of EGFR-TKI resistance, facilitating the development of therapeutic strategies. Resistance to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) is prevalent. Here the authors establish a biobank of patient-derived EGFR-mutant lung cancer organoids and identify a subgroup of EGFR-TKI-resistant lung adenocarcinoma organoids, which exhibit a basal-shift phenotype and vulnerability to CDK4/6 inhibitors.