Hyperactivation of MAPK Signaling Is Deleterious to RAS/RAF-mutant Melanoma

Abstract The most frequent genetic alterations in melanoma are gain-of-function (GOF) mutations in BRAF, which result in RAF–MEK–ERK signaling pathway addiction. Despite therapeutic success of RAF and MEK inhibitors in treating BRAFV600-mutant tumors, a major challenge is the inevitable emergence of drug resistance, which often involves reactivation of the MAPK pathway. Interestingly, resistant tumors are often sensitive to drug withdrawal, suggesting that hyperactivation of the MAPK pathway is not tolerated. To further characterize this phenomenon, isogenic models of inducible MAPK hyperactivation in BRAFV600E melanoma cells were generated by overexpression of ERK2. Using this model system, supraphysiologic levels of MAPK signaling led to cell death, which was reversed by MAPK inhibition. Furthermore, complete tumor regression was observed in an ERK2-overexpressing xenograft model. To identify mediators of MAPK hyperactivation–induced cell death, a large-scale pooled shRNA screen was conducted, which revealed that only shRNAs against BRAF and MAP2K1 rescued loss of cell viability. This suggested that no single downstream ERK2 effector was required, consistent with pleiotropic effects on multiple cellular stress pathways. Intriguingly, the detrimental effect of MAPK hyperactivation could be partially attributed to secreted factors, and more than 100 differentially secreted proteins were identified. The effect of ERK2 overexpression was highly context dependent, as RAS/RAF mutant but not RAS/RAF wild-type melanoma were sensitive to this perturbation. Implications: This vulnerability to MAPK hyperactivation raises the possibility of novel therapeutic approaches for RAS/RAF-mutant cancers.