Galectin-3, a Druggable Vulnerability for KRAS-Addicted Cancers

Identifying the molecular basis for cancer cell dependence on oncogenes such as KRAS can provide new opportunities to target these addictions. Here, we identify a novel role for the carbohydrate-binding protein galectin-3 as a lynchpin for KRAS dependence. By directly binding to the cell surface receptor integrin αvβ3, galectin-3 gives rise to KRAS addiction by enabling multiple functions of KRAS in anchorage-independent cells, including formation of macropinosomes that facilitate nutrient uptake and ability to maintain redox balance. Disrupting αvβ3/galectin-3 binding with a clinically active drug prevents their association with mutant KRAS, thereby suppressing macropinocytosis while increasing reactive oxygen species to eradicate αvβ3-expressing KRAS -mutant lung and pancreatic cancer patient–derived xenografts and spontaneous tumors in mice. Our work reveals galectin-3 as a druggable target for KRAS-addicted lung and pancreas cancers, and indicates integrin αvβ3 as a biomarker to identify susceptible tumors. Significance: There is a significant unmet need for therapies targeting KRAS -mutant cancers. Here, we identify integrin αvβ3 as a biomarker to identify mutant KRAS–addicted tumors that are highly sensitive to inhibition of galectin-3, a glycoprotein that binds to integrin αvβ3 to promote KRAS-mediated activation of AKT. Cancer Discov; 7(12); 1464–79. ©2017 AACR. This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1355