Activation of FGFR1beta signaling pathway promotes survival, migration and resistance to chemotherapy in acute myeloid leukemia cells

Leukemia. 2006 Jun;20(6):979-86. doi: 10.1038/sj.leu.2404203.

Abstract

Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are important regulators of hematopoiesis and have been implicated in the tumorigenesis of solid tumors. Recent evidence suggests that FGF signaling through FGF receptors (FGFRs) may play a role in the proliferation of subsets of acute myeloid leukemias (AMLs). However, the precise mechanism and specific FGF receptors that support leukemic cell growth are not known. We show that FGF-2, through activation of FGFR1beta signaling, promotes survival, proliferation and migration of AML cells. Stimulation of FGFR1beta results in phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3-K)/Akt activation and inhibits chemotherapy-induced apoptosis of leukemic cells. Neutralizing FGFR1-specific antibody abrogates the physiologic and chemoprotective effects of FGF-2/FGFR1beta signaling and inhibits tumor growth in mice xenotransplanted with human AML. These data suggest that activation of FGF-2/FGFR1beta supports progression and chemoresistance in subsets of AML. Therefore, FGFR1 targeting may be of therapeutic benefit in subsets of AML.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Agouti-Related Protein
  • Animals
  • Antibodies / pharmacology
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • Apoptosis / drug effects
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Movement* / drug effects
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm* / drug effects
  • Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / metabolism
  • Leukemia, Myeloid / drug therapy
  • Leukemia, Myeloid / genetics
  • Leukemia, Myeloid / metabolism*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, SCID
  • Phosphorylation
  • Protein Subunits / drug effects
  • Protein Subunits / metabolism
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 1 / drug effects
  • Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 1 / genetics
  • Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 1 / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction* / drug effects
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured
  • Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

Substances

  • Agouti-Related Protein
  • Antibodies
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Protein Subunits
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Fibroblast Growth Factor 2
  • FGFR1 protein, human
  • Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 1