Integrative multi-omics defines melanoma drug response networks and ARID1A-dependent resistance mechanisms.

Barker CG., Sharma S., Santos AM., Nikolakopoulos K-S., Velentzas AD., Tormo-Garcia C., Sharma A., Völlmy FI., Minia A., Pliaka V., Clarke J., Altelaar M., Wright GJ., Alexopoulos LG., Stravopodis DJ., Petsalaki E.

Resistance to BRAF/MAPK inhibitors is a significant challenge in melanoma treatment, driven by adaptive and acquired mechanisms allowing tumor cells to evade therapy. We explored early signaling responses to BRAF and MAPK inhibition in a BRAFV600E-sensitive melanoma cell line and a drug-resistant ARID1A-knockout (KO) derivative. ARID1A, frequently mutated in melanoma, is linked to resistance and immune evasion. Through an innovative systems biology approach integrating multi-omics datasets, we identified critical resistance mechanisms. We found that ARID1A-KO cells exhibited transcriptional rewiring, sustaining MAPK1/3 and JNK activity post-treatment, suppressing PRKD1 activation, increasing JUN activity, and disrupting PKC dynamics via elevated RTKs (e.g., EGFR, ROS1) and Ephrin receptor activity. ARID1A-KO also reduced HLA-related protein expression and enhanced extracellular matrix components, potentially limiting immune infiltration and immunotherapy efficacy. Our multi-omics analysis revealed PRKD1, JUN, and NCK1 as key resistance nodes, offering potential targets for therapeutic strategies to counter resistance in melanoma.

DOI

10.1038/s44320-025-00183-5

Type

Journal article

Publication Date

2026-02-18T00:00:00+00:00

Keywords

ARID1A, Data Integration, Drug Resistance, Melanoma, Network Analysis

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