Involvement of microRNAs-449/FASN axis in response to trastuzumab therapy in HER2-positive breast cancer

Abstract The anti-HER2 monoclonal antibody trastuzumab and new derivative formulations are the standard treatment for HER2-positive breast cancer. However, after 1 to 5 years of treatment, some patients acquire resistance to therapy, leading to relapse. The microRNA-449 family members were downregul...

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Main Authors: Ana Lameirinhas, Sandra Torres-Ruiz, Iris Garrido-Cano, Cristina Hernando, María Teresa Martínez, Ana Rovira, Joan Albanell, Sandra Zazo, Federico Rojo, Begoña Bermejo, Ana Lluch, Juan Miguel Cejalvo, Eduardo Tormo, Pilar Eroles
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-03-01
Series:Molecular Medicine
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s10020-025-01163-z
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Summary:Abstract The anti-HER2 monoclonal antibody trastuzumab and new derivative formulations are the standard treatment for HER2-positive breast cancer. However, after 1 to 5 years of treatment, some patients acquire resistance to therapy, leading to relapse. The microRNA-449 family members were downregulated in HER2-positive breast cancer cell lines and low levels were associated with patients’ worse prognosis. Moreover, trastuzumab-resistant HER2-positive breast cancer cell lines showed lower microRNAs-449 and higher Fatty Acid Synthase (FASN) expression, compared to sensitive cell lines. The direct regulation of FASN by microRNA-449a and microRNA-449b-5p was demonstrated. Moreover, microRNAs-449 overexpression and FASN inhibition decreased cell proliferation and sensitized cells to trastuzumab treatment by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Together, these results suggest the microRNAs-449/FASN axis as a potential therapeutic target in combination with anti-HER2 agents to overcome trastuzumab resistance and to improve treatment response in HER2-positive breast cancer patients.
ISSN:1528-3658