KRAS codon-specific mutations differentially toggle PI3K pathway signaling and alter sensitivity to inavolisib (GDC-0077)

Abstract

PIK3CA and KRAS are among the most frequently mutated oncogenes and often co-mutated in colorectal cancers. Understanding how KRAS codon-specific mutations affect cross-talks between the PI3K and MAPK pathways and response to targeted therapies, such as the p110α-specific inhibitor inavolisib (GDC-0077), is critical for advancing precision oncology. Focusing on colorectal PIK3CA+KRAS co-mutated models, we found that KRAS G12D-mutated cells were more sensitive to inavolisib than models with KRAS G13D, or other MAPK pathway mutations, even though the PI3K and MAPK pathways were active in both genotypes. In most co-mutated models, regardless of the type of KRAS alteration, combination of inavolisib with MAPK pathway inhibitors showed synergy in vitro and in vivo. Our work highlights how specific codon substitutions in KRAS differentially toggle pathway activity and alter sensitivity to inavolisib, which could inform whether patients would benefit more from single-agent inavolisib or combination with MAPK pathway inhibitors.