CBP/Β-catenin/FOXM1 is a novel therapeutic target in triple negative breast cancer

Background: Triple negative breast cancers (TNBCs) are an aggressive BC subtype, characterized by high rates of drug resistance and a high proportion of cancer stem cells (CSC). CSCs are thought to be responsible for tumor initiation and drug resistance. cAMP-response element-binding (CREB) binding protein (CREBBP or CBP) has been implicated in CSC biology and may provide a novel therapeutic target in TNBC. Methods: RNA Seq pre- and post treatment with the CBP-binding small molecule ICG-001 was used to characterize CBP-driven gene expression in TNBC cells. In vitro and in vivo TNBC models were used to determine the therapeutic effect of CBP inhibition via ICG-001. Tissue microarrays (TMAs) were used to investigate the potential of CBP and associated proteins as biomarkers in TNBC. Results: The CBP/Β-catenin/FOXM1 transcriptional complex drives gene expression in TNBC and is associated with increased CSC numbers, drug resistance and poor survival outcome. Targeting of CBP/Β-catenin/FOXM1 with ICG-001 eliminated CSCs and sensitized TNBC tumors to chemotherapy. Immunohistochemistry of TMAs demonstrated a significant correlation between FOXM1 expression and TNBC subtype. Conclusion: CBP/Β-catenin/FOXM1 transcriptional activity plays an important role in TNBC drug resistance and CSC phenotype. CBP/Β-catenin/FOXM1 provides a molecular target for precision therapy in triple negative breast cancer and could form a rationale for potential clinical trials.