Identification of resistance mechanisms to small-molecule inhibition of TEAD-regulated transcription

The Hippo tumour suppressor pathway controls transcription by regulating nuclear abundance of YAP and TAZ, which activate transcription with the TEAD1-TEAD4 DNA-binding proteins. Recently, several small-molecule inhibitors of YAP and TEADs have been reported, with some now entering clinical trials for different cancers with Hippo pathway deregulation, most notably, mesothelioma. Using genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 screens we reveal that mutations in genes from the Hippo, MAPK and JAK-STAT signaling pathways all modulate the response of mesothelioma cell lines to TEAD palmitoylation inhibitors. By exploring gene expression programs of mutant cells, we find that MAPK pathway hyperactivation confers resistance to TEAD inhibition by reinstating expression of a subset of YAP/TAZ target genes. Consistent with this, combined inhibition of TEAD and the MAPK kinase MEK, synergistically blocks proliferation of multiple mesothelioma and lung cancer cell lines and more potently reduces the growth of patient-derived lung cancer xenografts in vivo. Collectively, we reveal mechanisms by which cells can overcome small-molecule inhibition of TEAD palmitoylation and potential strategies to enhance the anti-tumor activity of emerging Hippo pathway targeted therapies.