Abstract 3074: Regulating lactate levels in triple negative breast cancer presents a promising avenue for therapeutic intervention

Abstract Introduction: Among all subtypes of breast cancer, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is associated with the most unfavorable prognosis, emphasizing the critical need to pinpoint therapeutic targets tailored to TNBCs. Lactate, produced as a by-product of aerobic glycolysis, acts as an oncometabolite and plays a substantial role in promoting tumor aggressiveness, particularly in TNBCs. In our ongoing laboratory investigations, we are actively exploring strategies to mitigate the influence of lactate on TNBCs. Methods: The experiments utilized two triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell lines, i.e., MDA-MB231 and MDA-MB468. The inhibitors employed in this study are FOXY5, XAV939, PFK15, and Quercetin. Protein expression was examined using Western blotting and Immunofluorescence assays. Trans-well and wound healing assays were employed to assess cell migration and invasion. Colony formation assays (CFU) were utilized to investigate stem cell potential and proliferation. In vivo experiments were conducted using 4T1-orthotopic Balb/c mice. Results: Using triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells, we have demonstrated the pivotal role of the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway in promoting the generation of extracellular lactate, thus driving the progression and metastasis of TNBCs. Additionally, we have shown that inhibiting lactate production in TNBC cells, and consequently impeding cell migration and invasion, can be achieved by using recombinant WNT5A or its mimicking hexa-peptide FOXY5. Similarly, employing a β-catenin inhibitor such as XAV939 can yield comparable outcomes in relation to TNBC cells. In an alternative approach, we conducted inhibition experiments targeting PFKFB3 (6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase), a key regulator of aerobic glycolysis in cancer cells. Our findings indicate that a combined approach involving siPFKL and iPFKFB3 is more promising in suppressing lactate production in TNBCs when compared to the effects of individual iPFKFB3 treatment. Conclusions: Our present investigations suggest that employing inhibitors targeting the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway, PFKP, and PFKEB3 could be a promising therapeutic strategy to effectively reduce lactate levels in TNBCs. Citation Format: Chandra Prakash Prasad, Sheikh Mohammad Umar, Arundhathi Dev J. R., Akanksha Kashyap, Meetu Rathee. Regulating lactate levels in triple negative breast cancer presents a promising avenue for therapeutic intervention [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 3074.