NEK9-mediated Wnt signalling repressor TLE3 rewires Docetaxel resistance in cancer cells by inducing pyroptosis.

BACKGROUND: Docetaxel is the most common chemotherapy regimen for several neoplasms, including advanced OSCC (Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma). Unfortunately, chemoresistance leads to relapse and adverse disease outcomes. METHODS: We performed CRISPR-based kinome screening to identify potential players of Docetaxel resistance. Immunohistochemistry was performed to examine the expression profile of the target gene across tumour tissues. Global transcriptome analysis was performed to determine the molecular mechanism underlying Docetaxel resistance. NEK9 kinase assay was performed to identify a putative kinase inhibitor. RESULTS: Upon conducting CRISPR-based kinome screening, Never In Mitosis Gene-A Related Kinase-9 (NEK9) was identified as a major player of Docetaxel resistance in OSCC, prostate, and pancreatic cancer lines. NEK9 expression was found to be upregulated in chemotherapy non-responder OSCC patients as compared to responders. NEK9 ablation restores Docetaxel-induced cell death in chemoresistant cells. Mechanistically, we found that NEK9 deletion upregulates Transducin-like enhancer protein 3 (TLE3), which in turn represses Wnt signalling. Fostamatinib was identified as a potent NEK9 inhibitor that overcomes Docetaxel resistance. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated that NEK9 plays an important role in Docetaxel resistance. The novel combination of NEK9 inhibitor Fostamatinib and Docetaxel needs further clinical investigation in advanced OSCC.