Paneth-like transition drives resistance to dual targeting of KRAS and EGFR in colorectal cancer

Abstract

While dual KRAS and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibition shows promise in treating KRAS-mutant colorectal cancer (CRC), resistance remains a major challenge. Using genetically engineered mouse models, patient-derived organoids and xenografts, as well as clinical specimens, we discover that colorectal tumors surviving combined KRAS and EGFR inhibition acquire a Paneth-like cell state-a secretory lineage typically confined to the intestinal crypt. Lineage tracing reveals that CRC cells evade dual therapy by transitioning into a Paneth-like state. Through integrated transcriptomic analysis and CRISPR genetic screening, we identify SMAD1 as a key regulator of this lineage plasticity, promoting resistance by directly activating FGFR3. Genetic or pharmacological inhibition of FGFR3 prevents the Paneth-like transition, restores drug sensitivity, and synergizes with KRAS-EGFR inhibition across multiple preclinical models. These findings reveal that the SMAD1-FGFR3 axis triggers Paneth-like plasticity to drive KRAS-EGFR dual therapy resistance in CRC and highlight FGFR3 blockade as a promising strategy to overcome plasticity-driven drug tolerance.

Keywords: KRAS mutant colorectal cancer; Paneth-like cell state; drug resistance; dual KRAS and EGFR-targeted therapy; lineage plasticity; trans-differentiation.