Integrative Analysis of Patient-Derived Tumoroids and Ex Vivo Organoid Modelling of Arid1a Loss in Bladder Cancer Reveals Therapeutic Molecular Targets Publisher Pubmed



Scholtes MP¹ ; Akbarzadeh M^{1, 2, 3} ; Galaras A^{4, 5} ; Nakaumagonzales JA¹ ; Bazrafshan A² ; Solanki V¹ ; Torenvliet B² ; Beikmohammadi L^{2, 3} ; Lozovanu V² ; Romal S² ; Moulos P^{4, 5} ; Vavouraki N⁴ ; Kan TW^{1, 6} ; Algoe M⁶ Show All Authors Show Affiliations
Source: Cancer Letters Published:2025

Abstract

Somatic mutations in ARID1A (AT-rich interactive domain-containing protein 1A) are present in approximately 25 % of bladder cancers (BC) and are associated with poor prognosis. With a view to discover effective treatment options for ARID1A-deficient BC patients, we set out to identify targetable effectors dysregulated consequent to ARID1A deficiency. Integrative analyses of ARID1A depletion in normal organoids and data mining in publicly available datasets revealed upregulation of DNA repair and cell cycle-associated genes consequent to loss of ARID1A and identified CHEK1 (Checkpoint kinase 1) and chromosomal passenger complex member BIRC5 (Baculoviral IAP Repeat Containing 5) as therapeutically drug-able candidate molecular effectors. Ex vivo treatment of patient-derived BC tumoroids with clinically advanced small molecule inhibitors targeting CHEK1 or BIRC5 was associated with increased DNA damage signalling and apoptosis, and selectively induced cell death in tumoroids lacking ARID1A protein expression. Thus, integrating public datasets with patient-derived organoid modelling and ex-vivo drug testing can uncover key molecular effectors and mechanisms of oncogenic transformation, potentially leading to novel therapeutic strategies. Our data point to ARID1A protein expression as a suitable candidate biomarker for the selection of BC patients responsive to therapies targeting BIRC5 and CHEK1. © 2025 The Author(s)