Annexin A3 potentiates lenvatinib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma through multiple approaches amplified by a positive feedback loop

Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most lethal malignancies with limited treatment options. Lenvatinib is a first-line drug for advanced HCC. However, its effect on patient survival is limited and patients ultimately develop disease progression due to drug resistance. In this study, we established a lenvatinib-resistant orthotopic xenograft model and found a significant upregulation of ANXA3. Further researches revealed that ANXA3 facilitated lenvatinib resistance in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, ANXA3 activated the PI3K pathway and enhanced the transcription of PDGF-AA, thus promoting tumor angiogenesis. Besides, ANXA3 also promoted EMT and autophagy through the PI3K pathway. These three effects were comprehensively responsible for the roles of ANXA3 in facilitating lenvatinib resistance. What’s more, the secreted PDGF-AA could in turn activate the PI3K pathway, thus forming a positive feedback loop, which could amplify the effects driven by ANXA3. Alpelisib is a PI3K inhibitor approved for breast cancer treatment by FDA. We demonstrated that Alpelisib may synergistically improve the antitumor effects of lenvatinib without increasing side effects. This study reports ANXA3 as a biomarker o predict poor prognosis and lenvatinib resistance in HCC. The combined use of Alpelisib and lenvatinib may serve as a potential therapeutic strategy for lenvatinib-resistant HCC.