Reduced CREB3L2 expression is associated with resistance to sorafenib and poor prognosis in ER-positive breast cancer

Sorafenib is a multikinase inhibitor that acts by inhibiting tumour growth and disrupting tumour microvasculature through anti-proliferative, anti-angiogenic, and pro-apoptotic effects. However, development of resistance to sorafenib often prevents its long-term efficacy. No validated biomarkers currently exist for appropriately selecting patients with cancer for sorafenib treatment. In the present study, we report that CREB3L2 expression in human breast cancer cell lines is a marker of response to sorafenib. Analysis of human breast cancer cell lines using Oncomine database and Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer (GDSC) database revealed an association between reduced expression of CREB3L2 and sensitivity to sorafenib. Wet lab experiment in five human breast cancer cell lines confirmed the association between reduced expression of CREB3L2 and sensitivity to sorafenib. Further, reduced expression of CREB3L2 was associated with poor Reccurence Free Survival in Luminal breast cancer. Our results suggest that CREB3L2 expression is a biomarker of response to sorafenib and outcome in breast cancer.