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Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Implementation of In Vitro Drug Resistance Assays: Maximizing the Potential for Uncovering Clinically Relevant Resistance Mechanisms
08:46

Implementation of In Vitro Drug Resistance Assays: Maximizing the Potential for Uncovering Clinically Relevant Resistance Mechanisms

Published on: December 9, 2015

Translational regulation as a novel mechanism for the development of cellular drug resistance

J C Schmitz1, J Liu, X Lin

  • 1Department of Medicine and Pharmacology, Yale Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine and VA CT Cancer Center, VA CT Healthcare System, New Haven 06516, USA.

Cancer Metastasis Reviews
|February 8, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Cancer cells can develop drug resistance through translational regulation, affecting key proteins like thymidylate synthase and dihydrofolate reductase. Disruptions in this process accelerate the emergence of cellular drug resistance, impacting chemotherapy effectiveness.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Cellular drug resistance is a major challenge in cancer chemotherapy.
  • Translational regulation is increasingly recognized as a key factor in cellular processes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of translational regulation in modulating cancer drug resistance.
  • To highlight specific examples of translational control in key proteins.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on translational regulation in cancer.
  • Analysis of experimental data on thymidylate synthase, dihydrofolate reductase, and p53.
  • Examination of mechanisms leading to drug resistance.

Main Results:

  • Translational control significantly impacts the expression of critical proteins involved in drug metabolism and cell cycle regulation.
  • Evidence supports the role of translational regulation in thymidylate synthase, dihydrofolate reductase, and p53.
  • Disruptions in translational control can lead to rapid development of cellular drug resistance.

Conclusions:

  • Translational regulation represents a promising novel mechanism for overcoming cancer drug resistance.
  • Targeting translational control pathways could enhance the efficacy of cancer chemotherapy.

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