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Chemical Inactivation of the E3 Ubiquitin Ligase Cereblon by Pomalidomide-based Homo-PROTACs
Published on: May 15, 2019
Proteasome inhibitors-mediated TRAIL resensitization and Bik accumulation
Hongbo Zhu1, Wei Guo, Lidong Zhang
1Department of Surgical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, China.
Proteasome inhibitors resensitize cancer cells to tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) therapy. Bik accumulation is critical for this resensitization, enhancing TRAIL-mediated apoptosis.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Death Research
Background:
- Proteasome inhibitors can overcome resistance to tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL)-mediated apoptosis.
- The precise mechanisms underlying this resensitization remain incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the interaction mechanisms between proteasome inhibitors and TRAIL.
- To investigate how proteasome inhibitors resensitize TRAIL-resistant colon cancer cells.
Main Methods:
- Treatment of TRAIL-resistant colon cancer cell lines (DLD1-TRAIL/R, LOVO-TRAIL/R) with bortezomib/MG132 and TRAIL.
- Analysis of apoptosis markers (caspase cleavage, cytochrome C, Smac release).
- Assessment of death receptor and apoptosis regulator protein levels (DR5, Bik, DR4, Bax, Bak, Bcl-2, Bcl-XL, FLIP).
- Investigation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway involvement and Bik knockdown using siRNA.
Main Results:
- Combined bortezomib/MG132 and TRAIL treatment enhanced apoptosis induction and caspase cleavage.
- Proteasome inhibitors increased protein levels of death receptor 5 (DR5) and Bik, but not other regulators.
- JNK activation by proteasome inhibitors influenced DR5 levels but not apoptosis enhancement or Bik increase.
- Bik knockdown partially blocked bortezomib-mediated TRAIL sensitization.
Conclusions:
- Accumulation of Bik protein is a key factor in proteasome inhibitor-mediated resensitization to TRAIL.
- This study clarifies a crucial mechanism for overcoming TRAIL resistance in cancer therapy.
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