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Updated: Jul 8, 2026
Assessment of Resistance to Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors by an Interrogation of Signal Transduction Pathways by Antibody Arrays
Published on: September 19, 2018
[Anti-tumor activities of steroids--lessons from microarray analysis]
Toshiyuki Miyashita1, Tadahilo Oshida
1Department of Molecular Biology, Kitasato University School of Medicine.
Abstract:
The ability of glucocorticoids (GCs) to kill lymphoid cells via a process called apoptosis has led to their inclusion in essentially all chemotherapy protocols for lymphoid malignancies. Since GC receptor(GR) is a ligand-dependent transcription factor, there should be genes mediating apoptosis among the ones whose expression is induced by GC. This review summarizes recent advances related to the molecular basis of GC-induced apoptosis, focusing on microarray analysis. Various groups of genes have been identified as candidate target genes of GR including the ones encoding Bcl-2 family proteins and calcineurin inhibitors. Although further investigation is required to determine the genes causally involved in GC-induced apoptosis, the studies described here will hopefully lead to more efficient treatments of lymphoid malignancies.
Insights
Glucocorticoids induce apoptosis in lymphoid cells, a key mechanism in treating lymphoid cancers. Microarray analysis is identifying genes regulated by the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) that mediate this cell death process.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Context:
- Glucocorticoids (GCs) are crucial in chemotherapy for lymphoid malignancies due to their ability to induce apoptosis.
- The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) acts as a ligand-dependent transcription factor, suggesting its direct regulation of genes involved in apoptosis.
Purpose:
- To review recent advancements in understanding the molecular mechanisms of GC-induced apoptosis.
- To highlight the role of microarray analysis in identifying GR target genes involved in apoptosis.
Summary:
- Microarray studies have identified candidate GR target genes, including those encoding Bcl-2 family proteins and calcineurin inhibitors, which may mediate GC-induced apoptosis.
- While the precise genes causally involved require further investigation, these findings offer insights into the molecular basis of GC action.
Impact:
- The identification of specific genes mediating GC-induced apoptosis could lead to the development of more effective and targeted treatments for lymphoid malignancies.
- Understanding these molecular pathways may improve therapeutic strategies and patient outcomes in cancer therapy.
