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Down-regulation of miR-27a might reverse multidrug resistance of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Hongwei Zhang1, Mengbin Li, Yu Han

  • 1Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, 710032, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China. hongwzh@126.com

Digestive Diseases and Sciences
|December 5, 2009
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Down-regulating miR-27a enhances esophageal cancer cell sensitivity to chemotherapy drugs. This finding offers potential new strategies for treating multidrug resistance in esophageal cancer.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • The role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in multidrug resistance (MDR) of esophageal cancer remains largely unexplored.
  • Esophageal cancer exhibits significant resistance to various chemotherapeutic agents, limiting treatment efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the specific role of miR-27a in the context of multidrug resistance in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which miR-27a influences drug sensitivity and resistance pathways.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized MTT assays to assess cell viability and drug sensitivity.
  • Employed flow cytometry to analyze apoptosis and drug accumulation.
  • Conducted reporter gene assays to validate target gene interactions.
  • Quantified protein and gene expression levels of key resistance markers.

Main Results:

  • Down-regulation of miR-27a significantly increased sensitivity to both P-glycoprotein-dependent and independent drugs in esophageal cancer cells.
  • Reduced miR-27a levels promoted Adriamycin (ADR)-induced apoptosis, leading to increased intracellular ADR accumulation.
  • Decreased expression of P-glycoprotein, Bcl-2, and MDR1 transcription was observed upon miR-27a down-regulation, alongside an upregulation of Bax.

Conclusions:

  • MiR-27a plays a critical role in mediating multidrug resistance in esophageal cancer.
  • Targeting miR-27a presents a promising therapeutic strategy for overcoming drug resistance and improving treatment outcomes in esophageal cancer patients.

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