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Published on: June 6, 2017
A Comprehensive Gene Expression Analysis of Resistance Formation upon Metronomic Cyclophosphamide Therapy
Rebekka Kubisch1, Lilja Meissner, Stefan Krebs
1Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Center for System-Based Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany.
Abstract:
Resistance formation is one of the major hurdles in cancer therapy. Metronomic anti-angiogenic treatment of xenografted prostate cancer tumors in severe combined-immunodeficiency (SCID) mice with cyclophosphamide (CPA) results in the appearance of resistant tumors. To investigate the complex molecular changes occurring during resistance formation, we performed a comprehensive gene expression analysis of the resistant tumors in vivo. We observed a multitude of differentially expressed genes, e.g., PAS domain containing protein 1, annexin A3 (ANXA3), neurotensin, or plasminogen activator tissue (PLAT), when comparing resistant to in vivo passaged tumor samples. Furthermore, tumor cells from in vivo and in vitro conditions showed a significant difference in target gene expression. We assigned the differentially expressed genes to functional pathways like axon guidance, steroid biosynthesis, and complement and coagulation cascades. Most of these genes were involved in anti-coagulation. Up-regulation of anticoagulatory ANXA3 and PLAT and down-regulation of PLAT inhibitor serpin peptidase inhibitor clade A were validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. In contrast, coagulation factor F3 was upregulated, accompanied by the expression of an altered gene product. These findings give insights into the resistance mechanisms of metronomic CPA treatment, suggesting an important role of anti-coagulation in resistance formation.
Insights
Cancer treatment resistance can be overcome by understanding molecular changes. This study reveals that altered anti-coagulation pathways are key mechanisms in resistance to metronomic cyclophosphamide (CPA) therapy in prostate cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Resistance to cancer therapy is a significant clinical challenge.
- Metronomic anti-angiogenic therapy with cyclophosphamide (CPA) can induce resistance in prostate cancer models.
- Understanding the molecular basis of this resistance is crucial for developing effective treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the comprehensive molecular changes associated with resistance formation during metronomic CPA treatment.
- To identify key pathways and genes involved in the development of resistant tumors.
Main Methods:
- Gene expression analysis of resistant xenografted prostate cancer tumors in severe combined-immunodeficiency (SCID) mice.
- Comparison of gene expression profiles between resistant and sensitive tumor samples.
- Validation of key gene expression changes using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).
Main Results:
- Numerous differentially expressed genes were identified in resistant tumors, including PAS domain containing protein 1, annexin A3 (ANXA3), neurotensin, and plasminogen activator tissue (PLAT).
- Significant differences in gene expression were observed between in vivo and in vitro tumor cell conditions.
- Differentially expressed genes were enriched in pathways such as axon guidance, steroid biosynthesis, and complement and coagulation cascades, with a notable involvement in anti-coagulation.
- Upregulation of ANXA3 and PLAT, downregulation of their inhibitor, and upregulation of coagulation factor F3 were validated.
Conclusions:
- Metronomic CPA resistance in prostate cancer involves significant molecular alterations.
- The complement and coagulation cascade, particularly anti-coagulation mechanisms, play a critical role in the development of resistance.
- These findings provide insights into resistance mechanisms and suggest potential therapeutic targets.
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