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Updated: May 12, 2026

Identification of Intracellular Signaling Events Induced in Viable Cells by Interaction with Neighboring Cells Undergoing Apoptotic Cell Death
09:18

Identification of Intracellular Signaling Events Induced in Viable Cells by Interaction with Neighboring Cells Undergoing Apoptotic Cell Death

Published on: December 27, 2016

GABAA receptor-binding protein promotes sensitivity to apoptosis induced by chemotherapeutic agents

Seung Bae Rho1, Hyun-Jung Byun, Boh-Ram Kim

  • 1Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do 410-769, Republic of Korea. sbrho@ncc.re.kr

International Journal of Oncology
|April 3, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Human gamma-aminobutyrate type A receptor-binding protein (GABARBP) acts as a pro-apoptotic protein in ovarian cancer. Combined with cisplatin, GABARBP enhances apoptosis and inhibits cancer cell proliferation and migration.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Ovarian cancer remains a significant health challenge with limited treatment options.
  • Understanding novel therapeutic targets and mechanisms is crucial for improving patient outcomes.
  • The role of gamma-aminobutyrate type A receptor-binding protein (GABARBP) in cancer is not fully elucidated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the expression and function of GABARBP in ovarian cancer.
  • To evaluate the potential of GABARBP as a therapeutic agent, alone and in combination with cisplatin.
  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying GABARBP's effects on ovarian cancer cells.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of GABARBP expression in ovarian cancer cell lines and tissues.
  • Cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis assays.
  • Western blotting to assess protein expression levels (cyclin D1, CDK4, p53, p21, Bcl-2, Bcl-xL).
  • Luciferase reporter assays to evaluate promoter activity (p53, p21).
  • Validation of p53 activity using UV irradiation and small interfering RNA (siGABARBP).

Main Results:

  • GABARBP expression is downregulated in ovarian cancer.
  • GABARBP exhibits pro-apoptotic properties and suppresses cancer cell proliferation and migration.
  • Combined treatment with GABARBP and cisplatin demonstrates synergistic effects on inhibiting cell growth and migration.
  • The combination therapy downregulates cyclin D1 and CDK4, arrests the cell cycle in G₀-G₁, and modulates apoptosis-related proteins (p53, p21, Bcl-2, Bcl-xL).
  • GABARBP induces p53 and p21 promoter activity, indicating a role in p53-mediated apoptosis.

Conclusions:

  • GABARBP is a novel pro-apoptotic protein with potential in ovarian cancer therapy.
  • GABARBP enhances the anti-cancer effects of cisplatin through p53-dependent pathways.
  • Targeting GABARBP may represent a promising strategy for ovarian cancer treatment.

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