Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 2, 2026

Generation of Prostate Cancer Cell Models of Resistance to the Anti-mitotic Agent Docetaxel
06:44

Generation of Prostate Cancer Cell Models of Resistance to the Anti-mitotic Agent Docetaxel

Published on: September 8, 2017

14.1K

MicroRNA-181a promotes docetaxel resistance in prostate cancer cells

Cameron M Armstrong1, Chengfei Liu1, Wei Lou1

  • 1Department of Urology, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California.

The Prostate
|May 10, 2017
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

MicroRNAs, specifically miR-181a, drive resistance to docetaxel and cabazitaxel in castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Inhibiting miR-181a restores treatment sensitivity by affecting p53 phosphorylation and apoptosis.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Docetaxel is a primary treatment for castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC).
  • Acquired resistance to docetaxel limits its long-term efficacy in CRPC patients.
  • Mechanisms of docetaxel resistance, including the role of microRNAs, are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of miR-181a in the development of docetaxel resistance in CRPC.
  • To determine if modulating miR-181a levels can overcome docetaxel resistance.

Main Methods:

  • Quantitative real-time PCR to measure miR-181a expression in docetaxel-resistant prostate cancer cells.
  • Transfection with miR-181a mimics or antisense oligonucleotides to modulate expression.
  • Cell viability assays, Western blotting for ABCB1 and phospho-p53, and apoptosis assays (ELISA).

Main Results:

  • miR-181a was significantly overexpressed in docetaxel-resistant cells.
  • Overexpressing miR-181a induced resistance to docetaxel and cabazitaxel.
  • Knockdown of miR-181a restored sensitivity to both drugs and induced apoptosis via p53 phosphorylation.
  • miR-181a did not affect ABCB1 expression or activity.

Conclusions:

  • miR-181a overexpression is a key factor in CRPC resistance to docetaxel and cabazitaxel.
  • Inhibiting miR-181a can re-sensitize CRPC cells to chemotherapy.
  • The mechanism involves the modulation of p53 phosphorylation and apoptosis.
Keywords:
docetaxelmiR-181aprostate cancerresistance

More Related Videos

MicroRNA Detection in Prostate Tumors by Quantitative Real-time PCR qPCR08:30

MicroRNA Detection in Prostate Tumors by Quantitative Real-time PCR qPCR

Published on: May 16, 2012

25.1K
Live Imaging to Study Microtubule Dynamic Instability in Taxane-resistant Breast Cancers06:02

Live Imaging to Study Microtubule Dynamic Instability in Taxane-resistant Breast Cancers

Published on: February 20, 2017

8.0K

Related Concept Videos

MicroRNAs01:22

MicroRNAs

MicroRNA (miRNA) are short, regulatory RNA transcribed from introns (non-coding regions of a gene) or intergenic regions (stretches of DNA present between genes). Several processing steps are required to form biologically active, mature miRNA. The initial transcript, called primary miRNA (pri-mRNA), base-pairs with itself, forming a stem-loop structure. Within the nucleus, an endonuclease enzyme, called Drosha, shortens the stem-loop structure into hairpin-shaped pre-miRNA. After the pre-miRNA...
4.2K
MicroRNAs01:22

MicroRNAs

MicroRNA (miRNA) are short, regulatory RNA transcribed from introns—non-coding regions of a gene—or intergenic regions—stretches of DNA present between genes. Several processing steps are required to form biologically active, mature miRNA. The initial transcript, called primary miRNA (pri-mRNA), base-pairs with itself forming a stem-loop structure. Within the nucleus, an endonuclease enzyme, called Drosha, shortens the stem-loop structure into hairpin-shaped pre-miRNA. After...
24.4K
Drugs that Stabilize Microtubules01:15

Drugs that Stabilize Microtubules

Microtubules are dynamic structures that undergo cycles of catastrophe and rescue. The microtubules play a central role in cell division by forming the spindle apparatus for segregating the chromosomes. This makes them ideal targets for regulating dividing cells in tumors and malignant cancer cells. Microtubule stabilizing drugs help stabilize the microtubule formation and promote its polymerization. Paclitaxel was the first microtubule stabilizing agent used as anticancer drug in chemotherapy...
2.8K
Treatment Resistant Cancers02:56

Treatment Resistant Cancers

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...
3.8K
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression03:03

mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression

The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
The mTOR pathway or the...
4.9K
Drugs that Destabilize Microtubules01:10

Drugs that Destabilize Microtubules

Microtubules are dynamic structures and can be regulated by microtubule targeting agents (MTAs). Microtubule destabilizing drugs are a class of MTAs that destabilize and prevent microtubules' polymerization. Both natural and synthetic chemicals can be found under this class of drugs. Vincristine and vinblastine, two vinca alkaloids, and colchicine were among the first to be discovered. These drugs can affect cells in various ways, either by inducing a change in cell morphology, preventing...
4.1K