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Trichosanthin enhances sensitivity of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) TRAIL-resistance cells
Chengcheng You1,2, Yingming Sun1, Shiyu Zhang1
1Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
Abstract:
Tumour necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) has a specific antitumour activity against many malignant tumours. However, more than half of lung cancer cells are resistant to TRAIL-relevant drugs. Trichosanthin (TCS) is a traditional Chinese medicine with strong inhibitive effects on various malignancies. Nevertheless, its function on TRAIL resistance has not been revealed in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). To examine the molecular mechanisms of TCS-induced TRAIL sensitivity, we administrated TCS to TRAIL-resistance NSCLC cells, and found that the combination treatment of TCS and TRAIL inhibited cancer cell proliferation and invasion, and induced cell apoptosis and S-phase arrest. This combined therapeutic method regulated the expression levels of extrinsic apoptosis-associated proteins Caspase 3/8 and PARP; intrinsic apoptosis-associated proteins BCL-2 and BAX; invasion-associated proteins E-cadherin, N-cadherin, Vimentin, ICAM-1, MMP-2 and MMP-9; and cell cycle-associated proteins P27, CCNE1 and CDK2. Up-expression and redistribution of death receptors (DRs) on the cell surface were also observed in combined treatment. In conclusion, our results indicated that TCS rendered NSCLC cells sensitivity to TRAIL via upregulating and redistributing DR4 and DR5, inducing apoptosis, and regulating invasion and cell cycle related proteins. Our results provided a potential therapeutic method to enhance TRAIL-sensitivity.
Insights
Trichosanthin (TCS) enhances sensitivity to Tumour Necrosis Factor-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand (TRAIL) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This combination therapy inhibits cancer growth and invasion by modulating apoptosis, cell cycle, and death receptor expression.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Tumour necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) exhibits specific antitumor activity, but many lung cancer cells display resistance.
- Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a major malignancy with a significant portion of cells resistant to TRAIL-based therapies.
- Trichosanthin (TCS), a traditional Chinese medicine, shows potent inhibitory effects against various cancers, but its role in overcoming TRAIL resistance in NSCLC is unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the molecular mechanisms by which TCS enhances TRAIL sensitivity in TRAIL-resistant NSCLC cells.
- To evaluate the combined therapeutic effects of TCS and TRAIL on NSCLC cell proliferation, invasion, apoptosis, and cell cycle progression.
- To identify the key proteins and signaling pathways modulated by the combined treatment.
Main Methods:
- Administration of TCS to TRAIL-resistant NSCLC cell lines.
- Assessment of cell proliferation, invasion, apoptosis, and cell cycle distribution.
- Analysis of the expression levels of apoptosis-associated proteins (Caspase 3/8, PARP, BCL-2, BAX).
- Evaluation of invasion-associated proteins (E-cadherin, N-cadherin, Vimentin, ICAM-1, MMP-2, MMP-9).
- Examination of cell cycle-associated proteins (P27, CCNE1, CDK2).
- Detection of death receptor (DR) expression and localization on the cell surface.
Main Results:
- The combination of TCS and TRAIL significantly inhibited NSCLC cell proliferation and invasion.
- Combined treatment induced significant apoptosis and S-phase arrest in cancer cells.
- Expression levels of key proteins involved in extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis, invasion, and cell cycle regulation were modulated.
- Up-regulation and redistribution of death receptors (DR4 and DR5) on the cell surface were observed.
Conclusions:
- TCS effectively sensitizes NSCLC cells to TRAIL by upregulating and redistributing death receptors DR4 and DR5.
- The combination therapy promotes apoptosis and regulates proteins involved in cancer cell invasion and cell cycle progression.
- This study presents a potential therapeutic strategy to enhance TRAIL sensitivity in NSCLC treatment.
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