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Generating Chemoresistant Prostate Cancer Cells: A Procedure for Obtaining Drug-resistant Cancer Cells In Vitro
Published on: April 30, 2023
Autophagy: A novel mechanism of chemoresistance in cancers
Xinyu Li1, Yong Zhou1, Yongshuang Li1
1Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110000, PR China.
Abstract:
The success of targeted drug therapy for cancer patients has attracted extensive attention from academia and society. However, the rapid development of acquired drug resistance is becoming a major challenge. Autophagy, as an essential homeostatic and catabolic process, is crucial for the degradation or recycling of proteins and cellular components. Autophagy has a crucial role in several cellular functions and its dysregulation is associated with tumorigenesis, tumor-stroma interactions, and resistance to cancer therapy. A growing body of evidence shows that in multiple types of cancer, autophagy is also a key regulator in the tumor microenvironment and the cellular drug response. However, our understanding of the process of autophagy remains incompletely. In this review, we identify the role of autophagy and describe recent advances in the identification of the mechanism by which autophagy is implicated in drug resistance, with a focus on the mode of action, and validation as potential therapeutics.
Insights
Acquired drug resistance in cancer therapy is a major challenge. Autophagy, a cellular process, plays a key role in this resistance and offers potential therapeutic strategies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Medicine
Background:
- Targeted drug therapy has shown promise in cancer treatment.
- Acquired drug resistance is a significant obstacle to long-term patient survival.
- Autophagy, a cellular degradation process, is increasingly recognized for its role in cancer and drug response.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the multifaceted role of autophagy in cancer.
- To elucidate the mechanisms by which autophagy contributes to drug resistance.
- To explore the therapeutic potential of targeting autophagy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current research on autophagy and cancer drug resistance.
- Analysis of studies investigating the molecular mechanisms of autophagy in various cancer types.
- Examination of preclinical and clinical data on autophagy-modulating therapies.
Main Results:
- Autophagy is implicated in tumorigenesis, tumor-stroma interactions, and therapy resistance.
- Dysregulated autophagy influences the tumor microenvironment and cellular drug response.
- Specific pathways and mechanisms link autophagy to acquired resistance.
Conclusions:
- Autophagy is a critical regulator in cancer drug resistance.
- Understanding autophagy's role is essential for overcoming therapeutic challenges.
- Targeting autophagy presents a promising avenue for novel cancer therapeutics.
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