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Updated: Aug 5, 2025
Using RNA-sequencing to Detect Novel Splice Variants Related to Drug Resistance in In Vitro Cancer Models
Published on: December 9, 2016
Progress in the studies on the molecular mechanisms associated with multidrug resistance in cancers
Lei Zhang1,2,3, Biwei Ye1,3, Zhuo Chen1,2,3
1State Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou 350002, China.
Abstract:
Chemotherapy is one of the important methods to treat cancer, and the emergence of multidrug resistance (MDR) is one major cause for the failure of cancer chemotherapy. Almost all anti-tumor drugs develop drug resistance over a period of time of application in cancer patients, reducing their effects on killing cancer cells. Chemoresistance can lead to a rapid recurrence of cancers and ultimately patient death. MDR may be induced by multiple mechanisms, which are associated with a complex process of multiple genes, factors, pathways, and multiple steps, and today the MDR-associated mechanisms are largely unknown. In this paper, from the aspects of protein-protein interactions, alternative splicing (AS) in pre-mRNA, non-coding RNA (ncRNA) mediation, genome mutations, variance in cell functions, and influence from the tumor microenvironment, we summarize the molecular mechanisms associated with MDR in cancers. In the end, prospects for the exploration of antitumor drugs that can reverse MDR are briefly discussed from the angle of drug systems with improved targeting properties, biocompatibility, availability, and other advantages.
Insights
Multidrug resistance (MDR) in cancer chemotherapy arises from complex, often unknown, molecular mechanisms. Understanding these pathways is crucial for developing new antitumor drugs to overcome treatment failure.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Chemotherapy is a cornerstone of cancer treatment.
- Multidrug resistance (MDR) significantly limits the efficacy of anticancer drugs.
- MDR leads to treatment failure, cancer recurrence, and increased mortality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the known molecular mechanisms underlying cancer multidrug resistance (MDR).
- To explore potential strategies for developing novel MDR-reversing antitumor drugs.
Main Methods:
- Review of molecular mechanisms including protein-protein interactions, alternative splicing (AS), non-coding RNA (ncRNA) mediation, genome mutations, cellular function variations, and tumor microenvironment influences.
- Analysis of current research on MDR in cancer.
Main Results:
- MDR is a complex, multifactorial process involving numerous genes, factors, and pathways.
- Key molecular mechanisms contributing to MDR include protein interactions, AS, ncRNA, mutations, cell function changes, and the tumor microenvironment.
Conclusions:
- A comprehensive understanding of MDR mechanisms is essential for effective cancer therapy.
- Future drug development should focus on targeting MDR through improved drug delivery systems and enhanced targeting properties.
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