THOC2 expression and its impact on 5-fluorouracil resistance in glioblastoma multiforme

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly aggressive brain tumor with poor prognosis and limited treatment options. While 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) has not been widely employed in GBM therapy, emerging research indicates its potential for effectiveness when combined with advanced drug delivery systems to improve its transport to brain tumors. This study aims to investigate the role of THOC2 expression in 5-FU resistance in GBM cell lines. We evaluated diverse GBM cell lines and primary glioma cells for 5-FU sensitivity, cell doubling times, and gene expression. We observed a significant correlation between THOC2 expression and 5-FU resistance. To further investigate this correlation, we selected five GBM cell lines and developed 5-FU resistant GBM cells, including T98FR cells, through long-term 5-FU treatment. In 5-FU challenged cells, THOC2 expression was upregulated, with the highest increase in T98FR cells. THOC2 knockdown in T98FR cells reduced 5-FU IC50 values, confirming its role in 5-FU resistance. In a mouse xenograft model, THOC2 knockdown attenuated tumor growth and extended survival duration after 5-FU treatment. RNA sequencing identified differentially expressed genes and alternative splicing variants in T98FR/shTHOC2 cells. THOC2 knockdown altered Bcl-x splicing, increasing pro-apoptotic Bcl-xS expression, and impaired cell adhesion and migration by reducing L1CAM expression. These results suggest that THOC2 plays a crucial role in 5-FU resistance in GBM and that targeting THOC2 expression could be a potential therapeutic strategy for improving the efficacy of 5-FU-based combination therapies in GBM patients.