CDC20 promotes radioresistance of prostate cancer by activating Twist1 expression

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Radiotherapy

Background:

• Radiotherapy is a key treatment for prostate cancer (PCa).
• Tumor radioresistance is a significant clinical challenge.
• Cell division cycle protein 20 (CDC20) is implicated in various cancers, including PCa.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of CDC20 in PCa radioresistance.
• To explore CDC20 as a potential therapeutic target for improving PCa radiosensitivity.

Main Methods:

• GEPIA database mining to analyze CDC20 expression in PCa.
• Western blot analysis for protein expression validation.
• In vitro and in vivo experiments involving CDC20 knockdown in PCa cells.
• Investigation of the CDC20-Twist1 pathway.

Main Results:

• Higher CDC20 expression was found in PCa tissues and cells.
• Irradiation increased CDC20 expression in PCa cells.
• CDC20 knockdown inhibited PCa cell proliferation, migration, and tumor formation.
• Knockdown of CDC20 induced apoptosis and enhanced radiosensitivity in PCa.
• CDC20 was found to regulate the Twist1 pathway, affecting proliferation and migration.

Conclusions:

• CDC20 plays a crucial role in PCa progression and radioresistance.
• Targeting CDC20, potentially in conjunction with the Twist1 pathway, may improve PCa radiosensitivity.
• CDC20 inhibition presents a promising strategy for overcoming radioresistance in prostate cancer treatment.