Induced expression of AMOT reverses adriamycin resistance in breast cancer cells

Adriamycin (ADR) is widely used against breast cancer, but subsequent resistance always occurs. YAP, a downstream protein of angiomotin (AMOT), importantly contributes to ADR resistance, whereas the mechanism is largely unknown. MCF-7 cells and MDA-MB-231 cells were used to establish ADR-resistant cell. Then, mRNA and protein expressions of AMOT and YAP expressions were determined. After AMOT transfection alone or in combination with YAP, the sensitivity of the cells to ADR were evaluated in vitro by examining cell proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle, as well as in vivo by examining tumor growth. Additionally, the expressions of proteins in YAP pathway were determined in AMOT-overexpressing cells. In the ADR-resistant cells, the expression of AMOT was decreased while YAP was increased, respectively, and the nucleus localization of YAP was increased at the same time. After AMOT overexpression, these were inhibited, whereas the cell sensitivity to ADR was enhanced. However, the AMOT-induced changes were significantly suppressed by YAP knockdown. The consistent results in vivo showed that AMOT enhanced the inhibition of ADR on tumor growth, and inhibited YAP signaling, evidenced by decreased levels of YAP, CycD1, and p-ERK. Our data revealed that decreased AMOT contributed to ADR resistance in breast cancer cells, which was importantly negatively mediated YAP. These observations provide a potential therapy against breast cancer with ADR resistance.