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Published on: June 26, 2020
E3 ligase Skp2-mediated stabilization of survivin contributes to radioresistance
Shiming Tan1,2, Ruirui Wang1, Jinglin Fang3
1Department of Radiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.
Abstract:
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a frequently occurring neck and head malignancy. Therapies for OSCC are improving, but radiotherapy resistance remains a major clinical challenge. Here, we found that the S-phase kinase-associated protein 2 (Skp2) is overexpressed in OSCC cells and tissues. Knockdown of Skp2 significantly increased the radiotherapy sensitivity of OSCC cells. Further potential mechanisms suggest that Skp2-deficient restoration of radiotherapy sensitivity in OSCC cells may induce intrinsic apoptosis through inhibition of the Akt/Wee1/CDK1 axis, which inhibits Survivin phosphorylation and promotes its ubiquitination and degradation by FBXL7. Clinicopathologic histological analysis showed that Skp2 was positively correlated with the expression of p-Akt and Survivin in OSCC tissues. Furthermore, knockdown or inhibition of Skp2 overcame the radiotherapy resistance of OSCC cells. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that targeting the Skp2-Survivin axis could serve as an attractive and promising potential therapeutic target for radiotherapy sensitization in OSCC.
Insights
Targeting S-phase kinase-associated protein 2 (Skp2) can enhance radiotherapy sensitivity in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Reducing Skp2 levels promotes apoptosis and overcomes treatment resistance in OSCC, offering a new therapeutic strategy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a common head and neck cancer.
- Radiotherapy resistance is a significant clinical challenge in OSCC treatment.
- S-phase kinase-associated protein 2 (Skp2) is implicated in various cancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of Skp2 in OSCC radiotherapy resistance.
- To explore the potential of targeting Skp2 for radiosensitization in OSCC.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying Skp2's effect on OSCC radiosensitivity.
Main Methods:
- Overexpression analysis of Skp2 in OSCC cells and tissues.
- Skp2 knockdown experiments in OSCC cell lines.
- Investigation of the Akt/Wee1/CDK1 axis and Survivin pathway.
- Clinicopathologic analysis of Skp2, p-Akt, and Survivin expression in patient tissues.
Main Results:
- Skp2 is overexpressed in OSCC and positively correlated with p-Akt and Survivin.
- Skp2 knockdown significantly enhances OSCC cell radiosensitivity.
- Skp2 inhibition induces apoptosis via the Akt/Wee1/CDK1 axis, affecting Survivin phosphorylation and degradation.
- Targeting Skp2 overcomes radiotherapy resistance in OSCC models.
Conclusions:
- Skp2 plays a crucial role in mediating radiotherapy resistance in OSCC.
- Targeting the Skp2-Survivin axis is a promising strategy for enhancing OSCC radiosensitization.
- Inhibition of Skp2 offers a potential therapeutic avenue for improving OSCC treatment outcomes.
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