POM121 induces chemoresistance toward cisplatin in non-small cell lung cancer

Pore membrane protein 121 (POM121) is highly expressed in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and is associated with tumor progression and metastasis. However, its role in NSCLC chemoresistance remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effect of POM121 on cisplatin (cis-diamminedichloroplatinum [CDDP]) sensitivity in NSCLC and to elucidate its potential molecular mechanisms. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting were used to detect the expression of POM121 in normal bronchial epithelial cells and various NSCLC cell lines (A549, H460, H1299, and H1975). POM121 was silenced in NSCLC cells and cisplatin-resistant A549/CDDP cells. Changes in cell viability, half-maximal inhibitory concentration values, and apoptosis rates were analyzed using Cell Counting Kit-8 and flow cytometry, respectively, and the expression of apoptosis-related proteins was detected using western blotting. POM121 expression was significantly upregulated in NSCLC cells. Silencing of POM121 markedly reduced the resistance of A549, H460, and A549/CDDP cells to cisplatin. Silencing of POM121 significantly induced apoptosis in A549, H460, and A549/CDDP cells and promoted apoptosis in cisplatin-induced A549/CDDP cells, suggesting that POM121 may mediate resistance by regulating apoptotic pathways. POM121 promotes cisplatin resistance in NSCLC; its inhibition could be a potential therapeutic strategy to enhance cisplatin efficacy.