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Updated: Jun 24, 2026

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Cancer Drug Sensitization In Vitro and In Vivo
09:19

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Cancer Drug Sensitization In Vitro and In Vivo

Published on: February 6, 2015

Carboplatin Elicits ROS Responses and Potentially Regulates Translation Program in Cancer Systems

Qin Li1, Si Qin1, Liuxin Yang2

  • 1Department of Endocrinology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, Chongqing, P. R. China.

Journal of Biochemical and Molecular Toxicology
|June 23, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Platinum drugs like carboplatin increase reactive oxygen species (ROS) and up-regulate mitochondrial genes. This suggests a link between mitochondrial function and chemotherapy response, impacting cancer treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Platinum-based chemotherapy is a cornerstone of cancer treatment, primarily targeting nuclear DNA.
  • Elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) are a known consequence of platinum chemotherapeutics, but the underlying mechanisms and biological responses remain unclear.
  • Understanding ROS generation pathways is crucial for optimizing platinum drug efficacy and managing side effects.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the pathways by which platinum drugs, using carboplatin as a model, generate ROS.
  • To explore the biological responses to ROS elevation, including mitochondrial function and gene expression.
  • To identify potential molecular targets, such as SSBP1, that may influence chemotherapy efficacy.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of gene expression in carboplatin-treated cancer cells.
  • Measurement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels.
  • Examination of antioxidant enzyme expression and mitochondrial gene regulation.
  • Assessment of single-stranded DNA-binding protein 1 (SSBP1) expression in cancer cells and tumor tissues.

Main Results:

  • Carboplatin treatment led to elevated ROS levels and increased expression of antioxidant enzymes.
  • Genes involved in mitochondrial translation and respiration were upregulated, contributing to ROS production.
  • Mitoribosome stress response genes were also upregulated, suggesting a regulatory role in mitochondrial function.
  • Single-stranded DNA-binding protein 1 (SSBP1) expression was increased in carboplatin-treated cells and tumor tissues.

Conclusions:

  • Platinum drugs induce ROS production partly through the upregulation of mitochondrial translation and respiration.
  • Mitochondrial stress responses and regulators like SSBP1 may play a significant role in mediating cellular responses to platinum chemotherapy.
  • The interplay between mitochondrial translation and ROS signaling is critical for understanding and potentially improving the clinical application of platinum-based anticancer agents.
Keywords:
anticancermitochondrial translationplatinum drugs reactive oxygen speciesribosome stress

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