Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026
06:44
Generation of Prostate Cancer Cell Models of Resistance to the Anti-mitotic Agent Docetaxel
Published on: September 8, 2017
Osteocyte-Derived GDF15 Promotes Paclitaxel Resistance, Tumor Growth, and Bone Microenvironment Regulation in
Weiyi Gao1,2,3, Meichun Qin1, Yi Zhu1
1School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China.
Current Issues in Molecular Biology
|July 28, 2026
Summary
Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) promotes prostate cancer drug resistance and metastasis by activating AKT signaling and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Targeting GDF15 offers a new therapeutic strategy for advanced prostate cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Prostate cancer incidence is rising, with drug resistance limiting chemotherapy efficacy.
- Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) is linked to tumor progression, but its role in prostate cancer drug resistance within the tumor microenvironment is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of GDF15 in the drug resistance and metastasis of prostate cancer cells.
- To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms, including signaling pathways and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT).
Main Methods:
- Treated drug-resistant prostate cancer cells with conditioned medium and recombinant GDF15 (rGDF15).
- Assessed cell invasion, metastasis, and chemosensitivity using Transwell and CCK-8 assays.
- Generated GDF15-knockout cells and validated findings in mouse models with immunohistochemistry.
Main Results:
- GDF15 expression was significantly upregulated in drug-resistant prostate cancer cells and their microenvironment.
- rGDF15 enhanced invasion and drug resistance; GDF15 knockout inhibited these effects.
- GDF15 modulates the AKT signaling pathway and promotes EMT in drug-resistant cells.
Conclusions:
- GDF15 plays a critical role in mediating drug resistance and metastasis in prostate cancer.
- GDF15 regulates prostate cancer cell behavior via the AKT pathway and EMT.
- Targeting GDF15 presents a potential therapeutic strategy for overcoming drug resistance and metastasis in prostate cancer.
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