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Alterations in TNF-alpha signal transduction in resistant human papillary thyroid carcinoma cells

X P Pang1, N S Ross, J M Hershman

  • 1Thyroid Cancer Research Laboratory, West Los Angeles VA Medical Center, University of California 90073, USA.

Insights

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) resistance in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) involves decreased p55 receptor signaling and increased p75 receptor signaling. Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) retains antiproliferative effects, impacting TNF receptor metabolism and MnSOD expression.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) inhibit human papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) cell growth.
  • Development of TNF-alpha resistance in PTC cell lines (R30, R45, R60) was observed, while sensitivity to IFN-gamma remained.
  • TNF-alpha receptor p55 mediates antiproliferative effects, while p75 does not in NP cells.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Investigate the mechanisms underlying TNF-alpha resistance in PTC.
  • Characterize the roles of TNF-alpha receptors (p55 and p75) in TNF-alpha-induced antiproliferation and resistance.
  • Examine the impact of TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma on TNF receptor shedding and manganous superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) expression in resistant PTC cells.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized TNF-alpha receptor-specific agonist monoclonal antibodies to assess receptor function.
  • Analyzed TNF receptor shedding patterns in response to TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma.
  • Measured basal and induced manganous superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) expression and mRNA levels.

Main Results:

  • Resistant PTC cell lines exhibited graded loss of p55 receptor-mediated antiproliferation and activation of p75 receptor-mediated growth stimulation.
  • TNF receptor shedding patterns were altered in resistant cells: decreased p75 shedding and increased p55 shedding.
  • Resistant PTC cells showed increased basal MnSOD expression and blunted induction of MnSOD mRNA upon short-term TNF-alpha treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Development of PTC cell resistance to TNF-alpha is associated with decreased p55 TNF-alpha receptor signaling and increased p75 TNF-alpha receptor signaling.
  • Altered TNF receptor metabolism and changes in MnSOD expression are implicated in TNF-alpha resistance.
  • IFN-gamma retains its antiproliferative efficacy against resistant PTC cells, suggesting differential therapeutic potential.

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