TLR-4 signaling promotes tumor growth and paclitaxel chemoresistance in ovarian cancer

Cancer Res. 2006 Apr 1;66(7):3859-68. doi: 10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-05-3948.

Abstract

Evidence suggests that an inflammatory profile of cytokines and chemokines persisting at a particular site would lead to the development of a chronic disease. Recent studies implicate bacterial infection as one possible link between inflammation and carcinogenesis; however, the crucial molecular pathways involved remain unknown. We hypothesized that one possible upstream signaling pathway leading to inflammation in carcinogenesis may be mediated by Toll-like receptors (TLR). We describe for the first time an adaptive mechanism acquired by ovarian cancer cells that allows them to promote a proinflammatory environment and develop chemoresistance. We propose that the TLR-4-MyD88 signaling pathway may be a risk factor for developing cancer and may represent a novel target for the development of biomodulators. Our work explains how bacterial products, such as lipopolysaccharide, can promote, directly from the tumor, the production of proinflammatory cytokines and the enhancement of tumor survival. In addition, we provide new evidence that links TLR-4 signaling, inflammation, and chemoresistance in ovarian cancer cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing / biosynthesis
  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing / genetics
  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing / immunology
  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing / metabolism*
  • Caspase 3
  • Caspase 9
  • Caspases / biosynthesis
  • Cell Growth Processes / drug effects
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cytokines / biosynthesis
  • Disease-Free Survival
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-6 / biosynthesis
  • Lipopolysaccharides / pharmacology
  • Myeloid Differentiation Factor 88
  • NF-kappa B / metabolism
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / immunology
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / pathology
  • Paclitaxel / pharmacology*
  • RNA, Messenger / biosynthesis
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • Signal Transduction / physiology
  • Toll-Like Receptor 4 / genetics
  • Toll-Like Receptor 4 / immunology
  • Toll-Like Receptor 4 / metabolism*
  • Transfection
  • X-Linked Inhibitor of Apoptosis Protein / biosynthesis

Substances

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
  • Cytokines
  • Interleukin-6
  • Lipopolysaccharides
  • MYD88 protein, human
  • Myeloid Differentiation Factor 88
  • NF-kappa B
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Toll-Like Receptor 4
  • X-Linked Inhibitor of Apoptosis Protein
  • XIAP protein, human
  • CASP3 protein, human
  • CASP9 protein, human
  • Caspase 3
  • Caspase 9
  • Caspases
  • Paclitaxel