Wnt signaling regulation of stem-like properties in human lung adenocarcinoma cell lines

Med Oncol. 2015 May;32(5):157. doi: 10.1007/s12032-015-0596-9. Epub 2015 Apr 4.

Abstract

The refractory pulmonary adenocarcinoma is characterized by its metastasis and resistance to cytotoxic agents. While the underlying molecular mechanism is unclear, the property of chemoresistance may mainly lie in the presence of highly resistant cancer stem cells. We examined the function of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in maintaining cancer stem cells (CSCs) in lung adenocarcinoma. Lentivirus-mediated knockdown of β-catenin expression accelerated cell cycle. Subsequently, β-catenin knockdown PC9 cells improve the sensitivity to chemotherapy. Further focusing on Wnt signal by administrating PP and EGFR-TKIs as Wnt antagonists can decrease metastasis and induce apoptosis. Collectively, these results indicate that Wnt signaling pathway plays an essential role in maintaining highly resistant CSCs, regulation of cell cycle, metastasis and apoptosis in lung adenocarcinoma.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / genetics*
  • Adenocarcinoma / metabolism
  • Adenocarcinoma of Lung
  • Apoptosis / genetics
  • Cell Cycle / genetics
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm / genetics
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Lung Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Neoplasm Metastasis / genetics
  • Neoplastic Stem Cells / metabolism*
  • Wnt Proteins / genetics*
  • Wnt Signaling Pathway / genetics*
  • beta Catenin / genetics

Substances

  • Wnt Proteins
  • beta Catenin