Drug resistance associated with loss of p53 involves extensive alterations in microtubule composition and dynamics
2003

How p53 Affects Drug Resistance in Cancer Cells

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Galmarini C M, Kamath K, Vanier-Viornery A, Hervieu V, Peiller E, Falette N, Puisieux A, Ann Jordan M, Dumontet C

Primary Institution: INSERM 590-Laboratoire de Cytologie Analytique, Faculté de Médécine Rockefeller, Lyon, France

Hypothesis

The study investigates the relationship between p53 expression, microtubule dynamics, and drug resistance in cancer cells.

Conclusion

Alterations in microtubule composition and dynamics in cells with mutated p53 contribute to resistance against microtubule-targeted drugs.

Supporting Evidence

  • Mut-p53 cells showed increased microtubule dynamics compared to wt-p53 cells.
  • Microtubules in mut-p53 cells underwent frequent short excursions of shortening.
  • Total β-tubulin protein content was decreased in mut-p53 cells.
  • Class IV β-tubulin was greatly increased in mut-p53 cells.

Takeaway

This study shows that cancer cells with a faulty p53 gene behave differently when treated with certain drugs, making them harder to kill.

Methodology

The study used cell lines derived from human breast adenocarcinoma to analyze microtubule dynamics and drug resistance.

Limitations

The study does not exclude the possibility of genetic drift affecting the results.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.02

Statistical Significance

p<0.02

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1038/sj.bjc.6600960

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication