Increased p38-MAPK is responsible for chemotherapy resistance in human gastric cancer cells
2008

Increased p38-MAPK Causes Chemotherapy Resistance in Gastric Cancer Cells

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Guo Xianling, Ma Nannan, Wang Jin, Song Jianrui, Bu Xinxin, Cheng Yue, Sun Kai, Xiong Haiyan, Jiang Guocheng, Zhang Baihe, Wu Mengchao, Wei Lixin

Primary Institution: Tumor Immunology and Gene Therapy Center, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, PR China

Hypothesis

The p38-MAPK signaling pathway is involved in the development of chemotherapy resistance in gastric cancer cells.

Conclusion

Inhibition of the p38-MAPK pathway can increase the sensitivity of drug-resistant gastric cancer cells to chemotherapy.

Supporting Evidence

  • SGC7901/VCR cells showed increased expression of the MDR1 gene and P-glycoprotein.
  • Inhibition of p38-MAPK reduced MDR1 expression and increased chemotherapy sensitivity.
  • AP-1 activity was significantly higher in drug-resistant cells compared to sensitive cells.

Takeaway

Some cancer cells can become resistant to chemotherapy, but blocking a specific pathway in these cells can make them more sensitive to treatment again.

Methodology

The study used Western blot analysis, RT-PCR, and various assays to assess the role of the p38-MAPK pathway in drug-resistant gastric cancer cells.

Statistical Information

P-Value

<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2407-8-375

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication