Constitutive nuclear factor-kappa B mRNA, protein overexpression and enhanced DNA-binding activity in thymidylate synthase inhibitor-resistant tumour cells
2003

NF-kB Activity in Drug-Resistant Cancer Cells

Sample size: 5 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Wang W, Cassidy J

Primary Institution: University of Aberdeen, Institute of Medical Sciences

Hypothesis

The study investigates the role of NF-κB activity in thymidylate synthase inhibitor-resistant tumor cells.

Conclusion

The study found that high nuclear NF-κB activity and overexpression of NF-κB protein and mRNA are intrinsic characteristics of thymidylate synthase inhibitor-resistant cell lines.

Supporting Evidence

  • High NF-κB activity was observed in drug-resistant cell lines compared to sensitive ones.
  • NF-κB p50 and p65 proteins were overexpressed in resistant cell lines.
  • No gene amplification of NF-κB was detected in drug-resistant cell lines.

Takeaway

Some cancer cells can resist treatment because they have a lot of a protein called NF-κB, which helps them survive even when drugs are trying to kill them.

Methodology

The study tested NF-κB activity, protein, and mRNA expression levels in five pairs of thymidylate synthase inhibitor-resistant and sensitive cell lines.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1038/sj.bjc.6600753

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