c-Myc overexpression sensitises colon cancer cells to camptothecin-induced apoptosis
2003

c-Myc and Colon Cancer: How c-Myc Helps Cancer Cells Die

Sample size: 30 publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Arango D, Mariadason J M, Wilson A J, Yang W, Corner G A, Nicholas C, Aranes M J, Augenlicht L H

Primary Institution: Albert Einstein Cancer Center, Montefiore Medical Center

Hypothesis

The levels of c-Myc could modulate the cellular response to camptothecin.

Conclusion

c-Myc overexpression in colon cancer cells increases their sensitivity to apoptosis induced by camptothecin.

Supporting Evidence

  • c-Myc overexpression resulted in significantly increased apoptosis in colon cancer cells treated with camptothecin.
  • Targeted inactivation of p21Waf1/Cip1 resulted in increased sensitivity to apoptosis induced by camptothecin.
  • Microarray analysis identified 34 genes differentially expressed in camptothecin-resistant and -sensitive cells.

Takeaway

This study shows that a protein called c-Myc helps colon cancer cells die when treated with a specific medicine, camptothecin.

Methodology

The study used an in vitro isogenic system with colon cancer cells to assess the apoptotic response to camptothecin.

Participant Demographics

Colon cancer cell lines, including LoVo and isogenic derivatives.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.0001

Statistical Significance

p<0.0001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1038/sj.bjc.6601338

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