Proteomics of the radioresistant phenotype in head-and-neck cancer: GP96 as a novel prediction marker and sensitizing target for radiotherapy

Ting Yang Lin, Joseph Tung Chieh Chang, Hung Ming Wang, Shih Hsuan Chan, Chi Ching Chiu, Chien Yu Lin, Kang Hsing Fan, Chun Ta Liao, I. How Chen, Tsan Z. Liu, Hsiao Fang Li, Ann Joy Cheng*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal Article peer-review

48 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose: Radiotherapy is an integral part of the treatment modality for head-neck cancer (HNC), but in some cases the disease is radioresistant. We designed this study to identify molecules that may be involved in this resistance. Methods and Materials: Two radioresistant sublines were established by fractionated irradiation of the HNC cell lines, to determine differentially proteins between parental and radioresistant cells. Proteomic analysis and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction were used to identify and confirm the differential proteins. The siRNA knockdown experiments were applied to examine cellular functions of a radioresistant gene, with investigation of the alterations in colonogenic survival, cell cycle status, and reactive oxygen species levels. Xenografted mouse tumors were studied to validate the results. Results: IN all, 64 proteins were identified as being potentially associated with radioresistance, which are involved in several cellular pathways, including regulation of stimulus response, cell apoptosis, and glycolysis. Six genes were confirmed to be differentially expressed in both radioresistant sublines, with Gp96, Grp78, HSP60, Rab40B, and GDF-15 upregulated, and annexin V downregulated. Gp96 was further investigated for its functions in response to radiation. Gp96-siRNA transfectants displayed a radiation-induced growth delay, reduction in colonogenic survival, increased cellular reactive oxygen species levels, and increased proportion of the cells in the G2/M phase. Xenograft mice administered Gp96-siRNA showed significantly enhanced growth suppression in comparison with radiation treatment alone (p = 0.009). Conclusions: We identified 64 proteins and verified 6 genes that are potentially involved in the radioresistant phenotype. We further demonstrated that Gp96 knockdown enhances radiosensitivity both in cells and in vivo, which may lead to a better prognosis of HNC treatment.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)246-256
Number of pages11
JournalInternational Journal of Radiation Oncology Biology Physics
Volume78
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 01 09 2010

Keywords

  • Gp96
  • Head-and-neck cancer
  • Pathways
  • Proteomics
  • Radioresistance

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Proteomics of the radioresistant phenotype in head-and-neck cancer: GP96 as a novel prediction marker and sensitizing target for radiotherapy'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this