Published in:
Open Access
01-12-2018 | Primary research
RETRACTED ARTICLE: IL-2 augments the
sorafenib-induced apoptosis in liver cancer by promoting mitochondrial fission and
activating the JNK/TAZ pathway
Authors:
Xiaoyan Ding, Wei Sun, Jinglong Chen
Published in:
Cancer Cell International
|
Issue 1/2018
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Abstract
Background
Sorafenib is the standard targeted drug used to treat hepatocellular
carcinoma (HCC), but the therapeutic response between individuals varies
markedly. Recently, cytokine-based immunotherapy has been a topic of intense
discussion in the fight against cancer. The aim of this study was to explore
whether cytokine IL-2 could augment the anti-tumour effects of sorafenib on
HCC.
Methods
HepG2 and Huh7 cells were co-treated with sorafenib and IL-2 in
vitro, and cellular viability and death were analysed through the MTT assay,
TUNEL staining, LDH release assay, and western blotting. Mitochondrial function
was measured via ELISA, immunofluorescence, and western blotting. Pathway
blockers were used to establish the role of the JNK-TAZ pathways in regulating
cancer cell phenotypes.
Results
Our data demonstrated that sorafenib treatment increased the HCC
apoptotic rate, repressed cell proliferation, and inhibited migratory responses,
and these effects were enhanced by IL-2 supplementation. Mechanistically, the
combination of IL-2 and sorafenib interrupted mitochondrial energy metabolism by
downregulating mitochondrial respiratory proteins. In addition, IL-2 and
sorafenib co-treatment promoted mitochondrial dysfunction, as evidenced by the
decreased mitochondrial potential, elevated mitochondrial ROS production,
increased leakage of mitochondrial pro-apoptotic factors, and activation of the
mitochondrial death pathway. A molecular investigation revealed that
mitochondrial fission was required for the IL-2/sorafenib-mediated mitochondrial
dysfunction. Mitochondrial fission was triggered by sorafenib and was largely
amplified by IL-2 supplementation. Finally, we found that IL-2/sorafenib
regulated mitochondrial fission via the JNK-TAZ pathways; blockade of the
JNK-TAZ pathways abrogated the inhibitory effects of L-2/sorafenib on cancer
survival, growth and mobility.
Conclusions
Altogether, these data strongly suggest that additional
supplementation with IL-2 enhances the anti-tumour activity of sorafenib by
promoting the JNK-TAZ-mitochondrial fission axis. This finding will pave the way
for new treatment modalities to control HCC progression by optimizing
sorafenib-based therapy.