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Molecular Cancer
Published in: Molecular Cancer 1/2008

Open Access 01-12-2008 | Research

Smac/DIABLO enhances the therapeutic potential of chemotherapeutic drugs and irradiation, and sensitizes TRAIL-resistant breast cancer cells

Authors: Tamer E Fandy, Sharmila Shankar, Rakesh K Srivastava

Published in: Molecular Cancer | Issue 1/2008

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Abstract

Background

Drug resistance is a major concern in cancer therapy. Here, we investigate the clinical potential of the second mitochondria-derived activator of caspase (Smac/DIABLO) in enhancing the apoptosis-inducing potential of commonly used anticancer drugs (paclitaxel, doxorubicin, etoposide, tamoxifen), irradiation and TRAIL in breast carcinoma.

Methods

Breast cancer cells were overexpressed with Smac/DIABLO gene (full-length or Δ55 Smac/DIABLO) or treated with Smac/DIABLO peptide to enhance the apoptosis-inducing potential of chemotherapeutic drugs and irradiation, and sensitize TRAIL-resistant cells. Cell viability and apoptosis were measured by XTT assay and DAPI staining, respectively. Protein-protein interaction was determined by immunoprecipitation followed by the Western blot analysis.

Results

Overexpression of Smac/DIABLO gene (full-length or Δ55 Smac/DIABLO) or treatment with Smac/DIABLO peptide enhances apoptosis induced by paclitaxel, doxorubicin, etoposide, tamoxifen, and irradiation in breast cancer cells. Overexpression of Smac/DIABLO resulted in an increased interaction of Smac/DIABLO with IAPs, which correlated with an increase in caspase-3 activity and apoptosis. Furthermore, Smac/DIABLO sensitized TRAIL-resistant breast cancer cell lines to undergo apoptosis through caspase-3 activation. These data suggest that apoptotic events down-stream of mitochondria were intact in TRAIL-resistant cells since ectopic expression of Smac/DIABLO or pretreatment of cells with Smac/DIABLO peptide completely restored TRAIL sensitivity.

Conclusion

The ability of Smac/DIABLO agonists to enhance the apoptosis-inducing potential of chemotherapeutic drugs and irradiation, and sensitize TRAIL-resistant tumor cells suggests that Smac/DIABLO may induce fundamental alterations in cell signaling pathways. Thus, Smac/DIABLO agonists can be used as promising new candidates for cancer treatment by potentiating cytotoxic therapies.
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Metadata
Title
Smac/DIABLO enhances the therapeutic potential of chemotherapeutic drugs and irradiation, and sensitizes TRAIL-resistant breast cancer cells
Authors
Tamer E Fandy
Sharmila Shankar
Rakesh K Srivastava
Publication date
01-12-2008
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Molecular Cancer / Issue 1/2008
Electronic ISSN: 1476-4598
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1476-4598-7-60

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