Integrin α5 mediates intrinsic cisplatin resistance in three-dimensional nasopharyngeal carcinoma spheroids via the inhibition of phosphorylated ERK /caspase-3 induced apoptosis

        Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) originates from the epithelial cells of the nasopharynx. A high incidence is found in China and the Southeast Asia including Thailand. One major contributor to the chemoresistance includes aberrant expression of cell adhesion molecules, such as integrin α and β subunits, giving rise to cell adhesion-mediated drug resistance. Here we aimed to investigate the effect of integrin α5 on the development of intrinsic cisplatin resistance in NPC and the associated underlying mechanisms using in vitro three-dimensional (3D) spheroid models, as well as induced cisplatin-resistant NPC (NPCcisR). We found that integrin α5-mediated cisplatin resistance posed as one of the inherent mechanisms contributing to the failure of chemotherapy against NPC. Thus, integrin α5 can potentially be used as a target candidate for the prognosis of drug resistance in NPC and targeted therapy.

Reference:

Ngaokrajang U, Janvilisri T, Sae-Ueng U, Prungsak A, Kiatwuthinon P. Integrin α5 mediates intrinsic cisplatin resistance in three-dimensional nasopharyngeal carcinoma spheroids via the inhibition of phosphorylated ERK /caspase-3 induced apoptosis. Exp Cell Res. 2021 Sep 15;406(2):112765. doi: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2021.112765. Epub 2021 Aug 4. PMID: 34358523.

DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2021.112765