Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT: Background
Taxanes are mitotic poisons widely used in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), however, little is known about potential molecular modulators of response to these compounds. Aurora B (AURKB) is a critical regulator of the mitotic spindle assembly, previously shown overexpressed in NSCLC. Here we investigated the hypothesis that AURKB expression modulates the efficacy of taxanes in NSCLC cells.Methods
AURKB mRNA expression was determined by qPCR in 132 frozen NSCLC tissues and nine NSCLC cell lines. Aurora B expression was knocked down in cell lines using multiple shRNA constructs. Barasertib was used to specifically inhibit AURKB activity, determined by the level of H3S10 phosphorylation.Results
Frequent AURKB mRNA upregulation was observed in NSCLC tissues (P<0.0001), being more prominent in squamous carcinomas (P<0.0001). Aurora B expression in cell lines strongly correlated with sensitivity to both docetaxel (P=0.004) and paclitaxel (P=0.007). Aurora B knockdown derivatives consistently showed a dose-dependent association between low-AURKB expression and resistance to paclitaxel. Specific chemical inhibition of Aurora B activity also demonstrated a strong dose-dependent efficiency in triggering paclitaxel resistance.Conclusions
Aurora B activity is an important modulator of taxane response in NSCLC cells. This may lead to further insights into taxane sensitivity of NSCLC tumours.
SUBMITTER: Al-Khafaji AS
PROVIDER: S-EPMC5344288 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Feb
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Al-Khafaji Ahmed Sk AS Davies Michael Pa MP Risk Janet M JM Marcus Michael W MW Koffa Maria M Gosney John R JR Shaw Richard J RJ Field John K JK Liloglou Triantafillos T
British journal of cancer 20170117 5
<h4>Background</h4>Taxanes are mitotic poisons widely used in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), however, little is known about potential molecular modulators of response to these compounds. Aurora B (AURKB) is a critical regulator of the mitotic spindle assembly, previously shown overexpressed in NSCLC. Here we investigated the hypothesis that AURKB expression modulates the efficacy of taxanes in NSCLC cells.<h4>Methods</h4>AURKB mRNA expression was determined by qPCR in 132 f ...[more]