HIF-2? promotes conversion to a stem cell phenotype and induces chemoresistance in breast cancer cells by activating Wnt and Notch pathways.
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ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND:Hypoxic tumor microenvironment and maintenance of stemness contribute to drug resistance in breast cancer. However, whether Hypoxia-inducible factor-2? (HIF-2?) in hypoxic tumor microenvironment mediates conversion to a stem cell phenotype and chemoresistance of breast tumors has not been elucidated. METHODS:The mRNA and protein expressions of HIF-1?, HIF-2?, Wnt and Notch pathway were determined using qRT-PCR and western blot. Cell viability and renew ability were assessed by MTT, Flow cytometric analysis and soft agar colony formation. RESULTS:In our study, acute hypoxia (6-12 h) briefly increased HIF-1? expression, while chronic hypoxia (48 h) continuously enhanced HIF-2? expression and induced the resistance of breast cancer cells to Paclitaxel (PTX). Furthermore, HIF-2? overexpression induced a stem cell phenotype, the resistance to PTX and enhanced protein expression of stem cell markers, c-Myc, OCT4 and Nanog. Most importantly, Wnt and Notch signaling, but not including Shh, pathways were both activated by HIF-2? overexpression. Dickkopf-1 (DKK-1), a Wnt pathway inhibitor, and L685,458, an inhibitor of the Notch pathway, reversed the resistance to PTX and stem phenotype conversion induced by HIF-2? overexpression. In addition, HIF-2? overexpression enhanced tumorigenicity and resistance of xenograft tumors to PTX, increased activation of the Wnt and Notch pathways and induced a stem cell phenotype in vivo. CONCLUSION:In conclusion, HIF-2? promoted stem phenotype conversion and induced resistance to PTX by activating Wnt and Notch pathways.
SUBMITTER: Yan Y
PROVIDER: S-EPMC6194720 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Oct
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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