Oxaliplatin resistance is enhanced by saracatinib via upregulation of ABCG1 and Wnt/β-catenin signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma

ABSTRACT: Background:Oxaliplatin-resistant hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is associated with increased insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) paracrine signaling, and the IGF1 receptor can be downregulated by inhibition of Src kinases. Therefore, we sought to determine whether Src inhibition and oxaliplatin treatment exerted synergistic effects on HCC cell lines. Methods: The antitumor effects of combined treatment with saracatinib and oxaliplatin on proliferation were evaluated in HCC cells as well as in saracatinib- and oxaliplatin-resistant HCC cell lines using cell viability assays, plate colony formation assays, and cell cycle distribution detection. RNA sequencing was used to explore the resistance mechanism, and the effects on ABCG1 and Wnt signaling in oxaliplatin resistance were confirmed. Results: Chemotherapy with oxaliplatin and saracatinib individually induced strong anti-HCC effects, while combined or sequential treatment of HCC cells with these two drugs exhibited reduced efficacy compared to treatment with the single drugs. Furthermore, treatment with saracatinib caused oxaliplatin resistance. RNA sequencing revealed 458 genes that were altered by treatment with saracatinib and oxaliplatin. Of these, the gene encoding the ATP-binding cassette transporter G1 ABCG1 and Wnt-associated genes were significantly upregulated. Upregulation of ABCG1 and oxaliplatin resistance were associated with activation of Wnt signaling. Interference with ABCG1 expression or inhibition of Wnt signaling resulted in reversal of the saracatinib-induced oxaliplatin resistance in the HCC cell lines. Conclusions: These studies demonstrated that combined or sequential chemotherapy with oxaliplatin and saracatinib reduced antitumor efficacy, and this antagonism was attributed to the upregulation of ABCG1 and activation of Wnt signaling pathway by saracatinib.

ORGANISM(S): Homo sapiens

PROVIDER: GSE129071 | GEO | 2019/03/30

REPOSITORIES: GEO