Collagen I confers gamma radiation resistance

The effect of collagen on the response of somatomammotroph tumor cells (GH3) to gamma, radiation therapy was studied in vitro. After incubating confluent GH3 cell monolayers in a serum-free, maintaining medium, either with or without collagen, the monolayers were irradiated with 137Cs, gamma radiation. Collagen reduces cell mortality via ERK1/2 activation, abolishing gamma radiation, cell death, and promotes cell invasion when acting in synergy with collagen and in association with the, MAPK/ERK1/2 signaling pathway activation. The presence of collagen in somatomammotroph tumors, confers resistance to radiation.

► Collagen effect on GH3 cells response to gamma radiation therapy was studied.
► Collagen ERK activation abolishes gamma radiation GH3 cell death.
► Gamma radiation promotes cell invasion and ERK activation in synergy with collagen.
► The presence of collagen in somatomammotroph tumors confers radiotherapy resistance.
► Analysis of tumor surrounding tissue before applying radiotherapy would be advisable.