Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
2142572 | Lung Cancer | 2009 | 8 Pages |
Abstract
Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been reported to be related with reduced sensitivity to EGFR tyrosine kinase (EGFR-TK) inhibitors. We performed this study to investigate whether this phenomenon would play a role in acquired resistance to gefitinib. In this study, we established a gefitinib-resistant subline (A549/GR), which was derived from the parental A549 cell line by chronic, repeated exposure to gefitinib. Compared with the A549 cells, the A549/GR cells were â¼7.7-fold more resistant to gefitinib and they showed the cross-resistance against other EGFR-TK inhibitors, including CL-387,758, erlotinib and ZD6478. Phenotypic changes such as a spindle-cell shape and increased pseudopodia formation suggesting EMT was present in the A549/GR cells. These changes were accompanied by a decrease of E-cadherin and an increase of vimentin, which is a mesenchymal marker. In addition, the ability of invasion and migration was increased in the A549/GR cells. TGF-β1 treatment for 72 h also induced EMT in the A549 cells and this transition led to resistance to gefitinib. Conversely, this was reversed through the removal of TGF-β1. In conclusion, induction of EMT may contribute to the decreased efficacy of therapy in primary and acquired resistance to gefitinib.
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Authors
Jin Kyung Rho, Yun Jung Choi, Jin Kyung Lee, Baek-Yeol Ryoo, Im Il Na, Sung Hyun Yang, Cheol Hyeon Kim, Jae Cheol Lee,