SQSTM1/p62 confers resistance of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma cells to 5-Fluorouracil by promoting Nrf2 nuclear translocation
摘要
The protein sequestosome 1 (p62) can enhance the antioxidant defense of tumor cells against chemotherapeutic agents by increasing nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) expression.
ObjectiveWe focused on exploring whether p62 regulates resistance to 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu) in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) cells by mediating Nrf2 expression.
ResultsHigher levels of p62 mRNA and its protein were observed in 5-Fu-resistant ICC samples and cell lines. Knockdown of p62 lowered 5-Fu resistance in 5-Fu-resistant ICC cells, along with a strong inhibition of cell proliferation and a potent promotion of apoptosis in response to 5-Fu stimulation. Importantly, 5-Fu-resistant ICC cells demonstrated a remarkable Nrf2 nuclear translocation, but p62 silencing overtly repressed Nrf2 nuclear translocation under 5-Fu stimulation. Also, p62 overexpression elevated 5-Fu resistance and Nrf2 nuclear translocation in parental ICC cells, but these changes were reversed following Nrf2 silencing.
Conclusionp62 enables ICC cells with 5-Fu resistance by boosting Nrf2 nuclear translocation, suggesting that targeting p62 may resensitize 5-Fu-resistant ICC cells to 5-Fu.