Advancements in understanding mechanisms of hepatocellular carcinoma radiosensitivity:A comprehensive review

Primary liver cancer is a significant health problem worldwide.Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is the main pathological type of primary liver cancer,accounting for 75%-85%of cases.In recent years,radiotherapy has become an emerging treatment for HCC and is effective for various stages of HCC.However,radiosensitivity of liver cancer cells has a significant effect on the efficacy of radiotherapy and is regulated by various factors.How to increase radiosensitivity and improve the therapeutic effects of radiotherapy require further exploration.This review summarizes the recent research progress on the mechanisms affecting sensitivity to radiotherapy,including epigenetics,transportation and metabolism,regulated cell death pathways,the microenvironment,and redox status,as well as the effect of nanoparticles on the radiosensitivity of liver cancer.It is expected to provide more effective strategies and methods for clinical treatment of liver cancer by radiotherapy.

β-elemene enhances the radiosensitivity of gastric cancer cells by inhibiting Pak1 activation

AIM:To explore the potential of β-elemene as a radiosensitizer for gastric cancer cells and the underlying mechanisms.METHODS:SGC7901,MKN45,MKN28,N87,and AGS human gastric cancer cell lines were used to screen for radioresistant gastric cancer cell lines. A 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium(MTT) assay was used to determine the effects of β-elemene and IPA-3 on cell viability in MKN45 and SGC7901 gastric cancer cell lines. A clonogenic survival assay and annexin V-FITC/PI apoptosis detection assay were used to evaluate cellular radiosensitivity and radiation-induced cell death,respectively. A proteomic method,isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation(i TRAQ),was employed to screen the proteins regulated by β-elemene pretreatment prior to ionizing radiation(IR) in SGC7901 gastric cancer cell line. IPA-3 was used as a specific small molecule inhibitor of p21-activated protein kinase 1(Pak1) to target Pak1 signaling. Protein levels of PAK1IP1(p21-activated protein kinase-interacting protein 1),total Pak1(t-Pak1),phospho-Pak1(T423),phospho-ERK1/2( Thr202/Tyr204),and cleaved caspase-3(17 k Da) were assessed by western blotting.RESULTS:MKN45 and SGC7901 gastric cancer cell lines were relatively more resistant to IR. β-elemene pretreatment decreased clonogenic survival following IR in MKN45 and SGC7901 gastric cancer cell lines. Additionally,β-elemene pretreatment prior to IR increased radiation-induced cell death compared with IR alone in MKN45(10.4% ± 0.9% vs 34.8% ± 2.8%,P < 0.05) and SGC7901(11.6% ± 0.9% vs 46.7% ± 5.2%,P < 0.05) human gastric cancer cell lines,respectively,consistent with the level of cleaved caspase-3(17 k Da). Through i TRAQ analysis and western blot validation,we found that β-elemene upregulated PAK1IP1 and downregulated phospho-Pak1(T423) and phosphoERK1/2 in SGC7901 gastric cancer cells. IR increased the level of phospho-Pak1(T423). Pretreatment with β-elemene decreased radiation-induced Pak1 and ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Inhibition of Pak1 using IPA-3 decreased clonogenic survival following IR. In addition,IPA-3 increased radiation-induced cell death in MKN45(13.4% ± 0.3% vs 26.6% ± 1.0%,P < 0.05) and SGC7901(16.0% ± 0.6% vs 37.3% ± 1.7%,P < 0.05) gastric cancer cell lines,respectively,consistent with the level of cleaved caspase-3(17 k Da). Western blotting showed that IPA-3 decreased radiation-induced Pak1 and ERK1/2 phosphorylation.CONCLUSION:This is the first demonstration that β-elemene enhances radiosensitivity of gastric cancer cells,and that the mechanism involves inhibition of Pak1 signaling.

Polymorphisms in base excision repair genes: Breast cancer risk and individual radiosensitivity

Breast cancer(BC) is the most common cancer among women worldwide. The aetiology and carcinogenesis of BC are not clearly defined, although genetic, hormonal, lifestyle and environmental risk factors have been established. The most common treatment for BC includes breast-conserving surgery followed by a standard radiotherapy(RT) regimen. However, radiation hypersensitivity and the occurrence of RT-induced toxicity in normal tissue may affect patients' treatment. The role of DNA repair in cancer has been extensively investigated, and an impaired DNA damage response may increase the risk of BC and individual radiosensitivity. Single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs) in DNA repair genes may alter protein function and modulate DNA repair efficiency, influencing the development of various cancers, including BC. SNPs in DNA repair genes have also been studied as potential predictive factors for the risk of RT-induced side effects. Here, we review the literature on the association between SNPs in base excision repair(BER) genes and BC risk. We focusedon X-ray repair cross complementing group 1(XRCC1), which plays a key role in BER, and on 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase 1, apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1, which encode three important BER enzymes that interact with XRCC1. Although no association between SNPs and radiation toxicity has been validated thus far, we also report published studies on XRCC1 SNPs and variants in other BER genes and RT-induced side effects in BC patients, emphasising that large well-designed studies are needed to determine the genetic components of individual radiosensitivity.

Prediction of radiosensitivity in primary central nervous system germ cell tumors using dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging

Objective： To evaluate the feasibility of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging（DCEMRI） for predicting tumor response to radiotherapy in patients with suspected primary central nervous system（CNS） germ cell tumors（GCTs）.Methods： DCE-MRI parameters of 35 patients with suspected primary CNS GCTs were obtained prior to diagnostic radiation, using the Tofts and Kermode model. Radiosensitivity was determined in tumors diagnosed 2 weeks after radiation by observing changes in tumor size and markers as a response to MRI. Taking radiosensitivity as the gold standard, the cut-off value of DCE-MRI parameters was measured by receiver operating characteristic（ROC） curve. Diagnostic accuracy of DCE-MRI parameters for predicting radiosensitivity was evaluated by ROC curve.Results： A significant elevation in transfer constant（K^trans） and extravascular extracellular space（Ve）（P=0.000）, as well as a significant reduction in rate constant（Kep）（P=0.000） was observed in tumors. K^trans, relative K^trans, and relative Kep of the responsive group were significantly higher than non-responsive groups. No significant difference was found in Kep, Ve, and relative Ve between the two groups. Relative K^trans showed the best diagnostic value in predicting radiosensitivity with a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 91.7%, positive predictive value（PPV） of 95.8%, and negative predictive value（NPV） of 100%.Conclusions： Relative K^trans appeared promising in predicting tumor response to radiation therapy（RT）. It is implied that DCE-MRI pre-treatment is a requisite step in diagnostic procedures and a novel and reliable approach to guide clinical choice of RT.

EXPRESSION AND SUBCELLULAR LOCALIZATION OF DNA-PK IN NASOPHARYNGEAL CARCINOMA CELL LINES CNE1 AND CNE2 WITH DIFFERENT RADIOSENSITIVITY

Objective： Radiosensitivity is mainly determined by the number of DNA double-strand breaks （DSBs） induced by ionizing radiation and the extent of its repair. The DNA-PK complex formation is one of the major pathways by which the mammalian cells respond to DSBs repairing. Our previous study suggested that CNE1 is more radioresistant than CNE2. This study was designed to answer whether the radiosensitive difference of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma cell lines CNE1/CNE2 was related to the expression and localization of Ku70/Ku80/DNA-PKcs. Methods： Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect the subcellular localization of Ku70/Ku80/DNA-PKcs in NPC cells lines CNE1 and CNE2. Western-blot was used to determine the expression of Ku protein in total extract of CNE1 and CNE2 and semi-quantitative assay of protein expression was performed to estimate the optic density （OD） value of each band using automatic image analysis system. Results： Ku70/Ku80/DNA-PKcs primarily located in the nuclei. A part of nucleolus in CNE1 and CNE2 showed positive dyeing of DNA-PKcs. Protein expression of Ku70/Ku80/DNA-PKcs was detected in CNE1 and CNE2, and the integral optical density （IOD） of Ku70 protein was 22.03 ± 7.56 and 19.98 ± 6.04 respectively （t=0.021, P〉0.05）, while the IODs of Ku80 protein in the two cell lines were 33.44 ± 12.87 and 28.98 ± 9.24 respectively （t=0.24, P〉0.05）, and the IODs of DNA-PKcs protein were 45.03 ± 1.77 and 40.87 ± 4.19 （t=1.58, P〉0.05）. The above results suggested that the basic expression of Ku70/Ku80/DNA-PKcs had no statistic difference between the different radiosensitive NPC cell lines CNE1 and CNE2. Conclusion： The variation of radiosensitivity in NPC cell lines CNE1 and CNE2 has no obviously correlation with the subcellular localization and basic expression of DNA-PK protein. So we presumed that the difference of radiosensitivity between CNE1 and CNE2 may be on account of some other factors than subcellular localization and basic expression of DNA-PK.

Growth and radiosensitivity of irradiated human glioma cell progeny

BACKGROUND： Progenitors of the immortalized human glioma cell line, SHG-44, are significantly less sensitive to irradiation. Two hypotheses regarding the mechanism of this effect exist： several studies have suggested that there is a subgroup with different radiosensitivities in identical cell group, and the progenitors of irradiate is a adaptive response subgroup, so its radiosensitivity is descend. A second hypothesis suggests that irradiated glioma progeny have a stronger ability to repair DNA damage. This would suggest that when progeny are continuously irradiated, resistance to irradiation-induced DNA increases, and radiosensitivity decreases. OBJECTIVE： To investigate radiosensitivity and growth features after irradiation to progeny of the human glioma cell line SHG-44. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A randomized, controlled experiment, which was performed at the Department of Radiology Laboratory, the First Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University, between September 2004 and January 2006. MATERIALS： The glioma cell line SHG-44 was provided by the Institute of Neuroscience, First Affiliated Hospital of Suzhou University. Propidium iodide reagent was provided by Coulter Corporation. A linear accelerator, KD-2 type, was provided by Siemens, Germany. The flow cytometer EPICS-XL was provided by Coulter Corporation. METHODS： Brain glioma SHG-44 cells were divided into four groups： SHG-44, SHG-44-2, SHG-44-6, and SHG-44-10 . The SHG-44-2, SHG-44-6, and SHG-44-10 cells were vertically irradiated with varying doses of 2, 6 and 10 Gy by a linear accelerator （6 MVX）. The cells were passaged for 15 generations and cultured in RPMI-1640 culture media. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Community re-double time, mean lethal dose （D0）, extrapolation number （N）, fraction surviving fraction irradiated by 2 Gy dose （SF2）, quasi-threshold dose （Dq）, and cell cycle. RESULTS： The Population doubling time （PDT） of SHG-44-2, SHG-44-6, and SHG-44-10 cell groups was not significant （P = 0.052）. Compared to these three groups, the PDT of the SHG-44 cell group was significantly difference （F = 7.878, P 〈 0.002）. SHG-44 cell clone ratewas 26.5%, and SHG-44-10 cell group was 15.5%. The SHG-44-10 cell group also exhibited radiosensitivity, but was less than the radiosensitivity of the SHG-44 cell group. Compared to the SHG-44 cell group, the ratio of the G2/M phase was decreased in the SHG-44-10 cell group, and the radio of S phase was increased. The SHG-44 and SHG-44-10 cell groups were irradiated with 8 Gy. After 12 hours, the G2/M ratio was compared to pre-irradiation times, indicating a significantly higher ratio in the pre-irradiated groups （P 〈 0.01）. The cells between S HG-44 and SHG-44-10 groups were harvested 12 hours after irradiation： G2 phase of SHG-44-10 cells was arrested and the G2/M ratio was increased, which was intensified with increasing irradiation doses. CONCLUSION： In the present study, the proliferation delay and decreased radiosensitivity were confirmed in progeny of irradiated human glioma cells, and radiosensitivity was dose-dependent.

Predictive value of tumor volume reduction rates before and after induction chemotherapy in determining the radiosensitivity and prognosis of locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinomas

Objective This study investigated the predictive value of tumor volume reduction rates(TVRRs) before and after induction chemotherapy in determining the radiosensitivity and prognosis of patients with locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinomas(NPCs). Methods The clinical data of 172 patients with locally advanced primary NPCs who were treated from January 2009 to December 2012 were collected. Tumor regression was evaluated based on the results of the computed tomography scan or magnetic resonance imaging studies. Data about the tumor diameters before and after induction chemotherapy and after radiotherapy as well as the survival times of the patients were obtained. Results All 172 patients had NPCs. After radiotherapy, the TVRR in patients without residual tumor cells was higher than that in patients with residual tumor cells after induction chemotherapy(median values: 47.7% and 15.1%, respectively), and the 5-year survival rates were 80.3% and 45.6%, respectively. Neck lymph node metastasis was observed in 161 of 172 patients, and the TVRRs were similar(median values: 46.8% in 161 patients without residual tumor cells and 11.1% in 161 patients with residual tumor cells). The 5-year survival rate of the 161 patients without residual tumor cells was 84.5%, and that of patients with residual tumor cells was 37.3%. As shown by the receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve, the area under the curve(AUC) of the ROC curve for TVRRs in patients with primary NPCs but without residual tumors was 0.851, whereas that for TVRRs in patients with neck lymph node metastasis but without residual tumors was 0.784. This result indicates that TVRR has a high diagnostic performance. The univariate Cox regression analysis showed that clinical stage, TVRR in primary NPCs, neck lymph node metastatic lesions before and after induction chemotherapy, presence or absence of residual tumor cells in primary NPCs, and neck lymph node metastatic lesions after radiotherapy were significantly correlated to overall survival(OS). Results of the multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that clinical stage and presence or absence of residual tumor cells in the lymph nodes after radiotherapy were the independent prognostic factors of OS.Conclusion The TVRR after induction chemotherapy may be an effective predictive indicator of the treatment efficacy of radiotherapy in patients with NPC.

Regulation Effect of miR-34a Expression on Radiosensitivity of Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells by Targeting Bcl-2 and CDK4/6 Signaling Pathways

Objective: Radiotherapy has been widely used to treat lung cancer. However, non-small lung cancer cells are insensitive to radiation, diminishing their radiotherapy effects. Although the radiosensitivity of the non-small lung cancer cells was reported to be enhanced through regulating miR-34a, the regulation effects of miR-34a expression on radiosensitivity of lung adenocarcinoma cells through target genes CDK4, CDK6, CyclinD1, and Bcl-2/Bax have not been systematically investigated. Methods: In this study, we investigated the effect of miR-34a expression on the Bcl-2, CDK4, and CDK6 pathways in lung adenocarcinoma cells, to provide new insights into the sensitization treatment of lung cancer. We first studied the effect of miR-34a expression on H1299 and A549 cell activity. Then to investigate the mechanisms of radiosensitivity, we focused on apoptosis, cell cycle, and target genes. Results: We find that overexpression of miR-34a in lung adenocarcinoma cells inhibits cell activity, and improves radiosensitivity. Specifically, overexpression of miR-34a suppresses the expression of target genes CDK4, CDK6, CyclinD1, and Bcl-2/Bax, which leads to cell cycle arrest and promotes apoptosis of lung adenocarcinoma cells. Conclusions: Overall, our results demonstrate that the overexpression of miR-34a enhances the radiosensitivity of lung adenocarcinoma cells, indicating that miR-34a is a sensitizer for lung adenocarcinoma radiotherapy.

Effect of 80.55 MeV//u^(12)C^(6+) Ions on Radiosensitivity and Cell Cycle of Human Hepatoma Cell Lines

In this paper, the relationship between radiosensitivity, cell cycle alteration and the change of apoptosis in different human hepatoma cell lines irradiated by heavy ions were studied with the aim of building up the base data for clinical therapy. Exponentially growing hepatoma cell lines were irradiated by 80.55 MeV/u12C6＋ ions at a dose of 0 Gy, 0.5 Gy, 1 Gy, 2 Gy, 4 Gy and 8 Gy. The radiosensitivity was assessed by means of the colony-forming assay. The DNA content, the percentage of each cell-cycle phase and the apoptosis rate were obtained with flow cytometry methods. After the irradiation, the SF2 （survival fraction at 2 gray） of SMMC-7721 cells were evidently lower than that of HepG2 cells. The S phase arrest, G2/M phase arrest delay and the apoptosis in the two hepatoma cell lines varied with the increase of the dose and repair time. The heavy ions could obviously kill the human hepatoma cell lines. Compared to HepG2 cells, SMMC-7721 cells were more radiosensitive to 12C^6＋ ions.

Contribution of Decreased Expression of Ku70 to Enhanced Radiosensitivity by Sodium Butyrate in Glioblastoma Cell Line(U251)

The present study investigated the enhanced radiosensitivity of U-251 cells induced by sodium butyrate（NaB） and its possible mechanisms.Increased radiosensitivity of U251 cells was examined by clonogenic cell survival assays.The expression of Ku70 mRNA and protein was detected by using RT-PCR and Western blotting respectively.γ-H2AX foci were measured at different time points after ionizing irradiation alone or combined with NaB treatment.The results showed that cell survival rate was significantly reduced,both D0 and Dq values were decreased（D0：1.43 Gy vs.1.76 Gy;Dq：1.22 Gy vs.2.05 Gy） after the combined treatment as compared with irradiation alone,and sensitivity enhancing ratio（SER） reached 1.23.The average number of γ-H2AX foci per cell receiving the combined treatment was significantly increased at different time points,and the expression levels of Ku70 mRNA and protein were suppressed by NaB in a dose-dependent manner.It was concluded that enhanced radiosensitivity induced by NaB involves an inhibited expression of Ku70 and an increase in γ-H2AX foci,which suggests decreased ability in DSB repair.

3-67 MiR-449a Overexpression Enhances the Radiosensitivity in Prostate Cancer Cells

Multiple links between miRNA activity and cancer have been established. Several miRNAs have been describedas oncogenes while others act as tumour suppressors[1]. MiR-449a is a member of miR-34 family which locates onhuman chromosome 5q11.2, a region identified as a susceptibility locus in a variety of malignancies, includingprostate cancer[2]. In line with the tumor-suppressive role of miR-34, miR-449a was shown to be significantly downregulatedin prostate cancer cell lines and tissue relative to normal tissues and plays a critical role in growth ofprostate cancer cells [3;4].

3-74 Supression of SET8 Enhance the Radiosensitivity of A549 Cells

SET8 (SET (lysine methyltransferase) domain containing 8) is a member of the SET domain-containing methyltransferasefamily that specifically targets H4K20 for monomethylation. It has been implicated in a diverse arrayof biological processes, including controlling gene transcription[1;2], maintaining genome integrity[3;4], regulating cellcycle progression[5;6], and mediating DNA damage and repair[7;8]. In addition to targeting H4K20, SET8 is alsoreported in methylating the tumor suppressor p53 at lysine residue 382 (p53K382me1) and repressing p53-mediatedtranscriptional activation of target genes. In response to ionizing radiation, p53 regulates the transcription of genesin a diverse set of pathways including DNA repair, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis[9]. Thus, we hypothesis thatSET8 may affect the cellular response to ionizing radiation by interacting with p53.

3-68 Loss of Nrf2 Enhances the Radiosensitivity in Human Lung Cancer Cells

Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a crucial transcription factor regulating the expression ofantioxidant genes. Under oxidative stress conditions or other stimulus, Nrf2 translocating from the cytoplasminto the nucleus, binds to antioxidant response elements, and increases the expression of antioxidant enzymes[1;2].Constitutive Nrf2 activation in many tumors enhances cell survival and resistance. For instance, high level of Nrf2 isobserved in non-small cell lung cancer A549 cells[3;4]. The gain of Nrf2 function has been implicated in the resistanceof cancer cells to radiation therapy.

3-69 MiR-449a Enhances Radiosensitivity by Downregulation of c-Myc in Prostate Cancer Cells

c-Myc was one of the first oncogenes to be identified and its overexpression at the RNA and protein levels has subsequently been linked to a wide variety of human cancers[1]. Overexpression of the c-Myc protein or c-Myc gene has been shown in 80% of breast cancers, 70% of colon cancers, 90% of gynecological cancers, 50% of hepatocellular carcinomas and a variety of hematological tumors.

P53 protein expression and cell viability in irradiated peripheral blood mononuclear cells as bioindicators of radiosensitivity

Cellular radiosensitivity is directly correlated with the mechanism of DNA repair, in which p53 protein plays a major role. In this context, this study correlated cell death with p53 expression in lymphocytes irradiated in vitro with different doses of gammaradiation. For this, peripheral blood samples were collected from 10 healthy subjects. Each sample was divided in aliquots and, separately, irradiated with doses of 0,5;2 and 4 Gy. After this, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated and cultivated during 72 hours in 5% CO2 at 37oC without mitogen stimulation. The expression of p53 protein was evaluated by flow cytometry. In parallel, cell viability was determined by trypan blue staining. Statistical analysis was performed us-ing analysis of variance (ANOVA), differences were considered as statistically significant when p < 0.05. The results showed an increase of p53 expression with the absorbed dose, which was proportional to cell death, suggesting that p53 can be used as bioindicator of individual radiosensitivity.

Effect of silencing Bcl-2 expression by small interfering RNA on radiosensitivity of gastric cancer BGC823 cells

Objective:To explore the influence of silencing Bcl-2 expression by small interfering RNA（siRNA） on Bcl-2 protein expression,cell apoptosis rale and radiosensilivity of gastric cancer BCC823 cells.Methods:siRNA segment for Bcl-2 gene was designed and synthesized,then was induced into gastric cancer BGC 823 cells by liposome transfection.Bcl-2 protein expression was detected by Western Blotting.After X radiation,flow cytometry and clone forming assay were used to determine the effects of RNA interference on BGC823 cell apoptosis rate and radiosensitivity. Result:After the transfection of Bcl-2 siRNA,the positive expression rate of Bcl-2 protein in BGC823 cells was（35.45±2.35）%.Compared with the control group and negative siRNA transfection group,the rate was significantly decreased（P【0.01）.The apoptosis rate of BGC823-RNAi cell was（10.81±0.91）%,which was significantly higher than the control group and negative siRNA transfection group（P【0.01）.After 48h X radiation,the apoptosis rate of BGC823-RNAi was（28.91±1.40）%,which was significantly higher than the control group and the group without radiation （P【0.01）.During clone forming assay D0,D4 and SF2 values in Bcl-2 siRNA1 transfection group were all lower than those in the control group.The radiosensitivity ratio was 1.28（the ratio of D0） and 1.60（the ratio of D4）.Conclusions:Specific siRNA of Bcl-2 gene can effectively inhibit the expression of Bcl-2 gene,enhance the radiosensitivity and apoptosis of gastric cancer BGC823 cells,having good clinical application perspective.

Ultrasound-triggered microbubble destruction enhances the radiosensitivity of glioblastoma by inhibiting PGRMC1-mediated autophagy in vitro and in vivo

Background:Ultrasound-triggered microbubble destruction(UTMD) is a widely used noninvasive technology in both military and civilian medicine,which could enhance radiosensitivity of various tumors.However,little information is available regarding the effects of UTMD on radiotherapy for glioblastoma or the underlying mechanism.This study aimed to delineate the effect of UTMD on the radiosensitivity of glioblastoma and the potential involvement of autophagy.Methods:GL261,U251 cells and orthotopic glioblastoma-bearing mice were treated with ionizing radiation(IR) or IR plus UTMD.Autophagy was observed by confocal microscopy and transmission electron microscopy.Western blotting and immunofluorescence analysis were used to detect progesterone receptor membrane component 1(PGRMC1),light chain 3 beta 2(LC3B2) and sequestosome 1(SQSTM1/p62) levels.Lentiviral vectors or siRNAs transfection,and fluorescent probes staining were used to explore the underlying mechanism.Results:UTMD enhanced the radiosensitivity of glioblastoma in vitro and in vivo(P<0.01).UTMD inhibited autophagic flux by disrupting autophagosome-lysosome fusion without impairing lysosomal function or autophagosome synthesis in IR-treated glioblastoma cells.Suppression of autophagy by 3-methyladenine,bafilomycin A1 or ATG5 siRNA had no significant effect on UTMD-induced radiosensitization in glioblastoma cells(P<0.05).Similar results were found when autophagy was induced by rapamycin or ATG5 overexpression(P>0.05).Furthermore,UTMD inhibited PGRMC1expression and binding with LC3B2 in IR-exposed glioblastoma cells(P<0.01).PGRMC1 inhibitor AG-205 or PGRMC1siRNA pretreatment enhanced UTMD-induced LC3B2 and p62 accumulation in IR-exposed glioblastoma cells,thereby promoting UTMD-mediated radiosensitization(P<0.05).Moreover,PGRMC1 overexpression abolished UTMD-caused blockade of autophagic degradation,subsequently inhibiting UTMD-induced radiosensitization of glioblastoma cells.Finally,compared with IR plus UTMD group,PGRMC1 overexpression significantly increased tumor size [(3.8±1.1) mm^(2)vs.(8.0±1.9) mm^(2),P<0.05] and decreased survival time [(67.2±2.6) d vs.(40.0±1.2) d,P=0.0026] in glioblastoma-bearing mice.Conclusions:UTMD enhanced the radiosensitivity of glioblastoma partially by disrupting PGRMC1-mediated autophagy.

BLM helicase inhibition synergizes with PARP inhibition to improve the radiosensitivity of olaparib resistant non-small cell lung cancer cells by inhibiting homologous recombination repair

Objective:We aimed to investigate the radiosensitizing efficacy of the poly-ADP-ribose polymerase(PARP)inhibitor,olaparib,and the Bloom syndrome protein(BLM)helicase inhibitor,ML216,in non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC)cells.Methods:Radiosensitization of NSCLC cells was assessed by colony formation and tumor growth assays.Mechanistically,the effects of ML216,olaparib,and radiation on cell and tumor proliferation,DNA damage,cell cycle,apoptosis,homologous recombination(HR)repair,and non-homologous end joining(NHEJ)repair activity were determined.Results:Both olaparib and ML216 enhanced the radiosensitivities of olaparib-sensitive H460 and H1299 cells,which was seen as decreased surviving fractions and Rad51 foci,increased total DNA damage,andγH2AX and 53BP1 foci(P<0.05).The expressions of HR repair proteins were remarkably decreased in olaparib-treated H460 and H1299 cells after irradiation(P<0.05),while olaparib combined with ML216 exerted a synergistic radiosensitization effect on olaparib-resistant A549 cells.In addition to increases of double strand break(DSB)damage and decreases of Rad51 foci,olaparib combined with ML216 also increased pDNA-PKcs(S2056)foci,abrogated G2 cell cycle arrest,and induced apoptosis in A549 lung cancer after irradiation in vitro and in vivo(P<0.05).Moreover,Western blot showed that olaparib combined with ML216 and irradiation inhibited HR repair,promoted NHEJ repair,and inactivated cell cycle checkpoint signals both in vitro and in vivo(P<0.05).Conclusions:Taken together,these results showed the efficacy of PARP and BLM helicase inhibitors for radiosensitizing NSCLC cells,and supported the model that BLM inhibition sensitizes cells to PARP inhibitor-mediated radiosensitization,as well as providing the basis for the potential clinical development of this combination for tumors intrinsically resistant to PARP inhibitors and radiotherapy.