Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key players of gene expression involved in diverse biological processes including the cancer radio-resistance, which hinders the effective cancer therapy. Here we found that the miR-20a-5p level is significantly up-regulated in radio-resistant nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) cells via an RNA-seq and miR-omic analysis. Moreover, we identified that the neuronal PAS domain protein 2 (NPAS2) gene is one of the targets of miR-20a-5p. The involvement of miR-20a-5p and NPAS2 with NPC radio-resistance was further validated by either down- or up-regulation of their levels in NPC cell lines. Taken together, these results not only reveal novel insights into the NPC radio-resistance, but also provide hints for an effective therapeutic strategy to fight against NPC radio-resistance.
Highlights
The nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a term for a group of malignant tumors that usually happens at the nasopharynx [1]
The results clearly demonstrated that neuronal PAS domain protein 2 (NPAS2) negatively regulates nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) radio-resistance, whereas miR-20a-5p has a positive effect on NPC radioresistance
A previou study in hepatocellular carcinoma found that miR-20a activates the PTEN/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway to induce the cell radio-resistance [20]
Summary
The nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a term for a group of malignant tumors that usually happens at the nasopharynx [1]. The current chemo- and radiation therapeutic approaches for NPC are less efficient due to the high sensitivity of NPC [2]. Despite extensive studies on the cancer radio-resistance, the molecular mechanism for NPC radio-resistance remains largely unknown. The failure in radiation treatment mainly results from the production of intrinsic or therapy-triggered resistant tumor cells [3]. Radio-treatment is still commonly used in cancer treatment as it provides increased survival rates due to the excellent local control [4,5,6]. To conquer the radio-resistance of tumor cells, it is urgently needed to find the key players involved in radio-resistance and develop novel therapeutic strategies
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
