Identification of docetaxel resistance genes in castration-resistant prostate cancer

Mol Cancer Ther. 2012 Feb;11(2):329-39. doi: 10.1158/1535-7163.MCT-11-0289. Epub 2011 Oct 25.

Abstract

Docetaxel-based chemotherapy is the standard first-line therapy in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). However, most patients eventually develop resistance to this treatment. In this study, we aimed to identify key molecular genes and networks associated with docetaxel resistance in two models of docetaxel-resistant CRPC cell lines and to test for the most differentially expressed genes in tumor samples from patients with CRPC. DU-145 and PC-3 cells were converted to docetaxel-resistant cells, DU-145R and PC-3R, respectively. Whole-genome arrays were used to compare global gene expression between these four cell lines. Results showed differential expression of 243 genes (P < 0.05, Bonferroni-adjusted P values and log ratio > 1.2) that were common to DU-145R and PC-3R cells. These genes were involved in cell processes like growth, development, death, proliferation, movement, and gene expression. Genes and networks commonly deregulated in both DU-145R and PC-3R cells were studied by Ingenuity Pathways Analysis. Exposing parental cells to TGFB1 increased their survival in the presence of docetaxel, suggesting a role of the TGF-β superfamily in conferring drug resistance. Changes in expression of 18 selected genes were validated by real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR in all four cell lines and tested in a set of 11 FFPE and five optimal cutting temperature tumor samples. Analysis in patients showed a noteworthy downexpression of CDH1 and IFIH1, among others, in docetaxel-resistant tumors. This exploratory analysis provides information about potential gene and network involvement in docetaxel resistance in CRPC. Further clinical validation of these results is needed to develop targeted therapies in patients with CRPC that can circumvent such resistance to treatment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Cell Survival / genetics
  • Docetaxel
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm / genetics*
  • Gene Expression Profiling
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Gene Regulatory Networks
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Models, Genetic
  • Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis
  • Orchiectomy*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / pathology
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Taxoids / pharmacology
  • Taxoids / therapeutic use*
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta1 / genetics
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta1 / pharmacology

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Taxoids
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta1
  • Docetaxel

Associated data

  • GEO/GSE33455