Alteration of the intrinsic apoptosis pathway is involved in Notch-induced chemoresistance to gemcitabine in pancreatic cancer.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Chemoresistance is a major challenge in pancreatic cancer (PC) treatment. Limited data have shown that members of the Notch signaling pathway are involved in resistance to gemcitabine (GEM) in PC. However, further evidence is needed and the underlying mechanisms remain to be elucidated. The current study aims to investigate the role of alterations of the intrinsic apoptosis pathway in Notch-induced GEM resistance of PC.

METHODS

The Notch signaling pathway was inhibited or activated in three PC cell lines (AsPC-1, BxPC-3, and MIA PaCa-2) by γ-secretase inhibition and Notch intracellular domain (NICD) overexpression, respectively. Subsequent analyses included inhibition rates of cell proliferation by GEM, cell apoptosis, and expression of proteins involved in the intrinsic apoptosis pathway.

RESULTS

Hes-1 expression was significantly elevated after GEM treatment, indicating Notch activation. Inhibition of the Notch signaling pathway by DAPT, a γ-secretase inhibitor, resulted in a significant increase of the inhibition rates by GEM in all PC cell lines. In addition, there was more frequent apoptosis, higher caspase-3 activity, up-regulation of Bax, and down-regulation of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL. Conversely, transient transfection of NICD, which enhances the activity of the Notch signaling, caused a remarkable decrease of the chemosensitivity to GEM.

CONCLUSIONS

An alteration of the intrinsic apoptosis pathway is involved in Notch-induced chemoresistance to GEM in PC cells.