TRAIL predisposes non-small cell lung cancer to ferroptosis by regulating ASK-1/JNK1 pathway.

OBJECTIVE

Our current study aimed to assess the relationship between TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) and ferroptosis in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) development.

METHODS

The expression of TRAIL was detected by western blot, RT-qRCR and immunohistochemistry. The viability of NSCLC cells was analyzed by CCK-8 kit. The migration and invasion of NSCLC cells were detected by wound healing assay and transwell assay, respectively. Labile iron pool (LIP) was detected based on the calcein-acetoxymethyl ester method. Ferrous iron (Fe) and iron levels were assessed by detection kits. The levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured using corresponding detection kits. Mice tumor xenograft models were used for the in vivo research.

RESULTS

The expression of TRAIL was reduced in H1299, NCL-H1395, and A549 cells compared with BEAS-2B cells. The up-regulation of TRAIL expression significantly reduced cell viability, invasion, and migration of H1299 and A549 cells. TRAIL reduced the expression of ferroptosis-related genes (FTH1, GPX4, and SLC7A11), increased the levels of LIP, iron, and Fe, and promoted lipid peroxidation, thereby predisposing NSCLC cells to ferroptosis. TRAIL up-regulated the expression of phosphate modification of ASK-1 and JNK. ASKI-1 inhibitor GS-4977 attenuated the effects of TRAIL on the viability, migration, invasion, and ferroptosis of H1299 cells. Furthermore, TRAIL further suppressed tumor growth and ferroptosis in mice tumor xenograft models.

CONCLUSION

We indicated that overexpression of TRAIL induced ferroptosis in NSCLC cells and exerted anti-tumor effects. Mechanistically, TRAIL promoted ferroptosis by the activation of the ASK-1/JNK1 pathway. Our results may provide new therapeutic strategies for NSCLC.