0000000000851832
AUTHOR
Martynas Drigotas
Increased radioresistance via G12S K-Ras by compensatory upregulation of MAPK and PI3K pathways in epithelial cancer
Background Irradiation-induced signaling via the 2 pathways, Raf-MEK-ERK and PI3K-Akt, is known to be closely associated with a limited response to radiotherapy. In the present study we analyzed the relevance of constitutively active K-Ras for postradiogenic pathway stimulation and the option of coordinated inhibition to overcome these rescue mechanisms. Methods We used 2 epithelial tumor cell lines as a model system, one of them harboring a G12S K-Ras mutation. Cells were irradiated and the effect of combined treatment with ionizing radiation and inhibitors on the expression of pERK and pAkt was determined by Western blotting. Additionally, clonogenic assays were performed to functionally …
Reactive oxygen species activation of MAPK pathway results in VEGF upregulation as an undesired irradiation response
Background Radioresistance limits the effectiveness of radiotherapy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. We previously demonstrated post-radiogenic mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway activation and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) release resulting in reduced tumor cell response. Here, we examined the association of this mechanism with the induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) under irradiation (IR). Methods Intracellular ROS after IR were measured. We modeled radiation-induced ROS by exposure of two SCC lines to H2O2 and evaluated the impact of irradiation and ROS on ERK phosphorylation by Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and ELISA. Results We found eleva…