Skip to main content

Advertisement

Springer Nature Link
Log in

COX-2 promotes breast cancer cell radioresistance via p38/MAPK-mediated cellular anti-apoptosis and invasiveness

  • Research Article
  • Published:
Tumor Biology

Abstract

Radioresistance is one of the major barriers to improve the survival rate of breast cancer patients. Cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) is usually overexpressed in highly invasive and metastatic breast cancer, which may indicate an association with breast cancer radioresistance. The function role of COX-2 was investigated by using a radioresistant breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231/RR10 and its parental cell line MDA-MB-231 cells before or after COX-2 was silenced by a specific small hairpin RNA (shRNA). The cell proliferation, migration, invasion, colony formation, and apoptosis were measured by CCK-8, scratch-wound, transwell, clone formation assay, and flow cytometry. Protein and mRNA expression were analyzed by Western blot and quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. COX-2 is upregulated in MDA-MB-231/RR10 cells compared with in MDA-MB-231 cells, and silencing of COX-2 expression by shRNA in MDA-MB-231/RR10 cells decreases the expression of Bcl-2 and Bcl-XL, but increases the proapoptotic protein BAK, leading to the increased apoptosis following treatment with γ-irradiation in comparison with those in control cells. Silencing of COX-2 also increases the expression of β-catenin and E-cadherin, two anti-invasion proteins, resulting in reduced cell migration and invasion tested by transwell chambers and wound-healing assays. Further study demonstrated that COX-2-induced radioresistance is negatively regulated through the phosphorylation of p38 at Tyr182, and that the phosphorylation of p38 induced by TNF-alpha reduces the expression of Bcl-2, BCL-XL, but increases β-catenin and E-cadherin, leading to the decreased invasiveness of cells. Our data suggest that COX-2, p38, Bcl-2, Bcl-XL, β-catenin, and E-cadherin may be considered as potential therapeutic targets against radioresistant breast cancer.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Subscribe and save

Springer+ Basic
$34.99 /Month
  • Get 10 units per month
  • Download Article/Chapter or eBook
  • 1 Unit = 1 Article or 1 Chapter
  • Cancel anytime
Subscribe now

Buy Now

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6

Similar content being viewed by others

Explore related subjects

Discover the latest articles and news from researchers in related subjects, suggested using machine learning.

References

  1. Jemal A, Bray F, Center MM, Ferlay J, Ward E, Forman D. Global cancer statistics. CA Cancer J Clin. 2011;61:69–90.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. Soderlund K, Perez-Tenorio G, Stal O. Activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt pathway prevents radiation-induced apoptosis in breast cancer cells. Int J Oncol. 2005;26:25–32.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Clarke M, Collins R, Darby S, Davies C, Elphinstone P, Evans E, et al. Effects of radiotherapy and of differences in the extent of surgery for early breast cancer on local recurrence and 15-year survival: an overview of the randomised trials. Lancet. 2005;366:2087–106.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Ahmed KM, Dong S, Fan M, Li JJ. Nuclear factor-kappab p65 inhibits mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway in radioresistant breast cancer cells. Mol Cancer Res. 2006;4:945–55.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Kunigal S, Lakka SS, Joseph P, Estes N, Rao JS. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 inhibition down-regulates radiation-induced nuclear factor-kappa b activity leading to apoptosis in breast tumors. Clin Cancer Res. 2008;14:3617–26.

    Article  PubMed Central  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Diehn M, Cho RW, Lobo NA, Kalisky T, Dorie MJ, Kulp AN, et al. Association of reactive oxygen species levels and radioresistance in cancer stem cells. Nature. 2009;458:780–3.

    Article  PubMed Central  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Turner BC, Haffty BG, Narayanan L, Yuan J, Havre PA, Gumbs AA, et al. Insulin-like growth factor-i receptor overexpression mediates cellular radioresistance and local breast cancer recurrence after lumpectomy and radiation. Cancer Res. 1997;57:3079–83.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Duru N, Fan M, Candas D, Menaa C, Liu HC, Nantajit D, et al. Her2-associated radioresistance of breast cancer stem cells isolated from her2-negative breast cancer cells. Clin Cancer Res. 2012;18:6634–47.

    Article  PubMed Central  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. No M, Choi EJ, Kim IA. Targeting her2 signaling pathway for radiosensitization: alternative strategy for therapeutic resistance. Cancer Biol Ther. 2009;8:2351–61.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Minn AJ, Gupta GP, Siegel PM, Bos PD, Shu W, Giri DD, et al. Genes that mediate breast cancer metastasis to lung. Nature. 2005;436:518–24.

    Article  PubMed Central  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Gupta GP, Nguyen DX, Chiang AC, Bos PD, Kim JY, Nadal C, et al. Mediators of vascular remodelling co-opted for sequential steps in lung metastasis. Nature. 2007;446:765–70.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. Daneau G, Boidot R, Martinive P, Feron O. Identification of cyclooxygenase-2 as a major actor of the transcriptomic adaptation of endothelial and tumor cells to cyclic hypoxia: effect on angiogenesis and metastases. Clin Cancer Res. 2010;16:410–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Visscher DW, Pankratz VS, Santisteban M, Reynolds C, Ristimaki A, Vierkant RA, et al. Association between cyclooxygenase-2 expression in atypical hyperplasia and risk of breast cancer. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2008;100:421–7.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  14. Lyons TR, O'Brien J, Borges VF, Conklin MW, Keely PJ, Eliceiri KW, et al. Postpartum mammary gland involution drives progression of ductal carcinoma in situ through collagen and COX-2. Nat Med. 2011;17:1109–15.

    Article  PubMed Central  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  15. Hu M, Peluffo G, Chen H, Gelman R, Schnitt S, Polyak K. Role of COX-2 in epithelial-stromal cell interactions and progression of ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2009;106:3372–7.

    Article  PubMed Central  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  16. Singh B, Berry JA, Shoher A, Ayers GD, Wei C, Lucci A. COX-2 involvement in breast cancer metastasis to bone. Oncogene. 2007;26:3789–96.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. Chang SH, Liu CH, Conway R, Han DK, Nithipatikom K, Trifan OC, et al. Role of prostaglandin e2-dependent angiogenic switch in cyclooxygenase 2-induced breast cancer progression. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2004;101:591–6.

    Article  PubMed Central  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. Nix P, Lind M, Greenman J, Stafford N, Cawkwell L. Expression of COX-2 protein in radioresistant laryngeal cancer. Ann Oncol. 2004;15:797–801.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. Chang HW, Roh JL, Jeong EJ, Lee SW, Kim SW, Choi SH, et al. Wnt signaling controls radiosensitivity via cyclooxygenase-2-mediated Ku expression in head and neck cancer. Int J Cancer. 2008;122:100–7.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. Li JY, Li YY, Jin W, Yang Q, Shao ZM, Tian XS. ABT-737 reverses the acquired radioresistance of breast cancer cells by targeting Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL. J Exp Clin Cancer Res. 2012;31:102.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  21. Yang G, Rosen DG, Liu G, Yang F, Guo X, Xiao X, et al. Cxcr2 promotes ovarian cancer growth through dysregulated cell cycle, diminished apoptosis, and enhanced angiogenesis. Clin Cancer Res. 2010;16:3875–86.

    Article  PubMed Central  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  22. Yang G, Rosen DG, Mercado-Uribe I, Colacino JA, Mills GB, Bast Jr RC, et al. Knockdown of p53 combined with expression of the catalytic subunit of telomerase is sufficient to immortalize primary human ovarian surface epithelial cells. Carcinogenesis. 2007;28:174–82.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  23. Sun H, Xu B, Inoue H, Chen QM. P38 MAPK mediates COX-2 gene expression by corticosterone in cardiomyocytes. Cell Signal. 2008;20:1952–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. Kim SO, Kundu JK, Shin YK, Park JH, Cho MH, Kim TY, et al. [6]-Gingerol inhibits COX-2 expression by blocking the activation of p38 MAP kinase and nf-kappaB in phorbol ester-stimulated mouse skin. Oncogene. 2005;24:2558–67.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. Bulavin DV, Fornace Jr AJ. P38 MAP kinase’s emerging role as a tumor suppressor. Adv Cancer Res. 2004;92:95–118.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. Demidov ON, Kek C, Shreeram S, Timofeev O, Fornace AJ, Appella E, et al. The role of the MKK6/p38 MAPK pathway in Wip1-dependent regulation of ErbB2-driven mammary gland tumorigenesis. Oncogene. 2007;26:2502–6.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. Zafarana G, Bristow RG. Tumor senescence and radioresistant tumor-initiating cells (TICs): let sleeping dogs lie! Breast Cancer Res. 2010;12:111.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  28. Larkins TL, Nowell M, Singh S, Sanford GL. Inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 decreases breast cancer cell motility, invasion and matrix metalloproteinase expression. BMC Cancer. 2006;6:181.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  29. Ristimaki A, Sivula A, Lundin J, Lundin M, Salminen T, Haglund C, et al. Prognostic significance of elevated cyclooxygenase-2 expression in breast cancer. Cancer Res. 2002;62:632–5.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  30. Terakado N, Shintani S, Yano J, Chunnan L, Mihara M, Nakashiro K, et al. Overexpression of cyclooxygenase-2 is associated with radioresistance in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Oral Oncol. 2004;40:383–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  31. Pyo H, Choy H, Amorino GP, Kim JS, Cao Q, Hercules SK, et al. A selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, ns-398, enhances the effect of radiation in vitro and in vivo preferentially on the cells that express cyclooxygenase-2. Clin Cancer Res. 2001;7:2998–3005.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. Yoshida A, Sarian LO, Andrade LA, Pignataro F, Pinto GA, Derchain SF. Cell proliferation activity unrelated to COX-2 expression in ovarian tumors. Int J Gynecol Cancer. 2007;17:607–14.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  33. Bundred NJ, Cramer A, Morris J, Renshaw L, Cheung KL, Flint P, et al. Cyclooxygenase-2 inhibition does not improve the reduction in ductal carcinoma in situ proliferation with aromatase inhibitor therapy: results of the erisac randomized placebo-controlled trial. Clin Cancer Res. 2010;16:1605–12.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  34. Yu H, Mohan S, Natarajan M. Radiation-triggered NF-kappaB activation is responsible for the angiogenic signaling pathway and neovascularization for breast cancer cell proliferation and growth. Breast Cancer (Auckl). 2012;6:125–35.

    Google Scholar 

  35. Lagadec C, Vlashi E, Della Donna L, Meng Y, Dekmezian C, Kim K, et al. Survival and self-renewing capacity of breast cancer initiating cells during fractionated radiation treatment. Breast Cancer Res. 2010;12:R13.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  36. Bulavin DV, Saito S, Hollander MC, Sakaguchi K, Anderson CW, Appella E, et al. Phosphorylation of human p53 by p38 kinase coordinates n-terminal phosphorylation and apoptosis in response to UV radiation. EMBO J. 1999;18:6845–54.

    Article  PubMed Central  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  37. Bulavin DV, Higashimoto Y, Popoff IJ, Gaarde WA, Basrur V, Potapova O, et al. Initiation of a G2/M checkpoint after ultraviolet radiation requires p38 kinase. Nature. 2001;411:102–7.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  38. Wen HC, Avivar-Valderas A, Sosa MS, Girnius N, Farias EF, Davis RJ, et al. P38alpha signaling induces anoikis and lumen formation during mammary morphogenesis. Sci Signal. 2011;4:ra34.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  39. An J, Chervin AS, Nie A, Ducoff HS, Huang Z. Overcoming the radioresistance of prostate cancer cells with a novel Bcl-2 inhibitor. Oncogene. 2007;26:652–61.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

Z. Ou was supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (81172506) and by the Shanghai Committee of Science and Technology, China (grant no. 12DZ2260100); G. Yang was supported by Doctoral Fund of Ministry of Education of China (20120071110079), by Shanghai Pujiang Program (11PJ1402200) from Shanghai Municipal Government of China, and by National Nature Science Foundation of China (91129721).

Conflicts of interest

None

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Cancer Research Laboratory, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China

    Fengjuan Lin, Wen Gao, Ziliang Wang, Jiao Meng & Gong Yang

  2. Breast Cancer Institute and Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China

    Fengjuan Lin, Jianmin Luo, Jiong Wu, Zhimin Shao & Zhouluo Ou

  3. Department of Gynecological Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China

    Wen Gao

  4. Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China

    Fengjuan Lin, Jianmin Luo, Wen Gao, Jiong Wu, Zhimin Shao, Ziliang Wang, Jiao Meng, Zhouluo Ou & Gong Yang

Authors
  1. Fengjuan Lin
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar

  2. Jianmin Luo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar

  3. Wen Gao
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar

  4. Jiong Wu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar

  5. Zhimin Shao
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar

  6. Ziliang Wang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar

  7. Jiao Meng
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar

  8. Zhouluo Ou
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar

  9. Gong Yang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding authors

Correspondence to Zhouluo Ou or Gong Yang.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Lin, F., Luo, J., Gao, W. et al. COX-2 promotes breast cancer cell radioresistance via p38/MAPK-mediated cellular anti-apoptosis and invasiveness. Tumor Biol. 34, 2817–2826 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13277-013-0840-x

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13277-013-0840-x

Keywords