MYC Overexpression Enhances Sensitivity to MEK Inhibition in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

ABSTRACT: MEK inhibitors, such as trametinib, have shown therapeutic potential in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). However, the factors influencing cancer cell sensitivity and resistance to MEK inhibition remain poorly understood. In our study, we observed that MEK inhibition significantly reduced the expression of MYC, a transcription factor critical for the therapeutic response. MYC overexpression markedly enhanced the sensitivity of HNSCC cells to trametinib, as evidenced by delayed wound healing and reduced colony formation. Cell cycle analysis revealed that trametinib induced a G1 phase arrest, whereas MYC overexpression accelerated cell cycle progression, with a reduced induction of p27 and p21 and diminished decreases in E2F1 and phospho-Ser2/5 levels. Flow cytometry and protein

SUBMITTER: Yang C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11766173 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature