RHOJ-induced chemotherapy resistance through epithelial-mesenchymal transition in drug-tolerant persister cells of head and neck cancer.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Building on our previous identification of TXNRD1 and RHOJ as mediators of immunotherapy resistance in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), this study investigates the role of RHOJ in regulating endothelial markers and signaling pathways in drug-tolerant persister (DTP) cells, as well as its contribution to immune suppression within the resistant tumor microenvironment.

Methods

We examined the role of RHOJ in regulating tumor-associated macrophage polarization and enhancing M1 antitumor activity and evaluated the therapeutic potential of targeting the RHOJ/Rho kinase axis in an HNSCC DTP mouse model.

Results

RHOJ expression was significantly upregulated in HNSCC DTP cells. RHOJ contributes to chemoresistance by increasing oxidative stress and init

SUBMITTER: Ling HH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12856175 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature