Targeting Squalene Epoxidase Interrupts Homologous Recombination via the ER Stress Response and Promotes Radiotherapy Efficacy.

ABSTRACT: Over 50% of all patients with cancer are treated with radiotherapy. However, radiotherapy is often insufficient as a monotherapy and requires a nontoxic radiosensitizer. Squalene epoxidase (SQLE) controls cholesterol biosynthesis by converting squalene to 2,3-oxidosqualene. Given that SQLE is frequently overexpressed in human cancer, this study investigated the importance of SQLE in breast cancer and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), two cancers often treated with radiotherapy. SQLE-positive IHC staining was observed in 68% of breast cancer and 56% of NSCLC specimens versus 15% and 25% in normal breast and lung tissue, respectively. Importantly, SQLE expression was an independent predictor of poor prognosis, and pharmacologic inhibition of SQLE enhanced breast and lung cancer cell radios

SUBMITTER: Hong Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8983553 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature