AXL regulates neuregulin1 expression leading to cetuximab resistance in head and neck cancer.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is overexpressed and an important therapeutic target in Head and Neck cancer (HNC). Cetuximab is currently the only EGFR-targeting agent approved by the FDA for treatment of HNC; however, intrinsic and acquired resistance to cetuximab is a major problem in the clinic. Our lab previously reported that AXL leads to cetuximab resistance via activation of HER3. In this study, we investigate the connection between AXL, HER3, and neuregulin1 (NRG1) gene expression with a focus on understanding how their interdependent signaling promotes resistance to cetuximab in HNC.

Methods

Plasmid or siRNA transfections and cell-based assays were conducted to test cetuximab sensitivity. Quantitative PCR and im

SUBMITTER: Iida M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9035247 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature