Abstract A04: Changes in matrix metalloproteinase expression in SN-38 resistant colorectal cancer cells

Abstract

The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a complex family of zinc-dependent proteolytic enzymes, which collectively are capable of degrading all components of the extracellular matrix (ECM). The ECM provides structure and support for normal tissues, and acts both as a barrier to and support for cancer cell invasion and metastasis. MMPs are therefore believed to play an important role in regulating the rate of cancer progression. However, the repeated failure of MMP inhibitors in clinical trials, as well as recent discoveries of novel MMP activities and localizations, has led to a re-evaluation of the roles of MMPs to the cancer process. In colorectal cancer (CRC) the outlook following disease relapse after surgery and initial chemotherapy is poor, due both to drug resistance and further dissemination of disease. We investigated the involvement of MMPs and related molecules in this context. We have generated a series of derivatives of the human CRC cell line HT29 that are resistant to SN-38, the active metabolite of the chemotherapeutic agent irinotecan. The principal representative cell line, HT29-S, has a slower proliferation rate than parental HT29 cells, and yet forms denser outgrowths in monolayer culture. The abundance and localization of several MMPs and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) have been assessed in both HT29 and HT29-S cells by western blotting of cytosolic and nuclear protein fractions,and by immunofluorescence. HT29-S cells showed a lower expression of MMP1, MMP7, and MMP9, but also TIMP1 and TIMP2, compared to their parental counterparts, with some differences in cellular distribution. In particular, MMP1 gave a strong nuclear signal by both methods in HT29 cells, which was strongly reduced in HT29-S. A reduction in MMP expression will allow for an increased accumulation of ECM components. This may act through integrin receptors to activate survival pathways and contribute to the chemoresistance observed in HT29-S cells, and may also facilitate the spread of cancer cells by refining the ECM framework in advanced CRC. Citation Format: Spencer I T Berg, Murray J. Cutler, Jr., Jonathan Blay. Changes in matrix metalloproteinase expression in SN-38 resistant colorectal cancer cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Precision Medicine Series: Drug Sensitivity and Resistance: Improving Cancer Therapy; Jun 18-21, 2014; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2015;21(4 Suppl): Abstract nr A04.