Integrin-linked kinase affects the sensitivity of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells to chemotherapy with cisplatin via the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway

Abstract

Recent studies have shown that the expression of integrin-linked kinase (ILK) was related to the occurrence, development, and malignant progression of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). However, research on the relationship between ILK and the chemosensitivity of ESCC has to date not been reported. The present study found that ILK was highly expressed in ESCC cell lines, and the overexpression of ILK in ESCC cells reduced the incidence of cell apoptosis and alleviated the cytotoxicity on cells induced by cisplatin (CDDP). Inversely, ILK knockdown increased CDDP-induced apoptosis and had an inhibitive effect on the malignant phenotype of ESCC, including cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. In addition, ILK knockdown in ESCC cells inhibited the expression of beta (β)-catenin and activated the wingless/integrated (Wnt) signaling pathway. Furthermore, cellular MYC (c-MYC) and Cylin D1 were the target genes of the Wnt signaling pathway. Rescue experiments showed that the overexpression of β-catenin reversed a tumor’s inhibition and apoptosis abilities induced by ILK knockdown. In conclusion, ILK potentially reduced the CDDP sensitivity of ESCC cells by influencing the activity of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Computational Drug Repurposing Approach to Identify Novel Inhibitors of ILK Protein for Treatment of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

“…In fact, some studies have shown that ILK is not only upregulated in a variety of malignancies but is also associated with a poor patient prognosis. At the same time, our research group previously demonstrated that interfering with ILK can significantly inhibit proliferation, invasion, and migration of ESCC cells and also improve patient prognosis [ 17 , 33 ]. ILK, as a therapeutic target, has attracted a lot of research attention.…”