Suppression of Acquired Docetaxel Resistance in Prostate Cancer through Depletion of Notch- and Hedgehog-Dependent Tumor-Initiating Cells

Josep Domingo-Domenech, Samuel J. Vidal, Veronica Rodriguez-Bravo, Mireia Castillo-Martin, S. Aidan Quinn, Ruth Rodriguez-Barrueco, Dennis M. Bonal, Elizabeth Charytonowicz, Nataliya Gladoun, Janis de la Iglesia-Vicente, Daniel P. Petrylak, Mitchell C. Benson, Jose M. Silva, Carlos Cordon-Cardo

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Acquired resistance to Docetaxel precedes fatality in hormone-refractory prostate cancer (HRPC). However, strategies that target Docetaxel resistant cells remain elusive. Using in vitro and in vivo models, we identified a subpopulation of cells that survive Docetaxel exposure. This subpopulation lacks differentiation markers and HLA class I (HLAI) antigens, while overexpressing the Notch and Hedgehog signaling pathways. These cells were found in prostate cancer tissues and were related to tumor aggressiveness and poor patient prognosis. Notably, targeting Notch and Hedgehog signaling depleted this population through inhibition of the survival molecules AKT and Bcl-2, suggesting a therapeutic strategy for abrogating Docetaxel resistance in HRPC. Finally, these cells exhibited potent tumor-initiating capacity, establishing a link between chemotherapy resistance and tumor progression.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)373-388
Number of pages16
JournalCancer cell
Volume22
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 11 2012

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Research

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