Pharmacologic blockade of chloride channel synergistically enhances apoptosis of chemotherapeutic drug-resistant cancer stem cells

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2008 Sep 5;373(4):539-44. doi: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2008.06.070. Epub 2008 Jun 30.

Abstract

1,3-Bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU) is the most commonly used chemotherapeutic agent in the treatment of human glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). However, BCNU chemotherapy fails due to subpopulations of intrinsic resistant-cells within the tumor mass. In our previous study, we dissociated BCNU-resistant cancer stem cells (CSCs) and observed the over-expression of multiple ion channel genes related to drug efflux. In the present study, we identified chloride intracellular channel 1 (CLIC1) in dissociated-BCNU-resistant CSCs using 2-DE and MALDI-TOF/MS analysis. To develop the specific target therapy of BCNU-resistant CSCs, we evaluated the drug-sensitivity of these CSCs using the chloride channel blocker, 4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (DIDS). When combined with BCNU, DIDS synergistically increased the apoptotic events of BCNU-resistant CSCs in vitro and augmented BCNU sensitivity ex vivo. These findings suggest that CLIC1 is involved in the resistance of BCNU-resistant CSCs and BCNU/DIDS combined-therapy can provide valuable insight for promoting apoptosis or sensitizing glioblastomas to BCNU chemotherapy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 4,4'-Diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-Disulfonic Acid / pharmacology*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Apoptosis*
  • Brain Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Brain Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Carmustine / therapeutic use
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Chloride Channels / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Chloride Channels / genetics
  • Chloride Channels / metabolism
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm / drug effects*
  • Glioblastoma / drug therapy
  • Glioblastoma / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplastic Stem Cells / drug effects*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • CLIC1 protein, human
  • Chloride Channels
  • 4,4'-Diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-Disulfonic Acid
  • Carmustine