c-Myc Sustains Transformed Phenotype and Promotes Radioresistance of Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma Cell Lines

Radiat Res. 2016 Apr;185(4):411-22. doi: 10.1667/RR14237.1.

Abstract

We have previously reported that the MEK/ERK pathway sustains in vitro and in vivo transformed phenotype and radioresistance of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (ERMS) cell lines. Furthermore, we found that aberrant MEK/ERK signaling activation promotes c-Myc oncoprotein accumulation. In this study, the role of c-Myc in sustaining the ERMS transformed and radioresistant phenotype is characterized. RD and TE671 cell lines conditionally expressing MadMyc chimera protein, c-Myc-dominant negative and shRNA directed to c-Myc were used. Targeting c-Myc counteracted in vitro ERMS adherence and in suspension, growth motility and the expression of pro-angiogenic factors. c-Myc depletion decreased MMP-9, MMP-2, u-PA gelatinolytic activity, neural cell adhesion molecule sialylation status, HIF-1α, VEGF and increased TSP-1 protein expression levels. Rapid but not sustained targeting c-Myc radiosensitized ERMS cells by radiation-induced apoptosis, DNA damage and impairing the expression of DNA repair proteins RAD51 and DNA-PKcs, thereby silencing affected ERMS radioresistance. c-Myc sustains ERMS transformed phenotype and radioresistance by protecting cancer cells from radiation-induced apoptosis and DNA damage, while promoting radiation-induced DNA repair. This data suggest that c-Myc targeting can be tested as a promising treatment in cancer therapy.

MeSH terms

  • Apoptosis / radiation effects
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Movement / radiation effects
  • Cell Proliferation / radiation effects
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic*
  • DNA Breaks, Double-Stranded / radiation effects
  • DNA Repair / radiation effects
  • Gene Silencing
  • Humans
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic
  • Phenotype*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc / deficiency
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc / genetics
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc / metabolism*
  • RNA, Small Interfering / genetics
  • Radiation Tolerance*
  • Rhabdomyosarcoma, Embryonal / pathology*

Substances

  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc
  • RNA, Small Interfering