Work

Interplay between reactive oxygen species and ERK activation in cervical cancer cells

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction: Among the types of cancer affecting women, cervical cancer (CC) is a public health problem with high global incidence and mortality rates. It is currently classified into three main histological types: squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), adenocarcinoma (AC), and adenosquamous (ASC) carcinoma. All of them lack a targeted therapy. The primary risk factor for CC is Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection, which is known to increase reactive oxygen species (ROS), contributing to malignant transformation and tumor progression. At basal levels, ROS can function as second messengers in signaling pathways, and elevated concentrations have been linked to their overactivation. One of these, the ERK pathway, is implicated in both cell proliferation and differentiation and is often dysregulated in cancer, promoting malignant transformation. Several studies have proposed antioxidant supplementation or ERK inhibitors as potential therapies. Methods: In vitro studies were performed using CC cell lines. ROS levels were evaluated by flow cytometry; cellular proliferation, death and migration were evaluated using real-time microscopy; cell viability was evaluated with crystal violet staining, and phosphorylated ERK levels were evaluated by Western Blot. A bioinformatic analysis was done in a cervical cancer database. Results: , ROS regulated migration and viability in CC, with no discernible variance based on histological classification. ERK activation, however, differed according to the histological type with SCC displaying increased ERK activation compared to AC and regulating cellular migration in SCC cells. Discussion: Our study identifies a potential synergistic interaction between ROS and ERK inhibitors, highlighting the therapeutic promise of combinatorial targeting for CC treatment. These findings underscore the importance of personalized approaches aimed at improving the outcomes of CC patients.

Source: Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology

DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1465729

Authors: Karen Andrea Larrauri-Rodríguez, Bertha Alicia Leon-Chavez, Verónica Vallejo-Ruiz, Lourdes Millán-Perez Peña, Paola Maycotte

Institutions: Mexican Social Security Institute, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla

Language: English

Topic: Redox biology and oxidative stress

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,295