Dualistic Effects of PRKAR1A as a Potential Anticancer Target in Cancer Cells and Cancer-Derived Stem Cells

• Published in: International journal of molecular sciences Vol. 25; no. 5; p. 2876
• Main Authors: Baek, Joong-Won, Nam, A-Reum, Kim, Kyunggon, Kim, Pyung-Hwan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland MDPI AG 01.03.2024; MDPI
• Subjects: Analysis; Antineoplastic Agents - pharmacology; Biomarkers; Biomarkers - metabolism; Cancer; Cancer cells; cancer stem cells; Cancer therapies; Care and treatment; Cell growth; Cell Line, Tumor; Cyclic AMP-Dependent Protein Kinase RIalpha Subunit - metabolism; Development and progression; dualistic effect; Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition; Humans; Instrument industry; Kinases; Neoplasms - metabolism; Neoplastic Stem Cells - metabolism; new biomarkers; Oncology, Experimental; Proteins; proteomic analysis; Proteomics; Scientific equipment and supplies industry; Stem cells; Transcription Factors - metabolism; Transplantation; United States; South Korea; Massachusetts; cancer; cancer stem cells; new biomarkers; dualistic effect; proteomic analysis
• ISSN: 1422-0067; 1661-6596; 1422-0067
• DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052876

The integration of innovative medical technologies and interdisciplinary collaboration could improve the treatment of cancer, a globally prevalent and often deadly disease. Despite recent advancements, current cancer therapies fail to specifically address recurrence and target cancer stem cells (CSCs), which contribute to relapse. In this study, we utilized three types of cancer cells, from which three types of CSCs were further derived, to conduct a proteomic analysis. Additionally, shared cell surface biomarkers were identified as potential targets for a comprehensive treatment strategy. The selected biomarkers were evaluated through short hairpin RNA treatment, which revealed contrasting functions in cancer cells and CSCs. Knockdown of the identified proteins revealed that they regulate the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and stemness via the ERK signaling pathway. Resistance to anticancer agents was consequently reduced, ultimately enhancing the overall anticancer effects of the treatment. Additionally, the significance of these biomarkers in clinical patient outcomes was confirmed using bioinformatics. Our study suggests a novel cancer treatment strategy that addresses the limitations of current anticancer therapies.