Stat1 confers sensitivity to radiation in cervical cancer cells by controlling Parp1 levels: a new perspective for Parp1 inhibition

Giuseppina Raspaglio, Marianna Buttarelli, Flavia Filippetti, Alessandra Battaglia, Alexia Buzzonetti, Giovanni Scambia, Daniela Gallo

Research output: Contribution to journalArticle

Abstract

Cervical cancer (CC) is the fourth most common cause of cancer-related death in women. According to international guidelines, a standard treatment for locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) consists of exclusive concurrent chemoradiation treatment (CRT). However, chemoradioresistance and subsequent relapse and metastasis of cancer occur in many patients, and survival for these women has generally remained poor. Therefore, strategies to overcome resistance are urgently needed. We have recently reported a radiosensitizing effect of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) in CC, associated with the control of [Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase −1] PARP1 levels, a key factor in cell response to DNA damage induced by radiation. Here, we sought to decipher the underlying mechanism of STAT1-mediated control of PARP1, elucidating its role as a radiosensitizer in CC. Functional and molecular biology studies demonstrated that STAT1 may act at both transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels to modulate PARP1 expression in CC cells. In light of these results, we tested the effect of Olaparib in sensitizing CC cells to radiation and investigated signaling pathways involved in the activity observed. Results showed that PARP1 inhibition, at clinically achievable doses, may indeed selectively improve the sensitivity of resistant CC cells to DNA-damaging treatment. The translational relevance of our findings was supported by preliminary results in a limited patient cohort, confirming that higher PARP1 levels are significantly associated with a radioresistant phenotype. Finally, bioinformatics analysis of GEPIA and TCGA databases, demonstrated that PARP1 mRNA is higher in CC than in normal tissues and that increased PARP1 mRNA expression levels are associated with poor prognosis of LACC patients. Overall, our data open new opportunities for the development of personalized treatments in women diagnosed with CC.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1-13
Number of pages13
JournalCELL DEATH & DISEASE
Volume12
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2021

Keywords

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Apoptosis
  • Cell Cycle
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Survival
  • Clone Cells
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Humans
  • Interferon-gamma
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Phthalazines
  • Piperazines
  • Poly (ADP-Ribose) Polymerase-1
  • Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase Inhibitors
  • Prognosis
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Radiation Tolerance
  • STAT1 Transcription Factor
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms
  • Young Adult

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Stat1 confers sensitivity to radiation in cervical cancer cells by controlling Parp1 levels: a new perspective for Parp1 inhibition'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this