Lithium enhances TRAIL-induced apoptosis in human lung carcinoma A549 cells

Biometals. 2013 Apr;26(2):241-54. doi: 10.1007/s10534-012-9607-x. Epub 2013 Feb 2.

Abstract

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) A549 cells are resistant to tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL)-induced apoptosis. Therefore, combination therapy using sensitizing agents to overcome TRAIL resistance may provide new strategies for treatment of NSCLC. Here, we investigated whether lithium chloride (LiCl), a drug for mental illness, could sensitize A549 cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis. We observed that LiCl significantly enhanced A549 cells apoptosis through up-regulation of death receptors DR4 and DR5 and activation of caspase cascades. In addition, G2/M arrest induced by LiCl also contributed to TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Concomitantly, LiCl strongly inhibited the activity of c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs), and the inhibition of JNKs by SP600125 also induced G2/M arrest and augmented cell death caused by TRAIL or TRAIL plus LiCl. However, glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β) inhibition was not involved in TRAIL sensitization induced by LiCl. Collectively, these findings indicated that LiCl sensitized A549 cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis through caspases-dependent apoptotic pathway via death receptors signaling and G2/M arrest induced by inhibition of JNK activation, but independent of GSK3β.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Apoptosis / drug effects*
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / metabolism*
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / pathology
  • Caspases / metabolism
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Humans
  • JNK Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / metabolism
  • Lithium Chloride / administration & dosage*
  • Lung Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Lung Neoplasms / pathology
  • MAP Kinase Kinase 4 / antagonists & inhibitors
  • MAP Kinase Kinase 4 / metabolism
  • TNF-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand / metabolism*
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / metabolism
  • Up-Regulation

Substances

  • TNF-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand
  • TNFSF10 protein, human
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • JNK Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases
  • MAP Kinase Kinase 4
  • Caspases
  • Lithium Chloride