Objectives: Based on the functionality of AQP-5 characterized in various physiological processes, our study aimed to investigate the effect of AQP-5 silencing by siRNA interference on chemosensitivity of breast cancer cells.
Materials and methods: The expression levels of AQP-5 mRNA in different experimental groups were measured by reverse transcription PCR. The chemosensitivity of the cells to adriamycin (ADR) was detected by a CCK-8 kit. Cell invasion, migration, and apoptosis were assessed. Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of AQP-5, drug resistance-related protein, and apoptosis-related protein.
Results: The expression level of AQP-5 in MCF-7/ADR cells was significantly reduced by AQP-5 siRNA transfection. The invasion and migration were significantly reduced in MCF-7/ADR after AQP-5 siRNA interference. AQP-5 silencing significantly increased the chemosensitivity of MCF-7/ADR cells to ADR and activated caspase-dependent apoptosis in MCF-7/ADR cells. AQP-5 silencing also decreased the expression levels of drug resistance-related proteins (P-gp and GST-π).
Conclusion: The inhibition of AQP-5 expression may reverse the drug resistance and enhance the chemosensitivity of breast cancer cells.
Keywords: ADR; apoptosis; aquaporin 5; breast cancer; chemosensitivity.