Knock-down of PSAT1 Enhances Sensitivity of NSCLC Cells to Glutamine-limiting Conditions

Abstract

Background/aim: Phosphoserine aminotransferase 1 (PSAT1) is an enzyme implicated in serine biosynthesis, and its overexpression has been linked to cancer cell proliferation. Therefore, targeting PSAT1 is considered to be an anticancer strategy.

Materials and methods: The viability of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells was measured by MTT assay. Protein and mRNA expression were determined by western blot and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, respectively.

Results: Glutamine-limiting conditions were generated through glutamine deprivation or CB-839 treatment, which induced PSAT1 expression in NSCLC cells. PSAT1 expression induced by glutamine-limiting conditions was regulated by activating transcription factor 4. Knock-down of PSAT1 enhanced the sensitivity of NSCLC cells to glutamine-limiting conditions. Interestingly, ionizing radiation induced PSAT1 expression, and knocking down PSAT1 increased cell sensitivity to ionizing radiation.

Conclusion: Inhibiting PSAT1 might aid in the treatment of lung cancer, and PSAT1 may be a therapeutic target for lung cancer.

Keywords: Activating transcription factor 4; glutamine; ionizing radiation; non-small cell lung cancer; phosphoserine aminotransferase 1.