Doxorubicin resistance in breast cancer cells is mediated by extracellular matrix proteins

• Main Authors: Carrie J. Lovitt, Todd B. Shelper, Vicky M. Avery
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2018-01-01
• Series: BMC Cancer
• Subjects: Doxorubicin; Extracellular matrix; Three-dimensional cell culture; Drug resistance
• Online Access: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12885-017-3953-6

Abstract Background Cancer cell resistance to therapeutics can result from acquired or de novo-mediated factors. Here, we have utilised advanced breast cancer cell culture models to elucidate de novo doxorubicin resistance mechanisms. Methods The response of breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) to doxorubicin was examined in an in vitro three-dimensional (3D) cell culture model. Cells were cultured with Matrigel™ enabling cellular arrangements into a 3D architecture in conjunction with cell-to-extracellular matrix (ECM) contact. Results Breast cancer cells cultured in a 3D ECM-based model demonstrated altered sensitivity to doxorubicin, when compared to those grown in corresponding two-dimensional (2D) monolayer culture conditions. Investigations into the factors triggering the observed doxorubicin resistance revealed that cell-to-ECM interactions played a pivotal role. This finding correlated with the up-regulation of pro-survival proteins in 3D ECM-containing cell culture conditions following exposure to doxorubicin. Inhibition of integrin signalling in combination with doxorubicin significantly reduced breast cancer cell viability. Furthermore, breast cancer cells grown in a 3D ECM-based model demonstrated a significantly reduced proliferation rate in comparison to cells cultured in 2D conditions. Conclusion Collectively, these novel findings reveal resistance mechanisms which may contribute to reduced doxorubicin sensitivity.