Epigenetic modulation of the biophysical properties of drug-resistant cell lipids to restore drug transport and endocytic functions

Mol Pharm. 2012 Sep 4;9(9):2730-42. doi: 10.1021/mp300281t. Epub 2012 Aug 7.

Abstract

In our recent studies exploring the biophysical characteristics of resistant cell lipids, and the role they play in drug transport, we demonstrated the difference of drug-resistant breast cancer cells from drug-sensitive cells in lipid composition and biophysical properties, suggesting that cancer cells acquire a drug-resistant phenotype through the alteration of lipid synthesis to inhibit intracellular drug transport to protect from cytotoxic effect. In cancer cells, epigenetic changes (e.g., DNA hypermethylation) are essential to maintain this drug-resistant phenotype. Thus, altered lipid synthesis may be linked to epigenetic mechanisms of drug resistance. We hypothesize that reversing DNA hypermethylation in resistant cells with an epigenetic drug could alter lipid synthesis, changing the cell membrane's biophysical properties to facilitate drug delivery to overcome drug resistance. Herein we show that treating drug-resistant breast cancer cells (MCF-7/ADR) with the epigenetic drug 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (decitabine) significantly alters cell lipid composition and biophysical properties, causing the resistant cells to acquire biophysical characteristics similar to those of sensitive cell (MCF-7) lipids. Following decitabine treatment, resistant cells demonstrated increased sphingomyelinase activity, resulting in a decreased sphingomyelin level that influenced lipid domain structures, increased membrane fluidity, and reduced P-glycoprotein expression. Changes in the biophysical characteristics of resistant cell lipids facilitated doxorubicin transport and restored endocytic function for drug delivery with a lipid-encapsulated form of doxorubicin, enhancing the drug efficacy. In conclusion, we have established a new mechanism for efficacy of an epigenetic drug, mediated through changes in lipid composition and biophysical properties, in reversing cancer drug resistance.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Member 1 / genetics
  • ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Member 1 / metabolism
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • Azacitidine / analogs & derivatives
  • Azacitidine / pharmacology
  • Biological Transport / drug effects
  • Biological Transport / genetics
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Breast Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Breast Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Cell Membrane / drug effects
  • Cell Membrane / genetics
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism
  • DNA Methylation / drug effects
  • Decitabine
  • Doxorubicin / pharmacology
  • Drug Delivery Systems / methods
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm
  • Endocytosis / drug effects*
  • Endocytosis / genetics*
  • Epigenesis, Genetic
  • Epigenomics / methods
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lipid Metabolism / genetics*
  • MCF-7 Cells

Substances

  • ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Member 1
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Decitabine
  • Doxorubicin
  • Azacitidine