Proteasome Inhibitor Bortezomib Increases Radiation Sensitivity in Androgen Independent Human Prostate Cancer Cells

Objectives To investigate the effects of a strong proteasome inhibitor, bortezomib alone or in combination with radiotherapy on androgen-independent DU145 human prostate cancer cells. Proteasomes play important roles in cell cycle, proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and cellular resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Methods Increasing concentrations of bortezomib alone or in combination with radiation were applied to DU145 cells and IC50 values that inhibited cell growth by 50% were determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5 diphenyltetrazolium-bromide assay. Apoptosis was determined using annexin V staining by flow cytometry. mRNA levels of proapoptotic caspase-3 and antiapoptotic Bcl-2 genes were examined by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Results The IC50 value of bortezomib was found to be 28 μ m although 400- and 800-cGy radiation decreased the cell proliferation by 14% and 28%, respectively. In 400- and 800-cGy radiation applied DU145 cells, IC50 value of bortezomib decreased to 23- and 12 μ m , respectively. Exposure to 5 μ m bortezomib for 48 hours caused apoptosis in 35% of the population whereas 800-cGy radiation resulted apoptosis in 14% of cells. However, 42% of DU145 cells that were exposed to 800 cGy and 5 μ m bortezomib underwent apoptosis. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction results showed a significant decrease in mRNA levels of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 gene and an increase in proapoptotic caspase-3 gene expression in the combination group compared to control group. Conclusions Bortezomib increases radiation sensitivity in androgen-independent human DU145 prostate cancer cells through inhibition of Bcl-2 and induction of caspase-3 genes.