Role of Chaperone Mediated Autophagy (CMA) in the Degradation of Misfolded N-CoR Protein in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Cells
2011

Role of Chaperone Mediated Autophagy in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Sample size: 10 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Ali Azhar Bin, Nin Dawn Sijin, Tam John, Khan Matiullah

Primary Institution: National University of Singapore

Hypothesis

An APL-like misfolded-conformation dependent loss of N-CoR might also be involved in other malignancies, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Conclusion

The study identifies a crucial role of chaperone mediated autophagy in the degradation of misfolded N-CoR, which may contribute to the survival and growth of NSCLC cells.

Supporting Evidence

  • Misfolded N-CoR was linked to the amplification of ER stress in NSCLC cells.
  • N-CoR loss was observed in nine out of ten histologically confirmed human primary NSCLC cells.
  • Genetic and chemical inhibition of CMA blocked the loss of N-CoR in NSCLC cells.
  • N-CoR degradation was shown to be mediated by chaperone mediated autophagy.

Takeaway

This study shows that a protein called N-CoR can get messed up in lung cancer cells, and a special process helps get rid of the messed-up proteins, which helps the cancer cells survive.

Methodology

The study involved analyzing N-CoR status in various lung cancer cell lines and primary human NSCLC samples, using techniques like western blotting, PCR, and immunoprecipitation.

Limitations

The study does not explore the specific mutations or post-translational modifications that may lead to N-CoR misfolding in NSCLC cells.

Participant Demographics

Ten histologically confirmed primary human NSCLC samples were used.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0025268

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