BACKGROUND/AIM:The resistance to epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs), such as gefitinib or erlotinib, is considered a major challenge in the treatment of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Herein, we identified the critical roles of anterior gradient 2 (AGR2) in gefitinib (Gef) resistance of mutant NSCLC cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Using datasets from a pair of NSCLC-sensitive and NSCLC-resistant cells, immunoblotting, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry, and cell viability assays were applied to identify the effects of AGR2. RESULTS:AGR2 was found to be significantly over-expressed in Gef-resistant cells and was highly associated with drug resistance, proliferation, migration, and invasion of cancer cells. Moreover, AGR2 and ADAMTS6 formed a negative feedback loop in drug-resistant cells. CONCLUSION:Modulation of overexpression of AGR2 in mutant NSCLC cells may be an attractive therapeutic strategy for the treatment of EGFR-TKI-resistant NSCLC.
KEYWORDS: ADAMTS6, AGR2, NSCLC, gefitinib resistance, mutant NSCLC, yuanhuadine