Targeting the PERK/NRF2 pathway: Enhancing cisplatin efficacy in resistant ovarian cancer cells via MRP1 and ROS modulation

Abstract

Overcoming chemotherapy resistance remains a pivotal challenge in ovarian cancer treatment. This study investigates the potential of combining cisplatin with GSK2606414, a PERK inhibitor, to enhance therapeutic efficacy against cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer cells. cisplatin resistance is driven by the PERK/NRF2 pathway, which activates MRP1 upregulation and antioxidant defenses, thus promoting cell survival. By inhibiting PERK phosphorylation, GSK2606414 disrupts this pathway, downregulating MRP1 and increasing oxidative stress to sensitize cancer cells to cisplatin. Our findings reveal that the GSK2606414-cisplatin combination significantly reduces cell viability and proliferation, particularly in resistant cell lines, allowing for dose reduction and potentially lower side effects. The combined therapy also amplifies, increasing Caspase-12 and CHOP protein levels during endoplasmic reticulum stress. By targeting the p-PERK/p-NRF2/MRP1 and p-PERK/p-NRF2/SOD pathways, GSK2606414 decreases MRP1 expression and elevates ROS levels, rendering resistant cells more susceptible to chemotherapy. Additionally, this combination boosts intracellular cisplatin accumulation in both cisplatin-sensitive and-resistant ovarian cancer cell lines, reinforcing its cytotoxic impact. These findings underscore the promise of GSK2606414 and cisplatin co-treatment as a potent strategy to counteract ovarian cancer resistance. This combination could potentially advance therapeutic outcomes and provide a new pharmacological approach to resistant cancers.