Mifepristone increases mRNA translation rate, triggers the unfolded protein response, increases autophagic flux, and kills ovarian cancer cells in combination with proteasome or lysosome inhibitors

The synthetic steroid mifepristone blocks the growth of ovarian cancer cells, yet the mechanism driving such effect is not entirely understood. Unbiased genomic and proteomic screenings using ovarian cancer cell lines of different genetic backgrounds and sensitivities to platinum led to the identification of two key genes upregulated by mifepristone and involved in the unfolded protein response (UPR): the master chaperone of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), glucose regulated protein (GRP) of 78 kDa, and the CCAAT/enhancer binding protein homologous transcription factor (CHOP).

Source: Molecular Oncology - May 16, 2016 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Lei Zhang, Maria B. Hapon, Alicia A. Goyeneche, Rekha Srinivasan, Carlos D. Gamarra-Luques, Eduardo A. Callegari, Donis D. Drappeau, Erin J. Terpstra, Bo Pan, Jennifer R. Knapp, Jeremy Chien, Xuejun Wang, Kathleen M. Eyster, Carlos M. Telleria Source Type: research