Expression of P-gp,HER-2 and microRNA-296 is associated with radiation resistance in esophageal carcinoma

AIM: To investigate whether the expression of P-glycoprotein (P-gp),human epidermal growth factor receptor 2(HER-2)and microRNA-296 is associated with the radiation resistance in esophageal cancer. METHODS: The human esophageal squamous carcinoma cell line Eca109 was divided into control group and treatment group. The cells in treatment group were irradiated by X-ray repetitiously (cumulative radiation dose 60 Gy). The difference of the cell proliferation inhibition between the 2 groups was determined by MTT assay. The expression of P-gp and HER-2 in the cells was detected by immunocytochemical method. The differential expression of microRNA-296 in the cells of the 2 groups were identified by Northern blotting. RESULTS: Compared with control group, a clear radiation resistance and lower growth inhibition were observed in treatment group. The expression of P-gp and HER-2 in treatment group increased significantly than that in control group. No significant difference of microRNA-296 expression between the 2 groups was observed. CONCLUSION: P-gp and HER-2 are relevant with radiation resistance in esophageal cancer. No significant association between microRNA-296 and radiation resistance in Eca109 cells is showed.