Proteomic analysis of two head and neck cancer cell lines presenting different radiation sensitivity.

CONCLUSION: We found four proteins in the AMC-HN-9 cells that might perform important functions in radio-resistance. These results also suggest that this cell line may provide us with important information about cancer cells regarding the roles of reactive oxygen species (ROS and antioxidants) in irradiation.
OBJECTIVE: Radiation susceptibility can be determined by the expression of some proteins. To identify such proteins involved in radiation susceptibility, we analyzed two cell lines with different radiation sensitivity.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The AMC-HN-3 and -9 cell lines established from head and neck cancer patients were employed. They were irradiated with 4 Gy and two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2-D PAGE) was carried out. Then matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry (MS) was performed to identify 20 proteins. Western blotting was used to confirm the significantly expressed proteins.
RESULTS: After 2-D PAGE, five spots were differentially expressed in the AMC-HN-9. Heat shock protein 27 kDa (HSP27), peroxiredoxin (Prx) II, glutathione S-transferase pi (GSTP), and an unknown protein were detected through MALDI-TOF MS. By using Western blotting, remarkable increments of the band intensity of HSP27, GSTP, Prx II, and Prx IV were confirmed in the AMC-HN-9 cell line.