Alterations in the glycoform of cisplatin-resistant human carcinoma cells are caused by defects in the endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation system.

Cisplatin, cis-diamineplatinum-(II) dichloride (CDDP), is one of the most common and valuable chemotherapeutic reagents for various cancers. However, it is well known that tumor cells gain acquired or intrinsic resistance to treatment by this anti-cancer reagent. In spite of extensive efforts using genetic and proteomic approaches, the mechanism underlying CDDP resistance remains unclear. In the present study, we report drastic structural changes in the N-glycans of glycoproteins in CDDP-resistant tumor cells (the KCP-4 cell line obtained from KB-3-1 human carcinoma cells). It was suggested that the CDDP-resistant cells exhibited an increase in one of the high-mannose-type glycans, particularly M8.1. This N-glycan is well known as a tag for the transport of unfolded protein from the endoplasmic reticulum to the lysosome, a process known as endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation (ERAD) system. The revertant cells (KCP-4R) obtained from the KCP-4 cell line showed almost the same glycoform profile as that of the parental cells, suggesting that N-glycan biosynthesis in tumor cells clearly corresponds to the alteration in the sensitivity against CDDP. Gene expression analysis using a cDNA microarray showed a decrease in the expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) proteins in the resistant cells. MHC proteins form a complex with lysosome-degradated proteins and are presented on the cell surface. These results suggest that CDDP tolerance in KCP-4 cells is caused by a defect in the ERAD system.