Knockdown of annexin A5 restores gefitinib sensitivity by promoting G2/M cell cycle arrest

Background Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors, including gefitinib, are first-line drugs against advanced non-small cell lung cancer with activating EGFR mutations. However, the development of resistance to such drugs is a major clinical challenge. Methods The role of annexin A5 in resistance to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors was investigated by qPCR and western blot of relevant molecules, by CCK8 and EdU assay of cell proliferation and viability, by annexin V/propidium iodide assay of apoptosis and cell cycle distribution, by JC-1 assay of mitochondrial integrity, and by xenograft assay of tumorigenicity. Results We found that annexin A5 is upregulated in gefitinib-resistant cell lines, as well as in clinical specimens resistant to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Accordingly, knockdown of the gene from gefitinib-resistant cells restores gefitinib sensitivity in vitro and in vivo by downregulating polo-like kinase 1 signal pathway, thereby inducing mitochondrial damage, caspase activation, cell cycle arrest at G2/M, and, finally, apoptosis. Conclusions The data indicate that annexin A5 confers gefitinib resistance in lung cancer by inhibiting apoptosis and G2/M cell cycle arrest, and is thus a potential therapeutic target in non-small cell lung cancers resistant to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors.