c-Met Signaling Pathway Participating in the Gefitinib Resistance of Different Gene Types of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Cells Induced by HGF In Vitro

Background and objective It has been known that hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) induces gefitinib resistance in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. The possible mechanism may be related to the activation of the HGF receptor c-Met. The aim of this study is to investigate the involvement of c-Met and its downstream signaling pathway in the HGF-induced gefitinib resistance of NSCLC cells with different epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene types. Methods NSCLC cell lines with different EGFR genes (PC-9, PC9/R, H292, and A549) were selected and induced by HGF. Cell survival was determined by MTT assay and the expression of Met and downstream signaling proteins were examined by Western blot. Results Gefitinib inhibited the cell growth of PC9, H292, and A549 cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. The concentration-survival curve notably shifted to the right when induced by HGF. The apoptotic rate was lower when the cells were treated with HGF and gefitinib than when these cells were treated with gefitinib alone (P