TRIAP1 knockdown sensitizes non-small cell lung cancer to ionizing radiation by disrupting redox homeostasis

Background Radioresistance of some non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) types increases the risk of recurrence or metastasis in afflicted patients, following radiotherapy. As such, further improvements to NSCLC radiotherapy are needed. The expression of oncogene TP53-regulated inhibitor of apoptosis 1 (TRIAP1) in NSCLC is increased following irradiation. Furthermore, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) has suggested that TRIAP1 might be involved in maintaining redox homeostasis. This in turn might enhance cell radioresistance. Methods In this study we irradiated human NSCLC cell lines (A549 and H460), while knocking down TRIAP1, to determine whether a disrupted redox homeostasis could attenuate radioresistance. Results Irradiation notably increased both mRNA and protein levels of TRIAP1. In addition, TRIAP1 knockdown decreased the expression of several antioxidant proteins, including thioredoxin-related transmembrane protein (TMX) 1, TMX2, thioredoxin (TXN), glutaredoxin (GLRX) 2, GLRX3, peroxiredoxin (PRDX) 3, PRDX4, and PRDX6 in A549 and H460 cells. In addition, silencing TRIAP1 impaired the radiation-induced increase of the aforementioned proteins. Continuing along this line, we observed a radiation-induced reduction of cell viability and invasion, as well as increased apoptosis and intracellular reactive oxygen species following TRIAP1 knockdown. Conclusions In summary, we identified TRIAP1 as a key contributor to the radioresistance of NSCLC by maintaining redox homeostasis.