Effects of TPX2 gene on radiotherapy sensitization in breast cancer stem cells

The present study explored the link between the targeting protein for Xenopus kinesin-like protein 2 (TPX2) gene and breast tumor stem cells in order to screen novel radiosensitizers. Expression of TPX2 protein and gene in breast cancer cells was analyzed by western blot analysis and RT-PCR. Three kinds of broad-spectrum sensitizers were selected and their effects on radiotherapy were analyzed by immunohistochemistry in breast tumor stem cells. TPX2 gene and protein were expressed in breast tumor cells and increased gradually along with the expression of cancer cell differentiation; 25 mg/l lovastatin showed best radio-sensitizing effects on breast cancer cells. Furthermore, immunohistochemical results showed that the positive rate of breast cancer cells processed by 25 mg/l lovastatin were significantly decreased. In conclusion, TPX2 gene is closely related to the development of breast cancer stem cells. Moreover, the sensitizing effects of lovastatin on breast tumor stem cells are the result of its influence on the TPX2 gene.