FKBP51 induces p53-dependent apoptosis and enhances drug sensitivity of human non-small-cell lung cancer cells

Lung cancer is one of the most prevalent cancer types worldwide, and non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for ~85% of all lung cancer cases. Despite the notable prevalence of NSCLC, the mechanisms underlying its progression remain unclear. The present study investigated the involvement of FK506-binding protein 51 (FKBP51) in NSCLC development and determined the factors associated with FKBP51 modification for NSCLC treatment. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed to analyze FKBP51 expression in human NSCLC tissue samples. Additionally, flow cytometry was performed to observe the apoptosis of FKBP51-overexpressing A549 cells. A dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed to confirm the association between FKBP51 and p53 expression, and western blotting was performed to analyze the effects of FKBP51 on the p53 signaling pathway. Finally, cell viability was measured using a Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. The results suggested FKBP51 downregulation in human lung cancer. Furthermore, apoptosis rates may be increased in FKBP51-overexpressing A549 cells. Moreover, FKBP51 promoted p53 expression and subsequent p53 signaling pathway activation. These results indicated that FKBP51 promoted A549 cell apoptosis via the p53 signaling pathway. Additionally, FKBP51 enhanced the sensitivity of A549 cells to cisplatin. Collectively, these data suggested that FKBP51 could serve as a biomarker for human lung cancer and can thus be tailored for incorporation into NSCLC therapy in the future.