Hypoxia Tumor Microenvironment Activates GLI2 through HIF-1α and TGF-β2 to Promote Chemotherapy Resistance of Colorectal Cancer

BACKGROUND: A majority of relapse cases have been reported in colorectal cancer patients due to cancer stem cell progenitors. The factors responsible for chemoresistance have yet to be discovered and investigated as CSCs have reported escaping from chemotherapy's killing action. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we have investigated the effects of HIF-1α and TGF-β2 in hypoxia conditions on the expression of GLI2, which is a potential factor for causing chemoresistance. Material and Methods. Colorectal samples of treated patients were collected from the Hospital Biological Sample Library. Culture of patient-derived TSs and fibroblasts was performed. The collected patient samples and cells were used for immunohistochemistry, quantitative PCR, and western blotting studies which were performed. RESULTS: It was reported that HIF-1α (hypoxia-inducible factor) and TGF-β2 secreted from cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) synergistically work to express GLI2 in cancer stem cells. Hence, it increased the stemness as well as resistance to chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: The HIF-1α/TGF-β2-mediated GLI2 signaling was responsible for causing chemoresistance in the hypoxia environment. High expressions of HIF1α/TGF-β2/GLI2 cause the relapsing of colorectal cancer, thus making this a potential biomarker for identifying the relapse and resistance in patients. The study uncovers the mechanism involved in sternness and chemotherapy resistance which will help in targeted treatment.