IFN-γ induces apoptosis in gemcitabine-resistant pancreatic cancer cells

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most prevalent and aggressive form of pancreatic cancer. Gemcitabine (GEM), the first-line treatment for PDAC, which alleviates symptoms and enhances the quality of life of patients. However, it is prone to lead to the development of drug resistance during treatment. Interferon (IFN)-gamma exhibits antitumor and immunomodulatory properties. The present study aimed to explore the impact of IFN-gamma on the viability, migration and apoptosis of GEM-resistant pancreatic cancer cells. Firstly, a GEM-resistant pancreatic cancer cell line, named PANC-1/GEM, was constructed. Hematoxylin and eosin staining analyzed the cell morphology, whereas reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) assessed the expression levels of the drug-resistance genes multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP). The MTT assay and cell counting techniques were used to determine the appropriate concentration of IFN-y and its effects on cell viability. The IFN-gamma-induced apoptosis of PANC-1/GEM cells was assessed using an Apoptosis Detection Kit, whereas the impact of IFN-gamma on the migration of these cells was evaluated using a wound-healing assay. The MTT assay revealed a resistance index of 22.4 in the PANC-1/GEM cell line. RT-qPCR indicated that, compared with in wild-type cells, the PANC-1/GEM resistant strain exhibited lower MRP and higher BCRP mRNA expression levels. The optimal concentration of IFN-gamma for affecting PANC-1/GEM cells was determined to be 0.3 mu g/ml. At this concentration, IFN-gamma induced PANC-1/GEM cell apoptosis, along with a notable reduction in migration. Following treatment of PANC-1/GEM cells with IFN-gamma, MRP expression increased whereas BCRP mRNA expression decreased, indicating a reversal in their drug-resistance gene expression. In conclusion, IFN-gamma exhibited antitumor immune properties by upregulating MRP and downregulating BCRP expression, reversing drug-resistance gene expression, and reducing cell viability and migration, while promoting apoptosis in PANC-1/GEM cells. IFN-gamma could potentially serve as a treatment option for patients with GEM-resistant pancreatic cancer.