Vorinostat enhance TRAIL-induced apoptosis via DR5 in anaplastic thyroid cancer cells

Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma ( ATC) is one of the most aggressive human malignancies, which is refractory to surgery, radiotherapy, radioiodine therapy and conventional chemotherapy. Vorinostat (SAHA, also called suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid) is one of Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACIs), which is a promising agent for cancer therapy. Death receptor 5 (DR5) is a transmembrane receptor containing death domain that triggers cell death upon binding to TRAIL (tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand), and the combination of TRAIL and agents that increase the expression of DR5 is expected as a novel anticancer therapeutic strategy. Here we report that Vorinostat enhanced TRAIL-induced apoptosis in human anaplastic thyroid cancer cells. This effect is to be achieved through increasing expression of DR5 on the cell surface. Our results provide novel options into the therapy of ATC. We hope that these results could contribute to the advancement of the knowledge of this rare and aggressive cancer.