Targeting Dual-specificity Phosphatase 23 to Overcome Chemoresistance and Stem Cell-like Behavior in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Cells

Chemoresistance poses a significant challenge in treating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), often leading to poor outcomes. This resistance is closely linked to cancer stem cell (CSC)-like characteristics, including the ability to evade anoikis. In this study, we identified dual-specificity phosphatase 23 (DUSP23) as a key molecule involved in regulating CSC traits and chemoresistance. DUSP23 expression was significantly elevated in cell clusters grown under ultra-low adhesion (ULA) conditions that mimic CSC-promoting environments. Silencing DUSP23 reduced the formation of these clusters, suppressed the expression of the stemness markers SOX2, and enhanced anoikis sensitivity. Additionally, in cisplatin-resistant NSCLC cells, knockdown of DUSP23 decreased invasive behavior and induced apoptosis. These findings suggest that DUSP23 plays a pivotal role in maintaining CSC-like properties and chemoresistance by regulating SOX2. Targeting DUSP23 could offer a novel approach to overcome treatment resistance and improve outcomes for patients with NSCLC. We performed RNA sequencing analysis on A549 cell clusters with the knockdown of DUSP23, compared to control cell clusters.