A novel CREB5/TOP1MT axis confers cisplatin resistance through inhibiting mitochondrial apoptosis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Cisplatin resistance is one of the main causes of treatment failure and death of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). In order to better understand the mechanism of cisplatin resistance and formulate effective treatment strategies, we identified differentially expressed genes related to cisplatin resistance by RNA sequencing, RT-PCR and immunoblotting. CREB5 was selected as the most significantly up-regulated gene in cisplatin resistant cells. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments were performed to detect the effect of CREB5 on cisplatin resistance and mitochondrial apoptosis in HNSCC. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay, dual-luciferase reporter assay, and immunoblotting experiments were performed to explore the underlying mechanisms of CREB5. Four independent cell samples were analyzed. HN4 is the control group of HN4_CR, and HN30 is the control group of HN30_CR.