Dickkopf-1 promotes tumor progression of gefitinib- resistant non-small cell lung cancer through cancer cell-fibroblast interactions

Cancer cell-secreted proteins play a critical role in tumor progression and chemoresistance by influencing intercellular interactions within the tumor microenvironment. Investigating the intratumoral functions of these secretory proteins may provide insights into understanding and treating chemoresistant cancers. This study aims to identify potential anticancer target(s) in gefitinib-resistant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with a focus on secretory proteins and their effects on intercellular interactions. Here, we clarified that DKK1 mediates interactions between cancer cells and fibroblasts in gefitinib-resistant lung cancer, contributing to tumor progression. Overall design: Examination of RNA expression in MRC-5 treated with supernatant of HCC827-LV-con or HCC827-DKK1 OE.