Cisplatin (DDP) is a common therapeutic option for
non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). However, some patients fail to respond to the DDP
chemotherapy. Therefore, identifying novel
biomarkers to improve the diagnosis and treatment of NSCLC is important.
Ubiquitin-specific protease (USP14) is involved in various pathological conditions including
cancer; however, the role of USP14 in NSCLC remains elusive. The SELEX technology was used to identify aptamers that specifically recognize DDP-resistant
lung cancer cells and couple them with nano-
zinc (
zinc hydroxide, Zn(
OH)2) carriers. USP14 levels were higher in DDP-resistant
lung cancer compared to DDP-sensitive
lung cancer. The survival rate of
lung cancer patients with increased USP14 expression was significantly lower than the survival rate of patients with low USP14 expression. Silencing USP14 increased the
tumor antagonistic action of DDP in A549
cisplatin-resistant (A549/DDP) cells, while USP14 overexpression decreased the antagonist effects. Aptamer-targeted nano-
zinc carriers were loaded with USP14
siRNA to target DDP-resistant
lung cancer cells. Aptamer-targeted nano-
zinc carriers containing USP14
siRNA increased the antitumor effects of DDP in A549/DDP cells and mice bearing A549/DDP cells. These results indicate that aptamer-guided nano-
zinc carriers may be a potent carrier for the precise treatment of
drug-resistant
tumors.