Paclitaxel induces apoptosis via protein kinase A- and p38 mitogen-activated protein-dependent inhibition of the Na+/H+ exchanger (NHE) NHE isoform 1 in human breast cancer cells.

Abstract

We have, for the first time, identified NHE1 as an essential component of paclitaxel-induced apoptosis in breast cancer cells and, importantly, identified that simultaneous inhibition of the NHE1 results in a synergistic potentiation of low-dose paclitaxel apoptotic action. As specific NHE1 inhibitors have finished Phase II/Phase III clinical trials for myocardial protection, there is the possibility for a rapid biological translation of this novel therapeutic strategy to a clinical setting.