Astragaloside IV Overcomes Anlotinib Resistance in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer through miR-181a-3p/UPR-ERAD Axis

BACKGROUND: Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) has been shown to have a curative effect on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This study aimed to elucidate the role of AS-IV in NSCLC cell anlotinib resistance (AR). METHODS: The NSCLC/AR cells, resistant to anlotinib, have been produced. The role of AS-IV in the AR of NSCLC cells about the miR-181a-3p/unfolded protein response (UPR)- endoplasmic reticulum associated degradation (ERAD) pathway was then discussed by treating the cells with anlotinib or AS-IV, or by manipulating them with inhibitors or mimics of miR- 181a-3p, HRD1 or Derlin-1 overexpression plasmids. RESULTS: We found that AS-IV could suppress the AR of NSCLC cells. In addition, miR-181a- 3p was elevated in NSCLC/AR cells. Functionally, AS-IV limited the AR of NSCLC cells by reducing miR-181a-3p. Further, activation of the UPR-ERAD pathway was correlated with AR in NSCLC cells. Increased sensitivity of NSCLC cells to anlotinib caused by miR-181a-3p inhibitor could be reversed by overexpression of HRD1 or Derlin-1. CONCLUSION: This research revealed a promising NSCLC/AR treatment approach by showing that AS-IV exposed NSCLC cells to anlotinib by inhibiting the miR-181a-3p/UPR-ERAD axis.