The effects of Resveratrol and Rapamycin combination on Lymphangioleiomyomatosis cell signaling and survival

Abstract

is a disease that primarily affects women, and results in tumorous growths that can metastasize to the lungs and cause respiratory failure. Cells from these tumors are deficient in the tumor suppressor TSC2, and therefore show unique gene expression and signaling patterns. In this study we evaluated the therapeutic benefits of combination therapy of Rapamycin and Resveratrol on LAM cells. Rapamycin, a drug currently used to treat LAM patients, is only partially effective because it induces autophagy, a cell survival mechanism, and may actually prevent LAM cell death. Resveratrol, a naturally occurring polyphenol, when used in combination with rapamycin, can inhibit rapamycin-induced autophagy and decrease survival signaling, allowing LAM cells to die by apoptosis. Based on this research, combination therapy of rapamycin and resveratrol may prove an effective clinical treatment for lymphangioleiomyomatosis patients.