Molecular profiling of chemotherapy-resistant breast cancer reveals DNA methylation remodeling associated with the acquisition of paclitaxel resistance

Abstract

Aims: Chemotherapy resistance remains a major challenge in breast cancer (BC) treatment. This study aimed to investigate the role of DNA methylation in this complex process and evaluate the potential of the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor decitabine (DAC) in restoring chemosensitivity.

Methods: Paclitaxel (PAC)- and doxorubicin (DOX)- resistant BC cell lines were derived from luminal A (T-47D), triple-negative (MDA-MB-231), and HER2-positive (JIMT-1) models and characterized by molecular profiling and functional assays. The therapeutic effects of DAC and DOX were assessed in MDA-MB-231 xenografts, and integrative analyses of DNA methylation and gene expression identified pathways associated with resistance. Follow-up analyses were performed in PAC-resistant MAS98.12 patient-derived xenografts (PDX) and in clinical samples from the NeoAva trial (NCT00773695).

Results: Resistant cells exhibited a slow-cycling phenotype, reduced tumorigenicity, and widespread genomic alterations. PAC-resistant xenografts showed extensive methylation and transcriptomic reprogramming, partly restored by DAC, which increased Ki-67 expression and enhanced DOX responsiveness. In contrast, PDX tumors displayed less pronounced changes, predominantly hypomethylation, indicating distinct resistance mechanisms. Importantly, xenograft-derived CpG signatures stratified NeoAva patients by treatment response.

Conclusions: Chemoresistance in BC involves extensive genomic and epigenetic remodeling. Although DAC can modulate methylation and tumor phenotype, rational drug combinations will be required to overcome resistance.

Keywords: Breast cancer; Chemoresistance; Combination therapy; DNA methylation; Decitabine.