Isoliensinine augments the therapeutic potential of paclitaxel in multidrug‐resistant colon cancer stem cells and induced mitochondria‐mediated cell death

Abstract Previously we have reported the isoliensinine (ISO) potentates the therapeutic potential of cisplatin in cisplatin resistant colorectal cancer stem cells. The present study evaluates the chemo‐sensitizing potential of the combinatorial regimen of ISO and Paclitaxcel (PTX) on multidrug‐resistant (MDR)‐HCT‐15 cells to reduce the dose requirement of both ISO and PTX. The results of the present study suggest that treatment with the combinatorial regimen of ISO and PTX enhanced the cytotoxic effect with resultant increase in apoptosis in MDR‐HCT‐15 cells as evident from the altered cellular morphology, G2/M cell cycle arrest, propidium iodide uptake, Annexin V, increased intracellular Ca 2+ accumulation, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, diminished ATP production, PARP‐1 cleavage, altered expression of ERK1/2, and apoptotic proteins. Treatment with combinatorial regimen of ISO and PTX also modulated the expression of the transcription factors SOX2, OCT4 which determine the stemness of cancer cells. Thus, results of the present study suggest that ISO and PTX combination regimen induces apoptosis in MDR‐HCT‐15 in a synergistic manner.