Resistin causes G1 arrest in colon cancer cells through upregulation of SOCS3

Resistin, a proinflammatory cytokine, is elevated in a number of pathological disorders, including cancer. The serum resistin level in colon cancer patients is elevated and correlates with tumor grade. However, the implications of increased resistin on colon cancer cells remain unclear. In the present study, we find that resistin binds to TLR 4 on colon cancer cell membrane and initiates TLR 4‐MyD88‐dependent activation of ERK . In addition, the upregulation of SOCS 3 by ERK downregulates the JAK 2/ TAT 3 pathway and causes the arrest of cells in G1 phase. Interestingly, we observe that resistin‐exposed cells survive 5‐fluorouracil treatment because of a decrease in drug uptake due to the arrest of cells in G1 phase.