In MPM cell lines, dowregulation of BAK induces resistance to bortezomib-induced apoptosis.

<p>A) REN and B) JU77 cells were transfected with siNT, siBAX, siBAK and the combination of siBAX and siBAK. 24 h following transfection, cells were treated with a concentration of bortezomib equal to the IC₅₀ calculated for each cell line and caspase3 activity measured. Data were normalized to NT untreated control (REN: siNT p = 0.0003 siBAX p = 0.0159; siBAK n.s. siBAXsiBAK n.s.; JU77: siNT p = 0.0002 siBAX p = 0.0002; siBAK n.s.; siBAXsiBAK n.s.). C) BAX and BAK expression and PARP cleavage were confirmed by western blot analysis in REN and D) JU77 cells.