Cardamonin sensitizes tumour cells to TRAIL through ROS- and CHOP-mediated up-regulation of death receptors and down-regulation of survival proteins

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is currently in clinical trials as a treatment for cancer, but development of resistance is a major drawback. Thus agents that can overcome resistance to TRAIL are urgently needed. Cardamonin (2',4'-dihydroxy-6'-methoxychalcone) has been shown to affect cell growth by modulating various cell signalling pathways. Hence, we investigated the effect of cardamonin on the actions of TRAIL.