Augmented expression of cardiac ankyrin repeat protein is induced by pemetrexed and a possible marker for the pemetrexed resistance in mesothelioma cells

Background Pemetrexed (PEM) is an anti-cancer agent targeting DNA and RNA synthesis, and clinically in use for mesothelioma and non-small cell lung carcinoma. A mechanism of resistance to PEM is associated with elevated activities of several enzymes involved in nucleic acid metabolism.