Radiosensitization of Breast Cancer Cells with a 2-Methoxyestradiol Analogue Affects DNA Damage and Repair Signaling In Vitro.

Radiation resistance and radiation-related side effects warrant research into alternative strategies in the application of this modality to cancer treatment. Designed in silico to improve the pharmacokinetics and anti-cancer properties of 2-methoxyestradiol, 2-ethyl-3-O-sulfamoyl-estra-1,3,5(10)16-tetraene (ESE-16) disrupts microtubule dynamics and induces apoptosis. Here, we investigated whether pre-exposure of breast cancer cells to low-dose ESE-16 would affect radiation-induced deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage and the consequent repair pathways. MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, and BT-20 cells were exposed to sub-lethal doses of ESE-16 for 24 h before 8 Gy radiation. Flow cytometric quantification of Annexin V, clonogenic studies, micronuclei quantification, assessment of histone H2AX phosphorylation and Ku70 expression were performed to assess cell viability, DNA damage, and repair pathways, in both directly irradiated cells and cells treated with conditioned medium. A small increase in apoptosis was observed as an early consequence, with significant repercussions on long-term cell survival. Overall, a greater degree of DNA damage was detected. Moreover, initiation of the DNA-damage repair response was delayed, with a subsequent sustained elevation. Radiation-induced bystander effects induced similar pathways and were initiated via intercellular signaling. These results justify further investigation of ESE-16 as a radiation-sensitizing agent since pre-exposure appears to augment the response of tumor cells to radiation.

The Biological Relevance of Papaverine in Cancer Cells.

Papaverine (PPV), a benzylisoquinoline alkaloid, extracted from the Papaverine somniferum plant, is currently in clinical use as a vasodilator. Research has shown that PPV inhibits phosphodiesterase 10A (PDE10A,) resulting in the accumulation of cyclic adenosine 3', 5'-monophosphate (cAMP) that affects multiple downstream pathways, including phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt), a mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The accumulation of cAMP can further affect mitochondrial metabolism through the activation of protein kinase A (PKA), which activates the mitochondrial complex I. Literature has shown that PPV exerts anti-proliferative affects in several tumorigenic cell lines including adenocarcinoma alveolar cancer (A549) and human hepatoma (HepG-2) cell lines. Cell cycle investigations have shown varying results with the effects dependent on concentration and cell type with data suggesting an increase in cells occupying the sub-G1 phase, which is indicative of cell death. These results suggest that PPV may be a beneficial compound to explore for the use in anticancer studies. More insight into the effects of the compound on cellular and molecular mechanisms is needed. Understanding the effects PPV may exert on tumorigenic cells may better researchers' understanding of phytomedicines and the effects of PPV and PPV-derived compounds in cancer.

The involvement of a chemokine receptor antagonist CTCE-9908 and kynurenine metabolites in cancer development.

Cancer is the second leading cause of mortality worldwide. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in South Africa with nearly 20,000 reported cases every year and 700 deaths. If diagnosed early, the 5-year survival rate is about 90%, however, when diagnosed late, the 5-year survival rate decreases to about 20%. Melanoma is a type of skin cancer with an estimated 5-year survival rate of approximately 90%. Neuroblastoma is a paediatric cancer with a low survival rate. Sixty percent of patients with metastatic disease do not survive 5 years after diagnosis. Despite recent advances in targeted therapies, there is a crucial need to identify reliable prognostic biomarkers which will be able to contribute to the development of more precision-based chemotherapeutic strategies to prevent tumour migration and metastasis. The compound, CTCE-9908 inhibits the binding of CXC chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12) to the CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) receptor leading to reduced metastasis. Kynurenine metabolites are derived tryptophan, which is an essential amino acid. Kynurenine metabolites inhibit T-cell proliferation resulting in cell growth arrest. For this reason, chemokines receptors represent potential targets for the treatment of cancer growth and metastasis. In this review paper, the role of the CXCL12/CXCR4 signalling pathway in the development of cancer is highlighted together with the current available treatments involving the CTCE-9908 compound in combination with microtubule inhibitors like paclitaxel and docetaxel.

In Vitro Effects of Papaverine on Cell Migration and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Cancer Cell Lines.

Papaverine (PPV) is a benzylisoquinoline alkaloid isolated from Papaver somniferum that exerts antiproliferative activity. However, several questions remain regarding the biochemical pathways affected by PPV in tumourigenic cells. In this study, the influence of PPV on cell migration (light microscopy), expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) B, VEGF R1, VEGF R2, and phosphorylated focal adhesion kinase (pFAK) were investigated using spectrophotometry in MDA-MB-231-, A549- and DU145 cell lines. The migration assay revealed that, after 48 h, PPV (100 µM) reduced cell migration to 81%, 91%, and 71% in MDA-MB-231-, A549-, and DU145 cells, respectively. VEGF B expression was reduced to 0.79-, 0.71-, and 0.73-fold after 48 h of exposure to PPV in MDA-MB-231-, A549- and DU145 cells, while PPV exposure of 48 h increased VEGF R1 expression in MDA-MB-231- and DU145 cells to 1.38 and 1.46. A fold decrease in VEGF R1 expression was observed in A549 cells to 0.90 after exposure to 150 µM. No statistically significant effects were observed on VEGF R2- and FAK expression after exposure to PPV. This study contributes to the understanding of the effects of a phytomedicinal alkaloid compound in cancer cells and may provide novel approaches to the application of non-addictive alkaloids.

Ex vivo platelet morphology assessment of chronic myeloid leukemia patients before and after Imatinib treatment.

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative disease and the first line treatment is through the administration of Imatinib, a first generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Thrombocytosis and bleeding irregularities are common in CML, however, the morphological variations in CML patients' platelets are not well documented. In this study, ex vivo platelet morphology of control participants, as well as CML patients were assessed before and after Imatinib treatment. The topographical and structural morphology of platelets were determined via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Qualitative data of SEM and TEM revealed that CML patient's platelets were prone to aggregation and coagulation at time of diagnosis; the samples that were not aggregated at time of diagnosis showed typical discoid shaped platelets, which was comparable to control participants' platelets. TEM results of CML patients' platelets at diagnosis showed that internal granular constituents including dense bodies were decreased in comparison to control participants. In all CML patients, platelets appeared activated after 6 months of treatment with Imatinib with membrane structure abnormalities and constituent variations. Research to date has primarily focused on the effects of CML on leukocyte populations, however, the results of the current study implicate the impact of CML pathogenesis on platelets, seemingly as a result of alterations in normal hematopoiesis. In addition, the impact of Imatinib treatment on platelet morphology was also established, indicating an increase in platelet activation. Recognizing and understanding the impact of CML disease progression on platelets is of importance to aid improved patient treatment. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: In the study, results from SEM and TEM indicated that CML patient's platelets were prone to aggregation at time of diagnosis, and activation after Imatnib treatment. Platelet samples that did not aggregate had decreased internal granular constituents.

Platelet Function, Role in Thrombosis, Inflammation, and Consequences in Chronic Myeloproliferative Disorders.

Platelets are conventionally defined as playing a vital role in homeostasis and thrombosis. This role has over the years transformed as knowledge regarding platelets has expanded to include inflammation, cancer progression, and metastasis. Upon platelet activation and subsequent aggregation, platelets release a host of various factors, including numerous pro-inflammatory factors. These pro-inflammatory factors are recruiters and activators of leukocytes, aiding in platelets' immune regulating function and inflammatory function. These various platelet functions are interrelated; activation of the inflammatory function results in thrombosis and, moreover, in various disease conditions, can result in worsened or chronic pathogenesis, including cancer. The role and contribution of platelets in a multitude of pathophysiological events during hemostasis, thrombosis, inflammation, cancer progression, and metastasis is an important focus for ongoing research. Platelet activation as discussed here is present in all platelet functionalities and can result in a multitude of factors and signaling pathways being activated. The cross-talk between inflammation, cancer, and platelets is therefore an ideal target for research and treatment strategies through antiplatelet therapy. Despite the knowledge implicating platelets in these mentioned processes, there is, nevertheless, limited literature available on the involvement and impact of platelets in many diseases, including myeloproliferative neoplasms. The extensive role platelets play in the processes discussed here is irrefutable, yet we do not fully understand the complete interrelation and extent of these processes.

Apoptotic profiling of chronic myeloid leukaemia patients' platelets ex vivo before and after treatment with Imatinib.

Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) is a malignancy of the haematopoietic stem cells. The first line of treatment for CML, especially in developing countries, remains the first-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor, Imatinib. Patients with CML are frequently diagnosed with platelet abnormalities. However, the specific mechanism of platelet abnormalities in CML remains unclear and poorly understood. The aim of this study was therefore to determine the apoptotic profiles of CML patients ex vivo on platelets before and after treatment with Imatinib. Blood samples of healthy volunteers and CML patients at diagnosis and after 6 months treatment with Imatinib were collected. Platelet counts, viability and activation were determined. Results showed that CML patients' platelet counts were elevated upon diagnosis and these levels statistically significantly decreased after 6 months of treatment. Platelet activation was significantly increased after 6 months of treatment compared to levels at diagnosis (P-value < .05). Similarly, platelet apoptosis was also increased after 6 months of treatment. Abnormalities in platelet functioning found in this study may partly be due to clonal proliferation of haematopoietic cells in CML patients, specifically of megakaryocyte precursors as well as the inhibition of platelet tyrosine kinase's and the inhibition of platelet-derived growth factor.

Correction to: Novel sulphamoylated 2-methoxy estradiol derivatives inhibit breast cancer migration by disrupting microtubule turnover and organization.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1186/s12935-018-0719-4.].

In vitro quantification: Long-term effect of glucose deprivation on various cancer cell lines.

OBJECTIVE: Although metabolic treatment of highly glycolytic cancers and metastases is becoming an important research field, the effects of such treatments are not fully quantified yet. In this article we attempt to quantify the effect of long-term glucose deprivation (similar to ketogenic diets) on cancer cells using in vitro tests. METHODS: Two tumorigenic cell lines were used, namely a metastatic breast and a cervical cancer cell line. The non-tumorigenic control cell line was an immortalized breast cell line. All the cell lines were stabilized at a typical average human blood glucose level of 6 mmol/L. The cell lines were then exposed to the therapeutic blood glucose level of 3 mmol/L for 90 d. RESULTS: The tests indicated that glucose deprivation restricted the different cancer cell lines' growth more than that of non-tumorigenic cells. The different cell lines were also differentially affected, which suggests that long-term glucose deprivation will not be equally effective for different types of cancer. The highly glycolytic breast cancer cell line was most adversely affected, with cell growth decreasing to 30% after 26 d. Cell growth was stable at this level for up to 22 d. Furthermore, all of the other cancer cell lines were similarly affected. CONCLUSIONS: This in vitro data could help to direct future human in vivo tests to find the most therapeutic time (cancer cells at their most vulnerable) for additional short-term adjuvant therapies. Partial recovery of proliferation occurred after 90 d. Therefore, as expected, the results also indicated that without an adjuvant treatment, full extinction cannot be reached with the proposed long-term metabolic treatment. The need for more clinical data on long-term glucose deprivation treatments for cancer is well described in the literature. This paper attempts to add to the available pool of knowledge.

Effects of glutamine deprivation on oxidative stress and cell survival in breast cell lines.

BACKGROUND: Tumourigenic cells modify metabolic pathways in order to facilitate increased proliferation and cell survival resulting in glucose- and glutamine addiction. Previous research indicated that glutamine deprivation resulted in potential differential activity targeting tumourigenic cells more prominently. This is ascribed to tumourigenic cells utilising increased glutamine quantities for enhanced glycolysis- and glutaminolysis. In this study, the effects exerted by glutamine deprivation on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, mitochondrial membrane potential, cell proliferation and cell death in breast tumourigenic cell lines (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, BT-20) and a non-tumourigenic breast cell line (MCF-10A) were investigated. RESULTS: Spectrophotometry demonstrated that glutamine deprivation resulted in decreased cell growth in a time-dependent manner. MCF-7 cell growth was decreased to 61% after 96 h of glutamine deprivation; MDA-MB-231 cell growth was decreased to 78% cell growth after 96 h of glutamine deprivation, MCF-10A cell growth was decreased 89% after 96 h of glutamine deprivation and BT-20 cell growth decreased to 86% after 24 h of glutamine deprivation and remained unchanged until 96 h of glutamine deprivation. Glutamine deprivation resulted in oxidative stress where superoxide levels were significantly elevated after 96 h in the MCF-7- and MDA-MB-231 cell lines. Time-dependent production of hydrogen peroxide was accompanied by aberrant mitochondrial membrane potential. The effects of ROS and mitochondrial membrane potential were more prominently observed in the MCF-7 cell line when compared to the MDA-MB-231-, MCF-10A- and BT-20 cell lines. Cell cycle progression revealed that glutamine deprivation resulted in a significant increase in the S-phase after 72 h of glutamine deprivation in the MCF-7 cell line. Apoptosis induction resulted in a decrease in viable cells in all cell lines following glutamine deprivation. In the MCF-7 cells, 87.61% of viable cells were present after 24 h of glutamine deprivation. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that glutamine deprivation resulted in decreased cell proliferation, time-dependent- and cell line-dependent ROS generation, aberrant mitochondrial membrane potential and disrupted cell cycle progression. In addition, the estrogen receptor positive MCF-7 cell line was more prominently affected. This study contributes to knowledge regarding the sensitivity of breast cancer cells and non-tumorigenic cells to glutamine deprivation.

Novel sulphamoylated 2-methoxy estradiol derivatives inhibit breast cancer migration by disrupting microtubule turnover and organization.

BACKGROUND: The estrogen metabolite 2-methoxyestradiol (2ME2) and a number of synthesised derivatives have been shown to bind to microtubules thereby arresting cancer cells in mitosis which leads to apoptosis. In interphase cells, microtubules play an important role in the delivery of proteins to subcellular locations including the focal adhesions. In fact, focal adhesion dynamics and cell migration are in part regulated by microtubules. We hypothesised that novel 2ME2 derivatives can alter cell migration by influencing microtubule dynamics in interphase cells. In this report we describe 2ME2 derivatives that display anti-migratory capabilities in a metastatic breast cancer cell line through their effects on the microtubule network resulting in altered focal adhesion signalling and RhoA activity. METHODS: Cell migration was assayed using wound healing assays. To eliminate mitosis blockage and cell rounding as a confounding factor cell migration was also assessed in interphase blocked cells. Fluorescence confocal microscopy was used to visualise microtubule dynamics and actin cytoskeleton organisation while western blot analysis was performed to analyse focal adhesion signalling and RhoA activation. RESULTS: 2ME2 derivatives, ESE-one and ESE-15-one, inhibited cell migration in cycling cells as expected but equally diminished migration in cells blocked in interphase. While no significant effects were observed on the actin cytoskeleton, focal adhesion kinase activity was increased while RhoA GTPase activity was inhibited after exposure to either compound. Microtubule stability was increased as evidenced by the increased length and number of detyrosinated microtubules while at the same time clear disorganisation of the normal radial microtubule organisation was observed including multiple foci. CONCLUSIONS: ESE-15-one and ESE-one are potent migration inhibitors of metastatic breast cancer cells. This ability is coupled to alterations in focal adhesion signalling but more importantly is associated with severe disorganisation of microtubule dynamics and polarity. Therefore, these compounds may offer potential as anti-metastatic therapies.

Effects of glutamine deprivation on oxidative stress and cell survival in breast cell lines

BACKGROUND: Tumourigenic cells modify metabolic pathways In order to facilitate increased proliferation and cell survival resulting in glucose-and glutamine addiction. Previous research indicated that glutamine deprivation resulted in potential differential activity targeting tumourigenic cells more prominently. This is ascribed to tumourigenic cells utilising increased glutamine quantities for enhanced glycolysis-and glutaminolysis. In this study, the effects exerted by glutamine deprivation on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, mitochondrial membrane potential, cell proliferation and cell death in breast tumourigenic cell lines (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, BT-20) and a non-tumourigenic breast cell line (MCF-10A) were investigated. RESULTS: Spectrophotometry demonstrated that glutamine deprivation resulted in decreased cell growth in a time-dependent manner. MCF-7 cell growth was decreased to 61% after 96 h of glutamine deprivation; MDA-MB-231 cell growth was decreased to 78% cell growth after 96 h of glutamine deprivation, MCF-10A cell growth was decreased 89% after 96 h of glutamine deprivation and BT-20 cell growth decreased to 86% after 24 h of glutamine deprivation and remained unchanged until 96 h of glutamine deprivation. Glutamine deprivation resulted in oxidative stress where superoxide levels were significantly elevated after 96 h in the MCF-7-and MDA-MB-231 cell lines. Time-dependent production of hydrogen peroxide was accompanied by aberrant mitochondrial membrane potential. The effects of ROS and mitochondrial membrane potential were more prominently observed in the MCF-7 cell line when compared to the MDA-MB-231-, MCF-10A- and BT-20 cell lines. Cell cycle progression revealed that glutamine deprivation resulted in a significant increase in the S-phase after 72 h of glutamine deprivation in the MCF-7 cell line. Apoptosis induction resulted in a decrease in viable cells in all cell lines following glutamine deprivation. In the MCF-7 cells, 87.61% of viable cells were present after 24 h of glutamine deprivation. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that glutamine deprivation resulted in decreased cell proliferation, time-dependent- and cell line-dependent ROS generation, aberrant mitochondrial membrane potential and disrupted cell cycle progression. In addition, the estrogen receptor positive MCF-7 cell line was more prominently affected. This study contributes to knowledge regarding the sensitivity of breast cancer cells and non-tumorigenic cells to glutamine deprivation.

A novel non-sulphamoylated 2-methoxyestradiol derivative causes detachment of breast cancer cells by rapid disassembly of focal adhesions.

BACKGROUND: 2-Methoxyestradiol (2ME2) is an estradiol metabolite with well documented antiproliferative properties in many cancer cell lines. However, it is rapidly metabolised in vivo which limits its clinical application. Therefore, more stable derivatives with potentially improved clinical features have been designed by our group. Here we describe an estrone-like derivative of 2ME2, namely EE-15-one, that unlike other derivatives which induce cell cycle arrest, induces a rapid loss of cell-substrate adhesion through the inactivation and disassembly of focal adhesions. METHODS: To assess the effect of 2-ethyl-estra-1,3,5 (10),15-tetraen-3-ol-17-one (EE-15-one) on breast cancer cell lines, cell survival was quantified. The effect of EE-15-one on cell attachment was assessed by measuring cell adhesion and cell rounding via light microscopy. Effects on focal adhesion dynamics and actin cytoskeleton organisation were visualised by immunofluorescence while focal adhesion signalling was assessed by western blot. Cell death was quantified using a lactate dehydrogenase activity (LDH) assay. To investigate specificity towards cell-substrate over cell-cell contact inhibition, EE-15-one effects on 3D cell cultures were assessed. RESULTS: Cell survival assays show an almost complete loss of cells within 24 h of EE-15-one exposure in contrast to published sulphamoylated 2ME2 derivatives. Cell loss is linked to rapid detachment and adhesion inhibition. Focal adhesion size and number are rapidly diminished while actin fibres became severed and disappeared within 2 h post exposure. These changes were not due to cell necrosis as LDH activity only slightly increased after 24 h. Cells grown in cell-cell adhesion dependent spheroids did not respond to EE-15-one exposure suggesting that EE-15-one specifically inhibits cell-substrate adhesions but not cell-cell adhesions and does not directly impact the actin cytoskeleton. CONCLUSION: We show that a novel 2ME2 derivative, EE-15-one, induces rapid loss of focal adhesion function leading to cell-substrate detachment through interference with integrin-based cell-substrate adhesions, but not cadherin dependent cell-cell adhesions. Therefore, EE-15-one is the first 2ME2 derivative that has an alternative mode of action to the antimitotic activity of 2ME2. As such EE-15-one shows potential as a lead compound for further development as an inhibitor of cell-substrate adhesion which is essential for metastatic dissemination.

Crosstalk between the Warburg effect, redox regulation and autophagy induction in tumourigenesis.

Tumourigenic tissue uses modified metabolic signalling pathways in order to support hyperproliferation and survival. Cancer-associated aerobic glycolysis resulting in lactic acid production was described nearly 100 years ago. Furthermore, increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lactate quantities increase metabolic, survival and proliferation signalling, resulting in increased tumourigenesis. In order to maintain redox balance, the cell possesses innate antioxidant defence systems such as superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione. Several stimuli including cells deprived of nutrients or failure of antioxidant systems result in oxidative stress and cell death induction. Among the cell death machinery is autophagy, a compensatory mechanism whereby energy is produced from damaged and/or redundant organelles and proteins, which prevents the accumulation of waste products, thereby maintaining homeostasis. Furthermore, autophagy is maintained by several pathways including phosphoinositol 3 kinases, the mitogen-activated protein kinase family, hypoxia-inducible factor, avian myelocytomatosis viral oncogene homolog and protein kinase receptor-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase. The persistent potential of cancer metabolism, redox regulation and the crosstalk with autophagy in scientific investigation pertains to its ability to uncover essential aspects of tumourigenic transformation. This may result in clinical translational possibilities to exploit tumourigenic oxidative status and autophagy to advance our capabilities to diagnose, monitor and treat cancer.

Deoxyribonucleic Acid Damage and Repair: Capitalizing on Our Understanding of the Mechanisms of Maintaining Genomic Integrity for Therapeutic Purposes.

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is the self-replicating hereditary material that provides a blueprint which, in collaboration with environmental influences, produces a structural and functional phenotype. As DNA coordinates and directs differentiation, growth, survival, and reproduction, it is responsible for life and the continuation of our species. Genome integrity requires the maintenance of DNA stability for the correct preservation of genetic information. This is facilitated by accurate DNA replication and precise DNA repair. DNA damage may arise from a wide range of both endogenous and exogenous sources but may be repaired through highly specific mechanisms. The most common mechanisms include mismatch, base excision, nucleotide excision, and double-strand DNA (dsDNA) break repair. Concurrent with regulation of the cell cycle, these mechanisms are precisely executed to ensure full restoration of damaged DNA. Failure or inaccuracy in DNA repair contributes to genome instability and loss of genetic information which may lead to mutations resulting in disease or loss of life. A detailed understanding of the mechanisms of DNA damage and its repair provides insight into disease pathogeneses and may facilitate diagnosis and the development of targeted therapies.

Eryptosis: An Erythrocyte's Suicidal Type of Cell Death.

Erythrocytes play an important role in oxygen and carbon dioxide transport. Although erythrocytes possess no nucleus or mitochondria, they fulfil several metabolic activities namely, the Embden-Meyerhof pathway, as well as the hexose monophosphate shunt. Metabolic processes within the erythrocyte contribute to the morphology/shape of the cell and important constituents are being kept in an active, reduced form. Erythrocytes undergo a form of suicidal cell death called eryptosis. Eryptosis results from a wide variety of contributors including hyperosmolarity, oxidative stress, and exposure to xenobiotics. Eryptosis occurs before the erythrocyte has had a chance to be naturally removed from the circulation after its 120-day lifespan and is characterised by the presence of membrane blebbing, cell shrinkage, and phosphatidylserine exposure that correspond to nucleated cell apoptotic characteristics. After eryptosis is triggered there is an increase in cytosolic calcium (Ca2+) ion levels. This increase causes activation of Ca2+-sensitive potassium (K+) channels which leads to a decrease in intracellular potassium chloride (KCl) and shrinkage of the erythrocyte. Ceramide, produced by sphingomyelinase from the cell membrane's sphingomyelin, contributes to the occurrence of eryptosis. Eryptosis ensures healthy erythrocyte quantity in circulation whereas excessive eryptosis may set an environment for the clinical presence of pathophysiological conditions including anaemia.

The in vitro effects of a novel estradiol analog on cell proliferation and morphology in human epithelial cervical carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The majority of novel chemotherapeutics target the cell cycle, aiming to effect arrest and cause apoptosis. One such agent, 2-methoxyestradiol (2ME), has been shown to possess anticancer properties against numerous cancer types, both in vitro and in vivo. Despite its promise, 2ME has exhibited limitations, including low oral bioavailability and rapid hepatic enzymatic inactivation in vivo. A novel sulphamoylated estrogen analog, 2-ethyl-3-O-sulphamoyl-estra-1,3,5(10)16-tetraene (ESE-16), was in silico-designed in our laboratory to overcome these issues. It was then synthesized by a pharmaceutical company and used in an in vitro antiproliferative effect study on a human cervical carcinoma (HeLa) cell line. RESULTS: Cell proliferation data obtained from the crystal violet assay and real-time cell analysis demonstrated that 0.2 µM of ESE-16 had a significant inhibitory effect on the HeLa cells 24 h post-exposure. Immunofluorescence showed that ESE-16 is a microtubule disruptor that causes cells to undergo a mitotic block. Qualitative morphological studies using polarization-optical transmitted light differential interference contrast (PlasDIC) and light microscopy revealed a decrease in cell density and an increase in the number of cells arrested in metaphase. After ESE-16 exposure, hallmarks of apoptosis were also observed, including membrane blebbing, chromatin condensation and the presence of apoptotic bodies. Flow cytometry provided quantitative results from cell cycle progression analysis, indicating cells undergoing apoptosis and cells in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle, confirming cell cycle arrest in metaphase after ESE-16 treatment. Quantification of the ESE-16-mediated upregulation of cyclin B in HeLa cells and spectrophotometric and flow cytometric confirmation of cell death via apoptosis further confirmed the substance's impact. CONCLUSION: ESE-16 exerts its antiproliferative effects through microtubule disruption, which induces a mitotic block culminating in apoptosis. This research provided information on ESE-16 as a potential antitumor agent and on cellular targets that could aid in the design of prospective microtubule-disrupting compounds. Further in vitro and in vivo investigations of this novel compound are needed.

A bis-sulphamoylated estradiol derivative induces ROS-dependent cell cycle abnormalities and subsequent apoptosis.

Clinical trials have revealed that the potential anticancer agent, 2-methoxyestradiol (2ME2) has limitations due to its low bioavailability. Subsequently, 2ME2 derivatives including (8R,13S,14S,17S)-2-ethyl-13-methyl-7,8,9,11,12,13,14,15,16,17-decahydro-6H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthrane-3,17-diyl bis(sulphamate) (EMBS) have shown improved efficacies in inducing apoptosis. However, no conclusive data exist to explain the mode of action exerted by these drugs. This study investigated the mode of action used by EMBS as a representative of the sulphamoylated 2ME2 derivatives. Hydrogen peroxide and superoxide production was quantified using dichlorofluorescein diacetate and hydroethidine. Cell proliferation and mitochondrial metabolism were investigated using crystal violet and Alamar Blue. Apoptosis was assessed using Annexin V-FITC while mitochondrial integrity was assessed using Mitocapture. Autophagy was visualised using LC3B II antibodies. The effects of EMBS on H2A phosphorylation and nuclei were visualised using phospho H2A antibody and 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole, dihydrochloride. Data showed that EMBS exposure leads to increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production which is correlated with loss of cell proliferation, mitochondrial membrane damage, decreased metabolic activity, G2/M arrest, endoreduplication, DNA double stranded breaks, micronuclei and apoptosis induction. Treatment of EMBS-exposed cells with the ROS scavenger, N-acetyl cysteine, abrogated ROS production, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis implying an essential role for ROS production in EMBS signaling. The inhibition of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activity also inhibited EMBS-induced apoptosis suggesting that EMBS triggers apoptosis via the JNK pathway. Lastly, evaluation of LC3IIB protein levels indicated that autophagy is not activated in EMBS-exposed cells. Our data shows that EMBS targets a pathway that leads to increased ROS production as an early event that culminates in G2/M arrest and apoptosis by means of JNK-signaling in cancer cells. This study suggests a novel oxidative stress-dependent mode of action for sulphamoylated derivatives.

In vitro assessment of a computer-designed potential anticancer agent in cervical cancer cells.

BACKGROUND: Computer-based technology is becoming increasingly essential in biological research where drug discovery programs start with the identification of suitable drug targets. 2-Methoxyestradiol (2ME2) is a 17ß-estradiol metabolite that induces apoptosis in various cancer cell lines including cervical cancer, breast cancer and multiple myeloma. Owing to 2ME2's poor in vivo bioavailability, our laboratory in silico-designed and subsequently synthesized a novel 2ME2 analogue, 2-ethyl-3-O-sulphamoyl-estra-1,3,5(10),15-tetraen-17-ol (ESE-15-ol), using receptor- and ligand molecular modeling. In this study, the biological effects of ESE-15-ol (180 nM) and its parent molecule, 2ME2 (1 µM), were assessed on morphology and apoptosis induction in cervical cancer cells. RESULTS: Transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and polarization-optical transmitted light differential interference contrast (PlasDIC) images demonstrated morphological hallmarks of apoptosis including apoptotic bodies, shrunken cells, vacuoles, reduced cell density and cell debris. Flow cytometry analysis showed apoptosis induction by means of annexin V-FITC staining. Cell cycle analysis showed that ESE-15-ol exposure resulted in a statistically significant increase in the G2M phase (72%) compared to 2ME2 (19%). Apoptosis induction was more pronounced when cells were exposed to ESE-15-ol compared to 2ME2. Spectrophotometric analysis of caspase 8 activity demonstrated that 2ME2 and ESE-15-ol both induced caspase 8 activation by 2- and 1.7-fold respectively indicating the induction of the apoptosis. However, ESE-15-ol exerted all of the above-mentioned effects at a much lower pharmacological concentration (180 nM) compared to 2ME2 (1 µM physiological concentration). CONCLUSION: Computer-based technology is essential in drug discovery and together with in vitro studies for the evaluation of these in silico-designed compounds, drug development can be improved to be cost effective and time consuming. This study evaluated the anticancer potential of ESE-15-ol, an in silico-designed compound in vitro. Research demonstrated that ESE-15-ol exerts antiproliferative activity accompanied with apoptosis induction at a nanomolar concentration compared to the micromolar range required by 2ME2. This study is the first study to demonstrate the influence of ESE-15-ol on morphology, cell cycle progression and apoptosis induction in HeLa cells. In silico-design by means of receptor- and ligand molecular modeling is thus effective in improving compound bioavailability while preserving apoptotic activity in vitro.

In vitro assessment of a computer-designed potential anticancer agent in cervical cancer cells

BACKGROUND: Computer-based technology is becoming increasingly essential in biological research where drug discovery programs start with the identification of suitable drug targets. 2-Methoxyestradiol (2ME2) is a 17ß-estradiol metabolite that induces apoptosis in various cancer cell lines including cervical cancer, breast cancer and multiple myeloma. Owing to 2ME2's poor in vivo bioavailability, our laboratory in silico-designed and subsequently synthesized a novel 2ME2 analogue, 2-ethyl-3-O-sulphamoyl-estra-1,3,5(10),15-tetraen-17-ol (ESE-15-ol), using receptor- and ligand molecular modeling. In this study, the biological effects of ESE-15-ol (180 nM) and its parent molecule, 2ME2 (1 µM), were assessed on morphology and apoptosis induction in cervical cancer cells. RESULTS: Transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and polarization-optical transmitted light differential interference contrast (PlasDIC) images demonstrated morphological hallmarks of apoptosis including apoptotic bodies, shrunken cells, vacuoles, reduced cell density and cell debris. Flow cytometry analysis showed apoptosis induction by means of annexin V-FITC staining. Cell cycle analysis showed that ESE-15-ol exposure resulted in a statistically significant increase in the G2M phase (72%) compared to 2ME2 (19%). Apoptosis induction was more pronounced when cells were exposed to ESE-15-ol compared to 2ME2. Spectrophotometric analysis of caspase 8 activity demonstrated that 2ME2 and ESE-15-ol both induced caspase 8 activation by 2- and 1.7-fold respectively indicating the induction of the apoptosis. However, ESE-15-ol exerted all of the above-mentioned effects at a much lower pharmacological concentration (180 nM) compared to 2ME2 (1 µM physiological concentration). CONCLUSION: Computer-based technology is essential in drug discovery and together with in vitro studies for the evaluation of these in silico-designed compounds, drug development can be improved to be cost effective and time consuming. This study evaluated the anticancer potential of ESE-15-ol, an in silico-designed compound in vitro. Research demonstrated that ESE-15-ol exerts antiproliferative activity accompanied with apoptosis induction at a nanomolar concentration compared to the micromolar range required by 2ME2. This study is the first study to demonstrate the influence of ESE-15-ol on morphology, cell cycle progression and apoptosis induction in HeLa cells. In silico-design by means of receptor- and ligand molecular modeling is thus effective in improving compound bioavailability while preserving apoptotic activity in vitro.