Activation of programmed cell death (apoptosis) by adriamycin in human neoplastic cells
B M Gruber1, E L Anuszewska, J S Skierski
1Department of Vitamin Drugs, Drug Institute, 30/34 Chelmska Str., 00-725, Warsaw, Poland.
Mutation Research
|December 6, 2001
Abstract:
We have studied the occurrence of the apoptosis phenomenon in the action of adriamycin (ADR) on human melanoma cells sensitive (ME18) and resistant (ME18/R) to ADR. The study has shown that the intensity of apoptotic morphological changes noted in melanoma cells depended on the duration of the ADR treatment. We have not observed any positive correlation between the induction of apoptosis and sensitivity to ADR. We have used a fluorescence microscope and flow cytometer to evaluate apoptotic events in cells treated with ADR.
Insights
Adriamycin (ADR) induces apoptosis in human melanoma cells, with intensity dependent on treatment duration. Apoptosis induction did not correlate with ADR sensitivity in studied cell lines.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Cancer Research
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Adriamycin (ADR) is a chemotherapy drug used in cancer treatment.
- Melanoma is a type of skin cancer.
- Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is a crucial cellular process.
- Understanding ADR's effect on apoptosis is vital for cancer therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the occurrence and intensity of apoptosis in human melanoma cells.
- To compare the effects of ADR on ADR-sensitive (ME18) and ADR-resistant (ME18/R) melanoma cells.
- To determine if there is a correlation between apoptosis induction and ADR sensitivity.
Main Methods:
- Treatment of human melanoma cell lines (ME18 and ME18/R) with adriamycin (ADR).
- Evaluation of apoptotic morphological changes using fluorescence microscopy.
- Quantification of apoptotic events via flow cytometry.
Main Results:
- Apoptotic morphological changes in melanoma cells were observed to be dependent on the duration of ADR treatment.
- No positive correlation was found between the induction of apoptosis and ADR sensitivity in the studied cell lines.
- Both sensitive and resistant melanoma cells exhibited apoptosis upon ADR treatment.
Conclusions:
- The duration of adriamycin exposure influences the intensity of apoptosis in human melanoma cells.
- Apoptosis induction by adriamycin is not directly correlated with cellular sensitivity or resistance to the drug.
- Further research may explore mechanisms underlying ADR resistance independent of apoptosis induction.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Overview of Cell Death
Cell death is an essential process where the body gets rid of old or damaged cells. Cell proliferation and death need to be balanced, as an imbalance between the two may lead to cancer or autoimmune diseases.
Cell death was observed in the early 19th century, but there was no experimental evidence to prove it. In 1842, Carl Vogt first discovered cell death in a metamorphic toad; however, it was not termed ‘cell death.’ Scientists discovered different cell death pathways only in the 20th century...
Cell death was observed in the early 19th century, but there was no experimental evidence to prove it. In 1842, Carl Vogt first discovered cell death in a metamorphic toad; however, it was not termed ‘cell death.’ Scientists discovered different cell death pathways only in the 20th century...
01:30Apoptosis
Apoptosis is a combination of two Greek words, 'apo' and 'ptosis,' meaning separation and falling off, respectively. Hippocrates used this word to describe gangrene, which was caused due to bandaging of fractured bones. Apoptosis was distinguished from necrosis in 1970 when John Kerr reported observations of morphological changes occurring during apoptosis. During one experiment, he observed that the disruption of blood supply to the liver tissue resulted in a size reduction of the tissue.
01:17The Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway
The extrinsic apoptotic pathway is initiated when extracellular death-inducing signals, such as specific cytokines, activate the death receptors expressed on the cell surface. The immune cells involved in this pathway are natural killer cells (NK cells) and cytotoxic T-lymphocytes. NK cells are critical in innate immune response, while cytotoxic T-lymphocytes are associated with adaptive immune response. These cells recognize specific receptors expressed on the altered cells and activate...
01:31The Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway
Internal cellular stress, such as cellular injury or hypoxia, triggers intrinsic apoptosis. The B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) family of proteins are the primary regulators of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. For example, during DNA damage, checkpoint proteins, such as Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated (ATM protein) and Checkpoints Factor-2 (Chk2) proteins, are activated. These proteins phosphorylate p53 which further activates pro-apoptotic proteins, such as Bax, Bak, PUMA, and Noxa, and inhibits...
01:18Autophagic Cell Death
Christian de Duve discovered “autophagy,” a process in which cellular components are engulfed by membrane-bound organelles called autophagosomes. The autophagosomes then fuse with lysosomes to digest the enclosed contents. Autophagy is generally activated in cells to prevent cell death. However, cell death is triggered when the damage is beyond repair.
Autophagy and Apoptosis
Autophagy can activate apoptosis. In normal conditions, the autophagy activating protein Beclin-1 and pro-apoptotic...
Autophagy and Apoptosis
Autophagy can activate apoptosis. In normal conditions, the autophagy activating protein Beclin-1 and pro-apoptotic...
01:22Cellular Injury V: Apoptosis and Autophagy
Cells respond to damage and stress through highly coordinated processes that decide whether they survive or undergo controlled self-destruction. Two major pathways involved in this regulation are apoptosis, a type of programmed cell death, and autophagy, a survival mechanism that helps cells adapt to adverse conditions.ApoptosisApoptosis removes aged or injured cells to maintain tissue balance. During this process, the cell shrinks, chromatin condenses and fragments, and membrane-bound...