Verteporfin inhibits papillary thyroid cancer cells proliferation and cell cycle through ERK1/2 signaling pathway

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Verteporfin, an FDA-approved photosensitizer, exhibits anticancer properties in various tumors.
• Its efficacy against papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) has not been previously established.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of verteporfin on PTC cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle, and tumor growth.
• To explore the underlying molecular mechanisms, including the ERK1/2 signaling pathway.

Main Methods:

• Pre-clinical pilot study using PTC cell lines.
• Assessment of cell proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle progression.
• Xenograft mouse model to evaluate tumor growth suppression.
• Analysis of ERK1/2 and MEK phosphorylation following MEK inhibitor (U0126) treatment.

Main Results:

• Verteporfin significantly attenuated PTC cell proliferation.
• It induced cell cycle arrest in the G2/S phase and promoted apoptosis in PTC cells.
• Verteporfin treatment dramatically suppressed tumor growth in a xenograft mouse model.
• Inhibition of MEK and ERK1/2 phosphorylation was observed in verteporfin-treated PTC cells.

Conclusions:

• Verteporfin demonstrates significant inhibitory effects on PTC cell proliferation and tumor growth.
• These effects are partially mediated through the ERK1/2 signaling pathway.
• The findings support further investigation of verteporfin as a potential therapeutic agent for PTC.