Second-generation Src/Abl inhibitor bosutinib effectively induces apoptosis in human esophageal squamous cell

Y N E Ha1,2, Y Dai2, D Wufuer2

  • 1Laboratory of Structural Biology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics of Chinese Ministry of Health, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.

Neoplasma
|November 29, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Bosutinib, a dual Src/Abl inhibitor, shows anti-tumor effects against esophageal cancer (ESCC). It inhibits cancer cell growth and enhances chemotherapy, suggesting it as a potential treatment for ESCC.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Esophageal cancer (ESCC) is a leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide.
  • Aberrant activation of Src and c-Abl tyrosine kinases drives ESCC progression.
  • Targeting these kinases presents a promising therapeutic strategy for ESCC.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the anti-tumor effects of the dual Src/Abl inhibitor bosutinib on ESCC.
  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying bosutinib's action in ESCC.
  • To evaluate bosutinib's potential in combination therapy for ESCC.

Main Methods:

  • In vitro studies assessing ESCC cell proliferation and colony formation.
  • Western blot analysis to examine the inhibition of Src, c-Abl, and downstream pathways (PI3K/AKT/mTOR, JAK/STAT3).
  • Assessment of bosutinib's effect on the cytotoxicity of doxorubicin in ESCC cells.

Main Results:

  • Bosutinib demonstrated dose-dependent inhibition of ESCC cell proliferation and colony formation.
  • Bosutinib effectively inhibited c-Abl, Src, and their downstream signaling pathways.
  • Bosutinib enhanced the cytotoxic effects of doxorubicin on ESCC cells.

Conclusions:

  • Src and Abl are validated as potential therapeutic targets in ESCC.
  • Bosutinib exhibits significant anti-tumor activity against ESCC, both as a single agent and in combination therapy.
  • Bosutinib represents a viable therapeutic option for treating patients with esophageal cancer.

Related Concept Videos

Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
8.6K
The Retinoblastoma Gene01:20

The Retinoblastoma Gene

Tumor suppressor genes are normal genes that can slow down cell division, repair DNA mistakes, or program the cells for apoptosis in case of irreparable damage. Hence, they play an essential role in preventing the proliferation of damaged cells.
The first-ever tumor suppressor gene called Rb was identified in retinoblastoma - a rare eye tumor in children. In inherited forms of the disease, a child inherits one defective copy of the Rb gene, which predisposes them to retinoblastoma. However,...
4.6K
The Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway01:31

The 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...
8.1K
Inhibition of Cdk Activity02:34

Inhibition of Cdk Activity

The orderly progression of the cell cycle depends on the activation of Cdk protein by binding to its cyclin partner. However, the cell cycle must be restricted when undergoing abnormal changes. Most cancers correlate to the deregulated cell cycle, and since Cdks are a central component of the cell cycle, Cdk inhibitors are extensively studied to develop anticancer agents. For instance, cyclin D associates with several Cdks, such as Cdk 4/6, to form an active complex. The cyclin D-Cdk4/6 complex...
5.5K
Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine02:50

Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine

Combining two or more treatment methods increases the life span of cancer patients while reducing damage to vital organs or tissue from the overuse of a single treatment. Combination therapy also targets different cancer-inducing pathways, thus reducing the chances of developing resistance to treatment.
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
5.8K