Antimelanoma effect of manool in 2D cell cultures and reconstructed human skin models

Heloiza D Nicolella1, Arthur B Ribeiro1, Carla Carolina Munari2

  • 1University of Franca, Franca, São Paulo, Brazil.

Insights

Manool, a diterpene from Salvia officinalis, selectively inhibits human melanoma cell proliferation by blocking the G2/M phase. This natural compound shows antimelanoma potential, warranting further investigation for therapeutic applications.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Natural Products Chemistry
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Melanoma is an aggressive skin cancer with limited treatment options.
  • Therapeutic resistance is a significant challenge in melanoma treatment.
  • Natural compounds are a promising source for novel anticancer agents.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the cytotoxic and antiproliferative potential of manool, a diterpene from Salvia officinalis L., against human (A375) and murine (B16F10) melanoma cell lines.
  • To elucidate the mechanism of action of manool in melanoma cells.
  • To evaluate the antimelanoma effect of manool in a reconstructed human skin model.

Main Methods:

  • Cytotoxicity was assessed using the XTT assay.
  • Antiproliferative effects were evaluated by colony formation assay.
  • Cell migration was measured using a wound healing assay.
  • Cell cycle progression was analyzed by flow cytometry.
  • Apoptosis was detected using specific assays.
  • In silico studies were performed to predict the mechanism of action.

Main Results:

  • Manool exhibited cytotoxic effects against both A375 and B16F10 cell lines with IC50 values of 17.6 and 18.2 µg/ml, respectively.
  • Manool demonstrated selective antiproliferative activity against A375 cells (IC50 = 5.6 µg/ml) and inhibited their migration by 43.5%.
  • Manool induced G2/M phase cell cycle arrest in A375 cells and apoptosis in B16F10 cells.
  • In silico analysis suggested manool stabilizes tubulin, similar to taxol, indicating a potential mechanism for inhibiting cancer cell proliferation.
  • Manool showed an antimelanoma effect in a reconstructed human skin model.

Conclusions:

  • Manool possesses selective antiproliferative and antimigratory effects on human melanoma cells.
  • Manool modulates the cell cycle, specifically arresting A375 cells in the G2/M phase.
  • Manool exhibits potential as an antimelanoma agent, with its mechanism possibly involving tubulin interaction.