Euphol from Tapinanthus sp. Induces Apoptosis and Affects Signaling Proteins in Glioblastoma and Prostate Cancer
Isaac Silvère Gade1,2, Corinne Chadéneau2, Richard Tagne Simo3,4
1Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Yaounde I, P.O. Box 812, Yaounde, Cameroon.
Background:
Plants play an important role in cancer therapy. They are source of natural molecules which can induce apoptosis in cancer cells by affecting molecular mechanisms implicated in cancer progression. The MAP Kinase/ERK1/2 and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways are two classical signaling pathways implicated in cancer progression and constitute therapeutic targets against cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of euphol on MAP Kinase/ERK1/2 and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways in glioblastoma and prostate cancer cells. Euphol is a tetracyclique triterpene alcohol isolated from Tapinanthus sp. which is a hemi parasitic plant belonging to Loranthaceae family.
Methods:
Plant powder was extracted by maceration and euphol was isolated and described using respectively column chromatography separation on silica gel and spectroscopic data. Cytotoxic effect of euphol was evaluated using XTT assay and its effect on MAP Kinase/ERK1/2 and PI3K/AKT protein expression was investigated by Western immunoblot analysis. Apotosis was analyzed by evaluating caspase-3/7 activity.
Results:
Our investigations demonstrated that this compound has an important cytotoxic effect on C6 and U87 MG glioblastoma (GBM) cells and PC-3 prostate cancer cells. Furthermore, euphol-induced apoptosis revealed by elevated caspase 3/7 activity, was correlated with a significant inhibition of MAP kinase/Erk 1/2 and PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in glioblastoma U87 MG cells. The reverse effect was observed in C6 glioblastoma cells, where apoptosis was correlated with a long-lasting activation of Erk 1/2. In PC-3 cells, euphol had no or limited effect on Erk 1/2 and Akt activity.
Conclusion:
These results indicate that euphol induces cell death in glioblastoma and prostate cancer cells and regulates significantly Erk1/2 and Akt activity in glioblastoma cells.
Insights
Euphol, a plant-derived compound, shows cytotoxic effects against glioblastoma and prostate cancer cells. It impacts key cancer signaling pathways, including MAP Kinase/ERK1/2 and PI3K/AKT, influencing cell death mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Natural product chemistry
- Cancer biology
- Molecular pharmacology
Background:
- Plants are crucial in cancer therapy, providing molecules that induce apoptosis in cancer cells.
- MAP Kinase/ERK1/2 and PI3K/AKT pathways are key targets in cancer progression.
- Euphol, a tetracyclic triterpene alcohol from Tapinanthus sp., is investigated for its anti-cancer potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effect of euphol on MAP Kinase/ERK1/2 and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways.
- To assess euphol's impact on glioblastoma and prostate cancer cell lines.
- To understand euphol's role in cancer cell apoptosis and molecular mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- Euphol isolation via maceration and column chromatography.
- Cytotoxicity assessment using XTT assay.
- Analysis of MAP Kinase/ERK1/2 and PI3K/AKT protein expression via Western immunoblotting.
- Apoptosis evaluation through caspase-3/7 activity assays.
Main Results:
- Euphol exhibited significant cytotoxic effects on C6 and U87 MG glioblastoma (GBM) and PC-3 prostate cancer cells.
- Euphol-induced apoptosis in U87 MG cells correlated with inhibition of MAP Kinase/ERK1/2 and PI3K/AKT pathways.
- Conflicting effects on ERK1/2 activation were observed in C6 cells, while PC-3 cells showed limited pathway modulation.
Conclusions:
- Euphol effectively induces cell death in glioblastoma and prostate cancer cells.
- Euphol significantly regulates MAP Kinase/ERK1/2 and PI3K/AKT signaling in glioblastoma cells.
- Euphol demonstrates potential as a therapeutic agent targeting specific cancer signaling pathways.
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